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BurmaNet News March 20, 1997
- Subject: BurmaNet News March 20, 1997
- From: strider@xxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Thu, 20 Mar 1997 18:17:00
------------------------ BurmaNet ------------------------
"Appropriate Information Technologies, Practical Strategies"
----------------------------------------------------------
The BurmaNet News: March 20, 1997
Issue #672
HEADLINES:
==========
ABYMU: UPDATE AND STATEMENT-MONKS' DEMONSTRATIONS
REUTER: MARTIAL LAW AND A CURFEW IN MANDALAY
ABSDF: PLEADING NOT GUILTY IN INSEIN (PRESS RELEASE)
JAPAN PARLIAMENT STATEMENT: BURMA'S ASEAN ADMISSION
BUDDHIST RELIEF MISSION: PRESS RELEASE
BKK POST: FUGITIVE TRAFFICKER SIGHTED IN BURMA
THE NATION: US, BURMESE SURVEY OPIUM CROP
NATION: US LOOKS TO BRIDGE GAP WITH ASEAN ON BURMA
BKK POST: LONG-NECK KARENS MAY LOSE ID CARDS
BKK POST: BURMESE ASK THAIS TO KEEP BOMB WATCH
K. LUMPUR THE STAR:COMPANY VIEWS BURMA POTENTIAL
VOICE OF AMERICA: BURMA/U.S. BUSINESS
ANNOUNCEMENT: DUTCH BURMA ROUNDTABLE MEETING
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ABYMU: UPDATE AND STATEMENT-MONKS' DEMONSTRATIONS
March 19, 1997
ABYMU UPDATE ON THE CURRENT SITUATION IN MANDALAY
This information was received by telephone from Mandalay on 19 March 1997 at
2:10 p.m., and updates the information put out in the ABYMU statement of 18
March 1997 [text follows].
1. The Slorc have begun arresting the monks involved in the demonstration of
Monday, 17 March 1997, and have divided them in two groups, now under
detention.
2. 15 of these detained monks have already been given summary trials and
sentenced to lengthy jailterms.
3. The other detainees are still being tried or awaiting trial within the
prison.
4. It has not yet been confirmed exactly how many monks are under arrest.
5. Afraid of public involvement or censure, the Slorc have continued to say
that the issue is the result of Muslim-Buddhist conflict.
It is should be noted that many believe the Slorc were actually behind fro
the bomb explosion at Kaba Aye Cave in December 1996, which took place
shortly after the December student protests in Rangoon. The Slorc claimed
that the All Burma Students' Democratic Front and the Karen National Union
were responsible for the blast. The ABYMU believe the Slorc may use similar
tactics at this time to weaken or destroy this movement by the Sangha.
Central Leading Committee
All Burma Young Monks' Union
19 March 1997
--------------------------------------------------
STATEMENT OF THE ALL-BURMA YOUNG MONKS' UNION REGARDING THE DEMONSTRATION BY
BUDDHIST MONKS IN MANDALAY ON 17 MARCH 1997
18 March 1997
1. Buddhist monks began a demonstration in Mandalay on 17 March 1997 which
subsequently spread to all the major cities in Burma.
2. The demonstration was sparked by the deaths in prison of 16 monks, who
had been brutally beaten, forcibly disrobed, and sent to concentration
camps, where they were made to do hard labour and serve as porters for
military operations.
3. The monks who joined in the demonstration requested from the ruling SLORC
(State Law and Order Restoration Council) a list of the names of all monks
currently detained and demanded their unconditional release. In the past,
the SLORC had announced that a total of 3,115 monks had been arrested and
detained.
4. The SLORC authorities have tried to deflect possible criticism and
disavow any role in the matter by saying that the demonstration broke out
when the monks became angry over the alleged rape of a Buddhist woman by a
Muslim man. This same kind of dissimulation was employed by SLORC
authorities in Taunggyi and Prome in 1988, when the people rose up in
peaceful protest to demand their democratic rights.
5. The monks willingly join hands with the students, workers, members of the
NLD (National League for Democracy), and the ethnic nationalities' forces in
the struggle for justice and rights.
6. We strongly urge the SLORC to immediately halt all action against the
country's Buddhist monks. We further caution the SLORC that they alone must
be held responsible for repercussions resulting from any action they take
against the Sangha.
Central Leading Committee
All Burma Young Monks' Union (Liberated Area)
18 March 1997
*************************
REUTER: MARTIAL LAW AND A CURFEW IN MANDALAY
March 19, 1997
RANGOON, March 19 (Reuter) - Burma's military government imposed martial law
and a curfew in its second city of Mandalay following recent demonstrations
by Buddhist monks, residents and diplomats said on Wednesday.
Residents said a curfew was imposed from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. in five
townships in Mandalay, effective from Monday.
They said Mandalay newspapers reported that martial law was also in
place, effective on March 18.
Diplomats said they had not heard about martial law being imposed, but
said barricades had been set up on some Mandalay streets and that the main
market had been closed.
``The government is worried about unrest, so they are being very
cautious about security,'' one diplomat said.
Government spokesmen were not available for comment despite repeated
attempts to reach them.
But earlier this week government sources confirmed there had been a
demonstration by monks in Mandalay over the weekend. The officials had said
the protest was quelled without incident.
Diplomats said the restrictions came after weekend riots between
Buddhist monks and Moslems.
At least two mosques were destroyed and several people were injured in
attacks that appeared to be in retaliation for the rape of a young Buddhist
girl by a Moslem businessman, one diplomat said.
``My understanding is that there were riots on the 15th and 16th. It
seemed to be more of a socio-religious problem than a political protest,''
said another diplomat.
Sources in the military government had said the monk demonstration
occurred on March 15.
Mandalay is the cultural centre of Burma and is home to a large number
of monks.
Buddhist monks played a key role in the pro-democracy uprisings that
began in 1988, when hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets to
protest against the military regime.
At the time, prominent monks appeared on television and appealed to the
public to stay calm and pursue their cause peacefully, while at the same
time urging military leaders to listen to the people and not use force.
The demonstrations were eventually quashed by the State Law and Order
Restoration Council (SLORC) in a bloody crackdown that left thousands of
people -- including monks -- dead or in jail.
Shortly after the 1988 demonstrations, monks continued to be involved in
protests against the military, especially in Mandalay. Their protest tactics
included a boycott on performing religious services for soldiers and their
families.
But since then the Buddhist monks have been largely silenced, partly
through intimidation and in part through offerings given to top monks by SLORC.
But diplomats and analysts say there have been some signs recently of
unrest among younger monks who want to see a democratic Burma.
Opposition sources say support from monks would be crucial for major
change to take place in Burma.
**********************************
ABSDF: PLEADING NOT GUILTY IN INSEIN (PRESS RELEASE)
March 19, 1997
ALL BURMA STUDENTS DEMOCRATIC FRONT (ABSDF)
PRESS RELEASE
WEDNESDAY MARCH 19, 1997
--------------------------------------------------------
New Report Shows Corrupt State of Burma's Judiciary
--------------------------------------------------------
A new report published this month on a summary trial of political prisoners
in Burma provides a rare insight into the corrupt workings of the country's
judiciary and the maltreatment of Burma's political prisoners.
The report, 'Pleading Not Guilty In Insein', published by the All Burma
Students Democratic Front (ABSDF), is a translation of an official court
document which details the trial of 22 political prisoners and which was
written by the judge presided over the trial.
It is the first time under the State Law and Order Restoration Council
(SLORC) that such an official court document has made its way to an
opposition group and been made public.
The trial was held in a closed session in the notorious Insein Prison in
Rangoon a year ago in March 1996. The trial followed a series of raids on
the cells of the 22 political prisoners during which pro-democracy
magazines, news bulletins and other materials were seized, including a
message to former UN Special Rapporteur to Burma, Professor Yozo Yokota,
regarding prison conditions. Each prisoner was subsequently charged under
Section 5 (E) of the Emergency Provision Act for disseminating or planning
to disseminate false information.
Naing Luu Aung who translated the trial document said the report shows the
lack of due process of law in Burma and the complicity of the judiciary.
"Prisoners were denied access to legal counsel which is contrary to one of
the most basic legal rights. Prison authorities also used interrogations,
beatings and torture as a means to obtaining confessions for use against
prisoners in the trial," Naing Luu Aung said.
"All this was mentioned in the judge's report but he still managed to find
all 22 political prisoners guilty and sentenced each of them to a further
seven year imprisonment with hard labor. This is a clear example of how the
SLORC through a compliant judiciary uses its repressive laws to suppress
political opposition."
Among the 22 accused were prominent political prisoners including journalist
U Win Tin, magazine publisher Myo Myint Nyein, and National League for
Democracy (NLD) parliamentarians U Hla Than and Dr. Zaw Myint Maung, both of
whom won seats in the 1990 election. Since the trial, U Hla Than died in
custody. His death certificate stated that he died of pulmonary tuberculosis
and his request to be allowed to die at home was rejected, reportedly
because he refused to resign from the NLD.
"Despite the threat of further torture and punishment the prisoners showed
true courage by boldly defending themselves and criticizing the authorities.
Some prisoners complained of the beatings in prison and called for
prisoners' rights and access to legal counsel for their defense," Naing Luu
Aung said.
Dr. Gothom Arya, Chair of the Program for the Promotion of Non-Violence in
Thai Society, provided the preface for the report, and in it he praised the
courage of the prisoners.
"Not only have they pleaded not guilty to the trumped up charges of the
SLORC, they spoke out in their defense, defending their basic human rights
and dignity and denouncing the unfair trial."
All Burma Students Democratic Front (ABSDF)
For Further Information Contact Naing Luu Aung Tel:0000000
------------------
"Pleading Not Guilty In Insein"
Selected Quotes From The Official Trial Report
----------------------------------------------
Page 28 Htay Win Aung Testimony
"Htay Win Aung testified that on November 12, 1995 he was taken away from
his cell, his head having been covered with a mask, and was beaten during an
interrogation. He also told the court that on November 16, 1995 he was
treated in the same way during another interrogation. He said six officials
interrogated him using threats and torture."
Page 33
"The testimonies of defense witness U Saw Nay Dun and U Tin Maung
Lwin could only verify the accused were put in solitary confinement and
tortured during their interrogation. They were not able to tell the court
anything that would support the defense case against the other charges."
Page 34 Soe Htet Khaing Testimony
" He siad their testimonies were based on his confessions which were made
during his interrogation. He therefore pleaded not guilty."
Page 34 Aung Kyaw Oo Testimony
" He said everyone has strength and requested that the court rule give
prisoners the right to read and write if they are convicted under the
present charge."
Page 35 Htay Win Aung Testimony
" Htay Win Aung told the court that he was not allowed to hire a lawyer to
represent him. He pleaded not guilty on the ground that the charge against
him were unfounded, that there was no proof to back up the accusations, and
that the prosecution testimonies were based on information obtained through
interrogation."
Page 35 Yin Htway Testimony
"Yin Htway stated he was not allowed to hire a lawyer to represent him...He
asked the court when it sentenced the prisoners to urge the authorities to
allow him and the others full rights of prisoners in prison."
Page 35 Win Thein Testimony
"He said he did not participate in the publishing of the magazine because he
was too tired - both body and mind - due to his constant torture in prison."
Page 36 Win Tin Testimony
"Win Tin said he did what he believed was right and there was not a single
fact written that was incorrect. He told the court that the loss of human
rights an torture in prison were all genuine and added that the prosecution
could not prove that these points were inaccurate."
Page 38
"The judicial officer told the court that all the writings - poems,
articles, descriptive pieces, aesthetic writings, cartoons, short and long
stories - contained in the 102 page Diamond Jubilee magazine were aimed at
defaming and discrediting the government."
Page 41
"To analyze all the testimonies and the materials shown as evidence... they
are all damaging to the State. Furthermore, they contain fabricated news
broadcasts from foreign broadcasting stations. The content and style of
writing in the magazines is also detrimental to the State> It is evident
that although the accused had reason to believe that what they were doing was
incorrect, they were distributing and planning to distribute false news not
only within the prison but to organizations outside."
*******************************
GROUP OF CONCERNED NGOS: URGENT APPEAL FOR ACTION IN SUPPORT OF ETHNIC KAREN
REFUGEES ON THE THAI-BURMA BORDER
March 19, 1997
Short Background:
As a result of the current military offensive by the Burmese army into the
Mergui/Tavoy District, Tenasserim Division controlled by the Karen National
Union (KNU), thousands of civilians have been displaced.
We have documentation of Refugees presently staying in four areas.
1. Thu Ka camp, adjacent to the area between Kanchanaburi and Sangklaburi
towns, Sangklaburi Distric, Kanchanaburi Province. Approximately 2,000
refugees (in Burma)
2. Pu Muang camp, Kanchanaburi District/Province.
Approximately 2,300 refugees (in Thailand)
3. Htaw Ma Pyo Hta, adjacent to Ratchaburi Province.
Approximately 4,000 refugees (in Burma)
4. Ter Lwee Arca, opposite Hua Hin, Prachuab Kiri Khan Province.
Approximately 300 refugees (in Burma)
Residents of camps 1 and 4 had previously escaped to Thailand and all
refugees were forcibly repatriated on 9-10.3.97 and 15.3.97respectively.
Camp 2 is still in Thailand but males between 15-60 have not been allowed to
enter Thailand or have been forcibly repatriated into active war zones.
Camp 3: Approximately 900 women and children, out of about 4,000 refugees,
were forcibly repatriated from Bong Tee camp in Thailand in late February.
The additional population consists of men, women, and children escaping the
SLORC offensive.
In these areas the Ninth Division of the Thai Army has a clearly stated
policy of only allowing women and children, and has stated that men between
15-60 years old will not be allowed to enter Thailand.
The US and UK embassies are well informed about the situation and we appeal
to you to contact Burma desk officers at these embassies for a coordinated
effort in the matter.
THIS APPEAL URGES YOUR EMBASSY TO RAISE THIS MATTER WITH THE THAI
AUTHORITIES, INFORMING THEM THAT YOU ARE AWARE OF THE PRESENT SITUATION AND
THAT YOU EXPECT THEM TO ALLOW CIVILIAN MEN, WOMEN, AND CHILDREN, FROM HTAW
MA PYO HTA CAMP, TO CROSS THE BORDER, FOR SAFETY ON THAI SOIL.
19.3.97 4 pm
It has been reported that the Burmese army is approaching the defending line
of the KNLA from two directions.
A spokesperson at the office of the Thai Army Commander-in-Chief Gen. Chetta
Thanajaro's office, claimed earlier today when asked about the refugees from
Htaw Ma Pyo Hta, "they are in no immediate danger yet..." and continued,
"...they will be allowed sanctuary on Thai soil when they are in immediate
danger." They did not, however, specify whether ALL refugees, including
civilian men, would be granted refuge under these circumstances.
The statement creates two main questions which need to be assured and
specified as soon as possible:
1. Will ALL refugees be allowed sanctuary on Thai soil, civilian men, women,
and children?
2. What does the phrase "imminent danger" mean to the Thai armed forces?
The refugees at Htaw Ma Pyo Hta already consider themselves as being in
imminent danger, which they demonstrated by moving towards the border late
last night, and some continuting across the border this morning. It has
been reported that the refugees are within shelling range of the Burmese
army mortars at the moment.
With regard to possible future repatriations of refugees, the phrase
"imminent danger" may very well again be applied by the Thai army, thus the
need to imminently receive this clarification from the Thai authorities.
The incident at the Mon refugee camp Hlockhani, in 1994, should be recalled.
A column of the Burmese army entered the camp, arrested several refugees,
and burned the camp to the ground. The refugees had been repatriated by the
Thai authorities.
************************************************************
JAPAN PARLIAMENT STATEMENT: BURMA'S ADMISSION TO ASEAN
March, 1997 (rec'd March 19)
Burma-UN Service Office <burma1un@xxxxxxxxxxx>
DECLARATION
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) at its regular
conference of foreign ministers to be held this July plans to simultaneously
accept as members the current observer status nations Cambodia, Laos and
Myanmar, while promoting active diplomacy between heads of state to realize
the "ASEAN 10" organization of 10 Southeast Asian states, which will signify
a "unified Southeast Asia" in the true sense of the word. In particular,
all ASEAN leaders are scheduled to pay their first visit to Myanmar from the
end of January through June, to take part in talks with Chairman Than Shwe
of the State Law and Order Restoration
Council (SLORC).
With regard to the issue of democracy for Myanmar, ASEAN has adopted a
policy aimed at fostering the process of transition to civilian government
through "constructive engagement." However, in a February 12 meeting between
Indonesian President Suharto and Chairman Than Shwe, no request was made for
dialogue with Aung San Suu Kyi, nor were any other appeals issued in support
of the democracy movement in that country. On the contrary, discussions
were held between President Suharto and former President Ne Win, the
one-time dictator who is still viewed as a backer of the military
government, with absolutely no expression made of
any stance of "constructive engagement" in the push for democratization.
Under the current conditions, it is clear that if Myanmar were to be
accepted for ASEAN membership and SLORC failed to organize some sort of
movement to advance the process of transition to civilian government,
international criticism would come to focus on the heads of ASEAN, who
would indeed bear a heavy responsibility for this outcome.
On this January 16, the Karen National Union (KNU) in Bangkok issued the
"MaeThaRawHta Declaration" to SLORC, calling for trilateral talks with the
ethnic minority organization and the National League for Democracy (NLD).
In response to this movement, at a February 12 party
commemorating the 50th anniversary of the republic held in front of her home
in Yangon City, Suu Kyi voiced support for this declaration and proposed
the trilateral conference. However, SLORC has made absolutely no comment on
this matter, and rather stepped up its military offensive against KNU from
February. We strongly condemn the stance of SLORC
in rebuffing KNU and making no attempt whatsoever to create an opportunity
for dialogue, a reflection of its obstinate refusal to enter into
compromise. SLORC is once again requested to take prompt action in opening
political dialogue toward the transition to civilian government, in
accordance with the results of the general election of 1990.
At the present time, in light of the general principles applied to Official
Development Assistance (ODA), Japan has joined with the United States and
Europe in freezing development assistance to Myanmar. In view of the
present attitude exhibited by SLORC, no progress can be seen
in the process, with this rather appearing to consist primarily of efforts
bent on forcing democracy into retreat.
During his visit to the ASEAN countries this January, Prime Minister
Hashimoto issued the following comments concerning the move toward ASEAN
membership for Myanmar: "Japan gives high marks to this movement from the
perspective that Myanmar must not be isolated from the international
community. Yet at the same time, it is also hoped that ASEAN will not act
as a cover for the oppression taking place in Myanmar, and instead handle
this membership issue in a means which will contribute to improving the
conditions in that nation." The Prime Minister deserves to be commended for
this statement. Nevertheless, at the 12th
regular ASEAN-EU Minister's Meeting (AEMM) convened in mid-February, no
penetrating discussions were held to address the issue of democracy for
Myanmar. In view of this situation, we strongly request that the Japanese
government adopt more concrete and positive diplomatic measures in the quest
to encourage political dialogue on the part of SLORC
and the NLD alike.
March 1997
Alliance of Diet Members Supporting Democracy for Myanmar
Yukio Hatoyama
Deputy Chairman
Yasuko Takemura
Secretary-General
********************************
BUDDHIST RELIEF MISSION: PRESS RELEASE
March 18, 1997
Buddhist Relief Mission
Supporting the Buddha Sasana Worldwide
266-27 Ozuku-cho, Kashihara, Nara 634, Japan
Tel: (07442) 2-8236 -- Fax: (07442) 4-6254
e-mail: brelief@xxxxxxx
Directors: Ken and Visakha Kawasaki
Buddhist Relief Mission wishes to express its deep concern over SLORC's
latest suppression of protests, officially characterized as riots, by
Buddhist monks in Burma's second largest city, Mandalay.
Being well informed of the volatile situation in the country at this time
and being fully aware of the Mandalay Sangha's courageous commitment to
democracy and human rights, we are convinced, first of all that SLORC's
official explanation for the monks' demonstration is unreliable and secondly
that the military's quelling of the protest poses great danger to members of
the Sangha and to other pro-democracy activists.
Buddhist monks played a key role in 1988 national pro-democracy uprisings
when hundreds of thousands of people dared to demonstrate against the
military dictatorship. When these demonstrations were brutally suppressed,
thousands of unarmed citizens, including monks and novices were arrested or
killed outright. In 1991, Buddhist monks, especially those in Mandalay,
organized a boycott to resist and oppose the military junta which resulted
in the imprisonment and forcible disrobing of many hundreds of monks. There
have been signs of unrest among younger monks who want to see a restoration
of democracy in the country.
Because the Buddhist Relief Mission regards the situation in Mandalay as
extremely serious, we strongly urge the international community to show
support for the monks as they protesting against the SLORC. We also urge
the media to pay close attention to events in Mandalay, the imposition of a
curfew, troop movements, roadblocks, arrests, and human rights abuses.
http://www2.gol.com/users/brelief/Index.htm
*******************************
BKK POST: FUGITIVE TRAFFICKER SIGHTED IN BURMA
March 19, 1997
Thirawat Khamthita, Chiang Rai
Li Yung-chung, the fugitive drugs suspect, has been sighted in Burma, an
assistant police chief said yesterday.
Li, indicted in the United States on charges of importing 486kg of heroin,
was recently spotted in Tachilek, opposite Mae Sai, said Pol Lt-Gen Prasarn
Wongyai.
Police have been told to keep watch on relatives of Li, or Pongsak
Rojanasaksakul, who jumped bail while fighting extradition proceedings.
Pol Col Panurat Meepien, superintendent of Mae Sai, said Li had been spotted
in the district but he thought he had taken refuge in Tachilek. (BP)
********************************
THE NATION: US, BURMESE SURVEY OPIUM CROP
March 19, 1997
AP
Rangoon - US and Burmese experts have concluded a joint field survey to gain
a better idea of the size of the opium crop in Burma, believed to be the
world's biggest source of the illicit drug.
The survey was carried out between March 9 and March 13 in Shan state in
northern and northeastern Burma, reports in the country's state-owned press
said yesterday.
The US State Department says such surveys give both governments a more
accurate understanding of the scope and magnitude of the crop.
It was not known when the results will be made public, but the team
explained its mission on Monday to a high-ranking member of the country's
junta, Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, the reports said.
It was the third such survey carried out by the two countries, whose
relations are strained because of Washington's disapproval of Burma's
repressive military government. The junta, which seized power in 1988,
allows almost no political dissent and refuses to turn over power to a
democratically-elected government.
Direct US anti-drug aid to Burma has been suspended since the military
seized power in 1988. This has halted aerial spraying to eradicate opium
poppies, a programme the State Department described as effective in
containing the expansion of Burmese opium cultivation.
US government assistance to Burma now is limited to humanitarian and minor
counter-narcotics aid, and funds for the promotion of human rights and
democratic values.
The State Department's annual report on narcotics, issued last month, said
Burma provides the bulk of the world's opium supply, producing about 84 per
cent of the opium cultivated in Southeast Asia.
It said that last year's crop could yield up to 2,560 metric tonnes of opium
gum, "enough to produce 250 metric tonnes of heroin and to satisfy the US
heroin market many times over".
The two previous joint surveys were conducted in 1993 and 1995. The State
Department report said the Burmese government cancelled a planned survey
last year at the last minute, shortly after the surrender of drug warlord
Khun Sa.
This month's survey included an aerial inspection of opium poppy cultivation
and soil samples from 221 illicit opium poppy plantations, the Burmese
newspaper reports said.
The surveyed areas included territory previously controlled by Khun Sa, who
surrendered with his guerrilla army.
The US indicted Khun Sa for drug trafficking several years ago and requested
his extradition, but the Burmese government has declined to turn him over.
Burmese authorities have not charged him with any crime, and he is believed
to be living in seclusion in Rangoon. (TN)
****************************
NATION: US LOOKS TO BRIDGE GAP WITH ASEAN ON BURMA
March 19, 1997
Kavi Chongkittavorn
Back in 1991 in Kuala Lumpur, Asean foreign ministers confronted the United
States and other Western dialogue partners on the issue of Burma.
Asean was severely criticised by former US state secretary James Baker and
his colleagues among the Western dialogue partners. Asean was on the
defensive, especially Thailand which was singled out by the West.
That was one year after the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC)
refused to honour its own election results and robbed the Burmese people of
their democratic aspirations.
Six years have elapsed since and both sides are still trying to bridge the
seemingly unbridgable gap over their different approaches to Burma, despite
their commonly professed objective of seeing stability and prosperity in the
beleaguered country.
However during that time, these ensuing divergent views have also emerged
among the Western states and become increasingly visible. Their economic
interests inside Burma underline their inability to forge a united stand
against the Rangoon regime.
The European Community is struggling to impose harsher sanctions against
Burma, not without opposition from its own members. The EU's latest move
would be the possible suspension of its generalised system of preferences,
or GSP, for Burmese exports, worth about 2.2 million ECU or Bt70 million in
customs duties.
Australia, Canada and Japan are more moderate in their approach toward
Burma, seeking to accommodate Asean's views and policies. They are confident
that Asean knows best when it comes to Burma.
Washington's stance
But Washington's position regarding Burma is by far the strongest. With the
new US Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright, whose tough positions against
the Slorc were widely known from her years at the UN, the US must maintain
its posture.
Despite her tough talk, she is practical enough to seek an understanding
from Asean, which will admit Burma as a member in the next three months,
along with Cambodia and Laos.
Albright is scheduled to attend this crucial annual Asean ministerial
meeting in Kuala Lumpur, and hold talks with Asean foreign ministers for the
first time.
The first indications of her stand on Burma came from the letter she wrote
to all Asean foreign ministers immediately after she was sworn in as the new
US secretary of state in the middle of last month. Her letter to Thai
Foreign Minister Prachuab Chaiyasan was the most revealing.
Calling the Burmese issue the ''thorniest issue" confronting Asean and the
US, Albright expressed the hope that ''Asean member states will continue to
press the Slorc to improve its international situation, cease repression of
the democratic opposition and move toward a more just society."
She stressed that the US does not question the right of Asean to determine
which countries it will admit into its ranks. However, she added that an
Asean decision to admit Burma on what appears to be an ''expedited basis
could inadvertently convince the Slorc that its policies meet with Asean's
approval."
This is a sticky point.
As Asean accelerates the admission process of Burma, the member countries
have not yet shown any serious concerns over the grievous violations of
human rights in Burma; neither have they urged the Slorc to begin meaningful
dialogue with the National League for Democracy (NLD) and representatives of
the ethnic minorities.
As it stands, it is as if Asean has endorsed what the Slorc has been doing.
In fact, it is not. Even though not all Asean countries share the enthusiasm
of Malaysia over Burma's membership, they have successfully managed their
differences to avoid any further exploitation by outsiders.
To them, cracks opening up under pressure from the West is by far a more
serious threat to the organisation than adding Burma. Asean cannot appear
weak in front of the West.
Different kind of trade sanctions
Within Asean, Thailand's stake is the highest because it is a neighbour of
Burma. Bangkok is facing a huge narcotics problem, especially from the trade
in amphetamines.
Of late, Burma has become a major producer of amphetamines, known locally as
ya baa (mad drugs). It is widely known that the Slorc has failed to address
this issue seriously. The military junta has also been reported to be
benefiting financially from this illicit production.
The upcoming visit of Prime Minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh to Burma is
crucial in gauging the level of cooperation Rangoon is willing to render
Thailand in combatting this new menace.
Thailand has already gone out of its way to cooperate with the Slorc to get
rid of the Karen rebels along the Thai-Burmese border.
At this juncture, however, it is hard to predict what would happen in Burma
once it joins Asean. In fact, Asean is also crossing its fingers. Some Asean
members think that they can better pressure or influence Burma as a member
than leaving it outside.
One thing is obvious though, the Slorc leaders will be stronger and have
less to worry about from Western or even Asean pressure as they consolidate
their grip on power. The opposition could be wiped out in no time at all, if
they so wish.
Despite the pressure from Washington and other Western countries, the final
onus is on Asean to demonstrate that the Asean way of responding to Burma
will produce a better result within a reasonable time-frame. Otherwise,
Asean itself will become an international pariah.
Pragmatically, Washington's main interest is to look forward to future
cooperation with Asean that includes Burma in addressing illicit narcotics
problems and exploring new trade opportunities.
Despite growing public pressure, it is doubtful whether the US would go as
far as to adopt investment sanctions on Burma as has been advocated by some
US politicians.
The reality of Asean-US relations also dictates that the issues of human
rights and democracy, in Burma or in other Asean countries, has no place in
a bilateral relationship. (TN)
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BKK POST: BURMESE ASK THAIS TO KEEP BOMB WATCH
March 19, 1997
Mae Sot, Tak
Burmese authorities in Myawaddy have asked for the cooperation of their Thai
counterparts to strictly screen goods for bombs following Monday's bomb
explosion along the border.
The request, which was made in a letter signed by Thai-Burmese Border
Committee chairman Lt-Col Saing Phone, was yesterday sent to Thai border
committee chairman Cool Suwit Maenmuen, said a border official.
The move follows a bomb blast near a river landing along the border in which
six people - four Thai men and two Burmese women - were wounded.
Two sticks of dynamite were found hidden near the small landing on the Moei
River in Ban Tha Ard, Tambon Tha Luad in Mae Sot district.
The incident prompted Col Suwit to put border patrol police on bomb alert
along the border.
Earlier, Myawaddy had issued warnings to its officials and Burmese civilians
to beware of bomb attacks following intelligence reports that the Karen
National Union was planning acts of sabotage inside Burma. (BP)
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KUALA LUMPUR THE STAR: COMPANY SECURES CONTRACT IN UAE; VIEWS POTENTIAL IN BURMA
March 15, 1997
Kuala Lumpur: MEC Bhd has secured a contract worth US$500 million
(RM1.25 billion) to supply electrical products to the United Arab Emirates
(UAE).
MEC president and chief executive officer Datuk Seri Teong Teck Leng
said the group would sign an agreement soon with a Dubai-based company. He
did not give details.
In another foreign venture, Teong said that MEC Sales & Service
Sdn Bhd (MEC Sales) was expected to corner 10 per cent of the electrical
appliance market in Myanmar.
The company yesterday signed a distribution agreement with Formula
Unit Sdn Bhd, which is incorporating a joint-venture company to deal in
electrical products in that country.
Teng said, after signing the accord with Formula Unit chairman Dr Choy
Fook On, that MEC's products had tremendous potential in Myanmar which has a
population of about 50 million.
The company, he said, would also set up after-sales service centres in
major towns in Myanmar like Yangon a?d Mandalay. Teong said that MEC had
been exporting products such as air-conditioners, television sets,
refrigerators and rice cookers to Singapore, Brunei and Indonesia since
February.
He said the company had received "very positive" response from its
distributors, adding that eventually MEC aimed at exporting 70 per cent of
its electrical products.
Teong said that MEC would be able to produce five billion units of
various electrical appliances a year when its expansion is completed in the
next three years.
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VOICE OF AMERICA: BURMA/U.S. BUSINESS
March 19, 1997
Aung Hla
In California and Connecticut, bills have been introduced to prohibit the
governments of those states from doing business with companies operating in
Burma. As Aung Hla of VOA's Burmese service reports, legislators concerned
about political repression and human rights violations in Burma are trying
to follow the examples of Massachusetts and 11 US cities where "selective
purchasing laws" were approved:
Text: State Representatives in California and Connecticut introduced their
bills shortly after the New York City council held a second hearing on a
proposed selective purchasing bill.
In California, Representative Dion Aroner, who introduced the bill in the
state legislature, explains what the legislation will do if it becomes law:
Triple eight (888) is the number of the bill here in California. And it
also prohibits the state from doing business with any entity which has
economic ties to Burma. So it is a very straightforward measure, looks very
much like what we did about South Africa many years ago when we were trying
to have an economic impact on South Africa so that they would change their
political regime. // end act //
California has the seventh largest economy in the world. As the annual
budgets of California and Connecticut are 45 billion and 10 billion dollars
respectively, legislators sponsoring the bills say they could have a big
impact.
Jessie Stratton introduced the bill in the Connecticut State Legislature.
In a VOA interview, she says it will send a message to the military
government in Burma:
Not only have I got a very positive response to my introducing this
bill in Connecticut, but it is clear that corporations are indeed responding
and that it is having an effect. And then you start to see major giants,
like Kodak and Hewlett Packard, pull out of Burma in response both to
legislation like we proposed and also to political pressure from Americans,
just saying we don't want to be a part of supporting this. I think that
has to be a very positive message to the people in Burma who are trying to
restore democracy to their country. // end act //
The selective purchasing campaign in the United States is continuing --
despite protests by Japan and the European Union that a similar law approved
in Massachusetts violated World Trade Organization (WTO) rules.
California Governor Pete Wilson stirred controversy in January when he said,
during an Asian tour, that selective purchasing laws are unconstitutional.
Activist Jane Jerome is a member of the (San Francisco) Bay Area Burma
Roundtable -- one of the organizations leading selective purchasing
efforts. She says the Supreme Court has ruled that such laws are
constitutional. And she describes Burma as a special case compared to other
countries that might be affected by such legislation:
Burma is an exception, and exceptional cases require special
effort, given that the National League for Democracy and other democracy
supporters have called for sanctions, and given that there was an election
in 1990 whose results have not been upheld. I can't say there have been
elections elsewhere, in Indonesia or in China. So the results of the
elections really have to be honored and Slorc (Burma's ruling State Law and
Order Restoration Council) hasn't done that. // end act //
If selective purchasing bills are enacted in Connecticut and California,
markets worth billions of dollars will be closed to companies that have
business ties to Burma.
Meanwhile, in the eastern state of Vermont, state legislators concerned
about the situation in Burma say they intend to introduce a similar bill.
.
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ANNOUNCEMENT: DUTCH BURMA ROUNDTABLE MEETING
March 19, 1997
Please note that the next meeting of the Dutch Burma Roundtable will be held
on Saturday 22nd of March 1997, from 14:00 (2:00 pm) till 16:00 (4:00 pm)at:
Burma Centrum Netherlands
Paulus Potterstraat 20, 3 high
1071 DA Amsterdam
(31)20-6716952 (tel)
(31)20-6713513 (fax)
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