Subject: BURMA: News Excerpts From Around The World
The following news excerpts are from Black Puma News Services in Bangkok. It is
one of Underground Burmese Student Group. I will not be able to reply any
message concerning this report.
*******************************************************************************
To: TUN MYINT TMYINT@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Source: Reuter Textline
Australian Financial Review
June 21, 1995
LENGTH: 1440 words
HEADLINE: THAILAND: REFORMS THREATEN THAI CARTELS
BYLINE: From PAUL CLEARY - AFR Correspondent in Bangkok
BODY:
THE bureaucrats run the Government in Thailand and a network of wealthy
Chinese families run the economy, with the two having happily coexisted for
decades.
But ambitious plans by the Bank of Thailand to liberalise the financial
sector are aimed directly at breaking up the 50-year domination by a Sino- ...
In addition to the obvious benefits of greater competition, the reforms are
aimed at raising Bangkok's profile as a financial centre and making it the main
entry point for funds flowing to southern China and Burma.
Citibank's regional manager, Mr Robert Wilson, told a conference earlier
this month that the reforms would address a big constraint on Thailand's
development - access to a steady supply of long-term ...
Source: Reuter Textline
Australian Financial Review
June 20, 1995
LENGTH: 1720 words
HEADLINE: AUSTRALIA: INDIAN OCEAN AN UNDERRATED REGION WITH A KEY
ROLE TO PLAY
BYLINE: By SANDY GORDON
BODY:
... outcomes of the conference or the potential significance of the Indian
Ocean region.
To begin with, the view that the Indian Ocean is not "worth the candle" is
short-sighted on several grounds.
It ignores the considerable potential of the rapidly liberalising
economies of South Asia. Even a hard-headed business "think-tank" such as the
Economic Intelligence Unit of The Economist is of the view that India may be a
better long-term investment bet than China.
But whether or not ...
... about their present status.
Criticism of the conference also ignores the potential synergism that could
develop should an Indian Ocean grouping with similar trade protocols to APEC
ever be established.
It is false to think of "Asia" as somehow ending at Burma. The South and
East-Asian markets will be increasingly integrated, especially given a common
trade protocol regime.
Trade routes and sea lanes of communication do not respect Australia's
notion of what constitutes Asia. ...
___________________________________________
Proprietary to the United Press International 1995
June 20, 1995, Tuesday, BC cycle
SECTION: International
LENGTH: 390 words
DATELINE: RANGOON, June 20
KEYWORD: ; BURMA -NEOCOLONIALISTS
BODY:
Burma's military strongman has praised the achievements of tough-governing
Indonesia and Singapore while blaming news agencies, neocolonialists and opium
smugglers ...
... control and giving various excuses such as that of human rights ... to
interfere in the internal affairs of the country.'' Khin Nyunt, who also heads
Burma's feared Military Intelligence secret police, lashed out at the junta's
enemies in a speech Monday to school ...
... military rule in Indonesia. The Burmese junta has also showed
considerable interest in Singapore, which has managed to build a strong
economy while stifling virtually all political opposition. Singapore also has
been one of the staunchest defenders of the policy of ''constructive
engagement'' toward Burma's military government, while investing heavily in
the Burmese economy. ''Myanmar ( Burma) has to follow the examples of these
nations,'' Khin Nyunt said, ''and exert strenuous efforts to be abreast with the
nations of the region.''
_______________________________
Copyright 1995 The Straits Times Press Limited
The Straits Times (Singapore)
June 19, 1995
SECTION: Comment/Analysis; Pg. 26
LENGTH: 2334 words
HEADLINE: Regional solidarity as Vietnam joins Asean
BODY:
IISS STRATEGIC COMMENTS
Confidence in Viet economy, diplomatic challenge for Asean
VIETNAM will in mid-July become the seventh member of the Association of
South-East ...
... east Asia and should further enhance regional solidarity. In the long
term it is also likely to lead Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar ( Burma) -the only
South-east Asian countries who remain outside Asean -to join.
For Vietnam, membership of Asean will ...
... acceptance of Vietnam's new-found credentials as a good regional citizen
and further encourage confidence in its rapidly developing economy.
... stem from conventional external threat, although the military balance is
unfavourable.
Indeed, China and Vietnam share similiar models of political economy, and
the ruling party in Beijing does not wish to see a neighbouring ruling Communist
Party collapse along East ...
-----------------------------------------------
Source: Reuter Textline
Bangkok Post
June 18, 1995
LENGTH: 2827 words
HEADLINE: BURMA: THERE'S DOLLARS IN THE EYES OF SOME IN BURMA
BODY:
... country in question.
Burmese people hope the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) will
re-evaluate its policy of constructive engagement.
But cravings for a large bite of the investment potential of Burma and not
wanting to lose out in the "pressure cooker" global economic race, Asean has
conveniently turned a blind eye to the economic realities of the country as well
as the nature of the Burmese military leaders.
Gary ...
... Studies, Chulalongkorn University, said the term "constructive
engagement" was first used in South Africa and later adopted by Mr Arsa Sarasin,
former foreign minister, to be used in diplomatic dealings with Burma.
The term refers to a policy of influencing and exposing Burma through
trade relations and soft diplomatic relations.
This is an attempt to bring about change and reform in Burma and
eventually promote political reform. The Asean community, which is spearheading
this concept, is also adhering to a policy of non-intervention in the domestic
policies of Burma.
Many participants at the seminar, however, believe the economic, social and
political situation in Burma clearly shows "constructive engagement" only
benefits a selected few - specifically military leaders and those who have
connections with them.
Kiatichai Pongpanich, the editor of Khao Sod daily, who formerly worked with
an international NGO in Burma for several years, said the process of drafting
a constitution has been prolonged by the State Law and Order Restoration Council
(Slorc).
This only helps the military strengthen their hold on to power and draft a
...
... ruling military junta to exploit rich natural resources without benefits
filtering to the local population.
According to Thailand's Office of Commercial Affairs in Rangoon, as of March
31, there were 107 foreign projects in Burma with a total investment of $
2.23bn. One wonders how much of this sum benefits the people.
There have been changes to the terms of foreign direct investment
promotions, banking deregulation and domestic price controls brought by the
Slorc ...
... Slorc now is confident it can get away with repression. This is not
surprising as Slorc has reaped a sizeable amount of international economic
support and state-of-the-art weaponry.
"It is true that we sell arms to Burma. If we do not sell to them, others
will do so. We sell the weapons to Burma to help them maintain law and order,"
said an academic from China.
Slorc knows what motivates the international community.
For as long as they open their economy and allow foreign investment to
penetrate and flourish, the fraction of the international community that is
largely motivated by dollar signs will conveniently close one eye to the
repressive actions of the military junta.
There are many countries which Burma can turn to. Wung Jung from China
rates his country similar to Burma in many aspects. His definition of human
rights is merely to fill "one's stomach". One wonders the kind of influence big
neighbour China has on Burma.
He added that political change cannot occur if people are living in poverty.
China and Burma mutually reassures each other's actions. Their governing
concepts and perspectives are very similar and their trade relations are
ever-increasing.
Sino-Burmese trade has increased from $ 4.895m in 1993 to $ 5.29m in 1994.
Andrew Selth, from the Australian National University, explained the complex
relationship that the "triangle" - China, Burma and India have.
Tension-plagued relations between India and Burma means minority and insurgent
groups of both countries support each other.
The Slorc turned to China in 1988 to ensure its immediate survival and help
restore Burma's diplomatic and economic standing in world affairs.
It is in the interest of the international community to watch close
relations between China and Burma. China sees the potential of accessing the
Indian Ocean through Burma and the latter benefits greatly from economic and
arms trade with China.
While the governments of the West, Amnesty International and various other
human rights watch groups have criticised Burma for their repressive actions
towards the Burmese population, it has failed to make change.
Slorc is already at a stage where it is immune to international
condemnation. An attitude prevails: "So what if there is outside pressure.
Business will continue to flock into Burma. "
According to " Burma, an Alternative Guide", published by Burma Action
Group, Singaporeans top the list of hotel investors in Burma, with a total sum
of $ 290.2m followed by Thailand ($ 109.5m). This is in conjunction with
"Visit Myanmar Year, 1996".
"We can't deny that many business groups from these countries continue to
invest in Burma and build close relations with the Slorc government," said Dr
Thanet Charoenmung from Chiang Mai University.
Dr Thanet presented an alternative approach in dealing with Burma. He said
his view may not be acceptable, but he believes in the long run it would help
the Burmese people.
He said the world should strengthen its relationship with both the military
junta and the Burmese population.
Closer ties are ...
... more.
When ties with the external world are closer, there will be increased
interaction which will lead to an increase of information.
According to Dr Thanet, this will serve as an important foundation for the
building of a democratic Burma. He made a comparison with the democratic
development in Thailand, which was brought about by more Thais being exposed to
the outside world through education abroad prior to the 1932 revolution.
But a conference participant from Australia said Thailand and Burma have
different social and cultural backgrounds. Therefore, Dr Thanet's suggestion may
not be applicable.
Harn Yawngwhe, programme director and editor of Burma Alert from Canada,
said some countries had used excuses for not dealing with the internal affairs
of another country.
He said countries which have not established relations with Burma say they
are not in a position to do so. But countries actively involved in the economy
of Burma do not want to put their economic interest at risk.
Despite economic potential of Burma, the context for investment is not
ideal. Inflation is soaring, contradictory exchange rates abound and corruption
is rampant.
And instead of creating employment for the masses through a series of
infrastructure development projects, villagers are forced to provide voluntary
labour.
The international business community investing in Burma seem to have paid
no attention to blatant injustices. The sacrifice of human lives is not part of
their investment calculation cost as they look at Burma through rose-coloured
glasses smeared with economic figures.
However, amid shareholders' pressure and consumer boycotts, several
companies have already pulled out of Burma. They are Eddie Bauer, Amoco,
Petro-Canada, Macy's, Levi-Strauss and Liz Clairborne.
Coca Cola and Reebok have also refused to do business with the military.
They vowed not to enter until there is a substantial improvement in human
rights.
Burma lacks a pool of qualified workers. A participant at the conference
claimed that before Slorc took over, Burma had the highest level of literacy
among Southeast Asian countries.
But when universities were shut down after the 1988 riots, illiteracy
climbed.
Maureen Aung-Thwin, from the Open Society Institute, New York, said there is
a massive brain drain in Burma. Those who can leave the country will do so
in search for work abroad. S he proposed the idea of selective engagement. "We
should politically isolate the Slorc government but engage them culturally. In
this way, we will be able to provide more education and expose Burmese to the
world."
There is a lack of a comprehensive investment strategy in Burma. The
economic reforms undertaken by Slorc clearly show how little they know about the
subject.
It does not make economic sense nor reflect a government genuine about
improving the quality of life ...
----------------------------------------------------
Source: Reuter Textline
Bangkok Post
June 18, 1995
LENGTH: 920 words
HEADLINE: THAILAND: "CONSTRUCTIVE ENGAGEMENT" POLICY TOWARDS
BURMA CRITICISED
BYLINE: By SUPARA JANCHITFAH and SYLVIA SAMUEL
BODY:
"Constructive engagement" policy is "a slap in the face for Thailand," said
Mr Vitit Muntarbhorn at a recent seminar organised by the Action Committee for
Democracy in Burma (ACDB) at Chulalongkorn University.
The Chulalongkorn law professor warned that if Thailand's foreign policy
towards Burma continues to be passive, it will have to face the consequences
of an increasingly aggressive Burma.
In past months, Thailand had to endure repeated incursions by Rangoon-backed
renegade Karen soldiers of the break-away Democratic Karen Buddhist Army who
attacked refugee villages on Thai ...
... during the Chatichai Choonhavan period, economics was the main thrust of
Thailand's security. The political and territorial aspects were not taken into
consideration.
He said if Thailand continues to adopt a "policy of confusion" and practise
"double standards", Burma will continue to exploit this passivity.
Mr Vitit said it had also led to Thailand losing any leverage it could have
over Burma. The blossoming Sino-Burmese relationship and the recent
strengthening of Burma's economic ties with Indonesia and Singapore, as seen
in a recent bilateral agreement signed to boost trade, does not benefit
Thailand.
He called for a democratically elected government to have a "foreign policy
that is democratic" and pressed the need for a change in content in the way
Thailand deals with and responds to Burma.
Also addressing the Karen refugee issue, he urged the adoption of a
humanitarian approach which would gear towards voluntary repatriation instead of
the "push-back approach" or forceful repatriation. "It is a constant outflow
of money to the local Thai economy, " Ms Ratchada Chaisawat the Coordinator of
Union for Civil Liberty said of her recent visit to Wangka refugee camp.
"They have to pay 10 baht (unofficial) to leave the camp to go to Mae Sot
town and have to pay ...
----------------------------------------------
Copyright 1995 The Times Mirror Company
Los Angeles Times
June 18, 1995, Sunday, Bulldog Edition
SECTION: Part A; Page 4; Advance Desk
LENGTH: 727 words
HEADLINE: TOURISTS MUST RACE TO SEE RANGOON AT ITS EXOTIC BEST;
MYANMAR: 'PROGRESS' IS APPARENT IN THE ROMANTIC METROPOLIS AS
COLONIAL BUILDINGS
FALL TO BULLDOZERS AND HIGH-RISES PIERCE THE SKYLINE. 'IN THE NEXT 10
YEARS,
RANGOON WILL BE LIKE BANGKOK,' ONE DEVELOPER PREDICTS.
BYLINE: By DENIS D. GRAY, ASSOCIATED PRESS
DATELINE: YANGON, Myanmar
BODY:
... department stores and hotels that will cater to an expected tourist boom
in this still-exotic land, formerly named Burma.
... past.
Rangoon had been frozen in time because a socialist, xenophobic government
kept out investment and all but ruined the economy. Major construction was
rare.
The current military junta, which seized power after crushing a pro-democracy
uprising in 1988, has liberalized the economy, invited foreign investors and
laid down modernization plans. Irrevocable changes to Rangoon's character began
about two years ...
... at sundown and stiff upper lips.
But on the grounds, Khin Shwe has had a large mural painted that showcases
Burma's natural and man-made wonders, including, naturally, his own hotel.
Rangoon itself is depicted as a phalanx of skyscrapers, and could easily be ...
-----------------------------------------
Copyright 1995 Deutsche Presse-Agentur
Deutsche Presse-Agentur
June 16, 1995, Friday, BC Cycle
10:34 Central European Time
SECTION: Financial Pages
LENGTH: 574 words
HEADLINE: Singapore aims to be European gateway
DATELINE: Singapore
Welcoming the Prime Minister of the German state of Baden-Wuerttemberg,
Erwin Teufel, Goh praised Chancellor Helmut Kohl for urging German industry to
step up investment in Asia's emerging economies and "to look East for more
business opportunities".
Goh said the European Union (E.U.) was Singapore's third largest export
market, accounting for about 13 per cent of Singapore's total exports.
Last year, Singapore's exports to E.U. ...
... building partnerships and an international mindset towards business," he
added.
Last year, Singapore was the top investor in Vietnam, fourth in Thailand,
and fifth in China. In terms of cumulative investments, Singapore ranked fourth
largest in Burma. dpa ar ds
----------------------------------------
Copyright 1995 The Daily Telegraph plc
The Daily Telegraph
June 15, 1995, Thursday
SECTION: Pg. 17
LENGTH: 1157 words
HEADLINE: The tribe that can't admit it was wrong The Japanese still refuse to
say sorry for atrocities committed in the last war. JOHN KEEGAN, Defence Editor,
looks at their shameful record and explains what we want them to apologise for
BODY:
... pursue an ideological policy of racial extermination, as the Nazi party
did, the Japanese of the war years committed aggression against almost all their
Asian neighbours, invaded and occupied their countries, treated their
populations with contempt, exploited their economies, worked hundreds of
thousands of their citizens to death by forced labour and ended the lives of
millions by maltreatment or deliberate killing. On American, British and Dutch
servicemen who fell into their hands they inflicted terrible ...
... many of whom died when their convoys were attacked by American submarines
- were held in camps deliberately sited next to American bombing targets, as
what today would be called "human shields". The prisoners dispatched to build
the railway between Burma and Thailand - the infamous " Burma railway" - were
deprived of medical care, in an environment where disease was rife and cholera
outbreaks were frequent, and kept on starvation rations while being forced to
perform the heaviest manual labour. Over 12,000 of the ...
----------------------------------------------------------
Source: Reuter Textline
Bangkok Post
June 13, 1995
LENGTH: 1387 words
HEADLINE: BURMA: SLORC SUCCESS IN INDONESIA AND SINGAPORE WORRIES
WEST
BODY:
Both sides also plan to increase air links and cooperate in the areas of
forestry, telecommunications and fisheries.
A similar agreement was also signed between Burma and Singapore to further
strengthen economic cooperation and expand trade, especially in tourism and
agricultural business.
A joint ministerial body will be set up to oversee joint projects.
The two countries also agreed to ...
... see the country recognised internationally soon," an article in the
Bangkok Bank Monthly Review noted.
Natural resources, cheap labour and a big market of 42m are enough to
attract foreign investment to Burma. Its foreign investment now totals $
2.23bn - leading investors are from the US, France and Singapore.
Rangoon is clearly taking advantage of the lack of concerted efforts from
the international community to pressure it to transfer power to civilian winners
of the ...
... house arrest.
Tanet Charoenmuang, a political scientist at Chiang Mai University who also
attended the conference, proposed that since there is no unity in dealing with
the junta, an alternative would be to face the reality of Burma's economic
magnet and try to instil change at grassroots level for the long term.
Titled "the democratically constructive engagement" approach, it has one key
element which is lacking from ASEAN's policy - clear objectives toward
democratisation in Burma, Tanet told the conference.
"ASEAN has the advantage of being able to have dialogue with the Burmese
ruling regime, but it does not have concrete measures to improve the situation
in the country, except for building close business ties," he said his paper.
The alternative approach calls for close ties with the junta with the
objective being to help it develop its economy, communication and transport
system, bureaucracy, banking system, human resources and other aspects.
"By opening up Burma in all aspects, especially with input from the
outside, the Burmese in a new era should have new opportunities to build their
nation," he said.
-
BANGKOK POST, June 13, 1995, P1
----------------------------------------------------
Source: Reuter Textline
Bangkok Post
June 11, 1995
LENGTH: 1160 words
HEADLINE: BURMA: 'CONSTRUCTIVE ENGAGEMENT' HAS NOT RESULTED IN A
BETTER BURMA
BODY:
BURMA'S military leaders, while preparing to secure control of the
country, recently paid official visits to Indonesia and Singapore to foster
stronger diplomatic and economic ties and at the same time build up solidarity
between ...
... on are not of their concern. And they don't care whether a government is
legitimate.
Indeed, depressingly, analysts, dissidents and western leaders believe that
Asean is in the best position to play a major role in changing Burma for the
better. But this is not happening. Asean is confident that its controversial
"constructive engagement" policy will work as it continues to exploit that
country economically.
Asean's policy towards Burma has only served to entrench the power of a
pariah regime and extend to it the legitimacy it so desperately desires.
Burma's so-called allies have, however, refused to abandon their approach
towards the military regime despite repeated calls from the Burmese people and
the West.
Asean strongly believes that by talking and trading with Slorc, it will act
as an incentive to improve their economy and will eventually lead to an
improved political climate in Burma.
This is not so. The recent crackdown on opposition leaders and their
continual refusal to free Daw Aung San Suu Kyi clearly reflects the generals are
only becoming more tyrannical.
Former Col Kyi ...
... Burmese people are anxiously waiting for the July deadline when they
expect Suu Kyi to be released. Signs of unrest are slowly emerging in the
country. Recently, it was rumoured that the Ye Zin University in upper Burma
was closed down after a clash erupted between students and officials.
Burma's powerful intelligence chief Lt Gen Khin Nyunt recently told Philip
Shenon of the New York Times that Suu Kyi will not be freed until "there is the
guarantee of peace and tranquility in our country," ...
... Richardson was recently in Rangoon for two days and tried to meet Suu Kyi
again. Richardson had first met the Nobel Laureate in February but this time his
request was denied. On his return from Burma the frustrated and visibly angry
congressman told reporters at the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand: "As
million of dollars pour into Burma, Aung San Suu Kyi is forgotten. This is not
right."
Despite all this, Asean leaders are determined to invite Burma to the
upcoming summit in Brunei. Many countries have therefore urged Asean to lay down
specific conditions before inviting Burma's medieval dictators.
Some of the conditions could be to free Aung San Suu Kyi unconditionally and
to recognise the results of the 1990 general elections.
The ball is now in the Asean court. If Asean, Thailand in particular, really
wants to ...
Copyright 1995 Reuters, Limited
Reuters World Service
June 11, 1995, Sunday, BC cycle
LENGTH: 384 words
HEADLINE: Burma premier leaves Singapore after reaching pact
DATELINE: SINGAPORE, June 11
KEYWORD: -SINGAPORE- BURMA
BODY:
Burma's Prime Minister Than Shwe and a high-powered Burmese military and
political delegation were due to leave Singapore on Sunday ...
Than Shwe also briefed Goh on political and economic developments in Burma,
but Burma's foreign minister told reporters on Saturday that the issue of
dissident Aung San Suu Kyi, under house arrest ...
... conference, dodged the question of when she would be released but left
open a possibility of more meetings between her and the ruling junta.
Singapore, Burma's largest trade partner and fourth largest investor, is
one of the staunchest advocates of integrating Burma into the region despite
charges of human-rights abuses.
Goh visited Burma last year to discuss opening up its economy and
encouraging foreign investment.
Goh reiterated a pledge during the Burmese leaders' stay that Singapore would
help the country integrate into the region.
He told Than Shwe that political reconciliation was also needed in Burma to
attract more foreign investment.
''Prime Minister Goh emphasised that besides a conducive economic
environment, political stability and ...
... for tourism from Singapore, was the latest in a series of tie-ups between
Burmese and Singapore businesses fuelled by Burma's desire to develop a more
market-oriented economy and Singapore's aim of encouraging more local
------------------------------------------
Copyright 1995 Deutsche Presse-Agentur
Deutsche Presse-Agentur
June 9, 1995, Friday, BC Cycle
09:52 Central European Time
SECTION: International News
LENGTH: 547 words
HEADLINE: Burma to battle drug menace jointly with Southeast Asian nations
DATELINE: Singapore
KEYWORD: Singapore; Burma
Burma Friday pledged full support to South East Asian nations to battle
the growing drug menace harvested in its highlands and trafficked to the United
States, Europe, Australia and Asian nations, aides to Burmese Prime Minister Gen
Than Shwe said.
They told ...
Burma has in recent years expressed considerable interest in joining
ASEAN, which groups Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines
and Brunei, and has moved towards a market economy.
In talks with Indonesian President Suharto in Jakarta recently and now with
Singapore leaders, Than Shwe has expressed his desire to help plug the drug
traffic supply routes from Burma to other Asian nations and the West.
A huge crop of about 2,500 tonnes of opium was harvested in Burma late
last year and early this year, to be trafficked into North America, Europe,
Australia and Asian countries.
The United States is still debating whether to give money to Burma - the
source of supply of up to 70 per cent of heroin in the U.S. - to fight drug
trafficking.
The Clinton administration, however, has tied this with a demand to Rangoon
to put a stop to human rights violations and adopt democratic reforms.
Proponents of anti-narcotics ...
--------------------------------------------
Copyright 1995 The Financial Times Limited;
Financial Times
June 9, 1995, Friday
SECTION: Pg. 6
LENGTH: 692 words
HEADLINE: Singapore welcomes Rangoon pariahs: Help for military regime upsets
west
BYLINE: By KIERAN COOKE
BODY:
General Than Shwe, head of the State Law and Order Restoration Council
(Slorc), Burma's military regime, is not a favoured guest in many countries.
But it is different in Singapore. Yesterday the ...
... label Singapore's policy as destructive opportunism. According to
officials in Rangoon, Singapore is now the top foreign investor in Burma, with
an estimated Dollars 300m (Pounds 190m) invested mainly in the property and
hotels sector.
Singaporean companies, led by government-controlled enterprises, are hoping
to expand into other areas of an economy which has begun to grow after decades
of stagnation. Official statistics published this week in Rangoon show Burma's
gross domestic product rose 6.8 per cent in the year to March. It is expected to
reach nearly 8 ...
... a memorandum of understanding for the construction of a SDollars 500m
(Pounds 227m) international airport in Mandalay, central Burma. The Keppel
Group, Singapore's biggest company and also government-controlled, has so far
raised Dollars 30m for a Myanmar Fund to channel investment into Burma.
Over the past three years the Singapore government has been urging business
people to invest more abroad. It says such investment is vital: having outgrown
its small domestic base, Singapore must go regional and develop a 'second wing'
to its economy.
Singapore has no shortage of funds for such purposes. Savings rates - at
nearly 50 per cent of GDP - are among the ...
... in China and Vietnam. Singapore government companies, rather than the
private sector, have led the charge overseas.
Singapore now sees Burma as the region's new frontier.
Government-to-government relations are close. Mr Goh Chok Tong, Singapore's
prime minister, was among the first of the world's leaders to visit Burma
after the military crushed the pro-democracy movement. Singapore is widely
believed to sell substantial quantities of arms to the Burmese military; Rangoon
residents say Singaporean arms makers also use Burmese territory to test their
products.
Not only does Burma appreciate the funds Singapore is bringing into the
country, but the junta's close relations with Singapore have served as a
bridgehead in its battle to gained wider legitimacy. Burma has also
successfully cultivated closer relations with Indonesia: Gen Than Shwe arrived
in Singapore from Jakarta, where he had asked for Indonesian help ...
... Indonesian companies, led by conglomerates controlled by sons of
President Suharto, are involved in forestry operations in Burma.
Vietnam joins the six-member Asean group at the end of July. Burma says it
wants to join as soon as possible.
But while Gen Than Shwe and his fellow officers seek to make friends ...
---------------------------------------------------------
Copyright 1995 Reuters, Limited
Reuters World Service
June 9, 1995, Friday, BC cycle
LENGTH: 549 words
HEADLINE: ASEAN responds to Burma's investment mission
BYLINE: By Ajoy Sen
DATELINE: SINGAPORE, June 9
KEYWORD: -SINGAPORE- BURMA
BODY:
... since he became chairman of SLORC in 1992.
As well as talks on economic cooperation, Than Shwe was also expected to
discuss the prospect of Burma's participation in ASEAN activities.
''Singapore will help Myanmar ( Burma) integrate itself into the region and
develop like the countries of ASEAN,'' Singapore Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong
said during a speech at a dinner on Thursday. He said Burma was a country of
vast resources and substantial growth potential.
But Goh also told Than Shwe that Burma should continue improving its
economic and political climate if it wanted to attract more foreign investment.
Earlier this week, Singapore Technologies ...
... million international airport in Mandalay.
Analysts said Than Shwe's visits were a sign of ASEAN's divergence from
efforts to isolate Burma and of a desire to take advantage of its rich
resources and cheap labour.
''Than Shwe's visit is in keeping with the ASEAN strategy not to ...
... Sridharan, a political scientist at the National University of Singapore.
''Given that there is a positive trend in Myanmar to liberalise its
economy, and efforts by some ASEAN countries to diversify, one could expect
strengthening of cooperation between ASEAN and Myanmar,'' said Kevin Chew,
economist at Baring Securities in Malaysia.
Burma, with rich natural resources and an abundant supply of cheap labour,
offered an opportunity to Singapore and Malaysia to relocate some of their ...
... intensive industries in that country to cut costs, Chew told Reuters.
ASEAN has adopted a policy of ''constructive engagement'' with Burma, in
contrast to the policies of some Western countries which have pegged better
relations on improvements in human rights, democracy and narcotics suppression.
Goh visited Burma last year to discuss opening up its economy and
encouraging foreign investment. He was only the second head of government to
visit Burma since its military rulers crushed pro-democracy protests in 1988.
On Friday, Than Swee called on senior ...
_____________________________
Copyright 1995 Mainichi Daily News
Mainichi Daily News
June 8, 1995, Thursday
SECTION: Page 9; ASIA FOCUS
LENGTH: 1722 words
HEADLINE: When Buddhism and state collide
BODY:
... won a landslide victory at the polls in 1990, a result that the ruling
military junta quickly nullified. The economy and state may be presided over
by financiers, politicians and generals but the hearts and minds of the majority
of Burmese are governed by the ...
... collecting rounds has become one of the abiding, though still impressive,
cliches of tourism in this region. Before the British annexed Burma - as they
dubbed the country - monks were the main educators, and monastic schools, which
were free of charge, taught not only the Buddhist scriptures but also ...
... plot to belittle them, or simply as an unnecessary and insanitary
obligation. It was also perhaps, a reflection of the lower regard in which they
held Burma, at least in comparison with India. Certainly none of the Europeans
visiting or living in Burma at the time would have dreamed of entering a
mosque in New Delhi with their boots on. Nineteenth-century prints show ...
----------------------------------------------------------
Copyright 1995 Deutsche Presse-Agentur
Deutsche Presse-Agentur
June 8, 1995, Thursday, BC Cycle
16:10 Central European Time
SECTION: International News
LENGTH: 814 words
HEADLINE: Burma set to join emerging Asian economies, says S'pore leader
DATELINE: Singapore
KEYWORD: Singapore; Burma
Burma's opening of its economy to foreign investors and the steps taken
towards a market economy has made it set to join the train of emerging Asian
economies into the year 2000 and beyond, Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong said
Thursday.
Speaking at a state banquet hosted by him in honour of Burmese Prime
Minister Than Shwe, who is on a four-day official visit, Goh said that if
Burma sustained the momentum with constructive political developments and
stable conditions, "there will be increased international confidence in your
country's investment climate."
"A stable, peaceful Myanmar ( Burma) which enjoys good economic growth and
is well-integrated with the region will benefit the people of Myanmar and the
region," Goh told a gathering of Burmese government ministers and Singapore VIPs
at the presidential palace.
... ministers met in Bangkok for the first time in 1994 and would meet again
for the ASEAN ministerial meeting in Brunei next month.
"These are significant bonding events for the region," Goh said, assuring
that the island-nation would "help Burma integrate itself into the region and
develop like the countries of ASEAN."
Burma has repeatedly expressed its wish to join ASEAN, which links
Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines and Brunei.
Goh said the signing of the "Agreement on Bilateral Economic Co-operation"
between Burma and Singapore Thursday was an "important milestone in our
relations."
The agreement was signed between Singapore's deputy prime minister,
Brigadier-General Lee Hsien Loong, and Burma's minister for national planning
and economic development, Brigadier-General David Abel.
The accord aims to facilitate economic cooperation between the two countries
starting with tourism and agro-business, promote the growth of bilateral trade
through simplification of trade procedures and ...
----------------------------------------------------
Copyright 1995 Reuters Limited
The Reuter Asia-Pacific Business Report
June 8, 1995, Thursday, BC cycle
LENGTH: 532 words
HEADLINE: BURMESE LEADERS VISIT SINGAPORE TO BOOST TRADE
BYLINE: By Kim Coghill
DATELINE: SINGAPORE, June 8
KEYWORD: SINGAPORE- BURMA
BODY:
Burma's top military leaders
and cabinet ministers arrived in Singapore on Thursday for a
high-profile, four-day visit aimed at boosting trade and
economic cooperation with this wealthy island state.
Dressed in a business suit, Senior General Than Shwe,
chairman of the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC)
and prime minister of Burma, was received by Prime Minister Goh
Chok Tong, one of the staunchest advocates of integrating Burma
into the region despite charges of its human rights abuses.
Goh visited Burma last year to discuss opening up its
economy and encouraging foreign investment. He was only the
second head of government to visit Burma since its military
rulers crushed pro-democracy protests in 1988.
... a S$ 500 million ($ 360 million) international airport in
Mandalay.
The deal, which could open up further opportunities for
tourism from Singapore, was the latest in a series of tie-ups
between Burmese and Singapore businesses fuelled by Burma's
desire to develop a more market-oriented economy and Singapore's
aim of encouraging more local companies to expand overseas.
Singapore has identified Burma, China, Indochina and India
as potential investment areas to develop an "external economy" .
Singapore government figures show trade with Burma amounted
to Singapore $ 720 million (US$ 518 million) in 1993, up from
Singapore $ 603 million (US $ 434 million) in 1992. Singapore's
imports form Burma include seafood, wood and crude rubber while
exports include tobacco, petroleum products and cars.
No official figures are available on Singapore's sales of
arms to Burma.
Than Shwe and his delegation arrived in Singapore from
Indonesia, where they agreed with Jakarta to boost economic and
trade relations. Rangoon also asked Indonesia for help in
developing its natural gas resources.
The trip marks Than Shwe's first visits to members of the
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) since becoming
chairman of SLORC in 1992.
In addition to talks on economic cooperation in both
countries, Than Shwe was also expected to discuss the prospect
of Burma's participation in ASEAN activities, the Myanmar
( Burma) News Agency said.
He is accompanied by Lieutenant-General Khin Nyunt, first
secretary of SLORC; Lieutenant-General Myint Aung, minister for
agriculture; Lieutenant-General Thein Win, minister for
transportation; Brigadier-General David Abel, ...
-----------------------------------------------
Copyright 1995 Reuters, Limited
Reuters World Service
June 8, 1995, Thursday, BC cycle
LENGTH: 528 words
HEADLINE: Singapore PM urges Burma to open economy further
BYLINE: By Kim Coghill
DATELINE: SINGAPORE, June 8
KEYWORD: -SINGAPORE- BURMA
BODY:
... it wants to attract more foreign investment.
''Myanmar is a country of vast resources and substantial growth potential.
The opening of the economy to foreign investors and the steps you have taken
towards a market economy will enable Myanmar to join the train of emerging
Asian economies, '' Goh said in a speech at a dinner with Burma's Prime
Minister Than Shwe.
... high-powered Burmese military and political delegation were in Jakarta
earlier in the week where they signed an agreement to boost economy and trade
relations.
In addition to talks on economic cooperation in both countries, Than Shwe was
also expected to discuss the prospect of Burma's participation in ASEAN
activities.
Singapore is one of the staunchest advocates of integrating Burma into the
region despite charges of human-rights abuses.
''Singapore will help Myanmar integrate intself into the region and develop
like the countries of ASEAN,'' Goh said.
Goh visited Burma last year to discuss opening up its economy and
encouraging foreign investment. He was only the second head of government to
visit Burma since its military rulers crushed pro-democracy protests in 1988.
Earlier Thursday, the leaders witnessed the signing of an ...
... for tourism from Singapore, was the latest in a series of tie-ups between
Burmese and Singapore businesses fuelled by Burma's desire to develop a more
market-oriented economy and Singapore's aim of encouraging more local
companies to expand overseas.
Singapore has identified Burma, China, Indochina and India as potential
investment areas to develop an ''external economy. ''
Goh said Singapore's trade with Myanmar reached US$570 million in 1994 while
Singapore's investments were close to US$300 million. Government figures show
trade with Burma amounted to US $518 million) in 1993.
-------------------------------------------
Source: Reuter Textline
Business Times (Malaysia)
June 7, 1995
LENGTH: 360 words
HEADLINE: SINGAPORE: SHARE PRICES FALL ON PROFIT TAKING
BODY:
SHARES, led by blue-chips, closed lower due to profit taking. Brokers said
the market was a bit cautious amid uncertainties over the extent of the US
economy's slowdown.
"Ahead of further data on the US economy, investors are a bit cautious,"
one senior analyst said.
He added however: "People are still optimistic that two to three months down
the road, things are going to be better."
The 30-share Straits Times Industrials ...
... heard of any fresh rumours surrounding the company.
Volume traded was 100.041m units valued at S$ 306.670m.
STIC which announced a major deal to build a S$ 500m airport in Burma,
rose S$ 0.03 to S$ 2.08 on volume of 2.11m units.
-
------------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright 1995 The British Broadcasting Corporation
BBC Summary of World Broadcasts
June 5, 1995, Monday
SECTION: Part 3 Asia - Pacific; TAIWAN; FE/2321/F
LENGTH: 263 words
HEADLINE: RELATIONS WITH GERMANY;
Germany to remove Taiwan from "high-tension" list
SOURCE: Source: Central News Agency, Taipei, in English 0906 gmt 3 Jun 95
BODY:
... tension" list on 1st July, which will increase Taiwan's chances of
obtaining German weapons and high technology.
German Economy Minister Guenter Rexrodt announced the decision in a meeting
with Republic of China [ROC] Economic Affairs Minister P.K. ...
... high-tension" list, which will cover only Iraq, Iran, former Yugoslavia,
Libya, North Korea, Syria, Afghanistan, Burma and Somalia following a series
of policy reviews by the German government.
Previously, Taiwan was barred from buying submarines and frigates from ...
-------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright 1995 Deutsche Presse-Agentur
Deutsche Presse-Agentur
June 5, 1995, Monday, BC Cycle
16:08 Central European Time
SECTION: Financial Pages
LENGTH: 334 words
HEADLINE: Taiwan oil company to develop fields in Kazakhstan and Burma
DATELINE: Taipei
Taiwan's Chinese Petroleum Corp. (CPC) is joining a U.S. and an Israeli
company to develop a Kazakhstan oil field and will drill for oil in Burma with
an Australian company, CPC said Monday.
Houston-based ADK is the coordinator in the joint venture to develop the
Tenge oil field near the Caspian Sea in Kazakhstan, CPC Vice President Hsieh
Shih-hsiung said ... out," he said.
The Israeli participant is Tel Aviv-based NAPHTHA. Representatives from the
three oil firms are meeting in Istanbul, Turkey, June 7-9. CPC has budgeted
10.4 million U.S. dollars for the joint venture.
CPC has won the Economy Ministry's approval to join Sydney-based Southern
Pacific Petroleum NL Co. to drill for oil in Burma.
"The oil field is called Block L. It is off Burma's coast near
Bangladesh," Hsieh said. CPC currently imports 450,000 barrels of crude a day,
70 per cent of it from the Middle East. dpa cc jbp
-----------------------------------------------------------
Source: Reuter Textline
Bangkok Post
June 4, 1995
LENGTH: 2414 words
HEADLINE: BURMA: TIME FOR THE TRANSFER OF POWER TO BEGIN
BYLINE: BY PETER SKILLING
BODY:
FIVE years have passed since elections were held in Burma on May 27, 1990.
Out of 485 seats contested, that National League for Democracy (NLD) won 392,
while the army's National Unity Party won a mere 10 (the remaining ...
... recently been adjourned until September, and a constitution - let alone a
transfer of power - is nowhere in sight.
The Slorc and its apologists - the proponents of "constructive engagement" -
argue that the regime has opened up the (formerly socialist) economy, and that
it is gradually moving towards democracy.
Neither claim is true. Major sectors of the economy remain firmly in the
hands of the military, and the army is a major partner in most joint
enterprises, usually from behind the scenes and often through family members or
patronage.
A two-tiered foreign ...
... we're not going to progress economically either. A government that cannot
guarantee basic human rights certainly won't be able to guarantee any economic
rights." The truth of this assessment is depressingly evident throughout Burma
today.
The Slorc has not only failed to move towards democracy, but this has led
the country backwards, all the while relentlessly tightening its stranglehold.
Mass population transfers, forced labour, ethnic cleansing, and the arrest and
...
... nothing for the people.
Would anyone like to suggest that the army is about to relinquish power?
The US State Department's International Narcotics Control Strategy Report,
released in March this year, announced that "since 1989 Burma has become the
world's largest producer of opium and heroin." Burma's contribution to the US
drug market has increased from about 14% before 1988 to well over 50% at
present. All this has hap-pened since the Slorc came to power. Clearly something
is a very rotten ...
... arrogant and brutal governments in Asia today; it is to aggravate the
suffering of the Burmese people.
It is high time to say "no" to Slorc Inc and force it out of business.
The crux of the crisis in Burma is the refusal of the army to return the
power of government to the people. Meaningful steps towards a resolution of the
crisis or towards national reconciliation cannot be taken until a genuine
transfer of power has been effected, and a free and ...
------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright 1995 Kyodo News Service
Japan Economic Newswire
JUNE 3, 1995, SATURDAY
LENGTH: 1348 words
HEADLINE: Asian editorial excerpts
DATELINE: TOKYO, June 3 Kyodo
BODY:
... in the latest week:
The Challenge for Japan (Business Times, Singapore):
Four years after the bubble burst, Japan's economy is still in the pits.
Industry after industry is reeling from the impact of the soaring yen.
For their part, these corporations -- especially those in ...
To be sure, the restructuring of Japan's economy will involve pain. But
that must be compared with the pain which would result if Japan tried to carry
on with business as usual. It is ...
... 86 to safety. (June 2)
Multilateral effort led by the U.S. will force SLORC to behave (Nation,
Bangkok):
Burma (Myanmar) has emerged as one of the world's most persistent violators
of human rights. Aung San Suu Kyi, leader of Burma's democratic movement and
winner of the Nobel Peace prize, is now in her sixth year of house arrest. The
parliament that was democratically elected in 1990 has never been convened and
many of those elected are now in prison.
Additionally, Burma has become the world's largest producer of opium and
heroin, much of which finds its way to the streets of Europe and North America.
Yet instead of ...
... a policy of 'constructive engagement' with the regime.
On Tuesday, U.S. Congressman Bill Richardson returned from an official visit
to Burma. ..There are strong indications, he said, the Burmese junta will not
release Aung San Suu Kyi, nor restart talks with her.
Despite these blatant violations of human rights, the world community seems
to believe that little can be done to pressure Burma's ruling junta to improve
its human rights record.
Trade and economic sanctions coming alone from the U.S. would not work and
because of this, the U.S. has to ...
... It's soon CGI time again (Indonesian Observer, Jakarta):
In a very short time, Indonesian officials dealing with the economy will be
in Paris for the fourth annual meeting of the Consultative Group for Indonesia
(CGI).
If last year's CGI ...
*Report End/.