Burma Authorities Unblock Some Banned Websites

Jakarta Globe, September 16, 2011

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Yangon. Authorities in Burma are allowing access to banned news websites for the first time in years, including several operated by exiled dissidents.

Censors in the repressive Southeast Asian nation unblocked the websites of international media outlets including the Voice of America and the British Broadcasting Corp., as well the Democratic Voice of Burma, Radio Free Asia and the video file sharing site YouTube.

The government made no announcement on the move, however, and no officials were available to comment.

The country has been ruled by the military since 1962. But in March the junta ceded power to a civilian government that has promised democratic reform.

Critics believe the new leadership is a proxy for continued military rule.

AP