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Nuclear and Defence Print
Address by the Commander-in-Chief on Armed Forces Day
New Light of Myanmar - 28 March 2012
On the occasion of the 67th Anniversary of Armed Forces Day on 27 March 2012, the Commander-in-Chief General Min Aung Hlaing delivered an address in which he outlined the duties of the Tatmadaw and set out its specific objectives in the context of the Constitution. In particular, he stressed that: "The Tatmadawmen have to abide [by] not only Military Acts but also the Civil Acts assigned by the Government as civilians do. The Tatmadawmen have to abide [by] and safeguard the National Constitution as the soul of the State with all nationals.

"It is obviously stated for the Tatmadaw to discharge its responsibilities in that 'the Defence Services is mainly responsible for safeguarding the Constitution' according to section 20, sub-section (f). He reiterated that the Tatmadaw has to safeguard the National Constitution as the crucial responsibilities in building up a modern developed democratic nation.
Interview with Upper House Speaker Khin Aung Myint
The Irrawaddy - 26 March 2012
During an hour-long interview with Khin Aung Myint,  the Upper House Speaker admitted that the legislature's third session, which began in January, was overwhelmed by the budget plan for the next fiscal year. He admitted that the budget allocation for military spending is still high at 16 percent, but claimed it was relatively low in comparison with other countries' spending and that both Houses of Parliament approved the allocation.

And the former Major-General denied reports that the Parliament was always going to rubber-stamp military spending as the institution was heavily dominated by army officers and the military-dominated Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), by saying that the budget session would not have taken so long if the assembly really was so biased.

“The military took only 25 percent of the seats and it doesn't make a great difference in voting,” he said. “They even said 'yes' to the amnesty for the political prisoners. What all MPs did is for the interests of the country.”

Derek Tonkin writes: Military spending elsewhere in South East Asia has been rising sharply. A recent article in 'The Economist' examines the background and reasons. In terms of GDP per head of population, military spending in Myanmar  is on a par with, if not lower than other countries in the region, but in real terms consumes much more of the national budget and GDP because of the vast difference in GDP with neighbours.  
Reports required under the Jade Act (PL 110-286), released only on 9 March 2012 
Latest News 
Burma and weapons of mass destruction - not if, but how, when and why?
Griffith Asia Institute - December 2011
Andrew Selth asks (and attempts to answer):  Why might Burma’s government wish to possess nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles? And, in the event that Burma was successful in producing either, how could it actually use them? A third question that has escaped serious attention is: if Burma did indeed try to acquire WMD, or has already done so, what would be the net security implications for the country itself? Would possession of WMD increase Burma’s security, as is likely to be the regime’s main aim, or would it in fact achieve the opposite result by attracting unwelcome international attention, possibly even military action?

Background briefing on Hillary Clinton's travel to Myanmar
US State Department - 29 November 2011
"I would say that the areas that we are primarily concerned with in terms of the relationship between North Korea and Burma are in the realm of missiles and other military equipment that are prohibited by UN Security Council Resolutions 1874 and others. We understand that there are perhaps other activities, nascent activities, but we are primarily focused on the former issues that I laid out. And our discussions will be around seeking much stronger assurances and international codified assurances of a determination on the part of the government to discontinue activities that we believe are antithetical to the maintenance of peace and stability."
Note by Network Myanmar: Missile, not nuclear technology would seem to be uppermost in US minds.

US outreach to Burma may prompt fuller disclosure of North Korea ties
Voice of America - 29 November 2011
A historic visit by the U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to Burma is seen as a prelude to improving relations between Washington and Naypyidaw. But, for that to happen, the Burmese government may need to reveal details of past covert dealings with North Korea.

Burma pursued nuclear weapons with North  Korea - Senator Lugar
The Washington Post - 24 November 2011
The Senate Foreign Relations Committee received information roughly five years ago that the Burmese government intended to develop nuclear weapons with the help of North Korea, according to Sen. Richard G. Lugar (Republican - Indiana). The Committee at the time relayed the details to U.S. officials but did not release the information publicly, according to Keith Luse, a committee staff member.
Derek Tonkin writes: Normally, intelligence agencies (there are no fewer that 16 of them in the US associated in the "US Intelligency Community" and nowadays rather better coordinated than before 9/11) would brief the Committee, not the other way round. I somehow doubt that the Committee has its own sources of intelligence. Was it perhaps just gossip which they picked up from a dissident or defector? Evidence of an intention to develop nuclear weapons as opposed to evidence of an interest in researching nuclear weapons would be unusually difficult, indeed (in my experience as an intelligence analyst) virtually impossible to acquire. The timing of this release five years afer the event suggests a Republican intention to climb on the Clinton visit bandwaggon and make political capital. I discount in advance the likelihood that any "intellience" released will be hard and verifiable.
Note by Network Myanmar: In the event, Senator Lugar issued  on 28 November 2011 only a general statement, but as expected provided no hard, verifiable evidence of any kind.

Burma's Police Forces - Continuities and Contradictions
Regional Outlook Paper - October 2011
Andrew Selth observes that under British, Japanese and Burmese governments, the police have always played a critical role in the country’s administration and national security. Since the 1962 military coup the police force has been overshadowed by the armed forces, but it has continued to evolve and grow. As the Myanmar Police Force (MPF), it is now larger and more powerful than at any time in Burma’s history, and is considered a key instrument of control by the hybrid civilian-military government which first met in Naypyidaw in January 2011. 

Myanmar says in 'no position' to build atomic arms
Reuters - 22 September 2011
U Tin Win, Myanmar's ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has told its annual member state meeting: "Myanmar would like to restate that Myanmar is in no position to consider the production and use of nuclear weapons and does not have enough economic strength to do so."

Union Minister for Science and Technology U Aye Myint issues a similar denial in the Lower House on 23 September 2011 - The New Light of Myanmar 24 September 2011

Bertil Lintner - Toys for the boys in Myanmar
Asia Times - 8 September 2011 
"Several sources with access to information from inside the Myanmar military say that the stated strength of the country's armed forces, often given by Western analysts as between 300,000-400,000 men, is grossly exaggerated. Some sources put the actual figure at less than half that number and because the central authorities have had ceasefire agreements with almost all of the country's ethnic rebel armies for two decades or more, the troops, and even most of the officers, lack combat experience."

Karen National Union view of the strength of the Armed Forces - 10 January 2011
"Media reports indicate that the SPDC has more than 300,000 or 400,000 troops, armed with Russian and Chinese weapons. It is the regime’s propaganda to frighten the opposition forces. According to our intelligence, the SPDC army has many units but they are very much under-strength. A careful count shows that the total combat strength of the SPDC army is much less than a hundred thousand men." 

"Marina Bay" comments critically on "Toys for the boys in Myanmar" 

Myanmar developing nukes? We don't think so, ASEAN says
The Jakarta Post - 21 July 2011 
“We have no valid or complete information. I think everybody who is involved in this discussion has some part of the information and [is] making a lot of conclusions based on some assumptions,” ASEAN Secretary-General Surin Pitsuwan told The Jakarta Post here on Tuesday in an interview. “But there is no complete fact for us to draw an informed judgment.” Foreign Ministry director general for Asia-Pacific and African affairs and acting director general for multilateral affairs Hamzah Thayeb said Monday that it was impossible for Indonesia as the current chair of ASEAN to verify the nuclear development allegations against Myanmar. “It would mean breaching ASEAN’s principle of noninterference." 

Russia, Myanmar and Nuclear Technologies
Center for Energy and Security Studies (Moscow) - 24 June 2011
Anton Khlopkov (Director) and Dmitry Konukhov (Research Associate) note that: "The development of nuclear technologies in Myanmar is increasingly attracting international attention.That attention is tinged with worry: might the generals who rule the Southeast Asian country be trying to acquire nuclear weapons? And could cooperation between Russia and Myanmar in the nuclear area pave the way for a military nuclear program later on? This article does not aim to provide definitive answers, leaving it to the readers to form their own conclusions. Its purpose is to collate the available information about Myanmar's nuclear efforts and the role played in them by Russia."

Derek Tonkin comments: This is an informative article about Russian cooperation with Myanmar in the training of students from Myanmar at the expense of the Myanmar Government. It is however surprising that the authors seem unaware that Myanmar publicly announced on 11 June 2010 that "the plan [to purchase a nuclear research reactor from Russia] was suspended without implementation due to inadequacy of resources and the government’s concern for misunderstanding it m[a]y cause among international community." [The original New Light of Myanmar report in its issue dated 12 June 2010 is at this link.] This was confirmed recently when Senator John McCain met Lower House Speaker Thura U Shwe Mann. See Page 8 of the linked New Light of Myanmar report.

There are one or two minor errors of fact at the bottom of Page 6 of the article about the date of the recent elections (7 November 2010, not February 2011), the separation of powers between the Legislature and the Executive, and the responsibilities of the Armed Forces under the Constitution. 

US reportedly turns back North Korea missile shipment
New York Times - 12 June 2011 
The Belize-registered  North Korean owned M/V 'Light', suspected of carrying missile components in breach of UN Security Council Resolution 1874, is stopped in international waters and returns to North Korea, but not before an ASEAN gathering of officials in Washington, including Myanmar, is told of US suspicions. The US acknowledges that it has no proof, and one official thought it could be a trap to embarrass the US, while the Myanmar representative protested that the US were making accusations.

North Korea keeps silent on ship's turnaround - WSJ 14 June 2011 
"The North Koreans claimed the ship was going to Bangladesh with a cargo of industrial chemicals," Mr. Samore, Special Assistant to the President, said. "We have no way to verify whether any of that was true. And we had good reason to be suspicious with this ship, which in the past has been involved in the export of weapons to [Myanmar] and other locations in the Middle East."

Keys to nudge Myanmar off nuclear target
AsiaTimes Online - 7 June 2011
A perceptive article by three National Security Fellows at the John F Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

Myanmar says halted nuclear research program
Institute for Science and International Security (Washington) - 3 June 2011 
Myanmar’s vice president, Thiha Thura U Tin Aung Myint Oo, told a visiting U.S. delegation led by Senator John McCain on June 2 that the country “has halted [its nuclear research] programme as [the] international community may misunderstand Myanmar over the issue.”  The vice president said, “Myanmar made arrangements for nuclear research with the assistance of Russia in order that Myanmar will not lag behind other countries in that field and to improve its education and health sectors…,” he continued, “Myanmar is [in] no position to take account of nuclear weapons and does not have enough economic strength to do so.”  This statement was followed by the announcement that Myanmar has halted its nuclear research due to the high potential for international confusion.  
New Light of Myanmar 3 June 2011 -  Page 8 first column (left) 

Indonesia to sell Myanmar SS-2 assault rifles
The Jakarta Post - 20 May 2011
Indonesian Defense Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro says the government hopes to sell Indonesian-made SS-2 assault rifles to Myanmar. “[Myanmar] looked at the SS-2. We have been offering it,” he said Thursday after the ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting in Jakarta. “Myanmar is already in the process of transition. They already had an election. It has to be done in phases,” Purnomo said.  University of Indonesia security analyst Andi Widjajanto said the idea of selling Indonesian weapons to Myanmar was more positive than negative. “An ‘embargo’ of light weapons to Myanmar will in fact push the junta to enter the black market,” he said.

Burma and North Korea: Reality Checks
The Lowry Interpreter - 27 April 2011
Andrew Selth examines the evidence of Myanmar's alleged nuclear relationship with North  Korea presented at a recent conference in Washington and concludes: "As the conference attendees were reminded earlier this month, Burma and North Korea are challenging intelligence targets and reliable information on both countries is still very difficult to obtain. Regardless of any public statements by the US, a number of critical questions are likely to remain unanswered. Also, Burma's interest in nuclear technology and its relationship with North Korea will remain emotive and highly politicised issues. These factors alone will ensure that a wide range of claims and counter-claims will continue to be heard on this vexed issue for the foreseeable future."

The Irrawaddy - 12 April 2011
Experts express their views on Myanmar's nuclear intentions at a conference in Washington DC.
Testimony by Admiral Robert F Willard on US Pacific Defense Posture - 6 April 2011
On Myanmar, Admiral Willard stated: "Burma presents a number of challenges to regional security, including violence between Burmese military forces and various domestic ethnic armies which sparks significant, refugee flows into Thailand; a maritime border dispute with Bangladesh, narcotics and human trafficking, and the potential for rapid spread of pandemic disease. Of increasing concern is Burma’s role in regional weapons proliferation, evidenced by increasing defense cooperation and procurement from the North Korea, in violation of several UNSCRs. In addition, Burma's government continues to rule without respect for democracy or basic human rights The U.S.-Burma military-to-military relationship remains suspended as a matter of U.S. policy and public law."
Comment by Network Myanmar: Myanmar has denied that it is in breach of any UNSCRs relating to North Korea. 

Nuke expert says Germans naive about Burma weapons export
Mizzima - 29 March 2011
The German Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology has stated: ‘With regard to the mentioned export to Myanmar and against the backdrop of several already implemented post-shipment controls, the German authorities have no indications that the exported goods have been used contrary to their stated end use’. 

Myanmar, North  Korea in missile nexus
Asia Times - 2 March 2011
Bertil Lintner on his relentless search for Myanmar-North Korea missile and possibly nuclear collaboration. "While China remains a major player in the still ongoing expansion of Myanmar's military forces, it is no longer Myanmar's main military partner. The regime in Naypyidaw is increasingly turning to North Korea for assistance in clandestine military research and the production of more sophisticated weapons, which seems to be at the top of the junta's list of strategic priorities. As the newly exposed North Korean-staffed facilities indicate, Myanmar's generals are angling to diversify their sources of hardware and know-how." 
Comment by Network Myanmar: Any such military collaboration, even non-nuclear, would be a serious breach of UN Security Council Resolution 1874 unanimously approved on 12 June 2009. (See also UN Security Council Resolution 1718 of 14 October 2006.)

IAEA seeks 'facts' from Myanmar
The News (Pakistan) - 16 January 2011

IAEA seeks permission from Myanmar for nuclear inspectors to visit
Washington Times - 13 January 2011

Myanmar enacts military conscription law
Associated Press - 10 January 2011
The new law provides that every male between the age of 18 and 45 and females between 18 and 35 may be drafted to serve for two years, which could be increased to five years in times of national emergencies. Both sexes are required to register at 18. Civil servants,students, persons serving prison terms or those taking care of elderly parents will enjoy temporary postponement of military service but could be later called to serve. Totally exempt are members of religious orders, married women or divorcees with children and disabled persons.

Myanmar's links with Pyongyang stir nuclear fears
Wall Street Journal - 18 December 2010
The IAEA has written to Myanmar's military government in recent weeks asking to visit sites in the country allegedly involved in clandestine nuclear activities.

US double talk on Myanmar nukes
Asian Times Online - 16 December 2010
The indefatigable Bertil Lintner discovers that there is a difference between what the US Government says publicly and what they exchange within the system confidentially.

'Burma not nuclear' say Abhisit
Bangkok Post - 12 December 2010
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has dismissed claims in a leaked US cable that Burma is building a nuclear programme with help from North Korea. Mr Abhisit said yesterday there was no evidence to support the accusation that Burma possesses or is producing a nuclear weapon. He said none of the Association of South East Asian Nations members has any intention to possess nuclear weapons. 

Wikileak revelations about supposed Myanmar-DPRK collaboration
Guardian (UK) - 9 December 2010
US Chargé reports that Myanmar-DPRK nuclear collaboration is "opaque" but "something is certainly happening". See also this link.

The Guardian provides links to other Wikileaks on Myanmar -
Note by Network Myanmar: The notion that the 22-year old intelligence analyst Private Bradley Manning in Iraq was one of some 2.5 million US officials who had access to Classified US cables in the "SIPDIS" [Secret Internet Protocol Distribution - "The SIPDIS caption should only be applied to reporting and other informational messages deemed appropriate for release to the U.S.Government inter-agency community."] series from all over the world and he alone was responsible for the latest massive Wikileak revelations strikes us as highly unlikely. This was either a monumental lapse in US security or there is another explanation which at present eludes us.

NED response to ProPublica who responds in turn 
Pro Publica - 23 November 2010
A battle of words between the National Endowment for Democracy and Pro Publica about Myanmar's nuclear interests
Pro Publica - 29 November 2010: yet further exchanges
Burma's stubborn state: How to curtail the military junta
Foreign Affairs - 23 November 2010 
Michael Green (Associate Professor at Georgetown University) pursues the issue of Myanmar's alleged nuclear cooperation with North  Korea.
No evidence of Myanmar atom bomb: ex-IAEA aide
Reuters - 20 November 2010
Olli Heinonen, former Head of the IAEA inspection teams and now a Senior Fellow at Harvard University, has expressed doubts about any Myanmar nuclear weapons intentions. "There is no evidence, but it would be good to clarify whatever is taking place." 

Experts challenge defector's claims about Myanmar's nuclear ambitions
knoxnews.com - 14 November 2010
A report debunking allegations of an alleged nuclear programme.
Letter from David Albright, President of ISIS, to Senator Webb

UN report alleges nuclear aid by North  Korea    
Washington Post - 10 November 2010   
A 75-page report, whose imminent release has reportedly been blocked for six months by China, reinforces U.S. claims that North Korea has emerged as a key supplier of banned weapons materials to Syria, Iran and Myanmar. 
A copy is attached of the "Final Version" of this report. It contains few references to Myanmar and these are already known.

Myanmar's Nuclear Ambitions
IISS - October - November 2010
Interpretations of the regime’s intentions vary, but both sides of the debate seem to agree that the generals are interested in at least investigating the possibility of developing a nuclear weapon. This in itself must be a cause for concern and argues for closer scrutiny of Myanmar by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Myanmar Foreign Minister at the UN General Assembly
New Light of Myanmar - 30 September 2010
During his speech to the UN General Assembly on 28 September 2010, the Myanmar Foreign Minister Nyan Win made the following comments on disarmament: "As a party to the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT) and to the Treaty on Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapons Free Zone (SEANWFZ), Myanmar has all along recognized the legitimate right of every state to the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. However, we firmly oppose the proliferation or production of nuclear weapons and strongly support any efforts leading towards the realization of the vision of a nuclear weapons free world. We, therefore, heartily welcome the signing of the new START treaty by the leaders of the United States and the Russian Federation with a view to reducing their respective nuclear arsenals. It gave us hope and expectation for the elimination of nuclear weapons and further reduction and limitation of strategic offensive arms. We also join others in calling for early entry into force and full implementation of the START. treaty." 

Myanmar tells IAEA it will never seek atom bombs
Reuters - 23 September 2010
"There have been unfounded allegations reported by international media....that Myanmar is attempting to develop a nuclear weapon programme," the head of the country's delegation, U Tin Win, has said in a speech to the IAEA General Conference. "We would like to reiterate that the applications of nuclear science and technology in Myanmar are only for peaceful developmental purposes and Myanmar will never engage in activities related to the production and proliferation of nuclear weapons."

 
Arms Control Wonk - 1 September 2010
Joshua Pollack, consultant to the US Government, is inclined to the view that Myanmar's dabblings in nuclear matters are home grown and do not reflect support from foreign expertise. On the other hand what was thought to be interest in the nuclear field might more probably be in ballistics. 
Manorama Online - 26 August 2010
There is no nuclear threat from Myanmar, External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna said today in response to a Question in the Rajya Sabha (Upper House), adding that strict vigil was being maintained and admitting that nuclear weapons in neighbouring countries were a matter of concern. "Myanmar asserts that it has no nuclear programme on its anvil. The Government of India will have to believe," Krishna said while replying to a supplementary. The minister, however, added that information was being gathered through intelligence networks as well. "We will also gather through our own intelligence what is happening. The government always monitors development closely because it concerns our security," Krishna said.
Note by Network Myanmar: In the light of the high level of defence cooperation between India and the US, not least in the nuclear field, it is reasonable to conclude that India would benefit from exchanges of intelligence with the US on an issue which is of vital interest to Indian security. The response in the Upper House no doubt reflects assurances received from the US on this issue.
East Asia Forum - 10 August 2010
Trevor Wilson, former Australian Ambassador to Myanmar and Visiting Fellow at the Australian National University, offers some refreshingly sage comments on the recent flurry of excitement over Myanmar's alleged nuclear weapons program, and suggests a way forward through the IAEA. 
The Irrawaddy - 10 August 2010
Speakers at a recent symposium in Bangkok lose touch with reality in talking up Myanmar's supposed nuclear ambitions.
Russia trains 4,000 nuclear officers, academic says
Deutsche Presse-Agentur - 6 August 2010
Nuclear Elections

Burmese Pespectives - 5 August 2010

US State Department - July 2010
Released by the Bureau of Verification, Compliance and Implementation. The single page on Myanmar (Burma) concludes that: "The United States is concerned about Burma’s interest in pursuing a nuclear program, including the possibility of cooperation with North Korea. The U.S. Government will continue to be alert to any indications of Burmese nuclear weapons-related activities or intentions to develop a nuclear weapons capability. At this point in time, the United States lacks evidence to support a conclusion that Burma has violated its NPT obligations or IAEA safeguards, but U.S. confidence in Burma’s compliance would be enhanced by the adoption of an Additional Protocol." Previous reports in 2005 and 2001 do not mention Burma/Myanmar.
 
(The article as a single page in English)

Pravda - 28 July 2010
In the middle section of this article, Sergei Balmasov of 'Pravda' interviews Vladimir Khrustaliov (Khrustalev), an expert on nuclear technology at the Admiral Nevelskoy Maritime State University  in Vladivostok, who dismisses the allegations against Myanmar of a nuclear weapons programme. The allegations are seen as part of a "banal information war against Myanmar" ["standartnaya" - banal(?), standard, run-of-the-mill].
Note by Network Myanmar: The headline of  the English version, as the first sentence of the article makes clear, is not a Russian view, but reflects "suspicions voiced by US experts." Vladimir Khrustaliov (Khrustalev) would also appear to be an expert on the DPRK (North Korea) and contributes to "Security Index" published by the Russian Center for Policy Studies.
Soldiers of Fortune
Time - 26 July 2010
The ubiquitous Hannah Beech reports from Pyin U Lwin (Maymyo) on the hopes and aspirations of cadets at the prestigious Defense Services Academy. 

Burma: Export of industrial equipment for nuclear weapons purposes
Hansard House of Lords - 26 July 2010
Lord Howell of Guildford confirms that the UK continues to urge Myanmar to act strictly in accordance with its non-proliferation obligations.

Russia, EU: More study needed on Myanmar's alleged nuclear activity
Deutsche Presse-Agentur - 23 July 2010
"We don't have any firm information, and on issues like this, you need to rely on experts' conclusions,' Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Friday of rumors that Myanmar, or Burma, is developing nuclear weapons. Lavrov was speaking on the sidelines of the Association of South-East Asian Nations' Regional Forum (ARF) in the Vietnamese capital Hanoi. The European Commission has taken note of a June documentary by Burmese journalists alleging that Myanmar is developing nuclear weapons, said Seamus Gillespie, a European Commission official responsible for South-East Asian affairs. "We're looking into that, and when the matter is clarified, we'll make up our minds," Gillespie said Friday. 
Burmese Foreign Minster: North Korea's nuclear progammes "unacceptable"
DVB - 22 July 2010
According to the Japanese News Agency Jiji Press, the Burmese Foreign Minister Nyan Win has told the Japanese FM Katsuya Okada at a bilateral meeting in Hanoi that North  Korea's nuclear development programmes are "unacceptable".

Atomic Revelation
Jane's - 22 July 2010
The full text to subscribers only. 

Hillary Clinton warns Myanmar on North Korea cooperation
Associated Press - 22 July 2010
Matthew Lee reports from Hanoi that the US remains concerned about reports that Myanmar may be seeking assistance from North  Korea on a nuclear programme.
CNN report of remarks by Hilary Clinton - 22 July 2010 

US wants transparency from Myanmar on nuclear issues
Bloomberg - 21 July 2010
Hillary Clinton presses for greater transparency in Myanmar's dealings with North  Korea.
Loophole gives junta room to go nuclear in secret
Internews Press Service - 21 July 2010
Marawaan Macan-Marwar with fresh forebdings about Myanma's supposed nuclear programmes.
Singapore MFA - 20 July 2010
Asked about Myanmar's nuclear programme and whether it is a cause for concern because the US always brings it up, the Singapore Foreign Minister George Yeo replied: "The Myanmar government [and] the Foreign Minister have told us categorically that they do not have a nuclear programme, and they have no ambitions for one." Asked whether they have an energy programme, Mr Yeo said: "Oh, that is completely within the rules. So do many other ASEAN countries."
Deutsche Presse-Agentur - 20 July 2010
ASEAN Secretary-General Surin Pitsuwan told reporters in Hanoi that there was no consensus among member nations about Myanmar's nuclear ambitions. 'But there is certainly the ASEAN charter and the (South-East Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone) treaty, which requires that South-East Asia be free of nuclear weapons,' Pitsuwan said.  
Interpress News Service - 19 July 2010
Marwaan Macan-Marwar examines the likelihood that Myanmar's reported nuclear interests might come under scrutiny at the ASEAN Regional Forum meeting on Friday 23 July 2010.
UK Minister comments on nuclear allegations
Reuters - 18 July 2010
Commenting in Bangkok inter alia on reports that North Korea and Myanmar might have been cooperating on a project to develop nuclear arms, UK Minister of State  Browne said: "If that is the case, it is a contravention of international law, and we are very strongly and emphatically of the view that nuclear proliferation of this type is wrong and we will express that in the strongest terms at international institutions."
Briefing on Secretary Clinton's visit to Asia 19-23 July 2010
US State Department - 15 July 2010
Assistant Secratary Kurt Campbell said inter alia: "I think we’ve stated very carefully and clearly on the record that we are primarily concerned in terms of Burma activities about its violation and its activities associated with UN Security Council Resolution 1874. We continue to ask for adherence to that important resolution and we are asking for the government to put in place a process which allows for greater transparency for various interactions with North Korea. To date, we have been unsuccessful in gaining this kind of transparent international set of steps that would give us greater confidence about their commercial interactions with Pyongyang." 
The Irrawaddy - 13 July 2010
Report of the establishment of a "strategic missile force" equipped with North Korean Scud-type Hwasong-6 missiles and Chinese and North Korean multiple rocket launch systems. 
The Irrawaddy - Print Edition July 2010
The Chiang Mai based information and propaganda agency considers the conundrum that Myanmar might have the resources and motivation to to nuclear, but clearly isn't likely to try to build, and isn't capable of building a nuclear bomb in the forseeable future. 
Time - 9 July 2010
'Time' reviews the evidence, but concludes that: "Right now, there is no evidence that the North  Koreans are directly helping with Burma's alleged nuclear weapons program, but analysts worry that this might not always be the case."
Comment by Network Myanmar: Now that a cat of sorts is out of the bag, the West will be watching like hawks for any signs of North Korean collaboration with Myanmar in the fields of either nuclear or conventional weaponry since any such collaboration would be a breach of UN Security Council Resolutions 1718 and 1874. It is in our view unlikely that Myanmar would be so foolish as to be caught out in this way and thus find itself exposed to Security Council sanctions. 
Hansard - 1 July 2010
The Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office notes that: "We are concerned by reports suggesting that Burma may be developing a covert nuclear programme in collaboration with North  Korea" 
Asia Times - 30 June 2010
Bertil Lintner returns to the charge over Myanmar's alleged nuclear programme. He asserts among other things that: "Western intelligence sources are aware of the current presence of 30 to 40 North Korean missile technicians at a facility near Minhla on the Irrawaddy River in Magwe Division. At least some of the technicians reportedly arrived overland by bus from China, to make it appear as if they were Chinese tourists."
Comment by Network Myanmar: If true, this would imply that China too is engaged in activity which is in breach of UN Security Council Resolutions Nos. 1718 and 1874 since they could hardly deny their awareness of the presence of  North Koreans in transit through their territory. We find this inherently unlikely. 
jegsburmablogspot.com - 29 June 2010
Roland Watson of Dictatorship Watch remains convinced of Myanmar's clandestine nuclear programme. 
Jakarta Post - 25 June 2010
Robert Kelley, who advised the Democratic Voice of Burma, sticks to his guns and insists that the evidence of a  nuclear programme intent by Myanmar is "thorough, compelling and alarming". 
Singapore Times - 23 June 2010
Barry Desker touches on claims about Myanmar's alleged nuclear interests and urges ASEAN to stand its ground. 
New Light of Myanmar - 19 June 2010
Myanmar responds to a letter from the IAEA dated 14 June 2010 requesting information about Myanmar's nuclear activities. The response, dated 18 June 2010, states that the Al Jazeera allegations are "groundless and unfounded". 
Myanmar denies all allegations of a nuclear programme
 
New Light of Myanmar - 12 June 2010: Pages 1, 8, 16 and 9
  •   Statement by MFA on unfounded allegations about a nuclear programme
  •   Statement by MFA on relations with the DPRK
  •   Article critical of Al Jazeera television programme
          
Agence France-Presse (Yangon) - 11 June 2010
Associated Press (Yangon) - 11 June 2010
Reuters (Yangon) - 11 June 2010 
Agence France-Presse - 10 June 2010
The US State Department official concerned with South East Asia, Scot Marciel, tells a US congressional hearing on Thailand [starting 41min 50 sec into the hearing] that the US is still assessing allegations about Myanmar. 
Wall Street Journal - 10 June 2010
Ms. Kellie Currie, Senior Fellow with the Project 2049 Institute, gets excited about Myanmar's nuclear ambitions, but does not explain why no country in the region feels as she does. 
The Economist - 10 June 2010
A sober analysis of Myanmar's dabbling in nuclear technology. 
Press Release - 8 June 2010
Senator Jim Webb writes to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on matters arising from his recent visit to Asia. He calls for clarification of recent allegations about North Korean support for a nuclear programme in Myanmar made in reports by the Democratic Voice of Burma which he describes as "a US-funded media organization". 
Asked aboutSenator Webb's comments that the State Department is not willing to share more information on Burma’s possible violation of UN Security Council Resolution No.1874, Assistant Secretary Philip Crowley said at the daily State Department Press Briefing on 8 June 2010: "That is something that we watch very carefully. We are talking to Burma, reminding Burma about its international obligations under 1874 and other resolutions. As to what - the nature of our conversations, we - obviously, Senator Webb, we’ve had many conversations with him about Burma. It’s a country of - that he recognizes is of significance. And I’m sure that we will continue our conversations with Senator Webb and others on the Congress about the best way forward."
Senator Webb proposes Eric John as Special Envoy under the Tom Lantos Jade Act. 
Note by Network Myanmar:US Assistant Secretary Kurt Campbell spoke in the recent Al Jazeera programme about signs of Myanmar “flirtation” with North Korea on military matters. However, he did not say whether this “flirtation” was related to conventional or nuclear weaponry. The situation remains that evidence of any nuclear cooperation with North Korea remains only “anecdotal” (Robert Kelley, DVB consultant), that no nuclear reactor has been supplied to Myanmar by either Russia or North Korea, that a locally built nuclear reactor is little more than a pipe-dream and that the array of underground tunnels and bunkers built in recent years do not house any nuclear facilities. These facts highlightthe absurdity of predictions made in the recent past. Whatever agreements and understandings on military matters may have been concluded with North Korea in the past, the continuance of any such cooperation would today be a breach of UN Security Council Resolutions 1718 and 1874.  
AsiaOne - 7 June 2010
Myanmar Ambassador to Singapore Win Myint denies media reports that Myanmar has a nuclear weapons programme. 
Arms Control Wonk - 3 June 2010
Geoffrey Forden endeavours to throw more technical light on recent reports. 
Reuters - 8 June 2010
Yukiya Amano, head of the IAEA, has said that if necessary the IAEA will ask for clarification from Myanmar about the reports. 
The Lowry Interpreter - 7 June 2010
Andrew Selth presents a succinct and perceptive analysis of the latest events.
Al Jazeera Programme on Myanmar's nuclear ambitions
Part 1       Part 2       Part 3       Part 4
DVB integral video - alternative source 
Burmese Perspectives - 7 June 2010
Derek Tonkin seeks to put recent revelations into a balanced context. 
Asia Times - 4 June 2010
Bertil Lintner explores the evidence that Myanmar has started a nuclear weapons programme and the likely effect on US-Myanmar relations. 
The Independent - 4 June 2010
An account of the latest developments, including  shortened assessment by a US expert Robert E Kelley.
Note by Network Myanmar: The full assessment by Robert Kelley is not without merit on the scientific side. On the other hand, the political background set out in the second and third paragraphs reveals a narrow, simplistic and unconvincing analysis of the Tatmadaw's historical background and objectives which few, including critics of the regime, will regard as serious. 
Al Jazeera - 2 June 2010
A defector has reportedly brought with him materials showing that Myanmar has started a nuclear weapons programme. 
The Nation (Thailand) - 31 May 2010
Kavi Chongkittavorn, Editor of the (Bangkok) "The Nation", discusses reports of the "nuclearisation" of Myanmar and other regional and international ramifications..... 
Note by Network Myanmar: A thought-provoking article, likely to be the harbinger of further revelations expected soon. 
Associated Press - 28 May 2010
Edith Lederer reports on revelations in a leaked UN report about exports of nuclear technology, notably to Iran, Syria and Myanmar. The "suspicious activity" in Myanmar dates from 2008 and 2009 and has already been reported. 
Griffith Asia Institute - Regional Outlook No.25,  May 2010
Andrew Selth examines portents, predictions and possibilities for the future of Burma/Myanmar and concludes that political change will only come slowly to the country. 
The Interpreter - 18 May 2010
Andrew Selth, Research Fellow at the Griffith Asia Institute in Australia, notes that the Obama Administration's policy of "practical engagement" with Burma is running into serious trouble. The military government in Naypyidaw has shown no inclination to respond to US overtures and, although the policy is barely nine months old, pressure is mounting for a return to the hard line approach of the Bush era. Ironically, the new policy may eventually be undone not by the regime's recalcitrance, or the efforts of Obama's political opponents and anti-regime activists, but by Burma's continuing shadowy links with North Korea. Andrew Selth also reviews the situation generally in an article in the East Asia Forum of 18 May 2010.
Note by Network Myanmar:There is admittedly much uncertainty about Myanmar intentions. However, it is worthy of note that Minister for Science and Technology U Thaung reminded US Assistant Secretary of State Kurt Campbell at their meeting on 9 May 2010 that the "Myanmar government had publicly announced that it agreed to follow the UNSC resolutions (1718) and (1874) absolutely, but it has the duty to maintain and protect national sovereignty." This'absolute' assuranceneeds to be set against what follows and which might be interpreted as a qualification. The US needs to be careful though not to fall into the 'Saddam Hussein' trap. He allowed the belief to grow internationally that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction, but it later emerged that he had only done so for his own regional prestige purposes. US discomfiture would not be unwelcome to Nay Pyi Taw as Obama's policy on Myanmar remains rooted in unrelenting sanctions. China, India and Russia would be horrified if it were to emerge that Myanmar was in breach of UNSCRs 1718 and 1874. This could seriously undermine  their support for Myanmar in UN forums, notably the protection of China and Russia in the Security Council. Would Myanmar be willing to run this risk for the sake of nuclear ambitions? 
AsiaTimes - 18 May 2010
Brian McCartan comments that the US, noting that a lack of engagement has also produced little benefit, is not likely to revert to its previous strictly confrontational stance. This is especially so given Myanmar's clear moves to acquire nuclear technology and North Korea's perceived hand in the process. 
Policy Research Group - 17 May 2010
Reports from an unidentified writer of the unloading in January and April 2010 of military supplies at Yangon port. 
New Light of Myanmar - 12 May 2010
"In his response to Mr Campbell for his expression of international concern over Myanmar-North Korea relations, Minister U Thaung replied that Myanmar government had publicly announced that it agreed to follow the UNSC resolutions (1718) and (1874) absolutely, but it has the duty to maintain and protect national sovereignty." 
Associated Press (Yangon) - 10 May 2010
US Assistant Secretary Kurt Campbell visiting Myanmar issued a strong warning today against its military buying arms from North Korea in defiance of a UN embargo.
Press Statement in Rangoon on 10 May 2010 
David Albright, Paul Brannan, Robert Kelley, Andrea Scheel Stricker
Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists - 3 May 2010 (on subscription US$ 6.00 for this article)
The North Korea-Myanmar Relationship: A Technical Perspective
            
Philip Sheno
The Daily Beast/Yahoo News - 14 April 2010
The next nuclear nightmare
       
Roland Watson  
Dictator Watch - 10 April 2010
Burma Nuclear Freedom of Information Act filing
         
Andrew Selth
The Lowry Interpreter - 7 April 2010
Burma: Of arms and the man
    
Doug Bandow
National Interest Online - 30 March 2010
Nuclear Rangoon
    
Kelley Curie
The Wall Street Journal - 17 March 2010
Burma's North Korea Gambit
     
Min Lwin
The Irrawaddy - 13 March 2010
Burmese reactors close to completion: military sources
     
Roland Watson
Dictator Watch - 4 March 2010
US Burma policy: The curtain parts
   
John Pomfret
The Washington Post - 2 March 2010
White House wary of growing military ties between Burma, N. Korea
    
Tom Hyland
The Age (Melbourne) - 7 February 2010
Nuke body baffled by junta move (to join Australian-led nuclear safety body)
     
Jane Fugal
Associated Press - 2 February 2010
North Korean weapons mystery continues
       
Roland Watson
Dictator Watch - 31 January 2010
ISIS Report on Burma's Nuclear Programme
     
David Albright, Paul Brannan, Robert Kelley, Andrea Scheel Stricker
Institute for Science and International Security - 28 January 2010
Burma: A Nuclear Wannabe
  
Robert Kelley, Andrea Scheel Stricker and Paul Brannan
Institute for Science and International Security - 28 January 2010
Exploring Claims about Secret Nuclear Sites in Myanmar
         
Andrea Scheel Stricker
Institute for Science and International Security - 28 January 2010
Deep Connections between Myanmar's Department of Atomic Energy and the DTVE
   
Andrew Selth (Research Fellow at the Griffith Institute)
The Interpreter - 11 January 2010
If not nukes, what about missiles?
      
BBC News - 7 January 2010
Burmese whistle-blowers sentenced to death
      
Roland Watson
Dictatorship Watch - 14 November 2009
Elements of a Nuclear Weapons Program - Threat Assessment for Myanmar
   
Editorial
The Wall Street Journal - 27 October 2009
Rewarding Burma's Generals: deal with Pyongyang, win diplomatic goodies
     
Andrew Selth (Research Fellow at the Griffith Asia Institute)
Griffith Institute - October 2009
Burma and North  Korea: Conventional Allies or Nuclear Partners
   
Salah Uddin Shoaib Choudhury (Editor of "Blitz")
American Chonicle - 19 October 2009
Myanmar Nuke: Fact or Rumor
        
Mark Pritchard MP (The Wrekin, Conservative)
Written Question House of Commons - 14 October 2009
North Korea-Burma: Nuclear Power
     
M Abduk Hafiz (former DG of the Bangladesh IISS)
Daily Star (Dakar) - 12 October 2009
The pariah's nuclear blackmail
     
Ek Madra
The Star (Malyasia) - 3 October 2009
Myanmar says nuclear ambitions are peaceful - Japan
     
Andrew Selth
The Interpreter - 29 September 2009
Text of Chapter Seven on Myanmar
Summary of IISS Conclusions
IISS Strategic Dossier - 28 September 2009
     
Foster Klug (AP Correspondent)
Associated Press - 28 September 2009
US says its talks with Myanmar are meant to discern junta's ties to N Korea
     
Bertil Lintner      
Janes.com - 22 September 2009
Clouded Alliance: North  Korea and Myanmar's covert ties
      
Bernard FW Loo (Associate Professor Nanying Technological University Singapore)
The Nation (Bangkok) - 3 September 2009
The false and dangerous allure of nuclear weapons
      
China View
Xinhua - 2 September 2009
South Korea to train Myanmar technicians on nuclear energy
       
Andrew Selth (Griffith University)
The Age - 24 August 2009
"Evidence lacking" of Burma's nuke plans     
    
AFP
Yahoo News - 21 August 2009
US monitoring Myanmar on North Korea Sanctions
    
Lilian Budianto
The Jakarta Post - 21 August 2009
Indonesia supports Myanmar in its development of peaceful  nuclear technology
  
James Fallows
The Atlantic - 20 August 2009
About that "ominous" building in Burma
    
Heda Bayron
VoA - 17 August 2009
US Senator: Burma denies nuclear plans
  
Kim So-hyun
The Korea Herald - 15 August 2009
US eyeing N Korea-Myanmar nuke ties
   
Greg Sheridan (Foreign Editor)
The Australian - 15 August 2009
US finds Burma difficult to tackle
   
Bill Tarrant
Reuters (Singapore) - 11 August 2009
Is Myanmar joining nuclear club with North Korea aid?
   
Simon Roughneen
The Washington Times - 9 August 2009
Myanmar's ties to North  Korea escape scrutiny
   
Matthew Russell Lee (UN Correspondent)
Inner City Press - 8 August 2009
At UN, Burmese exile figures  denounce nuclear and constitution reports
   
Pranamita Baruah
Gobal Politician - 8 August 2009
A Possible North Korea - Myanmar Alliance?
        
Lawi Weng
The Irrawaddy - 7 August 2009
Burmese Army equipped with new arms
           
Greg Sheridan (Foreign Editor)
The Australian - 6 August 2009
Burma's deadly course
 
Brian McCartan
Mizzima 5 August 2009
China edgy over Burma's nuclear ambitions
 
Anne Davies
The Age - 5 August 2009
Atomic agency urged to examine Burma nuclear claims
 
New Kerala - 4 August 2009
Thailand investigating suspected North  Korea nuclear link
 
Mark Dodd
The Australian - 3 August 2009
Australian Foreign Minister "alert" on Burma-North Korea nuclear threat
     
Burma Campaign
burmacampaign.org.uk - 2 August 2009
Nuclear Burma? Focus must remain on regime change
 
Pramit al Chaudhuri and Rahul Singh
Hindustan Times - 2 August 2009
Myanmar  close to nuclear bomb
        
Darrel Flitton         
The Age (Australia) - 1 August 2009
Burma and the bomb 
    
Hamish McDouglas (Asian-Pacific Editor)Edior-----
Sydney Morning Herald - 1 August 2009
Revealed: Burma's nuclear bombshell
    
Derek Tonkin (Network Myanmar)
Burmese Perspectives - 29 July 2009
Hillary Clinton and Myanmar
   
Catherine Collins
Foreign Policy - 24 July 2009
Sound the Alarm: How to stop Burma getting nukes
 
Denis D Gray
Associated Press - 21 July 2009
Is Myanmar going nuclear with North Korea's help?
   
Yomiuri Shimbun
Burma Digest - 30 June 2009
Three held in Japan over export of missile technology
       
Andrew Selth (Research Fellow at the Griffith Asia Institute in Australia)
The Interpreter - 29 June 2009
Burma-North Korea: Rumour and Reality
 
Interview with Thakhin Chan Tun (Retired Burmese Ambassador to Canada and North  Korea)
The Irrawaddy - 27 June 2009
Burma wants the bomb
         
Andrew Selth
Griffith Institute Regional Outlook Paper No. 21 June 2009
Burma's Armed Forces: Looking down the barrel
    
Bertil Lintner
The Irrawaddy - 16 June 2009
Mystery surrounds North Korean tunnel-building in Burma
 
Andrew Selth
The Lowry Interpreter - 25 February 2009
Is there a Burma-North Korea nuclear conspiracy?
 
Bertil Lintner
Yale Global - 3 December 2008
Burma's nuclear temptation

 

Substantive Articles and Commentaries 

"Burma's nuclear bomb alive and kicking" - Bangkok Post Spectrum 2 August 2009

The following are extracts from the lengthy article in the Bangkok Post. "Talk to regional security authorities or their embassy staff about Burma having a nuclear programme and it usually generates two responses - total disbelief or horror. Strategic defence studies expert Professor Desmond Ball and journalist Phil Thornton spent two years investigating rumours, speculation, misinformation and the small truths that all help to conceal the Burmese military regime's nuclear ambitions from serious examination. A Burmese nuclear weapons programme would require external support, going beyond rudimentary Russian training and North Korean assistance with the current uranium refining capabilities and reactor operations. But North Korea taking on a greater role in helping Burma get its bomb cannot be rule out. They would be more than interested in providing limited amounts of fissionable plutonium in return for yellowcake. It would be in North Korea's military interest, and in line with their nuclear posturing, to construct a secret plutonium reprocessing plant in Burma, complementing the secret reactor, in exchange for access to the fissionable product. The defectors talked explicitly of the regime meeting their nuclear programme objectives by having a 'handful of bombs ready by 2020'. According to all the milestones identified by the defectors, Burma's nuclear programme is on schedule." 


Note by Network Myanmar on 2 August 2009: the contents of this report are highly speculative. The two persons described as "defectors" do not appear to have any refugee status recognised by UNHCR. Their status under Thai law is obscure. Interviews conducted in "dingy rooms and safe-houses" do not inspire confidence. No reason is given for the "defection" of the two individuals, one an army officer known as Moe Jo and the second an associate of the business tycoon Tay Za known as Tin Min.  Another report The Age 1 August 2009 has stated that Tin Min passed away in late 2008, which means that his statements cannot now be verified. The current whereabouts of Moe Jo are not given. It is also generally known that the planned Rosatom reactor at Myaing in Magwe Division, said in the article to be already "located" there, has not yet been delivered, let alone commissioned. As for a second reactor site supposedly at Nuang Laing south east of Pyin Oo Lwin in Mandalay Division, the suggestion that North Korea and Russia are collaborating on this project together would be a serious breach of UN Security Council Resolution 1874 unanimously approved on 12 June 2009. (See also UN Security Council Resolution 1718 of 14 October 2006.) China too would be seriously concerned if there was any basis of truth in this report, as would neighbours India and Thailand. In the circumstances we remain deeply sceptical of the veracity of the report at this stage, but trust that it can and will be thoroughly investigated.

   

Further Note by Network Myanmar on 5 August 2009: It has since become apparent that the testimony has been generally known for well over twelve months and has been already published by other sources. It also seems highly likely that the two refugees were debriefed by Western intelligence agencies some 12-18 months ago, but not accorded asylum status in either Europe or the US. This must seriously detract from the credibility of the testimony which the US, UK and Australia would seem to have discounted.
Burma and the Bomb - Daniel Flitton: The Age (Australia) - 1 August 2009
Daniel Flitton, Diplomatic Editor of "The Age", examines evidence of possible nuclear collaboration between Myanmar and North Korea, but reaches no conclusions. He does however ask: "Could this junta, daft enough to lift up an entire capital city and dump it in the middle of the country, be so skewed in its priorities as to be trying to build a nuclear weapon? And might it have reached out to another paranoid regime, North Korea, for help? Desmond Ball and Phil Thornton are convinced this is a genuine threat. The men have spent two years on the Burmese border, interviewing defectors who claim to know what the regime is planning. The testimony of two Burmese men in particular has caused Ball and Thornton to confront their own deep scepticism about the claims."  
Nuclear cooperation between Russia and Myanmar is not in conflict with the Nonproliferation Treaty or IAEA requirements, and will move ahead, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Tuesday. Andrei Nesterenko’s comment came in response to U.S. concerns over the cooperation. However, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said earlier on Tuesday that Washington was taking concerns about military cooperation between nuclear-armed North Korea and Myanmar “very seriously,” but made no mention of Russia. “Our cooperation with Myanmar is absolutely legitimate and in full compliance with our obligations under the Nonproliferation Treaty and IAEA requirements,” Nesterenko said.   

[Comment by Network Myanmar: Although US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is reported to have declared in Thailand yesterday that: "We know that there are also growing concerns about military cooperation between North Korea and Burma, which we take seriously….It would be destabilizing for the region. It would pose a direct threat to Burma’s neighbors," she made no reference to current rumours of supposed nuclear cooperation, which we are inclined to discount. Both Russia and China would be likely to be as concerned as the US to any tangible evidence of Burmese-North Korean nuclear coooperation. There has been no recent US declaration on the issue and the only evidence adduced to date has been in the form of speculation. See Burma-North Korea: Rumour and Reality for a recent sober and professional analysis by defence analyst Andrew Selth  of the rumours which are swirling around.

Revealed - Burma's nuclear bombshell - Hamish McDonald, Asia-Pacific Editor of The Sydney Morning Herald - 1 August 2009  

Hamish McDonald reports that: "Myanmar's isolated military junta is building a secret nuclear reactor and plutonium extraction facilities with North Korean help, with the aim of acquiring its first nuclear bomb in five years, according to evidence from key defectors revealed in an exclusive Herald report today. The secret complex, much of it in caves tunnelled into a mountain at Naung Laing in northern Burma, runs parallel to a civilian reactor being built at another site by Russia that both the Russians and Burmese say will be put under international safeguards."   

AFP 23 July 2009 - US presses Myanmar on N Korea, Suu Kyi at rare talks 

In this report, AFP notes that: "Japanese officials said that Myanmar Foreign Minister Nyan Win had pledged that his country would oblige by the UN sanctions on North Korea when he met his Japanese counterpart Hirofumi Nakasone on Wednesday. 'The Myanmar foreign minister mentioned very clearly that Myanmar is a member of the United Nations, Myanmar also is obliged to fully comply with any UN Security Council Resolutions, including 1874,' said Kazuo Kodama, the Japanese minister's press secretary. 'That is I think a very reassuring message from the Myanmar foreign minister,' Kodama said. 

"Burma and Nuclear Proliferation: Polices and Perceptions" Griffith Institute 2007
Andrew Selth, Research Fellow at the Griffith Institute in Australia, concluded in this paper that: "It is highly unlikely that Burma currently has any intention of acquiring nuclear weapons, from North Korea or anywhere else. Claims that it might try to do so in the future are equally speculative, but are made a little more credible by Burma’s exaggerated threat perceptions. Ever since the armed forces took back direct power in 1988, the regime has been the target of a range of external pressures, including from some of the world’s most powerful countries. The aggressive rhetoric that has accompanied these pressures, and the support openly shown for Burma’s opposition movement, has helped create a siege mentality among Burma’s leaders. Even now, they fear intervention by the United States and its allies – possibly even an invasion – to restore democracy to Burma. These concerns have already prompted the regime to consider the acquisition of ballistic missiles. There have also been suggestions that a few Burmese generals envy North Korea’s apparent ability to use its nuclear weapons capabilities to fend off its enemies and win concessions from the international community. It is important not to over-react to these reports. Even if confirmed, they probably reflect the views of a very small minority in Burma’s military hierarchy. Such reports, however, illustrate the scope for misperceptions, on both sides, which can lead in turn to policy errors and even more serious misunderstandings."   

Myanmar-North Korea: Rumour and Reality - 29 June 2009
Andrew Selth, Research Fellow at the Griffith Asia Institute in Queensland, Australia, examines the recent "evidence" of military relations between Burma and North Korea, and notes that: "The main problem with all of these stories is that there is very little hard, independently verifiable information available, either about Pyongyang’s relationship with Naypyidaw or North Korea’s activities in Burma. Inevitably, perhaps, the information gap has been filled with rumours, speculation and possibly even deliberate misinformation. Once it appears in print, this material tends to assume the status of established fact, further muddying the waters." He also observes: "Indeed, it is noteworthy that no government or international organization (including the IAEA) has ever commented publicly on these claims. This includes the Bush Administration, which had no love for the Naypyidaw regime and was quick to denounce suspected nuclear programs elsewhere. The relevant agencies seem to be keeping an open mind but, speaking off the record last month, a senior US official dismissed reports of a secret Burmese nuclear weapons program as an ‘unsubstantiated rumour’."  

Andrew Selth, Research Fellow, Griffith Asia Institute, Brisbane, Australia
SEARC - City University of Hong Kong November 2008 
Extract: Over the past 20 years, a number of myths have arisen about the Coco Islands. Despite repeated warnings from some Burma-watchers, and attempts by a few scholars to set the record straight in academic publications, these myths have proven remarkably resilient. There are a number of reasons for this. One is simply the lack of verifiable information about the islands, a problem exacerbated by the unreliability of official statements issued by both the Burmese and Chinese governments. The issue has been greatly complicated, however, by credulous reporting in the news media and the efforts of activists and others to pursue their own policy agendas. There are several groups of different nationalities which stand to benefit from continuing international concerns about perceived Chinese military expansion into Burma and the Indian Ocean.
The historical record is sketchy, and reliable data is still scarce, but an accurate and balanced assessment of developments in the region is critical for an understanding of Burma's security, and its influence on the strategic environment. Serious consideration of these issues demands careful research and objective analysis, not a reliance on rumours and other marvellous tales.  
Parliamentary Record by the Green Party - 10 September 2009
Senator Faulkner (New South Wales - Minister for Defence) Mr Deputy President, you would recall that in question time Senator Ludlam asked me some questions about Burma and I provided him with all the information I had available. He asked two specific supplementary questions which I can now assist him with. Senator Ludlam asked whether the government had received any briefing from ASNO or the department on Burma in advance of or after reports that Burma had a clandestine nuclear program. The answer to that question is yes. He also asked whether the department raised the issue of Burma's nuclear program with the IAEA. I can inform the Senate that the answer to that question is yes. The IAEA contact said there was no new evidence in the media reports.
See also Hansard Record for 10 September 2009 
Andrew Selth - Australian Strategic Policy Institute - 24 August 2009
On security-related issues, Burma and North Korea are well known as information black holes. Given the isolated and secretive nature of both regimes, it is very difficult to determine the precise nature of their relationship. Also, both countries are at the centre of emotive and highly politicised debates about human rights, nuclear proliferation and regional security. The picture is clouded by rumours and speculative stories circulated in the news media and on activist websites. There is the danger too of individuals and groups deliberately encouraging anti-Naypyidaw or anti-Pyongyang sentiments, for partisan political reasons.    
Any suggestions of a secret WMD program, however, let alone one conducted by a rogue state like Burma, must be cause for serious concern. Some of the information that has leaked out of Burma appears credible, and in recent years other snippets of information have emerged which, taken together, must raise suspicions. Also, no-one underestimates the lengths to which Burma’s military leaders will go to stay in power, and to protect the country from perceived external threats. With this in mind, many observers are looking to the IAEA or the Obama Administration to settle Burma’s nuclear status once and for all.   
Burma Army equipped with new arms 
The Irrawaddy - 7 Auust 2009 
The 400,000-strong Burmese army is now almost fully armed with locally manufactured MA-series weapons, according to several sources within the armed forces and rebel groups. The sources told The Irrawaddy that the Burmese army had equipped all frontline battalions with MA1, MA2, MA3 or MA4 automatic assault rifles.According to a weapons Web site, securityarms.com, the MA series was manufactured with the help of arms contractor Israeli Military Industries, and was designed similar to the Israeli Galil rifle.   
Lian Cochrane ABC: Specifically what are the North Koreans helping the Burmese with?
Desmond Ball:Well it does seem that they're involved in pretty much all elements of the fuel cycle, from the uranium mining through to the refining and processing, they have basically built a second refinery from which they take the yellow cake [a uranium concentrate], and then the allegations of the defectors are that they have in addition to the publicly known Russian reactor that Burma's getting, that they have supplied, or are in the process of supplying, a second reactor similar to the one that they have in Yongbyon in itself. And that they're following that up with a plutonium reprocessing capability. In other words it would give Burma and/or North Korea basically a complete fuel cycle all the way to production of a nuclear device.  
According to the "Bangkok Post", there is no truth to reports that Burma is planning to build a secret nuclear reactor and plutonium storage facilities with the help of North Korea and Russia, a highly placed army source says. There is no concrete evidence to show Burma has any nuclear ambitions, the source said yesterday. There is only cooperation between Burma's military rulers and North Korea on conventional weapons. Burma has built two unusual tunnels, but these were for security reasons, the source said. The tunnels are to serve as large bunkers in the event of a US air strike, which the junta fears, not for storing nuclear weapons.
    
ISIS located the military towns of Pyinmama and Naypyidaw in satellite imagery but has not identified the larger dam penstock under construction in the aforementioned ground photographs in satellite imagery. ISIS has not identified nuclear industrial facilities within these military towns and in their vicinity. However, ISIS did locate several dams (see figures 2 and 3), tunnel entrances (see figure 4) and anomalous buildings (see figure 5) in the satellite imagery, but could not match them with any of the locations depicted in the ground photographs or ascribe them with obvious nuclear industrial characteristics.  
State Department Press Briefing 4 August 2009
Deputy Spokesman Robert Wood  
Question: One thing on North Korea that does not involve this mission at all. There – are you aware of – (laughter) – are you aware of these – there’s an Australian media report – I think it’s the Sydney Morning Herald – that North Korea – that the Burmese may be building a nuclear reactor in these tunnels that are sort of in the northern part of the country? And – you know, I mean, it would seem to lend credence to what Secretary Clinton alluded to last week in Asia when she said there was some troubling evidence of nuclear links.
Mr Wood: Lach, the best thing I can tell you is – look, first of all, we wouldn’t get into any type of discussion about intelligence reports from the podium. But as the Secretary expressed before, we are concerned about any possible military links between North Korea and Burma, and that concern still remains. But I really can’t go beyond that because it would be getting into intelligence.
Question: How – give us some idea of how deeply you’re looking into the – U.S. Government is looking into this report about the Burmese. Are they being questioned, are they being asked?
Mr Wood: About which Burmese are you talking about?
Question: About the tunnels.
Question: The nuclear reactor.
Question: Nuclear reactor.
Mr Wood: Well, I don’t want to get into much more detail than I already have on this issue, but it is an issue of concern to us. We’re obviously looking into these types of reports. But I just don’t want to go beyond what we have said on that. 
Question: On North Korea and Burma issue, according to a couple of the news reports in Australia over the weekend, Burma has underground nuclear complex built with the help from North Korea. Is this part of what Secretary Clinton tried to allude to when she talked about concerns about military cooperation between Burma and North Korea? 
Mr Crowley: We do have concerns about the nature of cooperation between both Burma and North Korea, and North Korea and any other country. And as the Secretary did during her recent trip, she argued quite forcefully that all countries have responsibilities regarding the UN sanctions and we are hard at implementing them. I think over time, we would like to clarify with Burma more precisely the nature of its military cooperation. The Secretary was encouraged that Burma said that it would abide by its responsibilities under the sanctions that were recently passed by the UN, and we will be looking to see them implement those sanctions. 
Question: Is the U.S. aware of this kind of underground nuclear complex, possibly with help from North Korea?
Mr Crowley: It is an issue of concern and it is an issue that we continue to focus on intensively.
Question:Well, what's an issue of concern? The facility?
Mr Crowley: The nature of cooperation between North Korea and Burma. 
Question: Well, are you saying that you are aware of this facility?  
Mr Crowley: I'm not commenting on any particular facility.
Question:On Burma, you haven't until this point had any effort by the Burmese to implement the sanctions you've talked about. Secretary Clinton mentioned while she was there that she was happy with their commitment. There's been no action on that front; is that right? 
Mr Crowley: No. In fact, there was this North Korean ship. There were reports that it was headed to Burma. Eventually, the ship turned around, and we noted that the Burmese at the time had pledged that they would fully implement the UN sanctions. It's hard to say whether that Burmese decision had something to do with the ship turning around, but it turned around. 
Question: And there's been no other steps that they've taken to implement the sanctions since?
Mr Crowley: I mean, what's crucial here is that they have pledged that they will abide by - they will abide by and implement these sanctions. And we will be watching to see if they do so.  
Andrew Selth, Research Fellow at the Griffith Institute in Australia, examines the evidence for Myanmar's suspected WMD programme. He coments that: "It beggars belief that the US government did not know about the two Burmese 'defectors', on whose testimony the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age have based their latest stories. Indeed, both papers have suggested that a third Burmese defector was 'picked up' by US intelligence agencies last year, presumably to be interviewed on this issue. Yet, even when armed with the apparent revelations of all these defectors, the Bush Administration remained conspicuously silent about Burma’s nuclear status." He concludes that: "Despite having the perfect opportunity to do so, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton did not say (In Thaialnd recently) that Burma was secretly building a nuclear reactor, or trying to develop a nuclear weapon. She did not even specify that North Korea was passing Burma nuclear weapons technology. This continuing official reticence strongly suggests that, while the US is clearly concerned about Naypyidaw’s growing relationship with Pyongyang, it still does not have clear evidence of a secret Burmese WMD program." 
Thailand investigating suspected North Korea-Myanmar nuclear link - 4 August 2009
Source - New Kerala August 2009 (link no longer available)
The Thai government is investigating suspected nuclear collaboration between Myanmar's military regime and North Korea following media reports here that Myanmar is building a secret nuclear reactor with Pyongyang's help. However, Thai National Security Council chief Thawil Pliensri said a probe by national intelligence agencies has not yet found any indication that the reports were true. Thai Foreign Ministry spokesperson Vimon Kidchob said the Thai embassy in Myanmar had not found any evidence of nuclear collaboration between North Korea and Myanmar. Ms Vimon said Bangkok believed that Myanmar would adhere to the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapons Free Zone (SEANWFZ) agreement which came into force in 1997 after being signed by all members of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). ''I am confident that all members of the SEANWFZ are adhering to this principle,'' she said. 
Roland Watson, the indefatigable exposer of dictatorship in all its forms and manifestations, complains on his website that the Bangkok Post Spectrum article on Sunday 2 August amounts to plagiarism, since no recognition was given by the authors to his already published work on Myanmar's nuclear programme. He notes that he had already published debriefing claims by "Moe Jo" in August 2008. He adds that there are in fact three suspected nuclear reactor sites, at Myaing (Magwe), Naung Laing (Setkhya mountains in Mandalay Division) and also at Tha Beik Kyin (100 kms north of Mandalay). See also his article on Russia-Burma Nuclear Intelligence of 26 June 2008.
US Institute for Science and International Security - Imagery Brief 3 August 2009 

Two articles in Russian publications in May 2007

Alexander Glukhov - First Vice-President of Atomstroiexport

Vzglyad - 30 May 2007

The article provides some detail about the nuclear reactor to be delivered to Myanmar, related costs and the training of Burmese staff.

Construction of nuclear reactor in Myanmar

Kommersant - 16 May 2007

News report and commentary on the signature of the agreement on 15 May 2007 to build a nuclear reactor in Myanmar, and expected international criticism.

      

 
 

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