RSO news

[mbeer@xxxxxxxxxxx]

Excerpted from RSO newsletter. Sept. 15, 1994 by Michael Beer

RSO Editorial:
"Without Suu Kyi, the ship of Burmese democracy will be without a 
rudder and she has already demonstrated her freedom from frear despite 
all the suffereings and inconveniences.  The blood of all the nationalities 
of Burma has already been spilled over through the rivers of Burma and it 
should discontinue from now on.  It will only be possible when a dynamic 
leader like Suu Kyi takes control of the ship for the betterment of the 
future of Burma."

"Under no circumstances should the SLORC go ahead with the framing 
of a new consititution according ot their own design and superficially talk 
with Suu Kyi for showing to the international and regional forum that 
SLORC ios trying to solve the political crisis through dialogue."

Michael's Comments:
This is the RSO's strongest endorsement of Aung San Suu Kyi to date.  
Her support from the diversity of Burmese groups is remarkable.

RSO News:
Speedier repatriation taking place.
It is understood that removal of hundreds of Rohingya refugees from the 
camps has created a pyschological impact on those who have remained in 
the camps.  Although the refugees know well that the situation in Arakan 
has not improved despite the presence of UNHCR there, they are also 
thinkg of their uncertain camp life in Bangladesh where indirect pressure 
has reportedly been applied to upgrade the scale of repatriation.

Forced labor continues:
Na Sa Ka officials recently ordered the surrounding villagers of 
Maungdaw township to supply 2000 labourers to guard the vhf tower on 
the top of 10 mile tunnel hill.  The order was given to local village 
headmen since 18th August, 1994 to guard against RSO attacks.  
Although there were armed operations carried out by RSO fighters during 
the last two or three months, presently the area is reasonably calm and the 
move made by the government is simply a lame excuse to harass the local 
villagers.

Burma Bangladesh border trade starting soon.
All signs point to increased border trade. Many Bangladeshi businessmen 
(sic) are keen to do business with Burma particularly in fishery, forestry, 
and toiletry sectors and if the trade formalities are made easier, the cross 
border trade likely will take a faster pace.  It may be mentioned here that 
bulk of the shrimp exported from Bangladesh is originally from Arakan.


Michael Beer
mbeer@xxxxxxxxxxx