BurmaNet News: October 10, 1996/

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"Appropriate Information Technologies, Practical Strategies"
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The BurmaNet News: October 10, 1996
Issue #537

Noted in Passing:
		
		We are engaging in political activities only in an appropriate 			manner.
I think the government's recent hardline policy made 		        all nations
in the world realize how authoritarian it is - ASSK
		(see: MAINICHI SHIMBUN: INTERVIEW SUU KYI ON RECENT DETENTIONS)  

HEADLINES:
==========
SLORC FOREIGN MINISTRY: VISA BAN FOR AMERICANS IMPEDING
TRANSITION TO MULTI-PARTY DEMOCRACY
SENATOR HELMS: LETTER TO PRESIDENT ON BURMA SANCTIONS 
PRESS STATEMENT: DEMOCRATIC ACTION PARTY (MALAYSIA)
NKS: MYANMAR AGREEMENT WITH AMERICAN COMPANY 
MAINICHI SHIMBUN: INTERVIEW SUU KYI ON RECENT DETENTIONS  
THE NATION: BLOCKADE AT SUU KYI'S HOUSE ENDS
STATEMENT: HUNGER STRIKE CONTINUES IN NEW DELHI
STATEMENT: MEMORANDUM TO PM OF INDIA
BKK POST: ICRC MAY REOPEN
BOSTON COMPUTER SOCIETY: APPLE BREAKS WITH BURMA
RANGOON TV: SOME DELEGATES BETRAY NATIONAL CONVENTION  
NLM: SUU KYI ACCUSED OF USING FATHER'S GOOD NAME  
INSIDE NEWS: TV MYANMAR NEWS
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SLORC FOREIGN MINISTRY: VISA BAN FOR AMERICANS IMPEDING
TRANSITION TO MULTI-PARTY DEMOCRACY
October 4, 1996

BurmaNet Editor's Note: In section 1(e) the SLORC makes the incredible 
statement that "there are no political prisoners in Myanmar."  In section 4, 
the SLORC explains its new policy of visa restrictions.  The SLORC has 
already been denying visas to a number of Westerners - ie. US 
Congressional staff, European officials, and journalists who have written 
pieces critical of the government - so this is merely a formalization of a
policy 
already in place.  The language, though, is worth noting: the people who are 
barred are those who "impede the process of smooth transition to a 
multi-party democratic State".  Wouldn't that mean any foreigners who are 
working closely with the SLORC?

Government of the Union of Myanmar Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Announcement No. 1/96  
October 4, 1996  

1. In keeping with the National Policy of the Three Main National Causes
and with a view to achieving the National Goal of the peaceful, prosperous
modern, and developed State, the State Law and Order Restoration Council 
is vigorously implementing the political, economic and social objectives for
the progress and welfare of the people.

a. [paraphrase: SLORC undertaking measures for a smooth transition to 
a multi-party democratic state]

b. [paraphrase: National Convention progressing with the emergence of 
the State Consitution, symbolizes the will of the people]

c. [paraphrase: 15 armed groups and the MTA have returned to the legal
fold, the country has never been so peaceful]

d. [paraphrase: rapid growth of the economy based on market-oriented system]

e. Prevalence of law and order and community peace and tranquility are 
essential in creating these favorable conditions in the State.  The Government 
of the Union of Myanmar therefore has taken measures toward this end and 
will continue to do so in future [sic].  In Myanmar, legal action is taken only 
on those  who transgress the law.  No legal action has been taken on anyone 
on the grounds of his or her political conviction.  There are no political
prisoners
in Myanmar.

2. [paraphrase: The United States isdisregarding the true situation and giving 
undue and unwarranted pressure on Myanmar.  Such action negatively affects
 existing bilateral relations and can only be considered as an attempt to 
interfere in Burma's internal affairs.]

3. The Proclamation of the US President alleges that Myanmar continues to 
detain significant numbers of duly elected members of Parliament, NLD 
activists, and other persons attempting to promote democratic changes in 
Myanmar; failed to enter into serious dialogue with the democratic opposition 
and representatives of the country's ethnic minorities; failed to move toward 
achieving national reconciliation; and failed to meet internationally
recognized 
standards of human rights.  These allegations, however, are not in conformity 
with the true situation and the progress achieved in the country as mentioned 
in the Paragraph 1, sub-paras (a) to (e) and also ignore the positive
political, 
economic, social developments taking place in the country.  The Government
of the Union of Myanmar, as such, categorically rejects the entire Presidential
Proclamation.

4. Under the circumstances, although the Government of the Union of Myanmar 
wishes to have closer relations with the United States, it is compelled to 
issue visa restrictions for certain categories of US citizens.  Except as
required 
by treaty obligations and officials and other supporting staff assigned to the 
US mission in Myanmar, the issuance of all types of visas has been suspended 
to United States citizens specified hereinunder:

a. Persons who formulate or implement policies that impede the process of 
smooth transition to a multi-party democratic State in the Union of Myanmar 
and members of their families.

b. Any other persons whom the Government of the Union of Myanmar deems 
to have acted or to be acting in a manner detrimental to the interests of the 
State, including persons interfering in the internal affairs of Myanmar and/or 
inciting political agitations and disturbances and members of their families.

5. The Minister for Foreign Affairs shall determin the persons who fall within
this visa restriction.

6. This announcement becomes effective on the date of its issuance.

7. The Government of the Union of Myanmar in its national interests may 
waive, temporarily or permanently, the restrictions mentioned in Paragraph 4
above.

****************************************************************

SENATOR HELMS: LETTER TO PRESIDENT ON BURMA SANCTIONS
October 4, 1996

(Helms:  Conditions for investment ban have been met)  (550)

Washington -- The chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee,
Senator Jesse Helms (Republican of North Carolina), called upon the
president to impose economic sanctions against Burma immediately, as
outlined in the omnibus spending bill signed into law September 30.

"Every condition for the imposition of an investment ban has been
met," Helms said in a letter to President Clinton dated October 4 and
transmitted to the President October 8. "Eight hundred democracy
activists were arrested during the past weeks. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's
home has been barricaded, her phone line cut and her supporters
prevented from meeting with her."

"Failure to impose sanctions at this point will clearly signal the
SLORC (State Law and Order Restoration Council in Burma) that it can
continue to abuse its citizens without consequence from the United
States," he continued. "The U.S.'s credibility, resolve and character
hangs in the balance on this issue."

Following is the official text of the letter:

(begin official text)

United States Senate
Committee on Foreign Relations
Washington, DC  20510-6225

October 4, 1996

The President
The White House

Dear Mr. President:

With all respect, I am convinced that you erred when on September 30,
you signed into law the conditional sanctions under which an
investment ban could be triggered by certain actions against Daw Aung
Sun Suu Kyi, including her rearrest for political acts, or by large
scale repression of or violence against the Democratic opposition.

Although many of us in the Senate favored an immediate prohibition on
new U.S. investment, Congress mistakenly adopted the conditional
approach favored by the Administration. While the situation in Burma
had already deteriorated markedly, we had hoped and expected that the
Administration would follow through on its sanctions commitment in
response to intensified repression against either Daw Aung San Suu Kyi
or pro-democracy activists.

I got my hopes up when, while testifying before the Senate Foreign
Relations Committee on August 1, Secretary of State Christopher
asserted "I think that if Aung San Suu Kyi is not permitted to
continue to speak out, if she is placed under house arrest and
restricted, I think that would be a reason to take the action called
for under the Cohen amendment."

Mr. President, every condition for the imposition of an investment ban
has been met. Eight hundred democracy activists were arrested during
the past weeks. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's home has been barricaded, her
phone line cut and her supporters prevented from meeting with her.

In other words, the SLORC is calling your Administration's bluff.
Failure to impose sanctions at this point will clearly signal the
SLORC that it can abuse its citizens without consequences from the
United States. The U.S.'s credibility, resolve and character hangs in
the balance on this issue.

I urge that you act immediately to impose a ban on new U.S. investment
in Burma and lead other countries in the region in an effort to
restore democracy, the rule of law and human rights in Burma.

Sincerely,
(signed)
JESSE HELMS

*****************************************************************

PRESS STATEMENT: DEMOCRATIC ACTION PARTY (MALAYSIA)
October 8, 1996

DEMOCRATIC ACTION PARTY (Malaysia)

Press Statement by Parliamentary Opposition Leader, DAP Secretary-General
and MP for Tanjong, Lim Kit Siang, in Petaling Jaya 

Malaysia should stop being one of the leading defenders of SLORC and
foremost advocate for Myanmar's admission   as full ASEAN member  by next
year until SLORC has shown progress in political reforms and democratisation
in the next 12 months
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

The time has come for Malaysia to stop being one of the leading defenders of
the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) and foremost advocate
for Myanmar's admission as full ASEAN member by next year.

Last Saturday, after the opening of the 25th Gerakan national delegates
conference, the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Dr. Mahthir Mohamad reiterated
that Malaysia would continue to push for Myanmar's entry into ASEAN despite
the recent crackdowns on pro-democracy activists by the Myanmese military junta.

Asked to comment on the United States' action in barring Myanmar government
officials from landing on US soil and its call to stop foreign investment in
Myanmar, Mahathir said it was pointless to shut out Myanmar as it was a
country that could remain for years without contact with the outside world.

He said: "We have continued to knock on Myanmar's door and today they are
more open and have expressed interest in improving the living conditions of
the people there."

The issue at question is not whether Malaysia and the ASEAN countries should
isolate Myanmar from the international mainstream and ostracise SLORC, but
whether Malaysia and ASEAN should reward SLORC for its continued crackdowns
on pro-democracy activists and obstinate refusal to undertake any political
reforms or democratisation.

It cannot escape the notice of SLORC that despite its crackdowns against
pro-democracy activists in May and the total lack of progress in political
reforms and democratisation, Myanmar was admitted as an observer at the
ASEAN Ministerial Meeting in Jakarta two months later in July, with the
promise of full membership by 1997.

The ASEAN message to SLORC seems to be clear and unequivocal: that the ASEAN
governments are totally oblivious to the politicial repressions and lack of
progress in political reforms and democratisation in Myanmar provided the
ASEAN countries can take part in the exploitation of the natural resources
and economic opportunities in Myanmar!

This is the backdrop against which SLORC had launched a new series of
pro-democracy crackdowns, confident in the belief that regardless of its
political repressions against its own people, its admission to ASEAN as a
full member next year has been fully assured!

While ASEAN cannot ask Myanmar to become a full democracy before admitting
it as an ASEAN member, ASEAN cannot be oblivious to the political
repressions and the series of  pro-democracy crackdowns since May this year.

If ASEAN rushes ahead to admit Myanmar as a full member of ASEAN next year,
regardless of the series of pro-democracy crackdowns by SLORC since May this
year, it would be a great diplomatic breakthrough for Myanmar but a major
setback for the international reputation and credibility of ASEAN, which
will be known  as a regional grouping which has no  proper regard and
respect for democracy and human rights.

Yesterday, the Indonesian Foreign Minister Ali Alatas denied  in Kuala
Lumpur that there was a split in ASEAN over Myanmar's  application for full
membership.

He said: "The only hurdle we face from ASEAN countries is on the timing
whether  they could join in 1997 or later which depends on how fast Myanmar
can meet the procedures (for membership)".

Call for an ASEAN-wide campaign to support Fidel Ramos' proposal for a
review of Myanmar's application for full membership and demand that
Myanmar's application should be deferred until SLORC had shown progress in
political reforms and democratisation in the next 12 months
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------

As Myanmar is in South-East Asia, no one would object that it should be a
member of ASEAN, but in deciding on its full admission, ASEAN governments
cannot disregard the continuing political repressions in Myanmar or the
aspirations of ASEAN people to see political reforms and democratisation in
Myanmar.
 
For this reason, Malaysia should stop being one of the leading defenders of
SLORC and foremost advocate for Myanmar's admission   as full ASEAN member
by next year until SLORC has shown progress in political reforms and
democratisation in the next 12 months.

There should be an ASEAN-wide campaign to support the proposal by the
Philippines President, Fidel Ramos for a review of Myanmar's application for
full membership and demand that Myanmar's application should be deferred
until SLORC had shown progress in political reforms and democratisation in
the next 12 months.  This would mean that the earliest Myanmar's application
for full membership in ASEAN can be considered would be in 1998.
       
*****************************************************************


NKS: MYANMAR AGREEMENT WITH AMERICAN COMPANY 
October 9, 1996 (Nihon Keizai Shimbun - English Translation)
 (Repoter: IINO, Katsuhiko on 7th at Yangon)

Myanmar concluded agreement of petroleum American Company
Foreign investment from April to September reached 2.5 times more.

On 7th, reporter of the Nihon Keizai Shimbun interviewed with the
Secretary of Myanmar Investment Commission (MIC) Brig. Maung Maung.

In this interview, Brig. Maung Maung disclosed that the amount of
foreign investment during the first half of 1996 fiscal year (Year -
September) reached more than one billion dollars which is 2.5 times
more than the first half of the previous fiscal year. At the same
time, he told us that on 6th of this month, the American "Bakers House
Company" concluded "Performance Compensation Agreement" with a Myanmar
state run enterprise. The agreement is for mining crude oil at Mann
Oil Field located in Nothern Myanmar.

He also said "Recent worse relationship with America such as placing
visa under ban each others do not harm desire of investment of
American enterprises at all."

During October 1988, when Myanmar started to accepted investment and
end of September this year, total amount of approved foreign
investment is 4,407 million dollars. The country invested largest
amount is :

Singapore US$ 1,122 millions
U.K.	   US$ 1,003 millions
France      US$    499 millions
Malaysia   US$    436 millions.

The main fields of investments are development of petroleum and
natural gas, then hotel and tourism.

*****************************************************************

MAINICHI SHIMBUN: INTERVIEW SUU KYI ON RECENT DETENTIONS  
October 5, 1996

[Translated Text] Rangoon -- Aung San Suu Kyi,
secretary general of Burma's largest opposition party, the
National League for Democracy (NLD), granted an exclusive
interview to MAINICHI SHIMBUN in Rangoon on 4 October. With
the military junta continuing to take a hardline policy --
for example, blocking streets -- the NLD was forced to
cancel the party convention to celebrate its 8th founding
anniversary. Asked about this, Suu Kyi said: "We will, of
course, hold the convention. It is our task," indicating her
intention to bide her time, while keeping an eye on the
government's moves. This is the first interview granted by
the secretary general since 27 September, the day all roads
to her house were closed off. 

Commenting on the recent mass detention of Diet members
and street blockage to prevent access to her house, Suu Kyi
criticized the government, saying: "We are engaging in
political activities only in an appropriate manner. I think
the government's recent hardline policy made all nations in
the world realize how authoritarian it is." 
In this context, it seems impossible for the NLD to
hold dialogue with the military government at an early date.
Regarding a certain move to realize the dialogue through
third-party arbitration, the secretary general said, "At
present, we cannot expect to have a powerful mediator. We
will not compromise to bring about the dialogue, but will
continue to call for it until they answer." U.S. Action Welcomed 

Furthermore, Suu Kyi welcomed President Bill Clinton's
statement that said military government officials will be
denied entry into the United States. Meanwhile, she
commented, "We will never expect anything from another
country. What is most important is that all countries should
realize and express concern over the fact that the people of
Burma are subject to the military government's suppression."
As for the Japanese Government, Suu Kyi said, "Japan
has made no announcement about the junta's recent hardline
policy. I am watching and waiting for Japan to issue a
statement with firm resolution." She wants the Japanese
Government to clarify its stance on the matter. 
To a question about whether the NLD has been suffering
from organizational deterioration due to the repeated
detention and arrest of party members and supporters, she
clearly replied, "There is no deterioration in the party." 

*****************************************************************

THE NATION: BLOCKADE AT SUU KYI'S HOUSE ENDS
October 9, 1996

RANGOON - Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi yesterday said she was
prepared to resume her weekend meet-the-public session after military
authorities removed barricades from around her home.

Summoning reporters to her residence just hours after military authorities
removed the barricades that had blocked access to her home for the past 10
days, she said the ruling State law and Order Restoration Council (Slorc),
had indirectly warned it could ban her National League for Democracy (NLD).

"The last 10 days have shown the Slorc is extremely nervous of the political
situation here," Suu Kyi said. "This is because they do not have the support
of the people."

Slorc launched around of detentions of NLD activists and supporters 10 days
ago and threw up roadblocks near the Nobel Peace prize laureate's home. The
barricades, removed around midnight on Monday, prevented the NLD from
holding a congress that was to have opened Sept 27 and kept Suu Kyi from
making her usual public appearances at the gate to her compound.

Asked whether the weekend meet-the public sessions will resume, she said,
"We shall have meetings if the people want meetings," but tacitly
acknowledged that the military authorities might move to close off public
access again, saying "It has nothing to do with me if they put up barricades."

Suu Kyi confirmed that NLD offices around Rangoon had been ordered to take
down their signboards and said this was because the authorities had told the
buildings' owners that the NLD will be declared illegal and that they thus
risked confiscation.

Reuter reports from Mae Hong Son: At least 17 people, including 12 Burmese
soldiers and five Karenni rebels, were killed in heavy clashes in Burma's
northwestern Kayah state at the weekend, Thai army sources said yesterday.

Rebels of the Karenni National Progress Party, which wants autonomy from
Rangoon for small pockets of area under its control, clashed with the
Burmese troops while escorting Karenni refugees to a camp on the Thai
border, the sources said. News of the attack, about 10 kilometre inside
Burmese territory, was given by Karenni refugee survivors from the clashes. 

*****************************************************************

STATEMENT: HUNGER STRIKE CONTINUES IN NEW DELHI
October 9, 1996

India-based Pro-democracy activists stage 54 hrs hunger strike in New Delhi

32 Burmese pro-democracy activists who have been fighting for the cause of
restoration of democracy and human rights in Burma started 54 hrs long
hunger strike at 10 a.m on Oct 9' 1996 and will continue till 4 p.m on Oct
10' 1996. World-wide hunger strike is being staged simultaneously in U.S,
Canada, Australia, Japan and India by the pro democracy activists of Burma.

They are undergoing sit-on-hunger strike under the canopy of make shift tent
set up in the Jantar Mantar Park of Central New Delhi. Out of 32, 4 participants
are women activists. All of them are in high morale and the prime aims of
this hunger strike are to urge international business company to completely
withdraw their investment from Burma and to impose international trade and
arms embargo on SLORC.

A fighting peacock flag, a Union Flag and scores of playcards are being
displayed around the make shift tent. The banner says "WORLD WIDE OCTOBER
FAST" ORGANIZED BY PRO-DEMOCRACY ACTIVIST(BURMA). Many political leaders,
youth and students leaders of India came and expressed their solidarity with
Burmese peoples' struggle for the cause of elimination of despotism and
restoration of democracy and human rights in Burma.

Among the speakers, Ms. Jaya Jaitly, Gen-Sec of Samata Party and founder
member of Friends of Burma, Prof. Bal Raj of Secretary of Samata Party(Delhi
Unit), Dr. Sunil Lam, Gen-Secy of Yuva Janata Dal and Vice President(IUSY)
and Mr. T.Srinivas(Gen-Sec) of AISF came to the strike avenue and delivered
solidarity speeches.

Ko Myat Thu(ABSL)
Information Section
Hunger Strike Committee
New Delhi.

*****************************************************************

STATEMENT: MEMORANDUM TO PM OF INDIA
October 9, 1996

To

Mr. Deve Gowda
Honorable Prime Minister
Government of India
October 9, 1996

Respected Mr. Prime Minister,

We are pro-democracy activists from Burma, who are staging a 54 hrs hunger
strike at Jantar Mantar Park, New Delhi in order to make international
awareness on political crisis in Burma.

As you are aware, the ruling military regime of
Burma(SLORC) is accelerating its repressive measures
against the NLD activists and supporters. Approximately
800 pro democracy activists have been detained in the
past few days. Our leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has not
been allowed to meet her supporters since 10 days ago.

We feel that the military regime is insisting on
gripping the State Power in the manner of Fascist
dictators with the support of the multinational
companies and co-operation extended by some opportunist
countries. In fact, since economic sector in Burma has
been totally monopolized by the military dictators,
foreign investment in Burma, at the moment, do not
bring benefit to the public but help SLORC's power stronger.

We appeal to the government of India

1)   to show its exemplary courage by joining
      international actions against the barbarious military regime.

2)   to review and reconsider its policy on Burma

3)   not to promote border trade with SLORC, which
      indirectly recognize the illegitimate militar regime.

We are very grateful to the Government as well as the people of India for
their constant support towards Burmese peoples' struggle for the cause of
freedom,
justice and peace in Burma.

With regards,
Yours sincerely,

1.   National League for Democracy(NLD)
2.   Arkan League for Democracy(ALD)
3.   All Burma Students League(ABSL)
4.   Chin Students Union(CSU)
5.   All Burma Young Monks Union(ABYMU)
6.   Democratic Students of Burma(DSB)
7.   Women Rights and Welfare Association of Burma(WRWAB)
8.   Chin National Council(CNC)
9.   Federation of Trade Unions of Burma
10.  Committee for Non Violence Action in Burma(CNAB)

*************************************************************

BKK POST: ICRC MAY REOPEN
October 9, 1996
Nussara Sawatsawang

But will not get free access to prisoners

Burma has shown an interest in the International Committee of the Red Cross
reopening an office in Rangoon, but continues to hold out against allowing
the ICRC free access to prisoners, a source said yesterday.

The ruling State Law and Order Restoration Council (Slorc) sent a high-level
delegation to Geneva for talks with senior ICRC officials after the ICRC
closed its office in Rangoon in July last year.

Burma's Permanent Representative in Geneva,  U Aye, keeps in touch with the
ICRC's Delegate General for Asia, Jean-Michel Monod, who went to Rangoon in
April.

But Slorc refuses to change its stance, and the ICRC does not want to be
used as  a tool for improving the military junta's image, the source said.

The ICRC pulled out of Rangoon after Slorc refused to sign a Memorandum of
Understanding allowing ICRC representatives free access to the prisoners.
Slorc cited security reasons for insisting on Burmese officials accompanying
ICRC representatives on the visits.

Mr Monod, during his visit to Rangoon  in April, proposed that the two sides
hold new consultations on the MoU. But he failed to convince the junta even
though he reiterated that the ICRC's conditions would not violate Burma's
sovereignty, the source said.

The MoU contains principles and procedures under international humanitarian
laws and the 1949 Geneva Convention which Burma ratified in 1992.

An ICRC official said reports on visits to prisoners were usually kept
confidential and sent to the host government. (BP)

*****************************************************************

BOSTON COMPUTER SOCIETY: APPLE BREAKS WITH BURMA
October 9, 1996
[Please do not reply to this e-mail address. It terminates Oct 10, 1996.]

Apple Computer will cease doing business in Burma (Myanmar)

As reported in the August 1996 editorial of The Active Window, The
Commonwealth of Massachusetts prohibits state agencies from buying goods or
services from any company doing business with any Burmese entity.  According
to sources,  Apple Computer conducted business in Burma through
intermediaries and therefore would have been subject to this sanction.  In
fact, the Boston Globe named Apple Computer as one of many  companies that
would be affected by the Selective Purchasing Act.

The Los Angeles Times  broke the story  on Oct 3.  In the article, Apple's
manager of International Public Relations, Nancy Keith Kelly, specifically
cited the Massachusetts regulations as the reason for Apple's withdrawal from
that market. 

The Massachusetts law mirrors growing concerns about Burma in Congress. On
October 4, the U.S. goverment barred members of the SLORC government from
entering the United States in response to violent reprisals against peaceful
democratic opponents. The U.S. is expected to follow up with tough economic
sanctions soon.

Once again, Apple has proved itself capable of making tough decisions
quickly. Bear in mind that Apple's recovery strategy depends increasingly on
the booming Asian markets. Apple's southeast Asian revenues are growing
annually at a double-digit pace.  Although Apple's sales of tens of thousands
of Macintoshes (primarily) to Burma's Ministry of Education were a healthy
addition to the bottom line, it is small recompense compared to the
difficulties Apple would have faced by ignoring the political landscape.

Apple is wise to avoid being drawn into this controversy, and reserve its
resources for regaining its vigor and financial health.  It should be
commended for taking decisive action. 

Final note: Although The Boston Computer Society has closed its doors, thus
ending almost 13 years of continuous publication by The Active Window, I will
continue to report and write about issues, such as this legislation, that
directly affects the interests of our community. It's been a privilege to
serve you.
 
Regards,

Pat Weinthal   (pat_weinthal@xxxxxxxxxxx)
former Editor-in-Chief
The Active Window
Boston Computer Society

Contact info:   pat_weinthal@xxxxxxxxxxx
Mailing address:  P.O. Box 1417; Cambridge, MA 02142; USA

****************************************************************

RANGOON TV: SOME DELEGATES BETRAY NATIONAL CONVENTION  
October 5, 1996 (Rangoon TV Myanmar Network)

Report on address by Lieutenant General Khin Nyunt,
chairman of the Myanmar [Burma] education committee and
secretary-1 of the State Law and Order Restoration Council
[SLORC], at the closing of Refresher Course No.23 for Basic
Education School Teachers held at the Central Institute of
Civil Service in Hlegu Township.

[Translated Excerpt] In his address Lt. Gen. Khin
Nyunt said since the SLORC has assumed the state
responsibility as a historical duty it has been
reconstructing the country's crumbling stability, community
peace and tranquility, and prevalence of law and order day
and night without taking a rest. It has also laid down plans
and implemented them to reconstruct national solidarity
which was destroyed since the country has been freed from
the influence of colonialism and imperialism. By looking
forward to transform Myanmar into a modern and developed
nation in the future, the SLORC has been striving on a
correct political path for the emergence of a firm
constitution which is needed at the present. Everyone knows
that a success has been achieved in systematically
implementing the tasks one after another by outlining the
correct political objectives. [passage omitted] 

Everybody knew that some National Convention delegates,
who are interested only in their party's interests and in
their own interests -- left the Convention while the
national movement [National Convention] is gaining momentum
for the emergence of a new constitution which is every
important for the country's future, and that they have
betrayed the national affairs. 

This destructive group is causing disruptions so as to
destroy the National Convention, and it is obstructing the
emergence of a firm constitution. On the instructions of
foreign countries, this group is also obstructing the
schemes to implement the country's objectives by colluding
with some foreign countries. This group, which is under the
influence of foreign elements, is also conspiring ruthlessly
to ruin the national solidarity which has been established
by the SLORC. The people can see and hear that this group is
spreading rumors, instigating the people to riot, and holds
roadside meetings so as to ruin the attained stability and
peace. [passage omitted] 

It can be seen that the envious destructive groups are
working to destroy the interests of the country while its
economic development programs are becoming successful. It
can also be seen that these groups are blocking tourists
from visiting the country while employing various means to
block foreign investments. While using the democratic
movements as a cover, the exiled group is also obstructing
and telling the foreign companies and entrepreneurs -- that
are successful in working with Myanmar for mutual benefit --
not to do business with Myanmar so as to create an economic
blockade and to cause difficulties for the people. [passage omitted] 

In brief, the SLORC is achieving a significant success
in outlining and implementing political, economic, and
social objectives. In the political sector, the pessimists -
- who cannot stand to see this success -- are disturbing
political stability while obstructing economic development
and conspiring to starve the people. In the social sector,
they are destroying the SLORC's efforts to upgrade the
education and health sectors and its endeavor to uplift and
develop the spirit of the people; and they are making
comments that denigrate the national pride. I want to say
that such well planned actions are designed to bring have
negative effects on the people of Myanmar. 

Now these destructive elements are using student youths
as scapegoats in disturbing and destroying the stability,
peace, and development of the country. 

He then urged the teachers to organize their pupils and
student youths so that they cannot be used as scapegoats, to
organize them to expose these destructive acts, and to teach
them not to follow a wrong path. On the other hand, ?eachers
are also urged to participate and to organize the student
youths under the leadership of the Union Solidarity and
Development Association [USDA] which is founded under the
objective, that is, for the emergence of a strong, united,
modern, and developed nation. 

In conclusion, he urged the teachers to lead all the
student youths so that they, based on the patriotic spirit,
can crush the danger of destructionists who are posing as
saints to destroy the stability of the country and to impede
the economic development. He said participate and discharge
your duty from an appropriate position for the success of
the National Convention that is working for the national
solidarity and long-termed existence of the country.
Organize the student youths to participate in the UDSA's
national endeavors. Continue and maintain the peaceful
pursuit education for the successful implementation of
state's education policy and objectives. Combine the
practical and training experiences for the successful
implementation of the refresher course's noble objectives.
[passage omitted on award and donation presenting ceremonies] 

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NLM: SUU KYI ACCUSED OF USING FATHER'S GOOD NAME  
October 4, 1996 (The New Light of Myanmar)
Article by Pe Kan Kaung

[Transcribed Text] In Myanmar [Burma], there is no one who does not know
Bogyoke [General] Aung San and the role of Bogyoke Aung San will not be
overlooked when we talk about independent Myanmar. That is why the people of
Myanmar respect and admire him as the architect of independence, the
national leader and the father of the Tatmadaw (Armed Forces) and take pride
in him.  He made himself an example in loving the nation and undergoing
sacrifice. He thus became a great politician and possessed the qualities of
a good soldier.  

Bogyoke Aung San died; his body is no more but his name is alive. He won a
place in the hearts of the people. True, the public also respect and admire
his family and the generation to some extent.  Aung San Suu Kyi herself
should admit that this is the reason why she gained an advantage over others
in entering politics. If her father were U Phyu Thee, an ordinary man, and
not Bogyoke Aung San, she would become Phyu Thee Suu Kyi. Her position will
then be different. It needs no exaggeration. 

Not in a position to reason these facts, she downplays the influence of her
father and she thinks herself to be a top democracy activist. She then
tramples the history of independence written by her father with his hand and
pushing
the nation towards the state of servitude and a minion. The people of the
nation who love Bogyoke are thus worried about this. 

The people who can see Bogyoke Aung San only in the photograph can pay
respects to him for his attributes such as honesty, frankness, free from
ostentation, decisiveness, making correct decisions, sacrifice, risking the
life for
the country and the people. Prior to 1988, Aung San Suu Kyi came to Myanmar
to pay brief visits only.  Since she did not have a clear conscience, Aung
San Suu Kyi did not carry out activities openly. She thus kept a low
profile. Among the people of Myanmar there are people who know that there
are two children of Bogyoke Aung San -- a son and a daughter -- and those
who do not know this. There are also people who criticised Aung San Suu Kyi,
the daughter of Bogyoke, for choosing a white man or a "kala" as husband.
Some praised Aung San Oo for not marrying a white woman or '"kalama" making
a comparison between the two. She herself might have heard this news. That
was why she avoided publicity. 

But ...  During the time of 1988 disturbances, all may have noticed that
Aung San Suu Kyi hesitantly appeared before the mass at the Western Archway
of the Shwedagon Pagoda. In this way, veteran leftist and rightist
politicians took advantage of the situation and organized a free show of
Aung San Suu
Kyi, thereby making a political profit. Moreover, they made the public to
voice their political demands unanimously by putting Aung San Suu Kyi, the
daughter of Bogyoke with fine traditions, before the public. At that meeting
she said some
talked about her that she lived abroad and got married with a foreigner. She
said some asked what did she know about Myanmar's politics. She then said
she would like to deal with the public openly. She admitted that she lived
abroad
and got married to a foreigner. In claiming thus she did not seem to realize
to what extent she was going to breach that political pomposity. 

It is laughable to admit her getting married with a foreigner after bearing
two children with him and began to say she would like to deal with the
public openly.  She floated down the complicated political trend of Myanmar
and when she tried to overcome it she not only depended on foreign strength
but also used the influence of her father whenever opportune to make
political gains. She
claimed without any reference that as if Bogyoke Aung San himself was
earnestly desirous of democracy. (It should be noted that she was only two
years old when Bogyoke Aung San died.) She said the programme of defiance of
authority is that of Bogyoke Aung San. Such random talks of the daughter
about her father Bogyoke Aung San could mislead the people.

A reference will be presented here as to what were Bogyoke's
aspirations on the future of Myanmar.  After discussions on Myanmar between
Thakin [nationalist title] Aung San and Col Suzuki at the house of
Mr Tanaka, Thakin Aung San drafted the "Substantial Draft of the
Reconstruction of the Independent Burma". 

In his draft it was stated their aspiration was to establish the independent
Union of Myanmar which suited the people's conditions and requirements;
monarchy which existed in the past Myanmar history no longer suited; there were
implications and destructions leading to events of indiscipline in history
owing to mismanagement of the leadership; in a feudalist dynasty in Myanmar
[Burmese] history, two or three monarchs had been able to rule the
country properly but those who succeeded them were not, and this caused the
end of the dynasty; in their opinion the road to the system of
constitutional monarchy would not be smooth; Myanmar people demanded only a
strong and efficient leadership; they did not want weak and nominal leadership
and as such constitutional monarchy was against the Myanmar spirits and
under the system the country would be ruled by a parliament with the king as
nominal head; the administrative system run by the parliament encouraged
tendencies for selfishness and gave destructive elements opportunities to
hinder and disturb the administrative machinery; what they needed was strong
administrative system similar to that of Germany and Italy; for a country
there should be only one government, one party and one leader; and there
should not be opposition parties as in the parliamentary system.  There was
a question of how a nation's situation would change if there was not a good
leader. The answer would be
that the party would create the strong and firm leadership. It would not be
difficult for the party to provide future leadership for its being strong
and firm, not fragile like other parties, and for being constituted with optimal
features of the Constitution.  There could be a question as to how the
reaction would be if the party split due to intra-party disputes and
problems; the answer would be that intra-party disputes and problems
occurred very rarely; though one-party system would not be a proper type all
the time, it could be assumed that it would be the best system for a strong
and enduring administration; unity would be prerequisite for a firm
administrative system; not only the British administration system of
separation to divide Bamar [Burmese] nationals and
the races or, the hills had to be narrowed down but all nationalities should
be under the State administration on equal terms without discrimination of
"developed administrative region and under- developed region"; efforts
were to be made to promote every under- developed nationality and put those
regions under equitable and proper administration; efforts were to be made
to overcome the natural impediments to communication and unity; effective
transport systems like railroads and motor roads had to be built in
underdeveloped regions. 

The present policy for building of a new Myanmar Naing- Ngan [Burma] would
be to create an affluent, strong and modern nation and to reach a stage in
conformity with the policy; under the prevailing situation, efforts would have
to be made to minimize the high cost of living and increase individual
income; with the rapid growth of population, the public should be provided
with education, discipline and health and physical strength etc; there
should be proper scrutiny in immigration; primary education should be adopted
as compulsory promoting science in education. Regarding the economic sector,
plans should be made to manage production facilities to be confiscated from
the British government and its subjects; loans of the poor had to be written
off;
specific land management projects were to be laid down for the landless;
feudalism should be scrapped and agriculture modernized; proper projects
should be adopted for industrialization, exploration and production of raw
materials and establishment of industries; plans for commerce and finance
were to be laid down; tasks were to be undertaken for supervision of
exports, imposing taxes onimports, fixing of sales values, shifting duties
of the poor
to the rich, stability of the currency value and issue of new coins. 

Safeguarding of independence after reconstruction of the independent Myanmar
Naing-Ngan would be impossible if there was no firm plan to defend the
nation and protect the development; army, navy and air forces should be
established; (It is stated in "The Growth of the Burma Army", pp 15-20,
published by Tokyo Research Unit that the above Thakhin Aung San's
handwritten paper (original) was copied by Mr Suzuki and was reproduced in
the book.)  In that case, it will not be necessary to prove who are
steadfastly doing the real nation-building tasks for materialization of
Bogyoke Aung San's aspirations for future
Myanmar Naing-Ngan and making proper changes and amendments as and when
necessary.  If we refer to Bogyoke Aung San like Aung San Suu Kyi,
the present-day Tatmadaw, which is leading the nation, although its members
are not the sons of Bogyoke Aung San and Daw Khin Kyi, and respect Bogyoke
Aung San like a father and Tatmadaw leader, is safeguarding the State and the
independence which was regained with the leadership of Bogyoke Aung San. 
Even though she was born of Bogyoke Aung San and Daw Khin Kyi, it is
lamentable for Aung San Suu Kyi who is not only fading her father's noble
attributes but also using him under pretext of democracy as manipulated from
aboard. 

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INSIDE NEWS: TV MYANMAR NEWS
October 8, 1996

Tin Oo, met 3 leaders of the SSNA including U Aik Lar in Ranoon today. He
also held a meeting with ministers to provide assistance and support to the
newly opened Ministry of Science and Technology. 

Tin Oo, attended a meeting to discuss agricultural issues which was also
attended by Myint Aung, Minister of Agriculture and commanders of the army.

Tin Oo also attended a ceremony for providing money to handicapped soldiers.
Twelve of the soldiers who lost both eyes or both legs  were given 10000
kyats each and 44 who lost 1 eye or 1 leg were given 6000kyats each. 

An Israeli company, Gold Trade arrived in Rangoon and met Deputy Prime
Minister Tin Tun  to discuss Satellite Communication.

The Golden Flower Company has donated 1 million kyats to Tun Kyi for the
Garunar (Compassion) Foundation.

Myo Nyunt, minister of Religion is recieving donations in order to raise 100
million kyats to contribute to a fund for Alms for the Monks.

Kyaw Min, minister of Mines inspected preparations for a Gems Emporium.

Korea Ambassador and delegates from the FUJITSU Company from Japan met Mr
Abel today

The Brunei Transport Company delegatation met Thein Win, Minister of
Transport. The issues included entrance into ASEAN by SLORC and the
possibility of airlines arriving in Tourist Myanmar Year.

The Indonesia Ambassador meet Thein Win , Transport Minister at the ceremony
of honouring 4 pilots who recently completed flight training in Indonesia.
An additional 4 pilots will also be trained.

Win Tin, Finance Minister has met with American businessmen while attending
the World Bank meeting in USA. He also met Malaysia Minister and the adviser
to the Japanese Minister.

US$ 42728 was donated by the mayor of Rangoon for the construction of
Lumpani Garden in Nepal by SLORC.

The Daewoo Company delegatation recently met Saw Tun ,Minister of Health and
donated 6 washing machines.

The remaining suspects arrested to prevent disturbances, 63 people in all,
have been released. 

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