Burma News International holds seminar in India's Kolkata

DVB (2003 July 13)

It has been learned that the Burma News International, BNI, held a three-day biannual media seminar in Kolkata [Calcutta], India, from 9-11 July. Journalists attending the seminar discussed the future of the BNI and issues relating to lack of press freedom and democracy in Burma.
DVB correspondent Khin Maung Soe Minn filed this report.

Khin Maung Soe Minn : The major topics of discussion were press freedom, democracy, and future plans of the BNI. The seminar also passed 14 major resolutions. The resolutions included plans to expand BNI, to raise reporting level and penetrate the eastern regions from Thailand base, to cooperate among the media groups, and hosting a BNI web site. Mizzima News editor Ko Soe Myint, who was also a BNI editor for the first six months, told DVB that a statement was issued after the seminar.

Ko Soe Myint : The main part of the statement pegged to BNI accepting two new Thailand-based members - Network Media Group and Independent Mon News Agency. The participation of Thailand-based Independent Mon News Agency and Network Media Group would greatly enhance and strengthen the India-based and Bangladesh-based Burmese news media groups. Furthermore, the statement urge more participation of other Thailand-based independent Burmese news agencies in the future. They have been instrumental in getting more news stories about Burma from South Asia and Southeast Asia in the dailies.

Khin Maung Soe Minn : BNI formed in January this year includes India-based Mizzima News and Khonumthung News and Bangladesh-based Kaladan Press Network and Narinjara News. Thailand-based Network Media Group and Independent Mon News Agency, and representatives from Zomi, Naga, and Kachin nationalities involved with the media attended the seminar.

Source: Democratic Voice of Burma, Oslo, in Burmese 1430 gmt 13 Jul 03
BBC Monitoring service