OTTAWA ― Burmese president of recently refurbished, quasi-civilian government in Burma formally accepted the credentials of Canadian Ambassador, the mouthpiece newspaper the New Light of Myanmar reported on July 6, 2011.
“Mr Ron Hoffmann, the newly-accredited Ambassador of Canada to the Republic of the Union of Myanmar presented his credentials to U Thein Sein, President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, at President Office, here at 11 am today [July 5],” reported in the newspaper, along with a picture.
The Canadian Friends of Burma cautiously welcomes this acceptance, for a possible channel of conveying concerns over lack of progress in political and human rights situations in Burma. CFOB supports a multi-pronged approach to break political stalemate in Burma and understands a mixed reaction to this news among Burmese Diaspora community and Burma supporters across Canada.
On April 19, 2011, Canadian Governor General David Johnston accepted the credentials of Burmese Ambassador Kyaw Tin. “Canada is hopeful that the mutual accreditation of our Ambassadors will provide us with more opportunities to communicate our key interests and concerns,” David Johnston said in his speech during the presentation of credentials at Rideau Hall.
“Canada looks forward to engaging with you on important issues of human rights, democratic development, and the rule of law during your tenure as Ambassador. These issues are of fundamental importance to Canada, both at home and abroad,” he added at that time.
CFOB’s position on that development can be read at here
However, soon after his credentials were accepted, Burmese Ambassador Kyaw Tin is eager to launch an information war on Burma with the Canadian Friends of Burma. He said to the Embassy Magazine, a Canadian foreign affairs weekly, that he would counter information presented by organization like Canadian Friends of Burma.
The Embassy’s article noted that “While most other diplomats consider trade or aid as their primary goals, the Burmese envoy’s prime consideration involves countering what he considers “misinformation about Myanmar,” … which he believes stems from a biased media, and the efforts of opposition groups such as the Canadian Friends of Burma (CFOB) who “report on only the bad things.”
Full article can be read at here
Burma Parliamentary delegation expected in Canada
CFOB statement on latest communal violence in Burma
What more can Canada do in Burma? - Tin Maung Htoo
Burma’s Kachin seek Canadian support
Staying true for human rights for all - Rebecca Wolsak
Why Inter Pares is wrong on Burma - Tin Maunng Htoo
CFOB concerned with Kachin conflicts in northern Burma
CFOB 2012 Annual Report released!
Statement on CFOB AGM on Dec. 15, 2012
Burmese Civil Society Organizations Dismayed by Inter Pares
CFOB AGM on Dec. 15 in Toronto
Minister Jason Kenney to Meet with Prominent Buddhist Monk
CFOB in Crisis with Rohingya in Burma
Baird Concerned about Renewed Violence in Rekhine State
Burmese Foreign Minister Queitly Visited to Canada
CFOB Policy Statement: “Navigating the thaw: Burma-Canada Relations in 2012 and beyond”
Over 70 Canadians and Burmese activists cleared from 'Blacklist'
Revised: Canada Calls for Peaceful Solution in Arakan state of Burma
Advocating humanitarian assistance to Kachin IDPs in Burma
Parliamentary Testimony with Aung Din (USCB)
Parliamentary Testimony with Tin Maung Htoo (CFOB)
Minister Kenney Surprises Burmese Community with Announcement
Minister Jason Kenney to meet with Burmese community leaders in Toronto
Burma Day - Celebrating 20th of CFOB
Long-time Burma supporter Brian John passed away
CFOB pleased by prisoners release but more reform needed
CFOB Welcomes Fine For Firm That Illegally Exported Plane to Burma
CFOB Welcomes U.S Secretary of States Visit to Burma
CFOB Saddend by the Loss of Jack Layton
Cross Canada bike ride for Burma reaching to final destination
Ivanhoe received US$103 million from Burma's copper mines
Burmese President accepts credentials of Canadian Ambassador to Burma
Aung San Suu Kyi supports UN commission of inquiry on Burma
Transfer of Ivanhoe's Burmese assets to weapons firm must be probed
Canada Sends Best Wishes to Aung San Suu Kyi on Her Birthday
66th Birthday Events of Aung San Suu Kyi in Canada
Suu Kyi to be honored on Canada Day in Côte Saint-Luc
Cross-Canada Bike Ride for Burma
Suu Kyi addresses to Conference on ‘Ending Sexual Violence in Conflict’
New Burmese Ambassador to Canada: a messenger for new regime in Burma?
Media coverage on detained Canadian in Burma
Suu Kyi to deliver video message at Carleton University
Carleton University to Honour Aung San Suu Kyi
Canada to Support 'Commission of Inquiry' on Burma's rights violations
Canada to Renew humanitarian support
Canada to welcome additional 1,300 Karen Refugees from Thai-Burma Border
CFOB Welcomes Opposition Party Calling for Economic Sanctions
Two events today in Toronto and Vancouver to mark DSSAK Day
CFOB welcomes throne speech to honor Suu Kyi with Honorary Citizenship
Canada Welcomes Statement by the United Nations Security Council on Burma
We offer an archive of many publications from agendas of upcoming events to reports and booklets.