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
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