By
LIN THANT / THE IRRAWADDY|
Saturday, May 18, 2013 |
RANGOON — Prominent activists from the 88 Generation Students group
have asked that China renegotiate all of its investment contracts in
Burma, with new deals forged in a more transparent way.
In its first-ever meeting with the Chinese ambassador to Burma, Yang Houlan, group leaders Min Ko Naing, Ko Ko Gyi and Jimmy called on China to revisit all Chinese contracts for a host of ongoing projects in Burma. The trio said too little is known about the project deals, many of which were inked under the former military regime.
“We told the ambassador that the signing of all project contracts with China was done without knowledge and the desire of local people in project areas. That’s why problems are following now,” Ko Ko Gyi said of their meeting on Monday. “Those contracts must be transparent and signed with accountability, taking responsibility for the lives of local people.”
He said they also spoke frankly with the ambassador about Burmese public opinion of China and its government.
In its first-ever meeting with the Chinese ambassador to Burma, Yang Houlan, group leaders Min Ko Naing, Ko Ko Gyi and Jimmy called on China to revisit all Chinese contracts for a host of ongoing projects in Burma. The trio said too little is known about the project deals, many of which were inked under the former military regime.
“We told the ambassador that the signing of all project contracts with China was done without knowledge and the desire of local people in project areas. That’s why problems are following now,” Ko Ko Gyi said of their meeting on Monday. “Those contracts must be transparent and signed with accountability, taking responsibility for the lives of local people.”
He said they also spoke frankly with the ambassador about Burmese public opinion of China and its government.
