By TON Research Desk

On May 8, in Japan the Blood Money Campaign (BMC) group Protesters urged on the US government to impose sanctions on Myanmar Oil and Gas Enterprise to thwart its ways of coercions.

The human right campaigners were urging US President to impose sanctions on Myanmar Oil and Gas Enterprise (MOGE), which provides a financial sustenance help to Myanmar’s junta. The European Union imposed sanctions on the firm in February.

The Blood Money Campaign (BMC) pursue to financially isolate the junta which was initiated and designed by activists and union leaders on the ground in Myanmar. The BMC team is consist of of activists with different upbringings like labor and student unions, public engagement, peace and education activists, as well as people in research, IT, and other lobbies.

More than 637 domestic organizations, including protest committees, labor unions, women’s rights and educational groups and over 220,000 individuals signed an open letter to US president. The BMC called on US president to listen to Myanmar’s people miseries and sanction MOGE to cutoff the financial helpline of Myanmar junta. As it is time to protect Myanmar democracy practically.

The Blood Money Campaign (BMC) group has also alleged that the junta grabbed nearby US$1.5 billion in gas revenue from state bank accounts after the 2021 coup to fund genocide and murder. We don’t ask the US to provide weapons. We only ask the US to stop paying the fascist regime for natural resources

MOGE which has been a lifeline for Myanmar military governments for decades and an estimated 50 percent of foreign currency came from natural gas and Myanmar earned around $1.5 billion from oil and gas in the 2020-21 financial year. Myanmar’s state-owned oil and Gas Company, Myanmar Oil and Gas Enterprise (MOGE) should be in sanctions list, along with 22 individuals and three other companies

The campaign urged the US administration to stop gas revenues reaching the junta by working with allies in Thailand and South Korea to divert income to accounts held until the civilian National Unity Government is recognized.

The gas companies and banks which traded with the junta should face money-laundering charges and the junta-controlled Myanmar Foreign Trade Bank should face sanctions for money laundering.

International oil and gas firms like Total, Chevron and Woodside left Myanmar after the coup. China, the largest source, provides around 27 percent of oil and gas investment. The Human rights organizations are urging Total not to pay the junta about $250 million it owes Myanmar.

Since the coup in February last year, the regime has killed more than 1,800 people and it uses airstrikes, artillery, arson attacks, extrajudicial killings and arbitrary arrests against civilians.

However, it is the EU’s decision to add MOGE to its sanctions list that is the most significant step any member of the international community has yet taken to punish Myanmar’s brutal military junta for its ongoing attempt to take control of the country.

Myanmar’s offshore gas sector provides over a billion USD per year in revenue to the government, money that is now being expropriated by a military junta that has killed over 1,500 civilians since the coup.

Activists have been calling for months for the international community to cut off the military’s access to this revenue by sanctioning MOGE, and the EU appears to have finally heeded these calls.

In addition to MOGE the EU sanctions list is a hugely targeted the revenue sources helping keep the military afloat. This move is a welcome one but long overdue. Now the US and UK must follow suit, and all three must focus on enforcing these crucial economic sanctions.

At the moment, the US is taking the side of the oil and gas companies and their lobbyists over Myanmar’s pro-democracy movement. The US should follow the suit of European Union (EU) because these sanctions are enormously important and should be confirmed after the EU sanctions in February this year holding responsible those who have helped allow the military’s actions to account.

By F.F Mushfika

SJB which defines as Samagi Jana Balawegaya is a new and an emerging party in the political arena of Sri Lanka. The leader is the well-known Sajith Premadasa who is now serving as an Opposition in the parliament. Following the 2020 election the team was able to secure fifty-four seats with a percentage of 23.9%. Even though this new party alliance is an immediate split from UNP- United National Party, which historically stood for its liberal and conservative ideologies became democratic, independent, and progressive over the period of 6 months after its initial formation.

Having said that, it is essential to think if the SJB are eligible enough to save the precious Island with its falling hope from the economy going down the slope. Sri Lanka is encountering its worst nightmare of having shortages in food and fuel which hinders the people from obtaining their basic right for the essentials. Each day is a passing day of rising taxes, basic necessities and power cuts. This has further aggravated the situation where the public are suffering by losing jobs while some being unable to complete their job tasks within the scheduled time. This has extended the People’s sufferings further. At a time like this, SJB has thrown up multiple suggestions to boost the economy along with policies that is redressing the grievances of the commoners.

It should also be noteworthy to consider Ministers such as Harsha de Silva and Kabir Hashim- who are those of the leading economists in Sri Lanka who belong to the political party of SJB. In fact, for a time being social media campaign was held in support of Harsha de Silva to be appointed to manage the finances considering his academic and political achievements. Sri Lankans ardently believe he is capable of navigating from this crisis to a better place. On the other hand, Kabir Hashim who is a holder of a bachelor’s degree in commerce of University of Peradeniya is a recognized economist. Therefore, when discussing about a crisis, it is vital to look into characters who could provide remedies to avert the menaces that come over. Sri Lanka amidst its biggest fall needs experts who can oversee issues currently. Thus, having members who are well educated, and policy makers is a fundamental reason why some honestly believe that SJB is capable of steering Sri Lanka away from its degrading economy.

More so, members such as Dr. Kavindha Heshan Jayawardhana- who is a physician, Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka, Eran Wickramaratna- a banker gives the country to look forward with a proper management of affairs pertaining to the fields of medical, security and finances. The SJB constituting with talented members illustrate a government of educators and professional makers to the people.

At the contemporary situation in Sri Lanka, the commoners are looking for a system change. Although they do not back up any political parties to assume power, they definitely look into the aspect of Ministers and rulers being educated with a sound knowledge of the affairs they manage. This is an outcome of recurrent employment of unsuitable ministers for the posts they are appointed. The crisis has overwhelmingly shadowed the incompetency of some parliamentarians who are enjoying the privileges and alleged to have done nothing or less. Hence, this has directed the public attention to seek right people to the right post.

This is where SJB appears to be a savior. To spice up, their constant support to people’s demonstrations and outcry for the president to step down by being unwilling to work along with the current government is appalling. But, at the same time people are of the opinion that they are providing lame reasons than to step into the existing government. The desperate willingness of the right people into power and SJB not stepping up over the given opportunities at the most vulnerable circumstance has made the people disheartened. It also has raised earnest questions like “can they walk the talk”?

As quoted by Harin Fernando upon leaving SJB to become Independent MP and re-joined later to the same party stated that, “This country needs a government soon. We cannot delay this. If the SJB is delaying this, I have decided to be independent and support a process to form a government.”

The political instability within the country is worsening the crisis at hand. Although the SJB are evidently good performers at sight and analysis, people are willing to see what they can do to drive away Sri Lanka from its deathbed. Their constant refutes to any posts and to form a government and thereby pressurizing the needs of the people is somewhat put into sideways. It could be true that they are sincerely attempting for system change as stated by Harsha de Silva as, “I cannot go against the will of the people. They have requested me to take over as the Minister of Finance. I will not do so, as the people don’t expect such political games at this juncture.” Are they extremely dedicated to the voice of the people? Or are they trying to pressurize the government in such a manner to make the ruling party withdraw? Or are all these words a mere stunt? We do not know.

To sum up, can the SJB save the country from its economic crisis is a strong exclamation mark today. Although the party serves with members of the expectation of the people, it is uncertain to declare them as saviors unless they figure out a manner in which they could actually perform.

BEIRUT, 14 May 2022, (TON): A war monitor and pro-regime media said “Syrian militants killed 10 soldiers in northern Syria, in the deadliest such attack since a truce deal reached over two years ago.”

Nine soldiers were also wounded in the attack, Syria’s official news agency SANA reported, quoting a military source.

SANA said “around 9:30 this morning terrorists targeted an army bus” in the west of Aleppo province.”

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights had reported earlier on Friday that pro-regime fighters died in the assault.

The monitor said “it was not immediately clear whether it was carried out by the area’s dominant extremist group, Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham, or other rebel forces.”

Observatory head Rami Abdel Rahman said “the attackers fired an anti-tank guided missile at a bus carrying pro-regime fighters back to their home villages.”

MOSCOW, 14 May 2022, (TON): Presidents of the Russian Federation and Tajikistan Putin and Emomali Rahmon discussed the situation around Afghanistan in a telephone conversation and agreed that the departments of the two countries would continue to actively cooperate to ensure security on the Tajik-Afghan border.

This was reported by the press service of the Kremlin.

The statement says “an exchange of views was held on the situation a-round Afghanistan, primarily taking into account the recently increased activity of terrorist groups on Afghan territory.”

It said “it was confirmed that the competent departments of Russia and Tajikistan will continue to actively cooperate in order to ensure security on the Tajik-Afghan border.”

The conversation took place at the initiative of the Tajik side.

DUBAI, 14 May 2022, (TON): World leaders have offered their condolences after the UAE announced the death of its President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed.

US President Joe Biden paid tribute to Sheikh Khalifa, saying “he was a true partner and friend of the United States.”

He continued “we will honor his memory by continuing to strengthen the longstanding ties between the governments and people of the United States and the United Arab Emirates.”

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he was deeply saddened to hear of the death of Sheikh Khalifa, adding “he was a wise and respected leader who will be missed enormously.”

Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed said “the UAE lost righteous son and leader after death of Sheikh Khalifa.”

ABU DHABI, 14 May 2022, (TON): Friday United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan has died.

“The Ministry of Presidential Affairs condoles the people of the UAE and the Islamic world on the passing of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan on Friday, May 13.

Abu Dhabi Crown Prince, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, said “UAE lost righteous son and leader.”

He continued “the Emirates has lost its virtuous son and leader of the 'stage of empowerment' and the trustee of its blessed journey.”

“His stances, achievements, wisdom, generosity and initiatives are in every corner of the nation Khalifa bin Zayed, my brother may God have mercy on you and grant you access to paradise.”

Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum said “it is with great sorrow and grief that we mourn to the UAE people, Arab and Islamic nations and the world the death of President of our country Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the leader of our journey.”

HELSINKI, 14 May 2022, (TON): The Finnish leader said “Finnish President and Swedish Prime Minister Sauli Niinistö and Magdalena Andersson held a joint telephone conversation with US President Joe Biden.”

Joint telephone conversation with US President Joe Biden and Magdalena Andersson. We shared deep concern about Russia’s war against Ukraine.

I talked about Finland ‘s next steps towards NATO membership. Finland highly appreciates all the necessary support from the United States,” wrote Niinistö in social networks.

BRUSSELS, 14 May 2022, (TON): The European Union reiterates its strong support to the Sudanese-led political process facilitated by the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission to Sudan, the African Union and the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development.

The UNITAMS-AU-IGAD facilitated process is the most inclusive mechanism to bring back Sudan to a civilian-led transition towards democracy. While welcoming the progress made so far, we are concerned by the apparent lack of political will of some stakeholders to fully and constructively engage with the facilitation process.

We urge all stakeholders to take part in the dialogue with a view to advance towards political settlement.

Time is of the essence. Further delay in agreeing on an inclusive civilian-led transitional framework, which can be accepted by the Sudanese and the international community, would only exacerbate the deterioration of the economy, increasing the already immense challenges that the people are facing.

Only the re-establishment of a democratic framework managed by a credible civilian-led transition could allow for the resumption of international financial support for the Sudanese government, including debt relief.

ISTANBUL, 14 May 2022, (TON): President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said “Turkey did not have a positive opinion on Finland and Sweden joining NATO, throwing up a potential obstacle for the nations’ membership bid.”

The leader of NATO-member Turkey spoke ahead of expected confirmations from the Nordic nations on Sunday that they will apply to join the Western military alliance.

Erdogan accused both countries of harboring terrorist organisations in his unfavourable assessment of the membership bids.

Erdogan told journalists “we do not have a positive opinion.”

He said “Scandinavian countries are like a guesthouse for terror organizations.”

STOCKHOLM, 14 May 2022, (TON): Foreign Minister Ann Linde said “Swedish membership in NATO would have a stabilizing effect and would benefit countries around the Baltic sea, the day after neighbour Finland committed to applying to join the 30-nation alliance.”

Linde told reporters "Swedish NATO membership would raise the threshold for military conflicts and thus have a conflict-preventing effect in northern Europe.”

Sweden is widely expected to follow Finland's lead and Stockholm could apply for NATO membership as early as Monday.