Pak frigate makes a port call in Malaysia; NLD calls for release of political prisoners and amendment of 2008 constitution ahead of 2010 elections; Myanmar authorities and Kachin representatives meet
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    • The Pakistani F-22 frigate, PNS Zulfiquar, made a port call at Port Klang in Malaysia on August 27 before continuing its journey home. The Chinese-built frigate is reportedly equipped with the state-of-art weaponry and sensors, including anti-surface missile, surface-to-air-missile, guns and torpedoes. It was formally handed over to the Pakisytani Navy on July 301.

    The National League of Democracy (NLD) stated that the upcoming general elections in 2010 will not lead to any change in Myanmar unless the ruling junta releases political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi and amends the 2008 constitution. The 2008 constitution codifies the role of the military in the country2.

    During a meeting on August 22 between members of the Myanmar government and representatives of the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO), the junta reiterated its earlier demand of transforming the KIO’s armed wing - the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), into a battalion of the government-run Border Guard Force (BGF) ahead of the October deadline set by the regime. The KIO has however rejected the proposal and stated that it would discuss the issue with the new government that would assume office after the 2010 elections3.

    In Thailand, a law suit was filed against PM Abhisit Vejjajiva and his cabinet, alleging that they misused their authority by imposing the Internal Security Act (ISA) to control the ‘red shirts’ rally on August 234.

    In other developments, at the recently concluded special session on maritime safety between China and the US, Chinese delegates urged the US to reduce and eventually halt the latter’s military surveillance close to China’s exclusive economic zone. The Chinese stated that such surveillance activities by the US ships have led to incidents of confrontation between the two sides in recent past5.

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