Australia: Radio Australia resuming broadcasts to Burma

PHOTO Burma pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi. [AFP] Radio Australia, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's (ABC) radio service to Asia and the Pacific, is resuming broadcasts to Burma, including a new special service in Burmese. Hanh Tran, Radio Australia's CEO, says events in Burma such as the devastation of Cyclone Nargis, the recent conviction and extended detention of democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, and the upcoming election, all highlight the need for strong communications into the region. "The service to Burma in English will be imminent, with a Burmese language service to follow," he said in a statement Wednesday. The new services will use shortwave radio distribution and digital technologies. Press freedom Murray Green, director of ABC International, says the move reflects the ABC's continuing commitment to serving people living in parts of Asia and the Pacific that do not have press freedom. "This latest move to re-introduce Burma as a service area is another milestone in the strengthening of the ABC's presence in the region," he said. Radio Australia has served audiences in the Asia Pacific region for nearly 70 years, however much of that capacity was constrained in the late 1990s because of budget cuts. Mr Green says the ABC has been working with the Australian Federal Government to improve Burma's access to information. Request response Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, who has condemned a Burmese court's recent ruling against Ms Suu Kyi, says the resumption of Radio Australia service is a gesture of solidarity to her and opens a new channel of international contact for the people of Burma. He says the decision is in response to a previous request by Ms Suu Kyi to restore Radio Australia service to the country. Mr Rudd says Australia will continue to apply strong sanctions against Burma until it sees signs of change. Detention extended Ms Suu Kyi had been on trial for violating the terms of her house arrest after an American man swam to her lakeside home earlier this year. A court verdict Tuesday found her guilty of breaking a security law and added 18 months of house arrest to the time she is already serving. Ms Suu Kyi has been in jail or under house arrest for 13 of the last 19 years since Burma's junta refused to recognise her party's victory in 1990's national elections. Source: Radio Australia http://australianetworknews.com/stories/200908/2653999.htm?desktop via Yimber Gaviria, Noticias de la Radio