[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index
][Thread Index
]
(fwd) Yangon_s news briefing, (4 M
Subject: (fwd) Yangons news briefing, (4 March 97) (fwd)
You will see how the SLORC became more agreesive after receiving
President Suharto visit that made assure their entry into ASEAN by July
1997.
All businessmen in the region, Texaco & Unocal of US and Total of France
are indirectly pushing the SLORC to be rude so. (ABSDF)
Time is arriving for international community to impose international
sanction on such a very militant government.
---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Wed, 5 Mar 1997 12:59:37 +0700
To: lurie@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: (fwd) Yangons news briefing, (4 March 97)
Newsgroups: soc.culture.burma,soc.culture.usa,soc.culture.british,soc.culture.europe,soc.culture.japan
Path: news.inet.co.th!nectec!news.stolaf.edu!news1.mr.net!mr.net!europa.clark.net!cpk-news-hub1.bbnplanet.com!news.bbnplanet.com!news.sprintlink.net!news-peer.sprintlink.net!news-pull.sprintlink.net!news.sprintlink.net!news-dc-9.sprintlink.net!misc.twics.com!not-for-mail
Newsgroups: soc.culture.burma,soc.culture.usa,soc.culture.british,soc.culture.europe,soc.culture.japan
Subject: Yangons news briefing, (4 March 97)
Date: Wed, 05 Mar 1997 06:05:17 GMT
Organization: Yangon, Myanmar.
Lines: 734
Message-ID: <5fh6g2$c5m$1@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Reply-To: yangon@xxxxxxxxx
NNTP-Posting-Host: ppp87-max02-tyo.twics.com
X-Newsreader: Forte Free Agent v0.55
Xref: news.inet.co.th soc.culture.burma:13570 soc.culture.usa:150740 soc.culture.british:202022 soc.culture.europe:82550 soc.culture.japan:154731
Yangons news briefing (4 March 97)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The news briefing of the Information Committee of the State Law
and Order Restoration Council was held in Studio A of Myanma
Television and Radio Department on Pyay Road here this morning.
Present were leaders of the Information Committee Minister for
Information Maj-Gen Aye Kyaw, Minister for Foreign Affairs U
Ohn Gyaw, Minister for National Planning and Economic Brig.
Gen. Abel, Deputy Minister for Home Affairs U Tin Hlaing, Deputy
Minister for Education Dr. Than Nyunt, U Kyaw Hsan, Brig-Gen
Aung Thein, 15 foreign journalists, 17 Yangon-based foreign
journalists, 41 diplomats and invited guests.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Speech given by Col. Kyaw Thein of MOD
In the past month of January, the KNU sponsored and initiated a
so-called press conference of the ethnic nationalities at a place
called Metharawhtar in territory occupied by their No.6 Brigade.
This purported conference then issued what they labelled the
"Metharawhtar Declaration". Foreign news media such as the BBC
and VOA radio stations and western newspapers making use of this
conference and announcement, began to broadcast and publish a
variety of extravagant and distorted versions of the affair. Within
the country also, Daw Suu Kyi referring in great detail to this
declaration, spoke in support of it on Union Day. But she, as well
as the news media which had given wide coverage to this meeting
did not attempt to ask any relevant or crucial questions about it. It
did not occur to them that inquiries should be made about the
background of the individuals or the bona fide of the organizations
represented at this conference? Nor did they stop to ask if these
people and groups were truly representative of all the national races
of Myanmar or if they had the unqualified support of the people.
They just ignored the necessity of making such vital inquiries and
instead publicized it as the genuine article.
So, we should first examine the status of the organizations which,
according to this announcement, had attended the parley. The
organizations are as follows :
(1) The Karenni National Progressive Party.- KNPP
(2) The Pa-O People's Liberation Organization PPLO
(3) The Wa National Organization - WNO
(4) The United Wa State Party -UWSP
(5) The Palaung State Liberation Front - PSLF
(6) The Kachin Independence Organization - KIO
(7) The All Arakan Students and Youths Council - AASYC
(8) The Lahu Democratic Front - LDF
(9) The New Mon State Party - NMSP
(10) The Arakan Liberation Party - ALP
(11) The Kayan New Land Party - KNLP
(12) The Shan United Revolutionary Army - SURA
(13) The Chin National Front - CNF
(14) The Shan Democratic Union - SDU
(15) The Karen National Union - KNU
(16) Special guests of various nationalities.
Then, we should also take a look at the organizations and
individuals who funded the whole show. These are:
(1) The open Society Institute ( SOROS Foundation)
(2) Harn Yawng Hwe (Burma Donor Secretariat)
Associates to Develop Burma.
(3) The Burma Initiative.
Some persons have been given the false impression that the 15
organizations which attended the conference, were none other than
the 15 national groups which had reached agreement with the State
Law and Order Restoration Council Government, and had entered
the legal fold. In actual fact, the l5 groups at the conference were
mostly composed of those hanging around, in the vicinity of the
KNU encampment. These persons were simply collected into small
groups under borrowed names of authentic organizations to lend
them some illusion of political credibility.
Of these groups, representatives of the KIO and the NMSP which
had achieved peace with the Government did attend the conference.
But the authorities had also been informed beforehand, their
reasons for sending representatives. The remaining groups did not
send any representatives at all.
It is therefore, evidently clear, that this conference which was
attended by alleged national groups under various self-styled
names, was a scenario staged under false pretences by the KNU
who have rejected out of hand the goals of peace, development and
national Unity for the Union of Myanmar. They have deliberately
taken advantage of the patient efforts made for peace by the
Government and had purposely conducted this conference to
provide themselves with flimsy excuses for evading the peace
efforts.
The fact that Daw Suu Kyi has also seen fit to give credence to this
scenario as if it were the will of the national races, and elaborated,
on it in her speech, may very well be an indication that the whole
exercise was probably an orchestrated effort between the
underground KNU and the above ground political parties.
Therefore, I would like to wind up my briefing with the comment
that, giving wide publicity to such a baseless confab empty of any
essence, does not show any good intent for the long-term benefit of
Myanmar. It is, quite frankly, a flagrantly devious and underhand
plot to destroy peace and national unity. May I add that the leaders
of the national race groups which have entered the legal fold are
present in person at this press conference. So, if anyone is so
inclined, you may ask them any questions that you wish.
Thank you.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Situation Regarding Peace Talks with the KNU
The Armed Forces, with effect from 10 February 1997 has
stepped up heavy patrolling along the Thai- Myanmar border. Based
on this, some news agencies have been making false allegations that
the Tatmadaw had begun to launch offensive operation against the
KNU. It is well known fact that the State Law and Order Restoration
Council consistently keeping in mind the goal of the national unity
had unilaterally suspended all operation against the KNU armed group
as of 28 April 1992 so that steps could be taken to begin peace talk
with them. The Government thus open the way towards peace
dialogue with the KNU. The State Law and Order Restoration
Council, Secretary 1 Lieutenant General Khin Nyunt himself call
upon the underground armed groups to come and discuss peace at a
series of mass meetings with the local people at Loikaw, Kayah State
on 17 November 1993; at Thanbyuzayat Mon State on 25 November
1993 at Hpa-an Kayin State on 26 November 1993 and at Mya Padaing
Village Kawkareik Township, Kayin State on 5 April 1994 all these
meetings were given wide coverage on TV, Radio and in the daily
news paper.
Peace discussions were held twice with the KNU at a
location on the Thai-Myanmar border between responsible officials
of the Myanmar Government and Chairman Bo Mya, Hpadoh Ba
Thin and Hpadoh Maung Maung of the KNU on 22 August 1993 and
again on 25 December of the same year. At these talk the KNU,
instead of giving prime consideration to the National causes laid down
certain terms to which they gave priority. The KNU stated that they
were willing to hold peace talks only under the banner of the DAB,
that the talks were to be held at a venue in a foreign country and
that third party delegates either from the UN or some neutral country
were to be participants in the talks. As a result, the talks came to a
halt.
In November 1995 however, do to the self-serving conduct of
the KNU leders, a religious conflict arose within the ranks of the
KNU. The majority of the KNU members rejecting the current
leadership therefore, broke away from the KNU and from a separate
organization, the DKBA. After that the KNU lost their headquarters
at Manerpalaw, their Wakha camp as well as their temporary
headquarters at Kanelay camp. The KNU were thus deprived of their
strongholds on the Thai-Myanmar border and suffered a decline in
military, economic and organizational strength. The KNU followers
then began to lose confidence in their leaders.
With the main aim of retrieving themselves from this
predicament, the KNU conveyed a message through the peace
mediators to the State Law and Order Restoration Council
Government that they were now prepared to relinquish the three
conditions previously demanded . They said they were now ready to
enter into dialogue with the government on their own cognizance as
the KNU without any preconditions, and only in the interest of the
national cause and regional peace.
On the basis of this message submitted by the mediators, the
leaders of the State , for the sake of national unity, accepted their
offer on the said terms and dispatched an official delegation to a
location on the Thai-Myanmar border on 11 October 1995. They then
held off-the-record discussions with KNU leaders Bo Mya , Hpadoh Ba
Thin, Tu Tu Lay, Tamala Baw, Maung Maung, Kasedoh and Soe
Soe. Subsequently, despite the fact there were differences of views on
both sides and even though the Government was aware that the KNU
might be secretly harbouring certain ulterior motives, it went ahead
with face-to-face discussions with the KNU on friendly and intimate
terms. The Government, with sincere conviction and genuine
goodwill that there would be vast benefit for the country and the
people, held the first round of talks with the KNU at Mawlamyaing
form 14 to 19 December 1995. The 11-member KNU delegation
was led by Saw Khali Hse with Mahn Steela, Saw Nay Soe (a) Soe
Soe among the members. At this first meeting, the KNU as an
expression of mutual understanding stated that they also wished to
bring about national reconciliation as soon as possible. The second
round of talks was held , again at Mawlamyaing, form 15 to 16
February 1996. It was attended by 12 members of the KNU including
Hpadoh Mahn Sha, Hpadoh Tin Oo, Hpadoh Aung San, Saw Roger,
Saw Nay Soe (a) Soe Soe and Mahn Aung Tin Myint . The KNU
submitted 12 points for discussion. It was at this meeting that the
two sides came nearest to reaching agreement and only one point
remained to be resolved. The point still to be negotiated concerned
the phraseology "renouncing arms struggle and returned to the legal
fold." to be used at the official peace ceremony.
Then a KNU group which included Hpadoh Kaw Soe, Soe
Soe and Mahn Aung Tin Myint arrived in Yangon to hold unofficial
talks with responsible officials from 22 April to 2 May 1996. At this
meeting they discussed the usage of the phrase "renouncing arms
struggle and entered the legal fold " again and also made queries as
to the kind of rules and regulations they would have to abide by ,
once they had agreed to peace. The third round of talks was held at
Mawlamyaing form 29 June to 1 July 1996. Eleven members of the
KNU including Tamala Baw, Hpadoh Mahn Sha, Hpadoh David Htaw,
Hpadoh Thamein Tun and Mahn Aung Tin Myint attended the
meeting. With the exception of the usage of phraseology success seemed
close at hand to achieving peace together with the KNU.
In the duration of the three official talks and the single
off-the-record discussion, arrangements were made for the KNU
representatives to visit Yangon by air and accommodations provided
at the Defence Services guest house. Facilities were also provided
for them to go where they wished in Yangon. Secretary 1 of the State
Law and Order Restoration Council Lieutenant General Khin Nyunt,
mindful of the advantages to be gained for the country and the
people, received the KNU delegates and held warm face-to-face talks.
And every time they met, the KNU delegates pledged to achieve peace at
any cost.
On 29 October 1996 at the request of KNU Chairman BO Mya,
an official govement delegration went to the Thai- Myanmar border
area to participate in a round of unofficial talks. This was followed
by a fourth official meeting at Mawlamyaing from 21 to 23 November.
The KNU was represented by 8 members which included Tamala
Baw, Hpadoh Mahn Sha, Hpadoh Maung Maung , Soe Soe and Mahn
Aung Tin Myint. At this meeting the KNU retracted all they had agreed
upon at previous meetings and demanded that talks being afresh.
They brought up again for discussion the three previous conditions
which they had already relinquished. The Government exhibited great
magnanimity and tolerance and to find out the real purpose of the
KNU, set 31 December 1996 as the deadline for the KNU to give a
reply officially. The Government received this reply deated 31
December 1996, signed by Bo Mya himself, but the contents showed
a complete deviation on all agreement reached previously. Instead,
they again insisted on demands which would destory national unity
and lead to the disintegration of the Union. The letter also totally
disregarded the matter of re-entering the leagle fold.
The Government, for the sake of national unity and with
genuine goodwill not to leave the KNU in isolation, had extended an
offer for peace talks at a time when the strength of the KNU had been
at the lowest point. But the KNU, taking undue advantage of the
respite provided by the peace talks, had used the intervening period
to reorganize its followers. They had also exploited the lull in the
fighting to try and recover their lost prestige by sponsoring
meetings of the National Democratic Front (NDF), the Democratic
Alliance of Burma (DAB) and the National Council of the Union of Burma
(NCUB) to issue announcements opposing the Government. Furthermore, it
has established contacts with turncoats within the country and
terrorists without, and allowed their camps based at the Thai-Myanmar
border as staging points to commit acts of terrorism. In
collaboration with terrorists in the country they mined the
Yangon-Mandalay train and exploded a bomb at the shrine of the
Buddhas Sacred Tooth Relic. The armed units of the Defence Services
were therefore obliged to send in troops to clear up those staging
points along the Thai-Myanmar border, beinning 11 February 1997, to
ensure security of the State.
Due to the action taken by the Armed Forces in Kawkareik
Township and Kya-Inn Seikkyi Township in Kayin State, 551 officers,
warrant officers and other ranks of the KNU decided they would make
exchange of arms for peace.
They thus brought in 283 weapons including
25 heavy arms,
7741 assorted heavy and small round ammiunition,
441 assorted magazines and
155 mines of all kinds.
Seventy-seven skirmishes have taken place from 11 February to date
and 53 enemy soldiers were captured dead, 22 captured alive, and
535 wepons, including
22 heavy arms,
400522 rounds of ammunition,
897 magazines,
3714 assorted mines,
5019 rocket shells and
2 bulldozers were seized. Eight Government soldiers gave up
their lives for the country and 28 were wounded, including 3 officers.
In similar action in Dawei Township of Taninthayi Division, 38
skirmishes took place. Sixteen enemy soldiers were captured dead
and one alive. 115 assorted weapons including heavy arms,
23 bombs,
150 rocket shalls,
184 assorted mines,
28 hand grenades,
a vast amount of ammunition,
5 wireless sets,
two 3-ton vehicles and
8 motor cycles were seized. Nineteen Government soldiers were killed
in action and 57 wounded, including 3 officers. It is reported that
mopping-up action will be continued.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Speech given by Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw
Visit of the President of Indonesia to Myanmar
At the invitation of the Chairman of the State Law and Order
Restoration Council of the Union of Myanmar His Excellency Senior
General Than Shwe, His Excellency Mr. Soeharto, President of the
Republic of Indonesia paid a State Visit to Myanmar from 21 to 23
February 1997.
The Indonesian President was accompanied by 11 high-ranking
officials including Minister for Foreign Affairs His Excellency Mr.
Ali
Alatas, Minister/Secretary of the State His Excellency Mr. Moerdiono
and Ambassador at large His Excellency Mr. Nanna Sutresna.
In the evening of 21 February 1997 His Excellency President
Mr. Soeharto called on the Chairman of the State Law and Order
Restoration Council His Excellency Senior General Than Shwe at the
Pyithu Hluttaw which was follow by a State Banquet hosted by His
Excellency Senior General Than Shwe at the same venue.
Earlier in the day, the Secretary (1) of the State Law and Order
Restoration Council paid a courtesy call on His Excellency President
Mr. Soeharto at the State Guest House.
In the morning of the following days officials talks were held at
the Pyithu Hluttaw. The Myanmar side by headed by His Excellency
Senior General Than Shwe and the Indonesian side was headed by
His Excellency President Mr. Soeharto. Following the talks, the two
leaders witnessed the signing of the MoU between, His Excellency
Maj-Gen Than Oo, Chairman of the Myanmar Economic Holdings
Ltd. and Mrs. Siti Hardijanti Indra Rukmara, Executive Director of
P.T CITRA LAMTORO GUNG PERSADA.
At 1130 hours on the same day, the Chairman of the State Law
and Order Restoration Council and Madame Than Shwe paid a
courtesy call on His Excellency President Mr. Soeharto at the State
Guest House.
In the evening, His Excellency President Mr. Soeharto planted
a commemorative tree near Pyidaungsu Ayeyeiknyein in the People's
Park to mark his goodwill visit and visited the Shwedagon Pagoda.
Earlier in the afternoon, the MoU on the establishment of joint
venture airline for the border area development was signed by
Managing Director Lt.Col. Aung Nyunt of Myanma Airways and
President Director Mr. Adi Sugandi of IPTN (PT Triputra Unggul
Utama) at Sedona Hotel.
In the morning of 23 February 1997, the Chairman of the State
Law and Order Restoration Council His Excellency Senior General
Than Shwe paid a farewell call on His Excellency President Mr.
Soeharto at the State Guest House.
After the call, the two leaders proceed to the Yangon
International Airport. His Excellency President Mr. Soeharto and
entourage were seen off at the Yangon International Airport by the
Chairman of the State Law and Order Restoration Council His
Excellency Senior General Tan Shwe, Vice Chairman of the State
Law and Order Restoration Council His Excellency General Maung
Aye, Secretary (1) and (2), the Two Deputy Prime Ministers and the
Minister for Foreign Affairs.
His Excellency President Mr Soeharto paid a brief visit and a
goodwill visit to Myanmar in 1972 and 1974 respectively.
The visit is a visible significant sign of the growing bilateral
relations between the two countries.
Establishment of personal relations is an added impetus to
further enhancement of the larger dimension of cooperation in
economic and social fields.
Indonesia, which has 200 million population and reached a
considerable level of development, considers cooperation and
sharing of her experience with the countries in the region an
important contribution towards stabilizing in sustained development.
The visit served as a bridge between the past and present
bilateral relations between the two countries.
Questions and Answers
Q: U Maung Maung of Ji Ji
It has been reported that there was a factional strife going on
among the KNU leadership and the KNU insurgent in its resistance
against the Tatmadaw are resorting to guerilla warfare and hit-and-
run tactics. Is that so?
A: Col Kyaw Thein
Yes, there is some difference of concepts now in place among
the KNU leadership. Because of that, as I have stated in my
briefing, that 551 officers, warrant officers and other ranks of the
KNU decided to make and exchange of arms for peace. And about
guerrilla warfare, one tactic that the military use needs a basearea.
If there is no base area, then this sort of warfare cannot be an
effective warfare.
Q: U Hla Htwe of Nihon Keizai Shimbun of Japan
I Would like to ask two question. Because of the fightings at
the Myanmar-Thai border, how far has border trade been affected if
you could give us some statistics we would be very grateful. I mean
before the fighting, what was the volume of border treade, which
side was gaining more trade advantage?
The second is that Col Kyaw Thein said that the Metharawhta
meeting has been attended by the New Mon State Party and Kachin
Independence Organization which have already come back to the
legal fold after informing our government side. What were the
motives of these two organizations which have attended the
rebel-sponsored Metharawhta meeting?
A: Col Kyaw Thein
Border trade took place at three points between Thailand and
Myanmar. The points are Tachilek, Myawady and Kawthoung. The
volume of trade between the two countries will be explained later by
the responsble ministry official.
About the KIO and New Mon State Party sending their
representatives to attend the Metharawhta meeting, I think it will
be much more oppropriate if you meet with the representative who are
present here after this briefing and you will be able to get the
answer from their own months.
Q: S.Brookes of Asia Times
I would like just to know in a broader-sense, can you
comment on what the effect of the recent actions against the KNU
is going to be on Thai-Myanmar relations and whether there are
on-going discussions of the refugees and other related issues.
A: Col Kyaw Thein
The Government of Union of Myanmar has informed the
Thai authorities ahead that we will be sending some troops for
heavy patrolling in the Thai-Myanmar border before we started this
action. And we have complete understanding between our two
countries and our relations are very warm and friendly. Nothing can
happen concerning this action along the Thai-Myanmar border.
And about the refugees, Myanmar Government has stated quite
clearly that if the refugees are our nationalities we will be very
happy to receive them back.
Minister U Ohn Gyaw adds:
Col Kyaw Thein has said that since it is concerning with the
bilateral relations between Thailand and Myanmar, this clearing up
operations is only inside the territory of Myanmar and there shall
not be and there will not be any effect on the continuing bilateral
relations between Myanmar and Thailand. And on top of that the
exchange of visits between the two countries at various levels have
been continuing. We, on our part, before any action was taken, keep
the Thai authorities informed. Authorities mean two fold, one is the
Supreme Command and the other one is the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs. Of the intended action, we always refrain from putting any
doubts to be enlarged in the bilateral relations of the two countries.
We have not intended to hurt the bilateral relations of the two
countries and the Thai government also understand very well. We
are continuing to cooperate. That is the billateral relations status.
Q: Deborah Charles of Reuters
About the border situation, you said mopping up operations
are continuing. Can you explain a little bit further and how long you
expect that to happen. And do you expect to hold ceasefire talks
with KNU? And I just want a further clarification, is it 15 or 16
organizations that have returned to the legal fold? And how do you
define the ceasefire, and have drop their arms?
A: Col Kyaw Thein
About the peace talks between the Government and the KNU,
the situtation right now depends on the KNU whether they
genuinely wish for peace. If they wish for peace then the door is
always
open. The Government has clearly stated some terms to
them and if they are willing to accept the two terms that the
government has laid down for them then we will be able to continue
the peace talks.
About the mopping-up operations, that is still continuing . I
think they will continue as long as it is necessary.
And about the national armed groups which have come into
the legal fold, they are still holding their arms. The member of
organizations that have returned to the legal fold is 15.
Q: S. Brookes of Asia Times
How much of a real military threat closes the KNU pose at the point?
Are
their in any kind of position to do any real
negotiating .... their base seems to have been knocked out how
would you characterize their military capability right now?
A: Col Kaw Thein
Concerning the military capability and the military threat of
the KNU for the Government , the military strength of the KNU is
right now not much . Because they have lost a lot of arms and
ammunition as well as hundreds of their own people have changed
arms for peace. So, you can say that the strength is not much but as
a threat you can think of many desirous things. Even one or two
persons can be a threat to security. As I have stated in
my briefing, they have allowed the camps as staging points to act
terrorism. And apart form that we have information that there have
been training for saboteurs and destructive elements to do their work
possible inside our country . So, as a threat you can say that the
KNU can still be a threat to the Government, especially to make
their sabotage activities.
And about the other military capabilities, if you think in terms
of conventional warfare they are not much of a threat any more.
Q: U Aung Shwe Oo of NTV:
Do you also employ People's Militia in countering KNU
forces ? If so, please give us some details.
A: Col. Kyaw Thein
Right now what we are doing is just heavy area-patrolling
along the border. So we are not using any people's militia.
Q: U Hla Htwe of Nihon Keizei Shimbun
You said the relations between Thailand and Myanmar is very
warm. Are there now good prospects for continued construction of
the Friendship Bridge between Myanmar and Thailand which has
been suspended for two years now, I mean the bridge connecting
Mae Sot and Myawaddy ?
A: U Ohn Gyaw:
The process for continuing construction of the Friendship
Bridge is now under way. At the present moment a group of people
from the Union of Myanmar is now visiting the site and there will
be a very constructive meeting. The Myanmar side has informed
the Thai authorities that we would like to see the situation and
condition of the lend near the bridge, as we've seen in the 1985
record. When the conditions have been fulfilled then there will not
be any problem for the continued construction of the Friendship
Bridge.
Q: Jerry Harmer of the AP-TV:
There have been repeated reports that the government troops
have crossed into Thailand in the course of the action against the
KNU . I 'd like to ask whether this is true, and if it has happened ,
has this been agreed in advance with the Thai authorities; as you
said you have kept them informed in advance of what you are
planning to do ?
A: Col. Kyaw Thein:
Not one incident has happened at the Thai-Myanamr border
area.
Q: Mr. T. Okabe of NHK:
Let me ask about the visit of President Soeharto . It is said that
the visit of President Soeharto to this country is a very good sign
for
Myanmar to become a member of ASEAN. How do you evaluate
the situation-right now ?
A: U Ohn Gyaw:
As far as the bilateral relations are concerned it is quite normal
that the two leaders should meet and promote further enhancement
of cooperation and further enhancement of relations between the
two countries. The return visit of President Soeharto, the most
senior statesman in the region, in response to our Chairman Senior
General Than Shwe 's 1995 visit , is a very good sign of our bilateral
relations . As far as the ASEAN question is concerned the ASEAN
as a whole has the final decision to give. As far as Myanamr is
concerned, we are now as you will be aware, that we are an
"observer nation". And the next step would be the full membership.
We have applied in a proper manner to the Standing Committee and
it is the Standing Committee's work to decide. Of course, looking at
what the developments are now directed, then Myanmar, Laos and
Cambodia will be admitted simultaneously at an appropriate time.
But the visit of President Soeharto is higher significance than the
entry into ASEAN by Myanmar. The visit itself is as I have
reported earlier, is a bridge between the past and the present to
further promote the bilateral relations between the two countries.
Q: Miss. Michele Cooper of AFP:
We have noticed the sudden increase in security in certain
areas of Yangon particularly around military installations, and we
wonder if it might be related to the KNU and any possible
saboteurs.
A: Col. Kyaw Thein:
The time right now coincides with the approaching Armed
Forces Day on 27th March. There will be a big parade
commemorating the Armed Forces Day. That is why most of the
troops that will be in the parade have moved inside Yangon. And
because of that a lot of troops activities were seen. And apart form
that , concerning security, we will have to be aware that threats can
come from any side , any time.
Q: Steve Brookes of Asia Times
I'd like to ask Minister Abel if he's got any thoughts on what
seems to be the growing movement in the United States on the part of
States and the localities to pass the selected purchasing law against
companies who do business in Myanmar. Do you have any particular
comment on that?
A: Brig-Gen Abel
I think it is just a few states that have passed the law. I wouldn't
say that its a major move. But I think that the passing of such a law
will only hurt the United States companies but will not affect Myanmar
much.
Q: Deborah Charles of Reuters
I'm just wondering if I can get some information on Dr. Than
Nyein who arrested recently for having his medical practice. I heard
he was on trial yesterday. What was it that happened? And I also have
the question on when the universities are going to be reopened?
A: Dr. Hla Myint of Health Department
Regarding the universities, this is the vacation time like the
pre-Christmas time in the West. So vacation has just begun and the
term is going through in a normal phase. We just had examinations in
the majority of the universities. Also in the high schools exams are
almost over. In fact most of the schools are now on vacation. On 10
March, the nationwide Matriculation examination will take place. This
is a very important examination for the young people of this country.
This examination qualifies them for the university. So this will take
place next week. The Universities will resume their classes when
appropriate. "Dr. Than Nyein has not been targeted as an individual."
Action was taken against him due to breach of the law concerning
clinics that are opened, and last month 1163 such clinics were
examined and action was taken against 312 persons either operating
or working with the clinics. And Dr. Than Nyein's case is one of those
312.
Q: U Sein Win of Kyodo
The foreign media particularly the two radio stations always said
the ethnic armed groups who came in had to sign agreement with the
government. Is it true or not? And the second question is the same
radio stations said Myanmar Govt. insisted the KNU to lay down their
arms. What we understand was all the ethnic groups which came in
can keep their weapons for their own security. So I was wondering
whether the representatives themselves can answer this question.
A: Col. Kyaw Thein
On behalf of the national armed groups representatives I will
take the question. And I think after the briefing, U Sein Win can ask
the representatives present here individually or any one from the
groups. Firstly, we don't need to make a signed agreement to come into
the legal fold. This is just some sort of an understanding between the
Government and the national armed groups. And we don't insist them
to give up or lay down their arms. All the groups that have this under
standing or who have joined hands with the Government are still
holding their arms. We allow them to hold their arms till to the time
that is not needed for them to hold the arms any more.
Q: Deborah Charles
If they don't have to lay down their arms why is that one of the
conditions for the KNU?
A: Col. Kyaw Thein
We don't insist that the KNU lay down their arms also. We don't. Never
inany of our talks.
Q: Ms. Michele Cooper of AFP
Will these conditions still hold once the new Constitution is
passed, that is, with these ethnic groups be allowed to keep their
arms after the new Constitution is put in place?
A: Col. Kyaw Thein
As I have stated before the armed groups will hold their arms as
long as it is necessary. But after the State Constitution is drafted,
if there is specific clauses that allow them to hold arms then they
can; but if there are no specific clauses for this sort of thing, all
the armed national groups who have their representatives in the
National Convention or who are attending the National Convention as
observers know that when the time comes for them to give up their
arms, they will.
Q: St. Brookes of Asia Times
I have a question about KNU again. We're surprised at how
quickly the military operations seem to have accomplished its
objectives in a short time and what was the most important military
fact or was it the cooperation of the DKBA that was crucial in the
operations?
A: Col kyaw Thein
We are way past the jet age. So now I think, it will not be a
surprise for anyone that some troops can go from one place to another
within a few days. So, I don't think that the troops have been that
much fast in doing the action. The only thing about the troops' pace
is that at most of the places where they had expected very heavy
resistance they did not face this sort of heavy resistance at all. So,
that is why in clearing up the areas, they have achieved their
objective within a few
days' period.
And about the cooperation from the DKBA; the DKBA is not
in the legal fold yet and we, on our part, have given them
humanitarian assistance. Apart from that, we don't ask them to fight
along with us.
Q: Mr Goto of NTV
Could you give me information on when the National
convention be opened and what about the present situation?
A: U Thaung Nyunt
The question regarding the resumption of the National
Convention had been asked at the previous press briefing. I think
there
is no answer for that question. But the National Convention Convening
Commission will convene the National Convention at an appropriate
time.
Q: Jerry Harmer of AP
I would like to turn back to the previous question about whether
Myanmar troops had crossed into Thailand. There has been a report
in the Time newspaper of a Myanmar government prisoner having
been taken by the Thai Arny inside Thai territory. I have also seen a
still photograph which purports to be of this individual. Do you have
any information on this, please?
A: Col Kyaw Thein
Well, as I have stated there is no incident and we don't have any
intention, our troops do not have any intention, to cross over the
border
into Thailand. And of what information you have, on our part we
have no such information yet.
One thing that is possible is, it may be an act of an individual or
one or two individuals, but not the aim of the government or our
armed troops to go inside, cross over into Thailand.