The BurmaNet News, April 10, 1997

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------------------------ BurmaNet ------------------------  
"Appropriate Information Technologies, Practical Strategies"  
----------------------------------------------------------  
  
The BurmaNet News: April 10, 1997  
Issue #690

HEADLINES:  
==========  
JAPAN TIMES: YANGON JUNTA SEEKS TOKYO'S HELP IN PROBE
JAPAN GROUPS: STATEMENT RE BOMB
THE NATION: PARCEL BOMB SENT FROM JAPAN
BURMA OFFICE:STATEMENT ON BOMB BLAST
REUTERS:UNOCAL IS OPTIMISTIC IN PROTECTING SLORC 
RANGOON RADIO MYANMAR : AUTHORITIES ISSUE REMINDER
DVB OSLO: MONKS ATTEMPT TO DESTROY MOSQUE 
KNU: BATTLE NEWS
SLORC: INFORMATION SHEET A - 0033 
AP: U.S. ACTORS: FREE BURMA COMEDIAN
BKK POST: THREE POLICEMEN INJURED
DOW JONES NEWS: BURMA TARGETS 6.4% ECONOMIC GROWTH
ICEM UPDATE: BURMA SANCTIONS
*****************************************************

JAPAN TIMES: YANGON JUNTA SEEKS TOKYO'S HELP IN BOMB PROBE
[section on Japan Groups Statement abridged]
April 10, 1997

YANGON (Kyodo) Myanmar's military junta officially asked Japan on Wednesday
to help investigate the source of a parcel bomb that killed a daughter of
one of the top junta members in Yangon, diplomatic sources said. 

Deputy Foreign Minister Nyunt Swe filed the request with Japanese Ambassador
Yoichi Yamaguchi in a meeting at the Foreign Ministry in Yangon, the sources
said. 

In Tokyo, the National Police Agency said police have started an
investigation into the case. Reports  by government-run newspapers in
Myanmar on preliminary investigations into last Sunday's bomb explosion said
the package was sent by airmail from a post office in Japan and was
disguised as a book parcel. 

The book in the parcel was in Japanese and it was believed to have been sent
from anti-Myanmar government elements operating in Japan, the reports said. 

Cho Lei Oo, 32, was killed when she opened the parcel, which was addressed
to Lt. Gen. Tin Oo, a secretary of the ruling State Law and Order
Restoration Council. Responding to the Yangon press reports, four Myanmarese
democracy groups based in Japan denied any involvement.

Myanmar military officers have denied speculation that the bomb was
connected to a power struggle among SLORC leaders.

Tin Oo is the No 4 figure in the junta after Senior Gen. Than Shwe, Lt. Gen.
Maung Aye and Lt. Gen. Khin Nyunt.

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

JAPAN GROUPS: STATEMENT RE BOMB
April 8, 1997

PRESS RELEASE

On the night of Sunday, April 6, 1997, a parcel bomb exploded at the home of
SLORC General Secretary 2 Brig. Gen. Tin Oo.  That blast has nothing to do
with us.

>From the beginning of the democracy movement, we Burmese democracy activists
here in Japan have never trusted in nor advocated violence.  The Burmese
people today are the victims of human rights abuses and other illegal
actions.  We believe the only solution to these problems is dialogue.  If
both sides use violent means, the result is more bloodshed and the problems
are never solved.  We therefore have always condemned such tactics.

Here in Japan, the movement against the military regime has always been
peaceful, disciplined and within the bounds of Japanese law.  We have always
advocated dialogue as the means of solving Burma's political problems.  In
1962 and 1988, when the military took over the country, it accumulated a
record of violence and abuse of human rights.  From the 1988 democracy
uprising until now, the blood of many citizens working peacefully for
democracy has been shed -- that is also SLORC's doing.

Before April 6, we learned from the international news media that a power
struggle was going on within the SLORC.  It is very clear that the recent
blast is related to that power struggle.  Letters and parcels addressed to
SLORC generals have to pass through a security check, so the accusations
against us are baseless lies.

SLORC is responsible for creating the recent political instability, the
ongoing brutal offensive against the Karen ethnic group and the recent
religious clash between Buddhist monks and Muslims.  Furthermore, if these
problems escalate, SLORC must bear the blame.

Issued by the Joint Action Committee:

National League for Democracy (Liberated Area) -- Japan Branch
813-3205-6484

Democratic Burmese Students' Organization
813-3954-3606

8888 Group
813-3807-0432

Burma Youth Volunteer Association
813-3916-4996

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

THE NATION: PARCEL BOMB SENT FROM JAPAN
[abridged]
April 9, 1997
Agencies

Attack blamed on anti-Slorc groups in exile

Residents in the capital reacted with shock and fear yesterday to the bombing.

The funeral for Cho Lei Oo was held yesterday afternoon.

"I never imagined that our country would be so unsafe," an old man who heard
about the attack said.

Soldiers and police sealed off the military hospital where the body of Cho
Lei Oo lay in state yesterday morning. Black sedans with tinted windows,
believed to be carrying top Slorc members were allowed through the cordon.

Later, a procession of 200 cars drove 20 kilometres to Yeway cemetery in
Okkalapa township, a northern Rangoon suburb where the 34-year-old woman was
entombed.

Part-time civilian security auxiliaries took up positions in scattered
groups along the route.

Security was lighter at the cemetery, where fewer top officials were
present. Family, friends and other numbering an estimated 1,000 people
converged on the cemetery.

Hatless and appearing tired, Tin Oo stayed until the slab sealed his
daughter's tomb.

Tin Oo escaped injury in the blast, but the government has not confirmed
whether other people were injured nor has it identified any suspects in the
attack.

Analysts doubted whether any rebel organisation in Burma would have the
technical ability to carry out such an attack.

They also said the theory that the bombing was the result of a power
struggle within the Slorc, as suggested by the Burmese dissidents and Karen
guerrillas, was highly speculative.

Tin Oo, also chief of the bureau of special operations, is regarded as a
close ally of Gen Maung Aye, commander of the armed forces.

Maung Aye is rumoured to be at odds with the head of military intelligence,
Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, although the secrecy surrounding Burma's top 21 generals
who make up the Slorc makes it difficult to evaluate the possibility of a
rift, according to observers and foreign analysts. (TN)

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

BURMA OFFICE:STATEMENT ON BOMB BLAST
April 8, 1997


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

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

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

REUTERS:UNOCAL IS OPTIMISTIC IN PROTECTING SLORC FROM THE DANGER OF US LAW
ENFORCEMENT
April 9, 1997

         WASHINGTON, April 9 (Reuter) - Unocal Corp plans to open a 
headquarters office in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, this month as a base for 
looking at new ventures throughout Asia, Unocal President John Imle said 
Wednesday.
         The company, which recently sold off all of its U.S. refining 
and marketing assets to focus purely on exploration and production, is 
looking to expand its presence in Asia, where it already has big stakes 
in Myanmar and Thailand.
         Imle said he would be based in the Malaysia office, while the 
rest of the company's board would remain in the "twin headquarters" in 
Los Angeles.
         "The greatest opportunity for growth is outside the United 
States, and probably in Asia," Imle told reporters after speaking at a 
conference sponsored by International Petroleum Finance Co. and 
Enerfinance.
         "We have a number of initiatives under way, and we're talking on 
a project-by-project basis with a number of companies about joining 
alliances, being co-venturers in various projects," he said.
         Imle said Unocal was talking to Asian companies and non-Asian 
companies that are active in the area.
         He said the company was also interested in developments in 
Brazil. "We're watching the situation in Brazil very closely," he said. 
"We're very interested in the market for electrical power there."
         "We're also very interested in the potential opening of Brazil 
to private participation in the E&P (exploration and production) sector," 
he told reporters.
         Imle said Unocal was working hard to prevent the U.S. government 
from banning new investments in Myanmar. He said there were a lot of 
misconceptions about the company's Yadana natural gas project in Myanmar.
         "We're committed to staying in Myanmar as long as U.S. law 
allows that," he said. "We hope that we can avoid the sanctions bullet 
again this year."
         Imle said the company was being proactive in trying to convince 
the U.S. government that Unocal's presence in Myanmar was helping to 
improve the human rights situation in the country. Under a law passed 
last year, the Clinton administration is required to consider imposing 
economic sanctions on Myanmar if the military government steps up action 
against pro-democracy forces there.

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

RANGOON RADIO MYANMAR : AUTHORITIES ISSUE REMINDER REGARDING TRADITIONAL
FESTIVAL 
[translated from Burmese]
April 6, 1997

The Mahathingyan Traditional Water Festival Disciplinary Committee has
issued a reminder for all those participating in the Myanmar [Burmese]
Traditional Water Festival.
To happily and peacefully participate in the traditional water festival
activities during the Mahathingyan Water Festival period, the public should
refrain from;
- actions, expressions, and speech contradicting Myanmar traditions
and culture,
- actions contradicting Buddhist culture
- causing injury to others,
- agitating or creating actions and speech that could cause
disintegration of national solidarity and create unrest
Furthermore, those caught with water balloons in their possession will
face a two-year jail term; those who are caught putting water balloons to
use will face a three-year jail term; and those producing and selling water
balloons will face a five-year jail term and their properties will be
confiscated.

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

OSLO DEMOCRATIC VOICE OF BURMA: MONKS ATTEMPT TO DESTROY MOSQUE IN KALEMYO;
CURFEW IMPOSED 
[translated from Burmese]
April 6, 1997

Report by Aung Nyo of the Information Department of the India- based
All Burma Students League

A few days ago security forces had to stop about 50 monks who threw stones
and attempted to destroy a mosque at the market ward in downtown
Kalemyo.  When news reached the surrounding villages, villagers from
Myauksi, Hsadaw, and Letpanchaung villages marched towards Kalemyo shouting
slogans. They were asked to return home, personally, by Col. Sein Kyawt,
tactical commander of the Northwest Military Command.
Due to this incident, a night curfew has been imposed and a
Section-144 [prohibition of any gathering of more than five persons] Order
has been issued with effect from 1 April in Kalemyo.

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

KNU: BATTLE NEWS
April 9, 1997

BATTLE NEWS

             From 14.3.97 to 31.397, 73 clashes broke out between KNLA
troops and SLORC troops and 36 KNLA mines exploded. SLORC troops suffered
(73) dead, 38 SLORC soldiers were wounded and 26 SLORC soldiers lost their
legs. KNLA troops suffered (7) dead and 2 wounded.

14.3.97

(KNLA No.(1) Brigade, Thaton township Area) A clash broke out between KNLA
troops (Karen National Liberation Army) and SLORC troops (Burmese Army) at
Tu Po Kyo. One KNLA soldier died.

15.3.97

(KNLA No.(5) Brigade Area) At 1000 hours, KNLA troops attacked LIR (547) at
Kolo Kher Khaw Kyo. Fighting broke out again at 1400 hours in Kolo Kolaw Mu
Kyo. KNLA troops attacked LIR (341) at Klo Ko Hta. At 1430 hours, SLORC
troops stepped on two KNLA mines at Yaw Yae Par. Two SLORC soldiers were
wounded. At 1500 hours, KNLA troops attacked SLORC troops at Yeh Nar Hta. 

(KNLA No.(1) Brigade, Thaton township Area) SLORC troops stepped on a KNLA
mine at Waw Ka Tae. A SLORC soldier lost his leg.

16.3.97

(KNLA No.(1) Brigade, Thaton township Area) At 2220 hours, KNLA troops
ambushed SLORC troops at Khaw Wah Kee. A SLORC suffered (1) dead. KNLA
captured (1) M-16/ (3) Magazine and (60) rounds Ammo.

(KNLA No.(5) Brigade Area) Four clashes broke out between KNLA troops and
LIB (51) and LIB (439) at Hse Day area. KNLA troops attacked LIR (547) at
Rae Kar Hta. SLORC casualties are unknown.

(KNLA No.(3) Brigade, No.(7) BN. Area) Two clashes broke out between KNLA
troops and SLORC troops at Mae Law.*

17.3.97

(KNLA No.(1) Brigade, Thaton township Area) A clash broke out between KNLA
troops and SLORC troops at Khaw Wah Kwee. SLORC casualties are unknown.

(KNLA No.(5) Brigade Area) KNLA troops attacked LIR (547) at Yaw Yae Hta.

(KNLA No.(3) Brigade, No.(7) BN. Area) KNLA troops attacked SLORC troops at
Polo and SLORC troops stepped on a KNLA mine.* (* In these clashes, 15 SLORC
soldiers were killed and 6 SLORC soldiers were injured.

18.3.97

(KNLA No.(5) Brigade Area) A battle broke out between KNLA troops  and LIB
(51)/ LIB (439) at Hse Day. At 1700 hours, KNLA troops attacked LIB (59) at
Nar Yo Hta. SLORC casualties are unknown.

(KNLA No.(1) Brigade Belin township Area) At 0600 hours, a battle broke out
between KNLA  troops and SLORC troops at Kyo Wine. 2 SLORC soldiers were
killed and 2 SLORC soldiers were injured. And then a SLORC soldier stepped
on a KNLA mine, he lost his leg.

(KNLA No.(7) Brigade Area) A SLORC soldier stepped on a KNLA mine at Play Pu
Hser. One SLORC soldier died.

(KNLA No.(3) Brigade, No.(7) BN. Area) At 1320 hours, two battles broke out
between KNLA troops and SLORC troops at Wa Peh Kwee. Two SLORC soldiers were
killed and three SLORC soldiers were injured.

19.3.97

(KNLA No.(7) Brigade Area) At 1500 hours, KNLA mine exploded at Mae Keh
Plaw. One SLORC soldier was injured.

(KNLA No.(3) Brigade, NO.(9) BN. Area) KNLA troops attacked SLORC troops at
a position between Bawgahta and Klaw Maw. Four SLORC soldiers were killed.

20.3.97

(KNLA No.(7) Brigade Area) At 0600 hours, a battle broke out between KNLA
troops and LIB (549) at Kyaik Paw village. The battle lasted (3) hours and
(15) minutes. In this battle, one KNLA soldier died and lost one icom
walki-talki.

(KNLA No.(5) Brigade Area) A battle broke out between KNLA troops and LIB
(51)/LIB (439) at Maw Lay Der. A battle broke out again at a position
between Po Khae and Htaw Mae Hta. KNLA troops attacked LIB (20) at Pay Kay.
At 0930 hours, KNLA troops attacked LIB (59) at Ta Be Hta. At 1245 hours,
KNLA troops attacked LIB (59) at Ta Yu Plaw. Casualites are unknown.

(KNLA No.(3) Brigade, No.(9) BN. Area) KNLA troops ambushed SLORC troops at
a position between Kyauk Kyi town and Bawgahta. The battle lasted (20)
minutes , SLORC suffered 10 casualties, one SLORC truck was destroyed. KNLA
troops sufferd no casualties.

21.3.97

(KNLA No.(7) Brigade Area) At 0730 hours, KNLA troops assaulted SLORC troops
at Plaw Hto Thoo valley. The battle lasted (2) hours. In this battle, 5
SLORC soldiers were killed and many were injured. 2 KNLA soldiers died and
no injured. KNLA troops captured (3) G-3/ 4 sets of Ammunition equipment/
(13) shells of 2 inch Motor/ (1000) rounds of G-3 Ammo/ (20) G-3 magazine/
(20) rounds of carbine Ammo/ (4) carbine magazine and some medicine.

(KNLA No.(5) Area) KNLA troops attacked LIB (59) at Ta Yu Plaw.

(KNLA No.(3) Brigade, No.(7) BN. Area) KNLA troops attacked SLORC at Low
Kwee. One KNLA soldier died and one was injured.

22.3.97

(KNLA No.(5) Brigade Area) KNLA attacked LIB (19) at Pay Kay. At 0800 hours
and 0900 hours, KNLA troops attacked LIB (59) at Tru Kee and LIB (53) at Tar
Khe Der. At 1230 hours KNLA troops attacked LIB (59) at Thay Thoo Khee.

(KNLA No.(5) Brigade Area) KNLA troops attacked SLORC troops with a claymore
at Aw Ah Hta. 10 SLORC soldiers were killed and 6 SLORC soldiers were
injured. KNLA suffered no casualties. KNLA troops attacked SLORC troops at
Hle Hta, Kaw Yu Hkee and Ko Lo Day.

(KNLA No.(7) Brigade Area) At 1200 hours, KNLA troops assaulted SLORC troops
at Lo Baw. One SLORC soldier was killed and 3 soldiers were injured. KNLA
troops attacked SLORC troops from Lay Ghaw with a claymore. One SLORC
soldier was killed and 3 SLORC soldiers were injured. At 1500 hours, SLORC
troops from Lay Ghaw stepped on a KNLA mine at Deh Wah Kaw. One SLORC
soldier lost his leg.

(KNLA No.(2) Brigade Area) KNLA troops attacked SLORC troops at a position
between Kaw Thay Ler and Cooler. One SLORC soldier was killed and one SLORC
soldier was injured.

(KNLA No.(3) Brigade, No.(7) BN. Area) KNLA troops attacked SLORC troops at
Hler Khaw Day. SLORC casualties are unknown.

23.3.97

(KNLA No.(7) Brigade Area) At 1500 hours, KNLA troops attacked SLORC troops
at Lo Baw. Casualties are unknown.

(KNLA No.(2) Brigade Area) KNLA troops attacked SLORC troops at a position
between Cool Hta and Mae Kaw Der. One SLORC soldier died and one SLORC
soldier was injured. A SLORC truck hit a KNLA mine at Hse Kher Der. At 1100
hours, KNLA troops fire 107 rocket to LIB (73) military base at Zayatkyi. At
the same time, KNLA troops fire 2.75 rocket to military base at Taungoo
town. Casualties are unknown.

(KNLA No.(3) Brigade, No.(7) BN. Area) KNLA troops attacked SLORC troops at
Thay Day, Ler Ker and Mae Kar Hta. 3 SLORC soldiers were killed. SLORC
troops stepped on a KNLA mine at Pu Wah Ter Day. KNLA troops attacked SLORC
troops at Ta Toh Lu. 

24.3.97

(KNLA No.(3) Brigade, No.(7) BN. Area) SLORC troops stepped on two KNLA
mines at Daw Kar Hta. 2 SLORC soldiers lost their legs. At the same day,
KNLA troops attacked SLORC at a position between Mae Kar and Kyauk Pyar.

(KNLA No.(3) Brigade, No.(8) BN. Area) KNLA troops attacked SLORC at Htee
Baw Per. Casualties are unknown.

(KNLA No.(5) Brigade Area) KNLA troops attacked SLORC troops at Kay Pu.
SLORC casualties are unknown.

25.3.97

(KNLA No.(7) Brigade Area) KNLA troops assaulted LIR (275), (strength 120
soldiers) at Plaw Hto Thoo. 4 SLORC soldiers known dead, 56 SLORC soldiers
escaped and 64 SLORC soldiers believe to be killed or lost in the jungle. 

(KNLA No.(5) Brigade Area) KNLA troops attacked SLORC troops at Htee Doo
Kyo. Casualties are unknown.

26.3.97

(KNLA No.(3) Brigade, No.(7) BN. Area) KNLA troops attacked SLORC troops at
Mae Ka Htee. SLORC casualties are unknown.

(KNLA No.(5) Brigade Area) KNLA troops attacked SLORC troops at Blay Blaw
Day. Casualties are unknown.

(KNLA No.(7) Brigade Area) At 0520 hours, one KNLA mine exploded, one SLORC
soldier lost his leg. At 0955 hours, another mine exploded again and one
SLORC soldier was killed one SLORC soldier was injured. At 1330 hours, two
mines exploded again and two SLORC soldiers lost their legs.

27.3.97

(KNLA No.(1) Brigade, Paan township Area) SLORC troops stepped on a KNLA
mine at Ka Htee Kee. 2 SLORC soldiers were killed and 3 SLORC soldiers were
injured. A clash broke out between KNLA troops and SLORC troops at Ka Wa
Hta. One KNLA soldier died.

(KNLA No.(5) Brigade Area) A clash broke out between KNLA troops and LIR
(340) at Toe Nyo. 2 SLORC soldiers were injured. At the same day, KNLA
troops attacked SLORC troops at Kar Khee.

(KNLA No.(7) Brigade Area) SLORC stepped on five KNLA mines at Pay Moo Hta
area. 5 SLORC soldiers lost their legs. At the same day, 3 KNLA mines
exploded at Mae Tha Way Hta area. 3 SLORC soldiers lost their legs.

(KNLA No.(103)BN. Area) At 0915 hours, KNLA troops ambushed LIB (83), Column
(2), Command by Maj. Tin Maung Shwe at Maw Law Eeh. The battle lasted (1)
hour and (30) minutes. 9 SLORC soldiers were killed and 5 SLORC soldiers
were injured, including (1) Lieutenant/ (4) privates/ (1) Sergeant/ (1)
corporal and (1) Sergeant Major. At the same time, LIB (78) From Htee K'pler
stepped on a KNLA mine. One SLORC soldier lost his leg.

28.3.97

(KNLA No.(5) Brigade Area) A clash broke out between KNLA and LIR (349) at
Pla Kho. At the same day, four clashes broke out between KNLA troops and
SLORC troops at Pwar Law Beh area. Two clashes broke out again  between KNLA
troops and SLORC troops at Htee Doo Kyo and Hser Ree Kyo.

29.3.97

(KNLA No.(7) Brigade Area) At 0600 hours, SLORC troops stepped on 6 KNLA
mines at a position between Plaw Hto Thoo and Saw Hler Wah Lu area. Two
SLORC soldiers were killed and four SLORC soldiers lost their legs.

(KNLA No.(5) Brigade Area) A clash broke out between KNLA troops and SLORC
troops at Htee Doo Kyo. At the same day, KNLA troops attacked SLORC at Ler
Nar Der. KNLA troops attacked LIB (6) at Pla Kho.

30.3.97

(KNLA No.(7) Brigade Area) At 0530 hours, KNLA troops assaulted LIB (339)
(strength 80) at Kyaik Tu Yway village. The battle lasted (10) minutes. 8
SLORC soldiers were killed. One KNLA soldier was injured.

(KNLA No.(7) Brigade Area) At 1100 hours, LIB (339) stepped on two KNLA
mines at Pe Ta Kha. Two SLORC soldiers lost their legs.

(KNLA No.(5) Brigade Area) At 0800 hours, KNLA troops attacked LIB (391) at
Par Hai Der. At 1010 hours, KNLA troops attacked LIB (313) at a position
between Htee Thoo and Yeh Mu Plaw.

(KNLA No.(103) BN. Area) SLORC troops stepped on two KNLA mines at Bu Baw
and Maw Naw Hta. Two SLORC soldiers lost their legs.

31.3.97

(KNLA No.(5) Brigade Area) A clash broke out between KNLA troos and LIR
(349) at Thay Baw. At the same day, KNLA troops attacked LIR (214) at a
position between Htee The Lay and Htee Law The Hta. One KNLA soldiers was
killed and lost (1) M-16.

LIB = Light Infantry Battalion (Burmese Army)
LIR = Light Infantry Regiment (Burmese Army)

KNU Information Center. 

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

SLORC: INFORMATION SHEET A - 0033 
April 9, 1997

No. A - 0033						Date. 9-4-97

	Some members of the Kayin National Union ( the last remaining terrorist
organization) traded their arms for peace. During last month, (131) members
from a unit under the KNU 6th Brigade which operates 
in Kya-in-Seikyi township traded their arms for peace. This group was led by
Captain Sein Hlaing and were cordially welcomed and necessary assistance was
being provided by authorities concerned, it is learnt.

**********

AP: U.S. ACTORS: FREE BURMA COMEDIAN
April 9, 1997

BANGKOK, Thailand (AP) -- Steve Allen, Jayne Meadows, Carl Reiner and seven
other prominent American entertainers have appealed to Burma's military
government to free a Burmese comedian imprisoned for mocking the regime.
	In a letter to Lt. Gen. Khin Nyunt, the head of military intelligence, the
entertainers asked for the release of Par Par Lay, whose health they say has
deteriorated.
	Par Par Lay was part of a musical troupe that performed Jan. 4, 1996, at
the Rangoon home of Aung San Suu Kyi, winner of the 1991 Nobel Peace Prize
for her nonviolent campaign  for democracy.
	A contraband videotape of the performance, widely circulated in Burma,
shows him satirizing the ruling State Law and Order Restoration Council. He
was sentenced to seven years' hard labor  for ``spreading false news.''
	The letter, dated March 15 and made public today by the U.S.-based Human
Rights Watch/Asia, also was signed by Ted Danson, Mike Farrell, Mary
Steenburgen, Paul Reiser, Bill Maher, Paul Rodriguez and Larry Gelbart.
	The signatories said they wanted ``to personally express our concerns and
urge you to take immediate action and unconditionally release from detention
one of our colleagues, the esteemed comedian Par Par Lay.''
	Human Rights Watch/Asia said Par Par Lay fell seriously ill while
wearing an iron shackle that makes sleep impossible and carrying
a heavy hourly quota of crushed rocks used to build a new airport.

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

BKK POST: THREE POLICEMEN INJURED
April 9, 1997

Fleeing Burmese fight back with grenades
Tak

Three policemen were injured yesterday, one seriously, while trying to
arrest two illegal Burmese immigrants who fought back with hand grenades.

About ten policemen from Mae Sot district raided Wat Sunthreeyakavas after a
report that some illegal Burmese immigrants were plotting criminal
activities there.

Two Burmese escaped to a nearby municipal office. The police gave chase in a
pick-up truck. One of the Burmese then threw a hand grenade at the vehicle.

The explosion caused the truck to overturn. One of the policemen, acting
Sub-Lt Vinai Meechaiyo, broke his leg. Two others were slightly injured.

The two Burmese then fled into the Transport Company's compound and lobbed
two more hand grenades at the pursuing police.

One of the escapees ran into a school where many students were playing
during a break, and threatened to throw a hand grenade on to a basketball court.

The police, fearing the students could be harmed, withheld fire and the two
Burmese managed to escape into a jungle near the border. (BP)

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DOW JONES BUSINESS NEWS: BURMA TARGETS 6.4% ECONOMIC GROWTH OVER NEXT YEAR
April 3, 1997

BANGKOK (AP)--Burma's economic planners are aiming for 6.4% growth for the
1997-98 financial year after reporting growth of 5.8% in 1996-97.
	An article in the state-run newspaper New Light of Myanmar estimated that
gross domestic output for the upcoming year would total 75.1 billion kyats,
worth $12.11 billion at the official exchange rate of about 6.2 kyats to the
dollar. The free market rate, however, is about 160 kyats to the dollar.
	The article, seen in Bangkok Wednesday, was published in Tuesday's edition.
	Under targets set for the first year of the government's Five-Year
Short-Term Plan, the leading sector, agriculture, is projected to grow 6.3%
to a value of 27.31 billion kyats ($4.4 billion), followed by processing and
manufacturing, with a projected increase of 10.7% to 7.21 billion kyats
($1.16 billion).
	The livestock and fishery sector is projected to grow 7.3% to 5.38 billion
kyats ($867.3 million), mining by 31.8% to 1.25 billion kyats ($201.3
million), and forestry by 2.0% to 771 million kyats ($124.4 million).
	Exports are projected to increase to 5.9 billion kyats ($951.6 million)
from 5.2 billion kyats  ($838.7 million), and imports to 11.2 billion kyats
($1.81 billion) from 10.8 billion kyats ($1.74 billion).
	The article said the Four-Year Short-Term Plan covering 1992-93 to 1995-96
was 'successfully implemented,' exceeded its original targets, mainly
because of accelerated growth in agriculture.
	According to provisional figures, in 1996-97 the production sector
increased by 6.2%, the service sector by 6.3% and the trade sector
by 5.8%, the newspaper said.
	Among Western economists and other foreign observers, there is a great deal
of puzzlement andskepticism about the true state of the Burmese economy.
	That is largely because the official figures fail to account for the role
of the difference between the official and free market exchange rates, but
also because of distrust of the statistics released by the country's
military government, which took power in 1988. The government is shunned by
many Western nations for its repressive rule and allows no freedom of
information.
	The military government has staked much of its legitimacy on its economic
performance, opening up the economy after a quarter-century of socialist
isolationism that reduced Burma to one of the world's poorest countries.
	A U.S. Embassy report last year painted a bleak picture of the economy,
with soaring deficits,  declining foreign investment, rampant military
spending and rising debt and reliance on illicit drug profits. Burma is the
world's largest producer of opium and its derivative, heroin.
	The government's failure last year to make a scheduled payment to a
Japanese supplier for crude oil imports led to speculation that Burma's
foreign exchange reserves were stretched thin.  The government did not
officially comment on the speculation.
	While the lot of many people has not improved under the military regime,
living standards for some are better, and a small middle class has emerged
in Rangoon, the capital.
	
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ICEM UPDATE: BURMA SANCTIONS
April 9, 1997
>From:	ICEM@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

No. 20/1997

The following is from the International Federation of Chemical, Energy,
Mineand General Workers' Unions (ICEM):

BURMA SANCTIONS: U.S. UNION ACTION APRIL 22-24

President Clinton will come under renewed pressure this month to bring in
sanctions against Burma's repressive military regime.

"Three Days For Burma" will be organised by the US Oil, Chemical & Atomic
Workers International Union (OCAW) on April 22-24, the union announced
today. The event will be held in cooperation with the United Mine Workers'
Union of America (UMWA) and the Free Burma Coalition, which is represented
on over 130 college campuses in the US.

Globally, the OCAW and the UMWA are both affiliated to the 20-million-strong
International Federation of Chemical, Energy, Mine and General Workers'
Unions (ICEM). 

"Three Days For Burma" will focus attention on the Clinton administration's
refusal to impose sanctions against the Burmese regime, despite receiving
full authorisation from the US Congress to do so. 

The European Union is now withdrawing Burma's trade privileges after the
international trade union movement presented detailed evidence of the use of
forced labour and child labour (see ICEM UPDATE 16/97). 

Currently, some 800,000 Burmese are reported to be engaged in forced labour
- in effect, slavery. Their work accounts for around 10 per cent of the
country's gross domestic product.

"Three Days For Burma" will also put the spotlight on "the support of
multinational corporations, particularly oil companies, for repressive
governments in Burma and elsewhere."

The ICEM has repeatedly called upon the oil companies either to use their
great influence to help end rights violations in Burma, notably the use of
forced labour, or to pull out of the country.

The organisers of "Three Days For Burma" would welcome supporting action by
unions and others worldwide. For more information, contact Joe Drexler at
the OCAW, PO Box 281200, Lakewood, CO 80228-8200, USA. e-mail OCAWIU@xxxxxxx
_________________

Individual ICEM UPDATE items can be supplied in other languages on request.
Our print magazines ICEM INFO and ICEM GLOBAL are available in Arabic,
English, French, German, Russian, Scandinavian and Spanish.  
Visit our World Wide Web site at http://www.icem.org/

ICEM
avenue Emile de Beco 109, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium. 
tel.+32.2.6262020   fax +32.2.6484316 
Internet: icem@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx 

Editor: Ian Graham, Information Officer 
Publisher: Vic Thorpe, General Secretary.

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