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BURMA RELATED NEWS
- December 27, 2002.
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HEADLINES
------------------------------------------------------------------------ Reuters - U.S. hears witness accounts
of Myanmar army rapes
AFP - Thai-Myanmar joint cabinet
meeting delayed by border security fears
AP - Myanmar reiterates denials of
using rape as weapon of war
AP - Myanmar government confirms
Japan to cancel debt as goodwill
IB - Post Editorial -
Myanmar-Bangladesh-India gas pipeline
WP - Editorial - An Opportunity in
Burma
Bkk Post - Editorial -
Appeasement can go only so far
Asian Tribune - Mega dam
project for Shan State
------------------------------------------------------------------------ Friday December 27, 7:41 AM
U.S. hears witness accounts of Myanmar army rapes WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. State Department said on Thursday victim accounts corroborated local reports that Myanmar soldiers systematically raped minority women and girls and called for a full, independent investigation. U.S. officials said a State Department official in August interviewed minority Shan women and girls, who gave accounts of mistreatment "along the lines" of reports by local groups -- the Shan Human Rights Foundation and the Shan Women's Action Network -- which have described dozens of such attacks. "We sent a working level person ... out there to look into this," said State Department spokesman Philip Reeker. "She conducted a number of interviews and found similar (accounts) backing up the other reports." "We are appalled by the reports. We vehemently condemn rape and all other forms of sexual violence," he added. A U.N. human rights envoy, Paulo Pinheiro, has called for an independent investigation into claims Myanmar's army used rape as a weapon against ethnic minority separatists in the eastern state of Shan. Myanmar was formerly known as Burma. The State Department released a "fact sheet" on December 17 describing the work of the U.S. official who carried out the "preliminary investigation" into the matter in August, interviewing women who said they had been raped by soldiers. "Of the 12 rape victims interviewed, all stated that they had been gang-raped by Burmese soldiers sometime over the past five years," it said. The most recent incident was reported by a 13-year old girl who said she had been raped two months earlier in June 2002. "All of the victims under 15 appeared severely traumatized by their experiences, were disturbed mentally, and spoke in whispers, if at all," the State Department fact sheet said. "The older women sobbed violently as they recalled horrific incidents of their own rapes as well as brutal rapes, torture and execution of family members." State Department officials said the U.S. official had interviewed some of the victims in Thailand, where they had fled, and they said Washington continued to support a full and independent investigation into the matter. "The department continues to call for an international investigation of the report and fully supports the efforts of United Nations Special Rapporteur Paulo Sergio Pinheiro to organize such an investigation," said one U.S. official. In the December 17 fact sheet, the State Department called on Myanmar's military government to cooperate with an independent investigation and to punish those found responsible. Friday December 27, 2:49 PM
Thai-Myanmar joint cabinet
meeting delayed by border security fears
BANGKOK, Dec 27 (AFP) - Thailand's planned joint cabinet meeting with Myanmar will be delayed due to concerns over security along their common border, Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said Friday. Thaksin said the meeting would be the last in a series of get-togethers with the leaders of neighbouring countries. A meeting with Malaysia's cabinet in the southern city of Hat Yai earlier this month was marred by a violent clash between police and protesters demonstrating over a planned Thai-Malaysian gas pipeline. After the trouble which broke out on the eve of the December 22 meeting, an unprecedented security operation involving 5,000 police, army and air force was rolled out in Hat Yai. Thaksin said the Myanmar talks would be held last after meetings with the cabinets of Singapore, Cambodia and Laos early next year. "The planned joint cabinet meeting with Myanmar probably will be last among our neighbouring countries due to border security concern," he told AFP. Several rebel armies operate on the Thai-Myanmar border, many of them involved in the opium and methamphetamines trafficking trade. Clashes between these groups and the Thai and Myanmar armies flare up frequently and are the source of constant diplomatic rows between the neighbours. Thaksin also said that the joint cabinet meeting with Cambodia is expected to be held in March in the northeastern province of Si Sa Ket. He said the meeting may be followed by dinner at Preah Vihear, an important 1,000-year-old temple set on a high ridge on Cambodian territory, which is only accessible from Thailand. During the 1950s and early 1960s, a dispute over the ownership of the temple seriously strained relations between the two countries. The World Court ruled in 1962 that the temple, consecrated to the Hindu god Shiva, belonged to Cambodia. The next joint cabinet meeting will be with Singaporean ministers on January 10-12. Dec 27 7:46 AM ET
Myanmar reiterates denials of
using rape as weapon of war
BANGKOK, Thailand (AP) _ Stung by criticism from the U.S. State Department, Myanmar's military government issued a new denial of charges that its army uses rape as an instrument of war. ``The notion of rape as a systematic national policy is abhorrent to the Government of Myanmar, which has never ordered, supported or condoned rape in any form,'' read a statement issued in Washington on Thursday by a U.S. company that lobbies for the military regime. The government ``stands with the rest of the world in denouncing rape of any kind, especially as an instrument of government policy or war,'' the statement said. The State Department said on Dec. 17 that its own investigation backed up allegations by two Thai-based human rights groups that Myanmar's military was conducting a campaign of sexual violence against females from the Shan ethnic minority. The Shan is one of several minorities that have been fighting for decades for autonomy from Myanmar's central government. The State Department said that its ``short, preliminary investigation'' in August located many victims whose stories were similar to those disseminated in a report by the Shan Human Rights Foundation and the Shan Women's Action Network. It said all 12 rape victims interviewed stated that they had been gang-raped by Myanmar soldiers sometime over the past five years, and most also reported knowing several other women or girls who had been raped or killed. ``All of the victims under 15 appeared severely traumatized by their experiences, were disturbed mentally, and spoke in whispers if at all,'' it said. ``The older women sobbed violently as they recalled horrific incidents of their own rapes as well as brutal rapes, torture and execution of family members.'' The report issued in June by the Shan human rights groups claimed to document 173 cases of rape and sexual violence. It received widespread publicity in July when the State Department said it would raise the issue with Myanmar officials. On several occasions since then, Myanmar's government has denied the accusation and questioned the credibility of the two Shan organizations that produced the reports. Both have loose ties to Shan anti-government groups. In its latest denial, Myanmar government spokesman Hla Min was quoted saying that rape ``is not, nor has it ever been an instrument of government policy.'' ``Prompt legal actions have been taken against servicemen as well as civilians in isolated cases which occurred not only in the Shan State but else where in the country,'' he was quoted saying. ``We are committed to finding and severely punishing the individuals guilty of committing these heinous crimes, if the allegations are true.'' Hla Min said his government was ready ``to assist and fully cooperate with any independent international organization,'' and had agreed to let the International Committee of the Red Cross carry out its humanitarian work in the areas where the rapes allegedly took place. A statement from Myanmar's Foreign Affairs Ministry charged that the rape allegations ``are being repeated with ulterior motives and are aimed at tarnishing the image of the country and its armed forces. ``It is not uncommon for insurgent groups and their supporters to propagate falsehoods whenever possible.'' It said the government ``places the highest priority on national unity. Therefore, it is completely illogical to allege that it could commit acts that would result in discord among the national races.'' Dec 27 8:30 PM ET
Myanmar government confirms
Japan to cancel debt as goodwill
YANGON, Myanmar (AP) _ Myanmar confirmed Friday that Japan has decided to cancel 158.5 billion yen (US$1.32 billion) in debt owed by Myanmar as a goodwill, people-to-people, gesture. Tokyo recently decided to write off the debt _ one third of the total Myanmar owes Japan _ in April 2003, according to Japanese foreign ministry sources. ``Myanmar and Japan can effectively benefit each other through economic and trade co-operation,'' said a Myanmar government spokesman when asked how Yangon could reciprocate. ``Myanmar has already extended an invitation to the Japanese government as well as the Japanese business community to invest in Myanmar for mutual benefit.'' He spoke on customary condition of anonymity. A Japanese diplomat who also asked not to be named said it is the biggest amount of debt Tokyo has ever agreed to cancel. ``Japan did not attach any conditions to the debt cancellation but hopes to see Myanmar's government advance the effort in reforming several areas,'' the diplomat added. He did not elaborate. Myanmar is one of the region's poorest countries, and efforts to liberalize the economy after decades of socialism have so far failed to spur significant economic growth and investment. Japan is the largest aid donor to Myanmar. Tokyo suspended Official Development Assistance grants for major projects in Myanmar after the military took power in 1988 by crushing pro-democracy demonstrations, but has given aid under a Grassroots Grant Assistance program for small projects in rural areas. Independent-Bangladesh -
(27-12-2002.)
Post Editorial - Myanmar-Bangladesh-India gas pipeline The subject needs a closer look Brig Gen (retd) Sakhawat Hussain It has been observed that whenever the issue of our gas export comes it is always considered that export should be made through pipeline. Considering the geopolitical scenario obtaining in the north-eastern region of India the people have got some serious misgivings and fear about gas pipeline. The common citizens have the right to know whether there is any alternative to pipeline and if so what would be the size of cost involvement. This important disclosure can dispel doubts, misgivings, misunderstandings and confusions. Very recently The Independent published a detailed report on a proposal for Myanmar-Bangladesh-India gas pipeline, a 1 billion dollar project. Interestingly the proposal coincides with the issue of exportation of Bangladesh gas through a separate pipeline to India. A couple of years back the increasing demand of Indian energy market had forced Delhi to look for cheaper alternative sources in countries likes Bangladesh and Myanmar. Coincidentally, favourable for India, that Unocal, the prim-mover of Bangladesh gas export, holds its bigger stake in exportable quantity of gas in Bangladesh and it partnered with neighbouring Myanmar's state owned company. The US Company had to withdraw its investment by selling off its share to MOGC (Myanmar Oil and Gas Company) under pressure from Clinton administration, yet the IOC is in favourable terms with Myanmar authority. Under increasing domestic pressure the then US President Clinton had to enact presidential ban on further US investment in Myanmar on the ground of human rights abuse by the ruling military regime. Unocal then operating Yadana natural gas field off shore Myanmar with more than 5 tcf world class gas ready for export. The company also faced couple of lawsuits in the US on alleged human rights violation while constructing 1.5 billion dollar pipeline up to Thailand. Incidentally, the proposal that was submitted by Unocal Bangladesh to Petrobangla for export of gas targets the same market i.e. North India. Before we discuss the Myanmar-India pipeline it would not be out of context to discuss in brief the Unocal proposal to Bangladesh government. The project named Bangladesh Natural Gas Pipeline Project (BNGPP) is targeted to export 500 million cubic meters per day for 20 years. The experts in Bangladesh are yet to be specific as regards the exact reserve that the country has. The conservative estimate is 12-15 Tcf proven reserve in 4 large fields that are considered to be economically viable. Meanwhile Unocal had obtained "letter of intentions" (LOIs) from prospective buyers in India. The report insisted that Bangladesh government must take quick decision to seize the "window of opportunity" that now exists in Indian market. Many analysts felt that the IOC was using pressure tactics on Bangladesh government. Would the latest move create more pressure on the pro-export lobby within the government? One has to wait for that result. However, as reported earlier, Delhi has concluded gas import agreement with Myanmar for North Indian market and the shortest route possible for the market would be through Bangladesh, connecting the proposed Habiganj-India pipeline. Unocal that had 31 percent of share in a joint venture with Total of France, that had 28 percent stock, have already completed the pipeline from Myanmar's Yadana field, 70 kilometres off the Andaman Sea. The project aimed to carry natural gas to Thailand for 2,800-megawatt capacity power plant operated by Electric Generating Authority of Thailand at Ratchbury. Remaining share was owned by Myanmar Oil and Gas Enterprise (MOGE). Total (French oil company) withdrew under pressure selling their stock to Unocal and in 1998 while withdrawing its commitment after US embargo Unocal sold the entire share to MOGE. The project was completed with estimates cost of 1.2 billion dollars. Along with other fields Yadana has surplus gas to be sold to India that needs safer, shorter and secured route to the mainland India. Thus Delhi funds the export proposal safer to use Bangladesh as the probable India-Myanmar pipeline corridor as North-eastern States of India are in a state of ceaseless insurgency. Though Delhi is in a reconciliatory mood to negotiate with separatist NSCNL (National Socialist Council of Nagaland) leader Muhiva but it is hard to predict the outcome. Naga insurgency is 54 years old that influences insurgency movement elsewhere. The route suggested reduces distance around Bangladesh through Indian territories to a larger extend that would reduce the total expenditure of the project. Unocal Bangladesh, thus exerting pressure on its recommended sale of gas through pipeline that would ultimately facilitate joining with Indo-Myanmar pipeline as and when needed. In such event of the paramount question of the security of the pipeline, Bangladesh portion needs a closer look, notwithstanding the implied far- reaching strategic consequences that the arrangement may associate. One has to take all aspects into account especially in a region where mistrust is hard to be wished away. Meanwhile, according to an agency report, to construct Myanmar-Bangladesh-India natural gas pipeline an international consortium proposes to set up a gas pipeline over Bangladesh connecting Myanmar with the Indian states of Tripura and West Bengal. Sources said the Indian Energy Ministry had put forward the proposal of "Trans Myanmar-Bangladesh Gas Pipeline" to Bangladesh Prime Minister for getting her approval in principle. It was said to have been discussed with Indian National Security Adviser, Brijesh Mishara when he made a low profile visit soon after the present government in Bangladesh was installed. The consortium claimed that it had already got 'no objection' letters for the proposed gas pipeline from the governments of Myanmar and India as well as those of Tripura and West Bengal. According to the proposal Bangladesh government would not make any investment in pipeline construction. The entire investment would be met from foreign private sources, including payment for land acquisition. Land acquisition and the compensation may give rise to social economic problems in already shrinking arable land in a thickly populated country like Bangladesh. Be it as it may, Gas Transmission Company Limited (GTCL), a subsidiary of Petrobangla, has been proposed as the authority for inspecting pipeline construction and maintenance that will bring foreign exchange. The said report published in a leading Indian daily further adds that "it categorically states that the proposed line would not be an alternative or competitor to the proposal of gas pipeline between Bangladesh and India of Unocal or any other international oil company. The proposed Trans-Myanmar-Bangladesh gas pipeline would also not be connected with any local gas field, but it could be used in future if gas import seemed to be necessary for the country. If the pipeline is constructed, Bangladesh would also get a gas line connection up to Thailand". The news item titled " Myanmar gas for India through Bangladesh" was published on 18, 2002. As discussed, Unocal is the largest investor and main operative in Myanmar. The company had to face two law suit in the district court of California for alleged human rights violation and environment pillage while constructing the pipeline. A serious charge was brought against the company alleging that Unocal resorted to bonded labour, the charge that was denied by the company lawyer. The charge also mentioned forceful eviction of villagers without adequate compensation en route the pipeline to Thailand. The lawsuit had embarrassed the leading IOCs around the world. It may not be out of place to mention that it was Unocal that entered into Central Asia in almost the corresponding year of re-entry into Bangladesh and Myanmar. Unocal's entry into Central Asia was not smooth; it had to compete with Argentinean Company Birdas in Afghanistan. Unocal- Birdas tussle over Trans Afghan Pipeline (TAP) is now part of the turbulent history of Central Asian Oil and Gas Pipeline Project, Centgas. The tussle saw the culmination of Taliban regime in Afghanistan and un-ceremonial exit of Birdas from the TAP race. The project remains dormant now. Many analysts of international repute are of the opinion that it was Central Asian natural resources that brought the misery that many are still going through. All said and done, it seems that Bangladesh would soon enter into international energy diplomacy, that is now in the focus elsewhere in Central and South Asia. The aim of this article is not what Bangladesh government should do on the question of gas export but is to discuss the regional scenario on the issue of gas and oil that is now taking the center stage world over. The government of Bangladesh must weigh all pros and cons, that includes the security environment now prevailing in South Asia, before taking any decision on the issue of gas export. It has been observed that whenever the question of gas export comes it is always considered that export should be made through pipeline. Considering the geopolitical scenario obtaining in the north-eastern region of India the people have got some serious misgivings and fear about gas pipeline. The common citizens have the right to know whether there is any alternative to pipeline and if so what would be the size of cost involvement. This important disclosure can dispel doubts, misgivings, misunderstandings and confusions If that decision is in favour of export, then the cause of the difference of views amongst the national and foreign experts, about reserve position should be, or else a gap between the government and the people would be created. Again, the question of keeping a portion of it for own consumption does not arise unless the actual reserve position is known. What is surprising is that our national experts and the experts who like us to believe that gas reserve in Bangladesh is abundant and as such the country should immediately opt for exporting gas greatly differ about the actual reserve position. Two committees set up by the government recently, one for assessment and the other for utilization of natural gas, submitted their reports. According to the report of the assessment committee the actual gas reserve is far less than what is estimated by the experts working for the International Oil Companies. The Washington Post
Editorial - An Opportunity in Burma Friday, December 27, 2002; Page A24 ONE OF THE CHALLENGES for those seeking to promote democracy in tyrannies around the world is the frequent absence of a peaceful opposition to work with. In Iraq, the reception exiles might receive upon return is uncertain, and Saddam Hussein's secret police have quashed any possibility of civil society inside the nation. North Korea's people are beaten into submission and starvation. In Iran, to complete the tour of President Bush's "axis of evil," there is a vibrant opposition, but America's checkered history in that country means that any support must be offered with delicate sensitivity. All of which makes Burma all the more remarkable as an exception to the rule. It's a lush and potentially wealthy nation with a population of close to 50 million, but its despotic regime (which calls the country Myanmar) would fit comfortably on Mr. Bush's axis. The ruling generals enrich themselves, protect drug lords and have imprisoned more than 1,000 people who peacefully expressed a desire for freedom. And yet, amazingly, a pro-democracy party survives. Led by Aung San Suu Kyi, the National League for Democracy enjoys legitimacy rare in a dictatorship because it overwhelmingly won an election in 1990; the junta, having wildly mistaken its own popularity, annulled the results. Aung San Suu Kyi, though under house arrest for most of the past dozen years, continues to enjoy enormous respect and popularity, judging by reports of crowds that turn out to see her when she travels the provinces -- even though her party is not permitted to publish any kind of newspaper and the state-controlled press never reports on her travels. You would think this rare circumstance would be seized upon by the Bush administration as an opportunity. Some officials do in fact seek to support the democrats. But others are inexplicably tempted to consort with the dictators. There was lately a misguided move to increase cooperation on drug control that was derailed with difficulty, thanks in part to pressure from pro-democracy Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), incoming chairman of the Appropriations Committee's foreign operations subcommittee. More recently, America's highest-ranking diplomat in Burma gave a cheery interview to the junta's stooge newspaper. What could she have been thinking? Under pressure from U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan and others, the junta released Aung San Suu Kyi, the 1991 Nobel peace laureate, from house arrest on May 6 and promised to initiate a dialogue with her party. But no dialogue is taking place; in fact, things seem to be moving in the wrong direction. A crowd of 20,000 people who gathered to hear their democracy leader in a provincial city recently was threatened with fire hoses; she climbed aboard a fire engine to block such abuse, then persuaded the crowd to peacefully disperse. President Bush should make clear that dialogue must begin; a number of levers, including a possible import ban, remain at his disposal. He'll rarely have a more unqualified chance to show U.S. support for nonviolent democrats. Bangkok Post - Friday
27 December 2002
Editorial - Appeasement can go only so far Pandering to Burma appears to take priority over much else under this administration. When the Third Army commander said recently that a billion methamphetamine pills were expected to be smuggled across the border next year, an estimate the Burmese military heatedly rejected, the Royal Thai Army took the unprecedented step of calling a press conference to say it had no such official estimate and the figure given was a personal one. The Thai army helped the Burmese junta to undermine the credibility of one of its own top officers. Topping that this week, Gen Thammarak Isarangkura na Ayudhaya, the defence minister, announced that Task Force 399, the army's elite drug fighting unit, would be relieved of its drug suppression role because Rangoon regards it with suspicion. Designed as an intelligence gathering and rapid deployment force, Task Force 399 is a key instrument in tracking the movement of drugs and taking the fight against traffickers to the border before they can get their deadly merchandise to the streets of Thailand. That, sadly, does not seem to be as important to the government as not upsetting Rangoon. Has this unofficial policy to appease Burma at all cost now finally taken priority over even the government's own much touted war on drugs? While the Burmese military junta does nothing to dissuade the United Wa State Army, an ally it conveniently claims to have no influence over, from pouring a billion speed pills into Thailand, the Thaksin Shinawatra government is dismantling one of its most effective tools against drug trafficking. Though Gen Somdhat Attanand, the army chief hand-picked by Mr Thaksin, stressed that the task force had not been disbanded and would be used for intelligence gathering, make no mistake: Task Force 399 is history in all but name. The authorities just do not want to admit it for fear of being seen as yielding to Burma. The elite force of 200 troops from the special forces, infantry and border patrol police has been regarded with suspicion by Burma, and China as well, since its formation early last year. The force was trained by US military advisers and officers of the US Drug Enforcement Administration. The unit is equipped with five Black Hawk helicopters and night operations equipment, and reportedly gets intelligence from the Americans in the form of satellite surveillance photos. The US has also pledged $2.3 million a year from DEA coffers to fund the operations of the task force. Rangoon has charged that Task Force 399 was sent across the border in May this year to attack Wa positions, an allegation denied by then army commander Gen Surayud Chulanont. But since he was kicked upstairs to become supreme commander in August, the operations of the force have come to a virtual standstill. Plans to upgrade it to a centre to oversee all drug operations were also shelved. Though the super secret task force does not make public any information on its operations, drug suppression sources rate it very highly. It gathered accurate and valuable intelligence and coordinated field operations with other police and military forces. It has been responsible for the seizure of millions of methamphetamine pills, two million of which were seized in operations conducted by it alone. Improving relations with our neighbours is certainly desirable. Relations with Rangoon plummeted to an all time low last year and there was the real danger of a border conflict. Presenting the junta with incentives to come to the negotiating table is fine, even if it takes a little appeasing. But this should not be pursued at all cost. The line must be drawn where our own national interest is at stake. And the effectiveness of our drugs suppression effort is as good a line as any. Asian Tribune
Date : 2002-12-27 Mega dam project for Shan State By Win Kyaw Oo A Thai company has reached agreement with the Myanmar government to build a massive hydro-electric dam on the Than Lwin River in southern Shan State. The dam, expected to cost up to US$4 billion, will be the biggest of its kind in Southeast Asia, said Mr Swarng Champa, managing director of the Bangkok-based MDX Group, after the agreement was signed with the Department of Hydro-electric Power in Yangon on December 20.< The MDX Group will finance the 4600-megawatt project through its own resources and loans raised in Thailand, Swarng told Myanmar Times in a telephone interview. Most of the electricity generated by the dam will be sold to Thailand. The company will build the dam across the Than Lwin River near Tasam Township, about 300 miles northeast of Yangon. It will be a build, operate and transfer project, providing for the dam to be eventually returned to the government, though these details and those surrounding the sale of electricity to Thailand are yet to be finalised. Swarng said a preliminary study carried out seven years ago had resulted in plans for dam 800 meters long and about 220 metres high. He said the first phase of the project, due to be completed in 2007, involved the installation of 200-megawatt turbine to provide power for construction purposes and to supply nearby communities. The second phase of the project involves the installation of another three turbines capable of Measures taken by the committee to improve road safety have included educational campaigns and heavy fines for those caught violating traffic regulations. The committee has also installed road signs urging safer driving and has broadcast traffic safety measures on television. The Yangon City Development Committee is also working to reduce the accident rate. U Aung Zin, the deputy head of the YCDC� engineering department (roads and bridges) said road safety projects included the installation of yellow flashing lights at some pedestrian crossings and �at eye�reflectors in some areas to make center lines more visible at night. - Myanmar Times. |