RELEASE FROM BURMA OFFICE

[burma@xxxxxxxxxx]

BURMA OFFICE
LABOR COUNCIL BUILDING, SUITE 6, 8TH FLOOR, SUSSEX ST., SYDNEY, NSW 2000
TEL (02) 9264-7694 FAX: (02) 9264-7693 E-MAIL: burma@xxxxxxxxxx

STATEMENT ON BOMB BLAST AT SLORC OFFICIAL?S RESIDENCE
8 April 1997

The Burma Office has learnt that a parcel bomb went off on the night of
6 April 1997 at the house of Lieutenant General Tin Oo, Secretary-2 of
the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) and Army
Chief-of-Staff.  Although Lt-Gen Tin Oo was not hurt, his eldest
daughter was killed in the blast.

Given the tight security in Rangoon and around the residences of the
top-ranking generals of SLORC, it is impossible for any individual or
organisation to plant such a bomb without the prior knowledge of the
security personnel.  It is therefore evident that only members of the
security forces and their own breed can get access to such a restricted
area.  The latest incident indicates that the power struggle among the
top ranks of SLORC reached its climax by attempting to assassinate each
other.

The Office condemns the bomb explosion on 6 April, which follows the
December bomb blast at Kaba-Aye Pagoda, the target of which, apparently,
was also Lt-Gen Tin Oo.  Both bombs could only have been planted by
persons with indiscriminate security clearance.  The explosions are
quite obviously the result of a power struggle within the SLORC.

Since SLORC, after being persuaded by the liberal elements within the
regime, had first entered ceasefire negotiations with Burma?s armed
ethnic groups in 1989, an internal rift sprang within the ruling junta. 
Two powerful factions have since emerged: a hardline group led by Gen
Maung Aye, Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces, of which Lt-Gen Tin
Oo is a devout member, and the liberal military intelligence led by
Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

Although both factions seek to perpetuate military rule in Burma for an
indefinite period, they disagree on the most effective means to do this.
According to reliable sources in Rangoon, the two main points of
contention relate to the issues of ASEAN membership and the ceasefire
negotiations with the armed ethnic groups. Gen Maung Aye?s group is
against Burma joining the ASEAN, and would prefer to force the armed
ethnic groups for total surrender.

The Office, a firm believer in peaceful struggle for democracy and human
rights, does not condone any form of terrorism.  It has been a strong
advocate and supporter of the call for national reconciliation by Nobel
Peace Laureate Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and her party, the National League
for Democracy. 

The Office does not believe that any form of terrorism will help bring
about a lasting solution to Burma?s political problems. The only
practical way to solve the country?s political problems by peaceful
means is a tripartite discourse among SLORC, democratic forces led by
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and representatives of non-Burman ethnic groups.

The Office wishes to remind quarrelling factions within SLORC that the
Burmese have always been known for their tolerance and peaceful nature. 
Personal and political ambitions should not be the basis to violate this
time-honoured tradition.  They should not forget that even though they
may eliminate their military rivals, violence will not guarantee them
power or resolve political problems that Burma faces today.  Only
dialogue for national reconciliation can guarantee a peaceful transition
toward progress, prosperity and long-lasting peace in the country. 

The military has only to blame itself for the latest bomb blast because
it only understands the language of violence and brute force. Thousands
of innocent people have lost their lives, personal freedom, homes, and
property since 1962.  Many still languish in ?hell- hole? detention
centres and prisons today.  Even though the 6 April explosion may have
been meant for a tyrant responsible for these injustices, we strongly
condemn the violence and regret the loss of life it has brought about. 


For more information:  U Daniel Aung (or) Minn Aung Myint at (02)
9264-7694

=================
BURMA OFFICE
LABOR COUNCIL BUILDING, SUITE 6, 8TH FLOOR, SUSSEX ST., SYDNEY, NSW 2000
TEL (02) 9264-7694 FAX: (02) 9264-7693 E-MAIL: burma@xxxxxxxxxx

REQUEST FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE 
3 DAY CAMPAIGN FOR BURMA
9 April 1997

Dear friends,

We are writing to urge your participation in an international action of
?3 Days for Burma?.  During this time, 22-24 April, international unions
will support OCAW (Oil, Chemical & Atomic Workers) by writing protest
letters, boycotts and pickets.

As you are probably aware, OCAW has been a leading force in the struggle
against the military dictatorship in Burma.  OCAW has undertaken this
task for three reasons: (1) the evidence of abuse practiced by Burma?s
dictatorship and sustained by the various multinational companies --
ranging from forced labour and outlawing unions to drug- trafficking and
routine murder -- could not be ignored by OCAW; (2) corporate support
for the military dictatorship in Burma is found mainly among companies
(e.g. Unocal, Total, Texaco and ARCO) with whom OCAW has collective
bargaining agreements; and (3) the events in Burma represent an all too
brutal example of how the globalisation of the world?s economy has
linked OCAW members to the people of Burma.  OCAW is outraged that
Unocal has sold all of its U.S. refineries and gas stations to raise
cash for investment in one of history?s most brutal and corrupt regimes.

Please take whatever action appropriate for your union membership from
22 to 24 April and attempt to saturate the media so that the Australian
public is aware of the crisis Burma is facing at this time.  Could you
please inform this office of whatever actions you can take so that we
can support the campaign through the media and the Burmese community in
Australia.

Sincerely yours,




Minn Aung Myint
Coordinator