Burma/Myanmar

[bekisman]

A few months ago the BBC and Sky were calling Burma "Myanmar" (the name was decided on in 1989).. but so far in reporting this recent devastating cyclone all Broadcasters are now quoting 'Burma' - anyone know why? - just a thought..

[karia]

A few months ago the BBC and Sky were calling Burma "Myanmar" (the name was decided on in 1989).. but so far in reporting this recent devastating cyclone all Broadcasters are now quoting 'Burma' - anyone know why? - just a thought..

The name change was a pretty unilateral one and as I recall wasn't generally accepted by the UN etc.....(unlike say, Ceylon/Shri Lanka)

The Beeb and Sky may have taken it on board at some point but dropped it again in the light of the recent events and in the interests of folks knowing where the heck they are talking about.

Whatever you call this secretive country 10,000 dead and numerous missing is a tragedy of monumental proportions.

[badger]

I wonder whether any good will come out of this tragedy for the rest of the people of Burma. The military asking for help is a hopeful sign. Maybe if they let the rest of the world in for a while ..... who knows? Hard to imagine the devastation.