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BurmaNet News: July 2, 1996
-------------------------- BurmaNet -------------------------------
"Appropriate Information Technologies, Practical Strategies"
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The BurmaNet News: July 2, 1996
Issue #457
Noted in Passing:
Life is certainly not dull for dissidents in Burma.
- Daw Aung San Suu Kyi (SEE DASSK: LETTER
FROM BURMA #32)
HEADLINES:
==========
DASSK: LETTER FROM BURMA #32
THE NATION: SLORCS HARSH EDITORIALS ON SUU KYI
NCUB: MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT UNION FORMED
BKK POST: AUST TO RESPECT ASEAN RULING ON MEMBERSHIP
BKK POST: GROUPS UNITE TO FIGHT JUNTA
ABSDF: ANNOUNCES PUBLICATION OF "CRIES FROM INSEIN"
BKK POST: 'CONSTRUCTIVE ENGAGEMENT'-THAILAND
FEER: BATTERED BURMESE KYAT/INFLATION
BKK POST: BO MYA ELECTED CHAIRMAN OF DAB
BKK POST: BURMA, KNU IN NEW ROUND OF PEACE TALKS
THE NATION: TIME EU SUPPORTS THE BURMESE STRUGGLE
THE NATION: BURMA'S BUSINESSMAN THRIVES ON DIVERSITY
APPLICATION: AUDIOVISUAL TRAINING - BRUSSELS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DASSK: LETTER FROM BURMA #32
July 1, 1996 (printed in Mainichi Daily News)
NLD conference sparks threats from SLORC
"A dissident's life 2"
In Burma, one should approach the telephone with a prayer on the lips and a
determination to try, try and try again. Getting through to the required
number at the first attempt is such an event to greet with incredulity and
an expression of thanks to all powers, seen and unseen. The post office is
no more reliable then the telephone system. I cannot quite make up my mind
whether so many letters addressed to me fail to arrive because of the
inefficiency of the post office or because of the efficiency of the Military
Intelligence. My dear Japanese teacher Michiko-san sent me a little note
through somebody who came to Rangoon to let me know she has been writing to
me regularly through the post. None of those letters have reached me.
Other friends also send messages to tell me they have written but their
letters have not arrived either. Lately, the authorities have even
prohibited courier services from delivering magazines and papers addressed
to me.
With such unreliable communications services, inviting people from all over
Burma to an NLD conference in Rangoon is not something that can be done
with ease by a secretary sitting at a desk. It requires time and organization.
It was therefore not surprising that some of our elected representatives
found security personnel on their doorstep before they had even received
invitations to the conference. The representatives were asked if they
intended to attend the conference and when they answered "yes" they were
whisked off into detention.
During the week before the conference was scheduled to take place, nearly
300 elected representatives were arrested. In the face of the protests of
the NLD and an international outcry, SLORC claimed that the representatives
had merely been taken in for questioning and would be released shortly.
This statement was partly correct: our representatives were certainly
questioned. There were variations in the questions asked from one part of
the country to the other but there were some which come up everywhere:
Why was the NLD holding this conference? Was the party going to set up a
parallel government? How did the representatives assess the current
political situation? What were their political beliefs? How did they think
the situation had changed since my release from house arrest? What was
their opinion of SLORC? What did they think of its aims and achievements?
Did they think dialogue was possible between the NLD and SLORC? What did
they think were the chances of success for such a dialogue?
It seemed to us that the authorities were unnecessarily nervous about the
idea of the NLD carrying out its routine works as a political organization.
We saw no reason why a conference of some 300 people should be viewed as
an event which would create chaos and throw the country into confusion. We
decided to adapt plans to accord with the situation. As the great majority
of our elected representatives were in detention we decided that we would
expand the conference to a congress, the first of a series which would lay
down a future work program for our party.
In addition to our elected representatives, the authorities had also taken
into custody a number of party workers and members of my office staff.
Other party workers rallied around to fill the gaps that had been left and
preparations for the congress proceeded in an atmosphere that was a cross
between a crusade and a carnival, with everybody determined to keep faith
with those who had been arrested by making a success of the occasion. The
people also rallied around to demonstrate their solidarity. On the weekend
of the congress our usual public meetings outside my house were attended by
record numbers of supporters in spite of the inclement weather.
The three days of the congress went by quickly, leaving us all exhausted but
thoroughly satisfied with what had been accomplished in the face of so much
harassment and intimidation. But it was of course not the end of the story.
A few days after the congress was over the authorities started releasing
those who had been arrested. We then learned that there had been a
systematic campaign to try to make our elected representatives relinquish
their status as members of Parliament and to give up their membership in our
party. To some it was merely suggested that such steps would be desirable
but there were cases where pressure was exerted. There were threats of
prison sentences, loss of business opportunities, evictions from state-owned
apartments, dismissal from their jobs of family members who belonged to the
civil service.
NLD workers are often "reminded" of the possible consequences of continued
involvement in politics. In the middle of the night there could be a
pounding on the door that signals arrest. Members of the security forces
could be lying in wait at a dark corner of a market place, ready to pounce.
Life is certainly not dull for dissidents in Burma.
**********************************************************
THE NATION: SLORCS HARSH EDITORIALS ON SUU KYI
June 30, 1996
RANGOON - Burma's official press maintained its attacked on
opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi yesterday, as pressure mounted
from abroad on the junta to improve the country's troubled
political situation.
The official English-language New Light of Myanmar carried a
scathing editorial against "destructionists" bent on undermining
the state - clearly referring to Suu Kyi and her National League
for Democracy (NLD).
Another article in the newspaper detailed the junta's gripes
against the charismatic opposition leader and her attempts to
keep foreign investors out of Burma and encourage governments to
bring pressure to bear on the junta.
The article accused her of being a puppet of foreign governments,
adding that her behaviour proved "she cannot ever be trusted with
(Burma's) top politics, security and defence".
The attacks on Suu Kyi came amid international condemnation over
the death in prison of Leo Nichols.
Suu Kyi and the junta have been engaged in a long standoff which
culminated in the detentions of 262 NLD activists in May as the
opposition party geared up to hold a key party congress.
The NLD has come under attack from the military authorities for
its plans to write a new state constitution and economic plan,
sparking threats form the junta to shut down the party.
The New Light of Myanmar also attacked Suu Kyi for trying to keep
tourists away and encourage the US to slap stiff economic
sanctions on the military-ruled country.
In Washington, the State Department said on Friday it would work
with Congress on legislation that would impose strict sanctions
on Burma, a day after a key Senate panel approved the measure.
"We think that sanctions are certainly an option that the US
government can use," State Department spokesman Glyn Davies said.
The State Department is "willing to work with (congress)on this.
And we hope to, in the future, work with them to design a
legislative approach that makes sense," David said.
Acting on a bill proposed by Republican Sen Mitch McConnell, the
Senate Appropriations Committee on Thursday voted 27-0 in favour
of a foreign operations bill that would bar any US aid or
investment in Burma. The sanctions would remain in force until
the US government can certify that Slorc has handed over power to
an elected government.
A similar bill in meanwhile pending in the lower House of
Representatives.
The White House recently sent two envoys to the region to press
Burma's neighbours and Japan to forge a common approach aimed at
pressing the junta to step down. Few concrete results have
emerged so far.
The US has called for the immediate release of all political
prisoners in Burma, including more than 100 NLD activists who
were picked up in May and remain in detention.
************************************************************
NCUB: MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT UNION FORMED
June, 1996
The Members of Parliament Union was formed with 14 Members of
Parliament (MP) electedin the 1990 election during a meeting of MP's
held between 14 - 15 May 1996. The meeting was attended by 10 people's
representatives and the remaining four, who were not able to attend the
meeting, expressed their support for the formation of the MPU. If there
is an increased number of people's representatives in the liberated areas,
the number of members in the MPU will be increased accordingly.
The main objectives of the MPU are as follows:
(a) to implement the will of the people by upholding the result of the
1990 multi-party democratic General Election.
(b) to work together with the National Coalition Government of the
Union of Burma, as the two groups poolitical aims and objectives
are the same.
The following are present members of the MPU:
NAME PARTY RANK
(1) Dr.Sein Win PND Leader
(2) Khon Teddy Buri NLD Member
(3) Khon Manko Ban DOKNU Member
(4) U Than Noe ALD Member
(5) Dr. Zahlethang CNLD Member
(6) U Daniel Aung LNDP Member
(7) Dr. Tint Swe NLD Member
(8) U Maung Maung Aye NLD Member
(9) U Bo Hla Tint NLD Member
(10) U Thien Oo NLD Member
(11) Dr. San Aung Independent Member
(12) U Maung Maung Latt NLD Member
(13) U Bo Thaung NLD Member
(14) U Than Sein NLD Member
ABBREVIATIONS:
PND Party of Natioal Democracy
ALD Arakan League for Democracy
NLD National League for Democracy
LNPD Lahu National Development Party
CNDF Chin National League for Democracy
DOKNU Democratic Organization for Kayan National Unity
**********************************************************
BKK POST: AUST TO RESPECT ASEAN RULING ON MEMBERSHIP
June 29, 1996
By Nussara Sawatsawang,
AUSTRALIA, despite its concerns over problems in Burma, will not
interfere in Asean's decision on whether Burma should be admitted
to the group within the next two years.
Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer made the comment to
Deputy Foreign Minister Jarus Puachuay in their talks here on
Wednesday.
It was the first time Canberra responsed to reported to reports
that Burma is seeking to join Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the
Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam as a full member of
the Asean by 1988.
Ambassador to Australia Laxanachantorn Laohaphan quoted Mr
Downer as telling the deputy foreign minister that Canberra respected
Thailand and Asean's policy of non-interference in Burma's
internal affairs but adding that there would be no political and
economic stability in that country without democracy and human
rights improvement.
One of the Australia's concern was that minority groups which had
yet to reach a deal in peace talks with Rangoon could pose a
threat to Burma's stability, he said.
Rangoon's clear indication that it wants to join Asean as a full
member within two years comes amid international concerns over
rising political tension in Burma after the military regime,
known as the Slorc, last month arrested 262 members of the NLD
led by Aung San Suu Kyi.
The US has recently sent two envoys to Asean members and Japan to
seek a common stance on how to handle Burma, while the European
Parliament last week urged the European Union to isolate the
country economically.
But Mr Downer said Australia would neither encourage nor
discourage its people to do business in Burma.
"The Australian government is not in favour of economic sanctions
against Burma. But if asked whether to encourage its people to
invest in Burma, it prefers other countries in the sub-region
like Laos, Cambodia and southern China," Mrs Laxanachatorn said.
Mr Jarus also held separate talks with Australian Deputy Prime
Minister and Trade Prime Minister Tim Fisher and Parliament
Secretary to the Foreign Ministry Andrew Thompson.
"The Australian government will not either encourage or
discourage trade, investment and tourism regarding Australia and
Burma, and in the next context I will not want to encourage joint
activities between Australian and Thai companies in Burma," Mr
Fisher told Thai reporters.
Asked what Canberra is reviewing in its policy on Burma, he said
the issue was in a continuing process, with no formal dimension
or timetable.
Mr Jarus said he told the Australian ministers that Thailand, as
a country sharking more than a thousand kilometres of common
border with Burma, "is to be tolerant to see positive changes in
Burma. But good relations are based on economic growth that
Thailand helps contribute and on the similarities of traditions
and culture".
Mrs Laxabachatorn described Australia's new policy on Burma as
"more under standing" toward Asean, although nothing has been
changed from the previous government's line.
Burma will be an observer at next months annual meeting of Asean
foreign ministers and will join India and 12 other countries in
security talks at the Asean regional forum.
Mr Fisher, who met Mrs Suu Kyi during his visit to Rangoon last
November, said he was very concerned over human rights and the
NLD's situation, but also acknowledged that Burma's economy was
expanding and opening up.
********************************************************
BKK POST: GROUPS UNITE TO FIGHT JUNTA
July 1, 1996
MAE HONG SON : Four ethnic resistance groups with more than
10,000 members have joined to fight the Rangoon Government,
according to a Shan rebel in Ho Mong.
The Shan State National Army, the United Wa State Army, the Shan
State Army and the SRA last month agreed to merge and be known as
the Shan State Peace-keeping Council.
The rebel said the council has mapped out several strategies to
tackle Burmese soldiers who allegedly had robbed the Shan
community in Hok Mong, the former stronghold of drug warlord Khun Sa.
*********************************************************
ABSDF: ANNOUNCES PUBLICATION OF "CRIES FROM INSEIN"
July 1, 1996
from: absdf-mtz <lurie@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
The ABSDF has recently published a booklet entitled "Cries From
Insein" - a report on conditions for political prisoners in
Burma's infamous Insein Prison. The report is based on personal
experience of Win Naing Oo - its main author, who was jailed in
May 1990 for undertaking non-violent duties assigned to him by
the ABSDF. After three years of incarceration, abuse and torture
in prison, he was finally released from prison and able to leave
Burma.
The book is being distributed free of charge excluding postage.
Please send us your snail mail address plus postage charges of US
$4 (Europe, America) $2 (Asia)to P.O Box 42, Hua Mark P.O,
Bangkok 10243, Thailand.
Excerpts from "Cries From Insein"
...The next morning, at 7am, the chief warden, prison officials
and 100 warders came into the solitary-confinement cell-block
shouting angrily and beating on the walls with sticks......
...Subsequently, all the students inside that solitary-
confinement cell-block were taken out and beaten unconscious....
...It is estimated that there are nearly 200 Buddhist monks in
Insein prison alone......
...The prison system of a country reflects the type of Government
ruling that country. The situation in prisons gives an indication
of the situation in the country as a whole.....
...On behalf of the political prisoners in Burma, I would like to
make it clear that all we sought was freedom, justice and
personal security- fundamental rights enjoyed by any civilized
society. What we were given were imprisonment, torture and even
death......
...I was a seventh grader when in 1975 the Burmese military
authorities hanged Ko Tin Maung Oo for organizing and leading the
students protests against the Burmese military. He was the first
student to be officially sentenced to death. Rumor had it that he
was forced to apologize for his wrong-doings to General Ne Win,
the then president of the country and chairman of the only legal
party, the Burma Socialist Program Party (BSPP) in exchange for
clemency. He refused and subsequently hanged at Insein Prison.
**********************************************************
BKK POST: 'CONSTRUCTIVE ENGAGEMENT'-THAILAND
July 1, 1996
THROUGH 'constructive engagement', Thailand is trying to engage
Burma in a cooperative effort to build stability and security in
the region, according to Foreign Minister Amunay Viravan.
"We want to engage Burma in this region, we don't want to isolate
it', he said.
"What does constructive mean? Constructive does not mean complete
hands-off, complete non-involvement. We must do certain things
together for the benefit of the region, for the stability and
security of the region.
"How do we engage them? By doing things with them that are mainly
for the good of their people."
But as for Burma's internal affairs, Thailand will abide strictly
by the principle of non-interference, said the Foreign Minister.
Thailand sent an observer to the May 27-28 congress of Aung San
Suu Kyi's NLD because it was "invited" and felt this was a
"legitimate" things to do, the minister said.
Thailand has seen that "differences" exist between the NLD and
the Slorc over the constitution draft, and "would like to see
them sort out their differences by negotiation, rather than
confrontation."
********************************************************
FEER: BATTERED BURMESE KYAT/INFLATION
July 4, 1996
Talk in Rangoon about an insect plague which may have decimated
about a third of the rice crop as well as political uncertainty have
battered the Burmese kyat and caused a steep rise in the prices of
essentials. The black - market rate for the kyat has plunged to 145 to
the U.S. dollar, from 135 two weeks ago and 120 in May. At the same
time, the prices of rice, onions, and cooking oil are climbing rapidly. It
is uncertain how the ruling junta will react, but recent reports in the
state - run New Light of Myanmar are putting the blame on opposition
leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Some observers believe that the junta may
use the economic crisis as a pretext to arrest the opposition leader.
********************************************************
BKK POST: BO MYA ELECTED CHAIRMAN OF DAB
June 30, 1996
THE chairman of the National Council of the Union of Burma, Gen
Bo Mya, was elected chairman of the Democratic Alliance of Burma
yesterday during a five-day special meeting of DAB members in Burma.
Forty-six representatives from 18 democracy groups reportedly
attended the meeting in Pha Toei Village, opposite Umphang
District of Tak, starting yesterday to follow up on Burmese politics.
Members of important democracy groups including the NLD, the
National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma and the
National Democratic Front also joined the meeting, as well as
those from several other overseas Burmese Liberation Federation,
the Burmese Students Union in Australia, and the Overseas Karens
Organisation.
Participants at the meeting are expected to continue to support
Aung San Suu Kyi's political movement against the State Law and
Order Restoration Council.
The previous meeting of DAB members was held at the same place on
May 8-15.
*********************************************************
BKK POST: BURMA, KNU IN NEW ROUND OF PEACE TALKS
June 29, 1996
ANOTHER round of peace talks are underway between the Karen
National Union (KNU) and the Burmese regime at the latter's
headquarters at Moulmein, a border official said.
Representing the KNU are members of the Standing Central
Committee Maj-Gen Tamla Baw and Joint Secretary-General Mahn Shar
Lar Phan.
An unidentified KNU official said strong cooperation from both
side is needed to bring about a breakthrough in the peace process.
The KNU is ready to negotiate with the Burmese military
government in a straightforward manner.
The talks are expected to focus on the prospect of a permanent
ceasefire agreement between the two sides.
If a ceasefire cannot be reached, the junta may designate
exclusive zones where KNU soldiers would be permitted carry weapons.
The sources said the government's proposed project to lay a gas
pipeline from the Yadana area in the Andaman Sea may also be
raised for discussion as it is likely to affect more than 400,000
Karen residents living on the Thai-Burmese border.
Meanwhile, at least 10 people were killed and scores injured in
the second day of heavy fighting between KNU troops and renegade
Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) forces opposite Tha Song
Yang district of this northern province.
The pro-government DKBA began its first round of attacks
yesterday on the KNU's Bophawta Camp headquarters. Three 81mm
mortar shells also fell near Ban Nong Bua.
Border checkpoints in Mae Hong Son town and Mae Sariang districts
could open early next month, Mae Hong Son Governor Somjate
Viriyadamrong said yesterday.
Entry regulations have been drawn up to control Burmese merchants
who will be allowed into the municipality on a day pass basis to
buy goods.
However, the traders can request a three-day pass in the event of
emergencies such as illness, he said.
Rangoon is considering a proposal to allow Thai traders into Khun
Sa's former Ho Mong bastion, which is 5km from the border.
Somjate said Lt-Gen Thanom Watcharaput, the Third Army commander,
is to open the Ban Huay Pheung checkpoint in the town on July 2
and the Ban Sao Hin checkpoint in Mae Sariang on July 9.
The governor, however, expressed concern about long-term problems
and urged the Joint Border Demarcation Committee to complete its
work quickly.
**********************************************************
THE NATION: TIME EU SUPPORTS THE BURMESE STRUGGLE
June 30, 1996(abridged)
The Burmese pro-democracy movement and Western diplomats strongly
believe that Nichols' arrest and incarceration were politically
motivated.
Since the release last July of Aung San Suu Kyi, the junta has
never ceased to take harsh measures and punitive actions to
undermine her popular support and calls for democracy.
Despite Suu Kyi's open challenge against the regime, after her
repeated pleas, for dialogue had been rejected, the Slorc as
ignored her and instead concentrated on harassing her supporters
and members of her National League for Democracy (NLD)>
Nichols is just the latest victim of the Burmese military regime
which has ruled, as well as ruined, Burma without challenge since
1962.
While Nichols was not fanatically political, he had a dream for
his country - the Burma he loved and was living in since June
1931. Through Suu Kyi, he saw hope for Burma and firmly believed
that her determination and commitment to democracy would one day
free Burmese people.
Like Maung Phone Maw, a student of Rangoon Institute of
Technology whose death on March 12, 1988 sparked off the
nationwide pro-democracy uprisings, Nichols' untimely death in
prison has turned him into another martyr for Burma's cause.
"We're ready to call for economic sanctions," he said after
receiving full support from the Danish Parliament. Petersen said
he also will discuss sanctions with the Clinton administration
during a one-day visit to the US on July 11.
Simultaneously, US congressmen and senators have in the past few
months lobbied intensively for the passing of sanctions bill on
Burma, much to the uneasiness of the Clinton administration which
has not fully approved of the measure. Nichols, death would
certainly increase support for the American bill.
Not only does Slorc owe an explanation to these European nations,
the military junta also has to officially apologise to Nichols'
family as well as provide them with a full clarification of the
circumstances leading t the former honorary consul's death.
Many questions beg to be answered. First and foremost, why was
Nichols' next-of-kin not informed of his death in Insein jail?
And why was the ex-diplomat given a low-profile quick funeral
service at the Saw Bwa Gyi Christian Cemetery in the absence of
his family members and his body hurried so hurriedly?
Interestingly, the Danish initiative to push for EU sanctions on
Burma on July 15 will coincide with the upcoming annual meeting
of Asean foreign ministers.
For the first time, Slorc will be invited to attend the Asean
Ministerial Meeting, to be held in Jakarta on July 19, as an
observer - much to the opposition and disappointment of Burma's
democracy movement which has over the past few years been urging
the regional grouping to reconsider its relations with the
dictatorial regime in Rangoon.
Slorc will also participate in the Asean Regional Forum where
Asean foreign ministers currently discuss political and security
affairs in the Asia - Pacific with their counterparts from the
North such as Australia, Japan, the US and the European Union.
The EU, which has so far rendered only verbal support for
democracy and human rights for the Burmese people and been
virtually weak and inefficient in its past efforts to push for
political change in Burma, now has an opportunity to prove its
words with deeds. (TN)
*********************************************************
THE NATION: BURMA'S BUSINESSMAN THRIVES ON DIVERSITY
July 1, 1996
By Deborah Charles
Biggest private corporation built in only seven years
RANGOON - What do Pepsi, a gold mine, a charitable bank and an
amusement park have in common in Burma?
They are all run by Thein Tun, one of the country's leading
businessmen who says he thrives on diversity.
"We brake for nothing, that's our motto," Thein Tun said in an
interview at one of his modest Rangoon offices.
The 60-year-old, who describes himself as "just a businessman,"
says he has adopted a diverse a approach to business to take
advantage of the rapidly-growing Burmese economy.
"We've done all this in seven years," said Thein Tun, gesturing
to complicated charts showing the corporate structure of the
dozens of companies in his Myanma Golden Star Co Ltd holding
company - Burma's largest privately-owned corporation.
>From humble beginning as a local representative of some foreign
trading firms, Myanma Golden Star has grown to include five joint
venture companies and two wholly-owned firms producing beverages,
building materials, mining, running an indoor amusement centre
and motor vehicles distributor.
His foreign ventures are with various Australian, Singapore and
Thai companies, and Thein Tun says he is always looking for more
partners.
But Thein Tun, who prefers the traditional Burmese sarong-style
"longyi" and a sport shirt to business suits, is disarming casual
as he talks about his holdings, which are estimated to be worth
at least $40 million (Bt 1billion), and does not flaunt his
status as one of the country's wealthiest businessmen.
He is best known for his lucrative stake in Pepsi Myanmar
(Burma), which was recently increased to 100 per cent after the
American soft drinks giant bent to public pressure from human
rights organisations in the United States and pulled out of its
investment in Burma.
"They were under some political pressure by students and the
media, so they finally decided to sell to us," Thein Tun says to
explain why PepsiCo International decided to sell its 40 per cent
stake to him for $4 million cash and future payment.
Just as Burma's military is pushing for increased foreign
investment, international human rights groups have been launching
sweeping boycott campaigns against companies like Pepsi to urge
shareholders to persuade their companies not to do business with
Burma's ruling generals.
Pressure groups in the United States have criticised Burma's
military government for human rights abuses. Pepsi was the
biggest US firm to leave Burma when it announced in April it was
selling its stake.
Thein Tun said he expects government approval for the deal, which
is worth a total of $6million, by the end of June.
Pepsi has the largest market share of Burma's fast-growing soft
drinks market. Thein Tun's Pepsi-Cola products Myanmar has an
annual average sales volume of about $200 million.
But even though Pepsi sold its stake to its Burmese partner for
political reasons, Thein Tun says the situation in the country is
stable.
"We are not interested in politics, we just want to do business,"
Thein Tun said with a laugh.
"If I were worried about politics I would not do these kind of
projects," he said, pointing to brochures and posters on his
companies involved in various infracture-related businesses.
But Thein Tun did say further expansion of his company was
hampered by some government policies, like poor infrastructure
and a hugely overvalued official exchange rate.
"For the time being aren't looking too much to expand our
business," he said. "We have difficulties in getting financing.
That's due mainly to the exchange rate."
Officially one dollar but 5.8 kyat, but on the black market it
fetches about 135. Although the government has relaxed many of
the rulers on currency, it still requires foreign financial
dealings like loans to be done at the official rate.
Thein Tun, known in Burma as a philantropist, says although he
likes to make money he wants to help others and so he was vowed
to give 25 per cent of his wealth to charity.
"I want to help the people. This is one thing I can do if I have
money," he said.
His bank, Tun Foundation Bank, donates its operating profit to
charitable cause across the country and the Furture Foundation
donates money to orphans.
Thein Tun also set up an educational programme to grant students
university scholarship in an attempt to correct what he sees as a
poor educational system in Burma.
*********************************************************
APPLICATION: AUDIOVISUAL TRAINING - BRUSSELS
July 1, 1996
AUDIOVISUAL TRAINING COURSE IN BRUSSELS/BELGIUM
OSI/BURMA PROJECT - AUTUMN 1996
Please contact woo@xxxxxxxxxxx if you have any questions.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
APPLICATION FORM/Deadline: July 15, 1996
Please fill out Part 1 & 2 of the application in English and return it
to Burma Project by July 15, 1996 (BURMA PROJECT/OSI, 888 Seventh
Avenue, New York, NY 10106, Fax: (212) 489-8455) The courses must be
kept small, so only 3 of the most promising applicants will be chosen.
Travel and related costs for successful applicants will be covered.
Use separate sheet if you need more space.
Part 1
Name:_____________________________ Alias:__________________________
Address (number & street):____________________________________________
City:________________ Post code:______________ Country:_______________
Telephone:_______________ Fax:_____________ E-mail:__________________
Age:_______________ Sex:______________ Ethnic Group:_________________
Immigration status:__________________________________________________
When did you leave Burma?___________________________________________
Highest education received in Burma:__________________________________
Subject studied:_____________________________________________________
Education/courses elsewhere (in detail):______________________________
______________________________________________________________________
English language ability: (check one) good____ average______poor_____
List name of non-Burman language you speak:___________________________
List 3 of your favorite films:________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
Part 2
Explain why you wish to have audiovisual training:
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
Describe the first project you would undertake with your audiovisual
training, if you could do anything you wanted:
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Explain why it's important for people in a country like Burma to get
the opportunity to be trained at audiovisual techniques.
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Signature:_______________ Print name:______________ Date:_____________
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