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The BurmaNet News, April 16, 1997



------------------------ BurmaNet ------------------------  
"Appropriate Information Technologies, Practical Strategies"  
----------------------------------------------------------  
  
The BurmaNet News: April 16, 1997  
Issue #696

Noted in passing:

"Human rights is not an "optional extra"; indeed, respect for human rights 
is a prerequisite to genuine development."
(see ALIRAN TO UN COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS)

HEADLINES:  
==========  
BOSTON GLOBE: MASSACHUSETTS TO BE WARNED ON BURMA
THE NATION: GROUP RALLIES AGAINST GAS PIPELINE
UN HUMAN RIGHTS BRIEFING - DR SEIN WIN'S PAPER
ALIRAN TO UN COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS
THE NATION: "GOLF TALKS" FOR MEKONG RIVER NEIGHBOURS
THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR : NEWS BRIEFS
*****************************************************

BOSTON GLOBE: MASSACHUSETTS TO BE WARNED ON BURMA LAW
April 15, 1997
Frank Phillips

US trade officials target sanctions

	Alarmed by Massachusetts' efforts to press economic sanctions against
military dictators in Burma and Indonesia, a top US trade official has
scheduled a round of meetings in Boston today to talk state officials out of
their renegade foreign-policy initiatives.
	Sources said yesterday that Rebecca Reese, director of procurement affairs
for the US trade representative's office, and a State Department trade
official will warn that President Clinton believes Massachusetts is
violating international trade agreements.
	The messengers are expected to face a cool reception at the State House.
"We're not backing off this," said Representative Byron Rushing (D-South
End), who sponsored the Burma sanctions bill.
	"My message to them is they should not stand in the way of elected
legislatures," Rushing said. "If they wish to engage in this type of
activity, it is undemocratic." Rushing said aides to Governor William F.
Weld have assured him they have no plans to back down either.
	At issue is Massachusetts' first-in-the-nation law that bans state agencies
or authorities from contracting with companies that do business in the
military-ruled Southeast Asian nation.
	The law has created an international furor among America's trading partners
and a migraine headache for the Clinton administration, which has come under
heavy pressure from allies and US multinational corporations to bring
Massachusetts into line.
	Since it seized power in 1987, the military-led State Law and Order
Restoration Council in Burma has been assailed by human-rights groups for
suppressing political opposition, including attempts to silence Aung San Suu
Kyi, the pro-democraacy leader and Nobel peace laureate who won a 1990
election and has since been under house arrest.
	Burma has also been under fire for what federal drug officials have called
its growing reliance on the heroin and cocaine trade to fuel economic
development.
	Reese and a State Department trade official are scheduled to meet with
legislators who have sponsored sanctions bills, House Speaker Thomas M.
Finneran, and senior representatives of Weld and of Attorney General Scott
Harshbarger.
	The State Department is especially worried other states will follow  
Massachusetts' example. Three states are considering similar bills.
	The two Washington officials reportedly also want to press Massachusetts
officials about a pending sanction bill that would bar state contracts with
firms doing business in Indonesia and require pension funds to divest of
stock in such corporations. The bill targets what critics call Indonesia's
heavy-handed efforts to quell opposition in East Timor.
	The European Union and Japan, pushed by their multinational corporations,
have protested the Massachsuetts sanctions on Burma and the proposed
sanctions on Indonesia, claiming they violate the World Trade Organization's
rules.
	
***************************************

THE NATION: GROUP RALLIES AGAINST GAS PIPELINE
April 14, 1997

	THE Kanchanaburi Environmental Group began its march 
yesterday to protest the controversial Thai-Burmese gas pipeline, its leader
said.
	Phinan Choterosseranee said the group would warn people living
close to the pipeline's route about the possible risk of gas explosions and 
other negative impacts.
	A total of 15 campaigners started off with a rally at Thong Pha
Phum and then moved off to Sai Yok district, before passing through 
Daowadung Cave, Sai Yok Yai National Park, Thung Kang Yang, Kor Ror 
Por Klang and end in Ban Tha Sao village. 
	Phinan said the group intended to provide villagers with the
necessary information about the project, some of which they had never 
heard about before including its history, main purpose and impact on the 
surrounding area.
	"Many villagers have joined our group since we began 
campaigning, after they found out what they could be facing during the
building and after.
	"We will continue to rally until the pipeline's route is changed," 
she promised.
	"Some villagers became worried that the project would lower the
price of their land. We are also concerned about the possible risk from gas 
explosions, and we who live and work here should have the right to ask 
and find out what those risks are," she said.
	The campaigners carried protest signs and leaflets for distribution 
as they set off.
	Some villagers said they had not been informed about the possible
risk from gas explosions, and were only told that the pipeline would pass 
though their land.
	"If it's true what the campaign leaflets  say, our life here is at risk 
from now on," one villager said.
	Amnart Rong-arwut, a 23 year old farmer in Tha Khanun Sub 
district, said he was aware of the project's dangers to those living near the 
route.
	"The Petroleum Authority of Thailand (PTT) is selfish and 
careless when it comes to caring about our lives. The company told us it 
was a good project. Yes, it is a good project-for them, but not for us," he 
said.
	Phornnipha Saetan, a 19 year old student, said she believed the
project was not as good as the PTT claimed. She said if it was that good 
there would not have been any opposition form local villagers.
	"Who do they (the PTT) think we (Kanchanaburi people are?
Uncivilised people? They decided not to tell us about the pipeline's risks. 
We are not stupid. I will sign my opposition to the project with the group," 
she said.
	A number of other environmental and conservation organisation
were scheduled to join up with the Kanchanaburi Environment Group at a 
meeting in Kanchanaburi on April 22 Earth Day.
	
************************************************************

UN HUMAN RIGHTS BRIEFING - DR SEIN WIN'S PAPER
April 8, 1997

The following is the paper presented by Dr. Sein Win, Prime Minister,
National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma (NCGUB), at the 
Briefing on Human Rights in Burma, at the UN Human Rights 
Commission in Geneva.

PROSPECTS FOR DEMOCRATIC CHANGE IN BURMA AND THE 
ROLE OF THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY

By Dr. Sein Win
Prime Minister, National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma 
(NCGUB)
April 8, 1997

First of all, I would like to say thank you for your interest in the situation 
of human rights in Burma.  As Daw Aung San Suu and Saw David Taw
have already said, the situation in Burma is now moving from bad to 
worse. In December of last year, there were renewed student and peasant
demonstrations against the ruling military regime, and recently there was
Muslim and Buddhist religious unrest.  As a result of the demonstrations,
universities and some high schools were closed, and many have yet to be
reopened.  In recent months, prices of basic commodities have shot up,
rumors abound, and a general air of discontent permeates the society.  
Many of the same conditions that formed the basis for protests in Burma in 
1988 such as rampant inflation and perceived injustices still exist today 
and are, in fact, worse.  The political temperature is rising and more 
clashes are likely because SLORC seems to be intent on provoking the 
people by imposing harsher and harsher restrictions.

Equally disturbing is the apparent inability of the Burma's generals to
respond to political developments in Burma in any way except by resorting 
to force.  Instead of learning from the past, the military seems to be intent
on handling new situations in the same way as it did in 1988, except that
the oppressive actions are increasingly sophisticated.  Unfortunately,
SLORC's repressive measures which are supposedly being taken to defuse
tensions are in fact adding fuel to the already uneasy situation.  The
current crackdown against Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the National 
League for Democracy is totally unnecessary.  This would seem to suggest 
that the military is panicking.  The political tension could instead be 
defused very rapidly by simply beginning a dialogue with Daw Aung San 
Suu Kyi and leaders from the ethnic nationalities.

However, SLORC seems to be confident that they will be able to control 
the situation by force, and that it is not necessary to have a dialogue with
opposition groups.  SLORC is concerned with its legitimacy and power, 
though they say they are concerned with Burma's economy and national 
integrity. Legitimacy, as far as we understand it, descends from the will of 
the people.  But, in SLORC's way of thinking, legitimacy seems to be 
interpreted as recognition at the UN and the achievement of observer status 
of ASEAN. And as far as SLORC is concerned, a decent economy is 
having enough hard currency to run the army and to support the military 
elites.

I have no doubt that a transition to democracy in Burma will take place
because of the democratic aspirations of the people.  The main question is
"what form will the transition take?"  The current situation in Burma is
very tense and very similar to the period before the 1988 democratic
uprising.  If the situation remains unchecked, it could lead to another
round of bloodshed and total devastation.

When we look at the international responses to the situation in Burma,
statements range from the US policy of "not encouraging or discouraging
trade and investment", to the European Union's policy of "critical
dialogue", to the "quiet diplomacy" of Japan, and the ASEAN policy of
"constructive engagement".  

In United States, President Clinton has already signed the Bill Section 570
of the Foreign Operations and Appropriation Act that calls for the
conditional sanctions.  A debate is still going on at the US State
Department on the question of whether it is more effective to keep the
sanctions legislation as a threat or to actually impose sanctions.  The
legislation asks the President to impose sanctions against SLORC if Daw 
Aung San Suu Kyi is rearrested or forced into exile or if she faces physical 
harm or if there is a large scale crackdown against the democracy 
movement.  We are of the view that the conditions set out in the legislation 
have already been met, and therefore sanctions should be imposed now.  
Sanctions should not be measured just by calculating their economic cost to 
SLORC.  We should not overlook the psychological impact they will have.

We also welcome the resolution of the European Parliament that calls for
sanctions and acknowledge the initiative of Denmark to raise the issue of
economic sanctions at the EU. However, we are disappointed to know that 
some EU members, such as the United Kingdom, France and Germany, 
have taken the view that actions such as economic sanctions should not be 
taken by regional blocks but should only be part of multilateral action 
taken by the UN Security Council.  Despite such reluctance to impose 
sanctions, during the last week of March, the European Union decided to 
suspend the General System of Preference (GSP) for Burma based on 
SLORC's widespread practice of forced labor.  Even though there might 
not be a significant economic impact on SLORC, the suspension of the 
GSP sends a strong political message to the regime. 

Since the beginning of ASEAN's Constructive Engagement policy towards 
Burma, we have stressed that there should be engagement, not only with 
the Burmese generals, but also with the Burmese people or the 
representatives elected by the people.  There should be a dynamic 
engagement with SLORC that raises fundamental questions and actively 
attempts to improve the situation instead of the current policy which 
passively engages the generals with the sole aim of paving the way for 
business.   We are seriously concerned that ASEAN's is considering the 
admission of Burma as full member to the regional bloc. Premature 
admission would have a detrimental impact on the development of
democracy in Burma.  ASEAN should postpone Burma's full membership 
and try to influence the military regime to take some positive incremental 
steps toward democracy prior to entry into ASEAN.

Such steps could include 
(1) Cooperation with the UN (to accept the visit of the Special Rapporteur
and the Representative of the Secretary-General) 
(2) Full access for the International Committee for the Red Cross and other
international groups to political prisoners and ethnic nationality areas
where human rights abuses are routine and 
(3) Dialogue with the NLD and leaders of ethnic groups as mentioned in 
the UN General Assembly resolution. 

While I am talking about the policy of governments, I should not leave out
the role of grassroots action in influencing policymakers.  Internet
technology has been very instrumental in promoting public awareness 
about the human rights situation in Burma.  Burmanet and the Free Burma 
Coalition are at the forefront of using this technology to launch boycott 
campaigns, shareholder resolutions and selective purchasing laws at the 
city and state levels.  The immediate result of these campaigns has been 
increased media awareness and public education through the conventional 
media.  During the last two years, Burma support groups have exerted 
effective pressure on the corporate community.  As a result, some US 
companies (Pepsi Cola, Apple, Motorola, Liz Clayborn, and Eddie Bauer 
for example) and some European companies (Heinekin and Carlsberg for 
example) have pulled out of Burma. Six cities in the US have passed 
selective purchasing laws penalizing companies doing business in Burma, 
and the state of Mansachusette passed a similiar sanctions bill.

In conclusion, we strongly believe that grassroots action and economic
sanctions combined with UN efforts seeking mediation and conflict 
resolution will help bring change to Burma.  The international 
community's efforts do make a difference in our struggle for democracy 
and lasting peace in Burma, and we thank you for your support.  Thank 
you.

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

ALIRAN TO UN COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS
April 11, 1997 (received)

                              ALIRAN
 
       On the roster of the Economic and Social Council 
                     of the United Nations
                                
              P O Box 1049, 10830 Penang, Malaysia
                    Tel/Fax: +60-4-641 5785
 
United Nations Commission on Human Rights
Agenda Item 10
Oral Intervention
by Ms Debbie Stothard,
ALIRAN KESEDARAN NEGARA
 
Mr. Chairperson,
 
I speak on behalf of ALIRAN, a Malaysian NGO, one of the 227 
organizations and individuals from member states of ASEAN (Association 
of South-East Asian Nations), who have endorsed the Alternative ASEAN 
Declaration on Burma, which is attached, for your information.
 
We wish to lodge our gravest concern at the deteriorating human rights 
situation in Burma as documented by the Special Rapporteur and many 
international organizations. 
 
We view the inference that the right to development somehow justifies 
widespread human rights violations in Burma as misleading and in direct 
contradiction to the Declaration on the Right to Development as adopted by 
General Assembly resolution 41/128 of 4 December 1986. Article 9, 
Paragraph 2: "Nothing in the present Declaration shall be construed as
being contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations, or as 
implying that any State, group or person has a right to engage in any 
activity or to perform any act aimed at the violation of the rights set forth 
in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and in the International 
Covenant on Human Rights".
 
Human rights is not an "optional extra"; indeed, respect for human rights 
is a prerequisite to genuine development.
 
Slorc's (State Law and Order Restoration Council's)stated priority to ensure 
food and shelter for Burma's citizens is perplexing in light of the fact that 
Slorc recently willfully deprived tens of thousands of people in Burma of 
these very rights.
 
As I speak, hundreds of unarmed civilians are losing their families, food, 
shelter and possessions to looting and military attack by the Slorc.  
Testimonies from recently- arrived refugees at the Thai-Burmese border 
clearly show that there has not been any abatement in the Slorc's horrific 
human rights abuses including arbitrary killings, torture, rape and
assault.
 
We are deeply concerned that the so-called development taking place in 
Burma has failed miserably to ensure, the objectives outlined in the 
Declaration on the Right to Development: "...equality of opportunity for 
All in their access to basic resources, education, health services, food, 
housing, employment and the fair distribution of income."  as stated in
Article 8, paragraph 1.In fact, the irresponsible and destructive 
development currently taking place in Burma is  a significant source of 
human rights violations.
 
About 2 million people have been used as forced labor for infrastructure 
development projects.  The Special Rapporteur also reports that forced 
labor continues to be used throughout the country. Evidence indicates 
many people were repeatedly used as forced labor.  This practice is clearly 
a contravention of the Convention Against Forced Labor ILO No. 29 to 
which Burma is a party. Under this Convention, forced labor means "All 
work or service which is exacted from any person under the menace of any 
penalty and for which the said person has not offered himself (or herself) 
voluntarily." Article 2(1).
 
Faced with evidence that the army forcibly recruits labor,  guards them at 
gunpoint and uses deadly force against those who attempt to escape, we 
can only view with amazement Slorc's assertion that such labor is 
"voluntary". Assertions that this practice is "traditional" can only be seen 
as insulting to both Burmese culture and our intelligence.
 
Villagers are terrified to refuse to work on Slorc projects because of the 
severe brutality inflicted by troops against anyone who does not comply.  
Forced labor is a common practice, even occurring on joint ventures with 
multinational companies.
 
Documented abuses along the route of  a gas pipeline project in 
southeastern Burma exemplify the tragedy of Slorc's version of 
"development".  Since 1991, Slorc and its multinational business partners 
have militarized the region with more than 5,000 troops to secure and 
guard the 39-mile pipeline route.  The region's 35,000 people have suffered 
a plethora human rights abuses, including forced labor to build Slorc 
military camps and the infrastructure for the pipeline.
 
Forced labor is also routinely used to improve tourist facilities, including 
cleaning pagodas and renovating the national palace moat in Mandalay.  
Large populations in popular tourist cities have been forcibly evicted to 
clear the way for tourist facilities and relocated to satellite towns where 
malnutrition and appalling conditions prevail in these new locations.  At 
least 500,000 people have had their economic, social and cultural rights 
abused in this way. We are concerned that the beneficiaries of such 
development are the Slorc, their families and associates, as well as
foreign companies.  We condemn this greedy and deadly exploitation.  We 
are particularly ashamed to note that companies working in active 
complicity with the Slorc include those from ASEAN member states.
 
Recognizing that the peaceful resolution of the crisis in Burma can only be 
achieved by tripartite dialogue, we call upon the Slorc to immediately 
commence dialogue with the National League for Democracy, the one 
party which won 82% of the seats in the 1990 election, and ethnic 
nationality groups.
 
We call upon the United Nations Human Rights Commission and the 
United Nations General Assembly to continue ALL efforts to encourage the 
Slorc to immediately cease its human rights violations.
 
We respectfully urge the member states of the United Nations, which 
include ASEAN member states, in their individual and collective capacities 
to engage in formal and informal efforts to facilitate the process of 
tripartite dialogue in Burma, further we urge them to discourage their 
citizens from engaging in business ventures which result in human rights
violations in Burma.
 
Thank you Mr. Chairperson.

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

THE NATION: "GOLF TALKS" FOR MEKONG RIVER NEIGHBOURS
April 15, 1997

THAILAND will this weekend host a round of "golf diplomacy" that
will for the first time involve five Mekong River basin countries.
	The event to take place in Bangkok and Pattaya will include talks
on the progress of Cambodia, Laos and Burma towards their membership in the
Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
	Informed sources said that Thai Foreign Minister Prachuab
Chaiyasarn will ask his Cambodian counterpart, Ung Huot, and Burmese
counterpart U Ohn Gyaw about the internal situation of their respective
countries after a series of violent episodes recently.
	Prachuab, an avid golfer extended invitations to the ministers of Laos,
Cambodia, Vietnam and Burma at the recent non-aligned ministerial meeting in
New Delhi.
	Sources said that Prachaub will use the occasion to discuss the possibility
of setting up an economic circle among Mekong River countries that he
recently initiated.
	The proposed cooperation will initially involve northeast Thailand with
southern Laos and Northwest Cambodia with possible extension to central Vietnam.
	The meeting is scheduled for April 20 and April 21 in Bangkok and Pattaya.
	Golfing has been part and parcel of Asean meetings and an informal way to
settle unfinished business from the meetings or to lobby some new initiatives.

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

THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR : NEWS BRIEFS
April 7, 1997

MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS LEAVES FOR INDIA 
                                        
     YANGON, 6 April Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw left here     
this morning by air for India to attend the 12th Meeting of Foreign    
Ministers of Non Aligned Movement to be held in New Delhi.  The 
Minister was accompanied by his PSO U Zaw Myint Oo. Myanmar 
delegation member Director of Political Affairs Department U
Pe Than Oo left here by air on 2 April to attend the high-ranking     
officials' meeting of Non-Aligned Movement held from 4 to 5 April. The 
delegation includes Myanmar Ambassador to India U Win Lwin,    
Myanmar Ambassador to Pakistan U Pe Thein Tin, Myanmar Ambassador 
to South Africa U Hla Myint Oo and Myanmar Ambassador to Indonesia U 
Nyi Nyi Than.
     ___________________________________
     
MYANMAR DELEGATION LEAVES FOR PHILIPPINES 
                                        
     YANGON, 6 April Myanmar delegation led by Minister for National     
Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen Abel left here yesterday     
by air for Philippines to attend the Seventh Ministerial Meeting to be held 
from 7 to 11 April in Manila, Philippines, under the programme of 
promotion of economic cooperation of six countries in Mekong Region.     
Myanmar delegation includes Deputy Director-General of Directorate of     
Hotels and Tourism U Naing Bwa, Deputy Director-General of Waterways     
Department U Win Thein, General Manager of Myanma Posts and     
Telecommunications U Khin Soe, Director of Foreign Economic Relations     
Department U Maung Maung Lay, Vice-Chairman of Union of Myanmar     
Chamber of Commerce and Industry U Htain Win, committee member U 
Tun Aye and the Minister's PSO U Khin Maung Lat.

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

THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR (8 April, 1997)

MIC CHAIRMAN RECEIVES JAPANESE ECONOMIC MISSION 
                                        
     YANGON, 7 April - Member of the State Law and Order Restoration     
Council Deputy Prime Minister Chairman of Myanmar Investment     
Commission Vice-Admiral Maung Maung Khin received Japanese 
economic mission led by Vice-Executive Chairman of Itochu Corporation 
Mr Tadayoshi Nakazawa from the Japan and Tokyo Chambers of 
Commerce and Industry at his office this afternoon. They discussed 
promotion of mutual economic cooperation between the two countries and 
investment matters. Minister at the Office of Deputy Prime Ministers 
Secretary of MIC Brig-Gen Maung Maung and officials were also present. 
     _________________________________

MYANMAR ENERGY DELEGATION ARRIVES BACK FROM ROK 
                                        
     YANGON, 7 April-The six-member Myanmar energy delegation led by     
Minister for Energy U Khin Maung Thein arrived back this evening after 
studying energy sector in the Republic of Korea at the invitation of 
Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Mr ChangYuel Lim. During their 
stay in Korea, the two ministers discussed investment in energy and 
industry sectors and cooperation on 31 March. Present were Myanmar 
Ambassador U Phone Myint and members of the delegation, Director-
General Mr J G Kim of Trade and Cooperation of ROK and officials.     
Minister U Khin Maung Thein and Chairman of Daewoo Group Mr W C     
Kim-discussed investment and cooperation in oil, natural gas, electricity 
and industry. The minister also discussed investment and cooperation in 
energy and construction between the two countries with the group led by 
Chairman of Hyundai Corporation Mr S Y Park. Minister U Khin Maung 
Thein discussed cooperation in energy sector with Chairman Mr J J Song 
of LG Group. On 5 April, Minister U Khin Maung Thein inspected 
construction of platforms for Yadana Natural Gas Project of Myanma Oil 
and Gas Enterprise in Berton Island, Indonesia.  Project Manager Mr A 
Lepage of Total Myanmar Exploration and Production and Project Director 
Mr J E Parker of Mc Dermott Co of US reported on progress of work and 
completed plat-forms and laying of  pipelines. In Singapore, Minister U 
Khin Maung Thein met officials of organizations of Singapore and Japan 
working together with the Ministry of Energy.
     _____________________________________
     
SEVEN INNOCENT PERSONS SERIOUSLY WOUNDED IN TWO 
SEPARATE KNU ATROCIOUS ACTS 
     
     YANGON, 7 April - KNU terrorists have been constantly collecting     
extortion money, destroying bridges, planting mines and killing and     
injuring people including the Kayin nationals while claiming that they are 
working for the welfare of the entire Kayin people.  At midnight on 20 
March, a group of KNU terrorists fired at the house of Daw Ma Htaw, who 
was cooking rice and curries with others for the wedding ceremony of her 
daughter Ma Mu Thay, aged 16, and Maung Hla of Bilin Township the 
next day, at Hti Swan Village in Kawkareik Township. The armed men 
then fled. Atrocious acts of KNU terrorists left six persons U San Tin, 68, 
Daw Ma Htaw, 60, Ma Myint Khin, 29, Daw Hla Way, 48, Ma Yi Yi Win, 
11, and Naw Hla Cho, 8, seriously wounded. They were sent to the 
People's Hospital in Kawkareik. In another incident, Myint Wai,28, son of 
U Tin Shwe of Dingaseik Village, Thaton Township, had his left leg 
severed from the knee-cap as he stepped on a land mine planted by KNU 
terrorists in the compound of Phalu Monastery in Myawady Township at 7 
am on 23 March. He was rushed to the Myawady People's Hospital. The 
mine exploded as he removed branches under a tree.
     ____________________________________

AMBASSADOR U TUN NGWE ACCREDITED TO BELGIUM 
     
     YANGON, 8 April-The Chairman of the State Law and Order 
Restoration Council of the Union of Myanmar has appointed U Tun Ngwe, 
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Union of Myanmar 
to the Federal Republic of Germany, concurrently as Ambassador 
Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Union of Myanmar to the 
Kingdom of Belgium.

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

THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR (9 April, 1997)

MIC CHAIRMAN RECEIVES DIRECTOR OF Y T L CORPORATION 
BHD 
     
     YANGON, 8 April Member of the State Law and Order Restoration 
Council Deputy Prime Minister Chairman of Myanmar Investment 
Commission Vice-Admiral Maung Maung Khin received a delegation led 
by Director of Operation Mr Tan Check Hong of Y T L Corporation Bhd of 
Malaysia at his office at 3 pm today. They discussed production of cement 
in Myanmar in accordance with Foreign Investment Law and investment 
prospects in establishment of generators.
     _________________________________________
     
SECRETARY-1 RECEIVES VICE EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN, OF 
ITOCHU CORP 
                                        
     YANGON, 8 April - Secretary- 1 of the State Law and Order 
Restoration Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt received Vice Executive 
Chairman Mr Tadayoshi Nakazawa of Itochu Corporation of Japan and 
party at Dagon-Yeiktha of the Ministry of Defence this morning.
     ________________________________________
     
MAIDEN VOYAGE OF MV MONGLA WELCOMED 
                                        
     YANGON, 8 April-A ceremony to welcome the maiden voyage of 
Myanma Five Star Line cargo vessel mv Mongla was held at the Nanthida 
Jetty yesterday morning. It is the second of the two 3,300-ton multi-
purpose cargo vessels built by Yunnan Machinery Import and Export 
Corporation of the People's Republic of China for MFSL. 
              _____________________________________
     
MOU FOR PRODUCTION OF PCV FLOORING SIGNED 
                                        
     YANGON, 8 April-The Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings Ltd 
and Hanwha Chemical Corporation of the Republic of Korea signed a      
Memorandum of Understanding for production of PCV flooring in the      
meeting hall of UMEHL on Shwedagon Pagoda Road this morning.     
Chairman of UMEHL Advocate-General Maj-Gen Than Oo and Chairman      
of Hanwha Chemical Corporation Mr Lee Jong Hak signed the MoU.
     __________________________________
     
MIC SECRETARY RECEIVES EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN, PARTY OF 
EMERCON CONSOLIDATED SDN BHD 
                                        
     YANGON 8 April - Minister at the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister     
and Secretary of Myanmar Investment Commission Brig-Gen Maung 
Maung received Executive Chairman Mr Y M Dato Haji Tengku Putra and 
party of Emercon Consolidated Sdn Bhd of Malaysia at Myanmar 
Investment Commission Office at 4 pm today. They discussed 
establishment of industrial zone and construction of apartments, offices 
and markets.  
	_____________________________________
     
MINISTER FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY RECEIVES 
EXECUTIVE VICE-PRESIDENT OF ITOCHU CORPORATION 
     
     YANGON, 8 April - Minister for Science and Technology U Thaung     
received a high level economic mission of the Japan and Tokyo Chamber     
of Commerce and Industry led by Executive Vice-President Mr Tadayoshi     
Nakazawa of Itochu Corporation at his office at 3 pm today. They 
discussed cooperation in science and technology between the two     
countries and technological matters. Present also were Rector of Yangon 
Institute of Technology U Kyin Soe (attached to the Ministry's Office) and 
Rector Dr Kyaw Thein of Institute of Computer Science and Technology.
     ___________________________________________  

JAPAN BUSINESS MISSION CALLS ON MAYOR OF YANGON 
                                        
     YANGON, 8 April- A 30 member mission of Tokyo Chamber of 
Commerce and Industry led by Executive Vice-President Mr Tadayoshi 
Nakazawa of Itochu Corporation called on Chairman of Yangon City 
Development Committee Mayor U Ko Lay at the City Hall this afternoon.
They -discussed economic cooperation on mutual basis and development
affairs.
     _________________________________________
     
MINISTER FOR H & T RECEIVES BICB CHIEF REPRESENTATIVE 
                                        
     YANGON, 8 April Minister for Hotels and Tourism Lt-Gen Kyaw Ba     
received Chief Representative (Yangon Office) of Brunei Investment     
and Commercial Bank Mr Bahrin Hj MD Yusof and party at his office     
yesterday.  Mr Bahrin said Audley Hotels and Resorts Asia Pte Ltd, a 
subsidiary of the bank, is specially interested in Myanmar's hotel business,

inquiring about the investment opportunities. The company is operating 
many hotels in Asia.

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

THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR (10, Thursday April, 1997)

SECRETARY-1 RECEIVES PRESIDENT OF SASAKAWA PEACE 
FOUNDATION 
                                        
     YANGON, 9 April-Secretary- 1 of the State Law and Order Restoration     
Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt received President Mr .Akira Iriyama of     
Sasakawa Peace Foundation of Japan and member of the Board of     
Directors Mr Michael S Dobbs-Higginson at Dagon Yeiktha of the     
Ministry of Defence this evening.     
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KYAW-ZEBYA RAILROAD OPENS 
                                        
     YANGON, 9 April - Launching of Kyaw-Zebya Railroad today has 
added another 31.46 miles of completed sections to ChaungUPakokku-
Gangaw-Kalay Railroad, passing over 260 miles through a rough terrain of 
mountain ranges, valleys, rivers and streams. Construction of -the railroad 
has been completed 110 miles from ChaungU to Zebya and 83 miles from 
Kalay to Gangaw making total completed length to 224.46 miles, said 
Minister for Rail Transportation U Win Sein at the launching ceremony 
this morning. MR personnel and the Tatmadawmen have faced many 
difficulties since  finding of the axis of the road, braving the hostile 
weather and the rough terrain in implementing the project, he said, 
thanking local people for rendering assistance.
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LAUNCHING OF AQUA-TOURISM IN MYANMAR DISCUSSED 
                                        
     YANGON, 9 April - Director of Marketing Mr Maarten N Brusselers of     
Fantasea Divers paid a courtesy call on Minister for Hotels and Tourism 
Lt-Gen Kyaw Ba at his office today.  Mr Brusselers said he is interested in 
launching aqua-tourism services including transporting vacationers in 
powered yachts in Kawthoung District in southern Myanmar, adding his 
company has been  running this kind of services in Phuke Thailand, for a 
long time.  Minister Lt-Gen Kyaw Ba assured to make arrangements for 
successful launching of the business in Myanmar.
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FOUR INCLUDING MONK SERIOUSLY WOUNDED BY KNU MINES, 
ANOTHER SHOT DEAD
     
     YANGON, 9 April Members of the KNU armed group, which is 
engaged in destructive acts without benefiting the nation, have persisted in
committing evil deeds such as exacting protection money, setting villages 
on fire, destroying bridges, planting mines, murder, etc with intent to cause 
casualties to the people including the Kayins, neglecting the positive 
endeavours and successes being achieved by the Government after laying 
down the 12 political, economic and social objectives for emergence of a 
peaceful, modern and developed  nation and for national reconsolidation.     
U Kyee Maung, 50, of Thaye Thamein Village, Waw Township, was     
returning home together with three other villagers at 6.30 am on 27     
January after picking soap acacia at Wingalon area to the northeast of-
Kwinzeik Village, Shwegyin Township, when he stepped on a mine    
planted by the KNU and was hit by shrapnel, suffering wounds to the     
left eye, the right calf and toes. Also at 9 am on 29 January, U Sasana, age 
21 and vassa 2, a trainee monk of Taungzun Village monastery, was on his 
way to Khaleday Village when he accidentally trod on a mine planted by 
the KNU and his right leg was severed from below the knee. Similarly, U 
Mu Toe, 50, of Kyettuyway Village, Hlinebwe Township, stepped on a 
mine planted by the KNU and his right big toe was blasted off at 9.30 am 
on 31 January while he was on his way to the foot of Metabu Hill to fell 
trees. He was also hit by shrapnel on his right calf, left thigh and right 
palm. U Khaung Pya, 60, of Labat Village, Kyaukkyi Township, was on an
uphill road to fell trees and bamboo at noon on 5 February when he stepped 
on a mine planted by the KNU and his left ankle was blasted off.    
Authorities concerned sent the wounded to the nearest township     
hospitals. At about 5 am on 8 February, three KNU members entered the 
house and shot Joker (a) Moe Swe, 35, who was sleeping together with his 
family members. He was hit on his cheeks, left arm and right thigh. He
succumbed to his wounds at Shwegyin People's Hospital. 
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EIGHT KNU MEMBERS EXCHANGE ARMS FOR PEACE 
     
     YANGON, 9 April-The State Law and Order Restoration Council, or 
the Tatmadaw Government, has joined hands with the national races and is    
implementing the 12 political, economic and social objectives of the     
nation for, emergence of a peaceful, modern and developed nation. It is 
also endeavouring all-out to enable all the national races to safeguard the 
Union of Myanmar with Union spirit for its perpetuity and for emergence 
of an enduring constitution. Realizing the Government's endeavours with 
right attitude and the Tatmadaw's genuine goodwill and no longer winning 
the support of local people to the insurgent organizations who are engaged 
in destructive acts, eight members of the KNU gave in to the military    
camps of the South-East Command. Officers at the camps warmly 
welcomed them and provided assistance.  The KNU members included U 
lavana (Medical Officer San Thein) and privates Shwe Daung, Aye Lwin 
and-Aung Than of Brigade 7, U Kheminda (Cpl Pha La Phae) and Pvt 
Kyaw Swe of Battalion 2, Brigade 1, Pvt Maung Kho of Win Moung area 
and Pvt Nyunt Win of Michaungwin area.  More of the KNU members are 
expected to follow suit

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THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR (11, Friday April, 1997)

MINISTER FOR H & T RECEIVES SOUTH-EAST ASIA YACHT GM 
                                        
     YANGON, 10 April General Manager of SouthEast Asia Yacht Co Lt 
Mr Graham Frost called on Minister for Hotels and Tourism Lt-Gen Kyaw 
Ba at his office today. Mr Frost said Myanmar's tourism industry and 
regional economy has much prospects for development as- visitors are 
specially interested in aqua-tourism along Myanmar's coastal areas.     
Minister Lt-Gen Kyaw Ba said Kawthoung area is developing with 
tourism.
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WORKSHOP ON ASEAN'S STRUCTURE AND MECHANISM 
COMMENCES 
     
     YANGON, 10 April two-day workshop on ASEAN's Structure and 
Mechanism: Planning Issues for Myanmar's Membership, jointly 
sponsored by the Myanmar Institute of Strategic and International Studies 
(MISIS) and the Hanns Seidel Foundation (HSF), Singapore, in 
cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, commenced at Traders 
Hotel here today.     Dr Termsak Chelermpalnupap from the ASEAN 
Secretariat in Jakarta and Regional Coordinator of the HSF Mr Thai 
Quang Trung also spoke.
The workshop has two components. The first consists of briefing sessions 
by officials from the four bureaus of the ASEAN Secretariat. The second is 
a panel discussion on the AFTA process and relates to priorities in 
personnel training for the CLM. The representatives from the CLM 
countries-Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar will take part in the panel 
discussion, outlining their priorities in their personnel training for the 
AFTA process. This workshop is the second in a series of work shops that 
will be organized in cooperation with the HSF in preparation for 
Myanmar's entry into the ASEAN. It is being attended by the ambassadors 
and the charges d' ai of the Seven ASEAN countries, the Ambassador of 
the Lao People's Democratic Republic, focal points from various 
ministries, personnel from the Office of Strategic Studies, the National 
Defence College, the Research Branch of the Ministry of Defence, 
academic institutes and the MISIS and the officials responsible for the 
ASEAN from the Kingdom of Cambodia and the LPDR.
     ____________________________________
     

CUSTOMS DEPARTMENT HOLDS THIRD FOUR-MONTHLY 
MEETING 
                                        
     YANGON, 10 April The Customs Department held third four-monthly     
meeting for fiscal 1996-97 this morning with an address by Minister for 
Finance and Revenue Brig-Gen Win Tin. Principles of the department 
should be amended in accord with the changing conditions of world trade 
in implementing the market-oriented economic system, he said. Over K 
7.731 billion has been collected as tax revenues during fiscal 1996-97 
exceeding the target by 200 per cent, he noted, urging them to stay clear of 
bribery.     
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MITSUBISHI CORP, YIT SIGN AGREEMENT ON STIPENDS 
     
     YANGON, 10 April Mitsubishi Corporation and Yangon Institute of     
Technology today signed an agreement on presenting stipends to    
outstanding students. According to the agreement, Mitsubishi Corp will 
provide $ 45,000 to Yangon Institute of Technology and beginning 1997-
98 academic year, an award of $ 250 or cash equivalent to that value will 
be presented to each of the students selected for respective academic years-
72 in 199798, 54 in 1998-99, 36 in 1999-2000 and 18 in 20002001. 
General Manager of Mitsubishi Corp Mr Yamanokuchi and Rector of YIT 
U Nyi Hla Nge signed the agreement and exchanged gifts.

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THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR (12, Saturday April, 1997 )

MINISTER FOR HOTELS AND TOURISM RECEIVES CHAIRMAN OF 
BAN PONGPETCH CO OF THAILAND 
                                        
YANGON, 11 April Member of the State Law and Order Restoration     
Council Minister for Hotels and Tourism Lt-Gen Kyaw Ba received a     
delegation led by Chairman Mr Wira Osathanond of Ban Pongpetch Co 
Ltd of Thailand at his office at 11.30 am today. They discussed 
construction of international level resort hotel in Kawthoung District and 
running coastal cruise services for tourists. Present also were Director-
General U Khin Maung Latt of Directorate of Hotels and Tourism and 
Managing Director U Soe Thein of Myanma Hotels and Tourism Services.
     ______________________________________

PARACHUTISTS OF FRIENDSHIP AIRBORNE TOURS OF US 
DEMONSTRATE JUMP 
                                        
     YANGON, 11 April Paratroopers of Myanma Tatmadaw and a group of     
parachutists led by Dr Franklin Mark Osanka of Friendship Airborne     
Tours, Inc, the United States, performed a friendly jump demonstration at 
Hmawby this morning. It was witnessed by Commander of No 4 Military 
Operations Command Brig-Gen Tin Aye, Tactical Operations Commander 
Col Aung Myint, General Staff Officer (Grade I) Lt-Col Soe Hlaing, 
Commandant of the Land-Air Warfare and Paratrooper Training School 
Commander of Hmawby Station Lt-Col Aung Than Tun and other officers.
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GRANTS OF HOUSING ESTATE HANDED TO BUYERS 
                                        
     YANGON, 11 April-Olympic Co presented grants and houses to those 
who purchased buildings of Dagon University Yeikmon Housing Estate at 
the estate in front of the Dagon University today. The company constructed 
the housing estate.   
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CEC MEMBERS OF USDA RECEIVE PRESIDENT OF JAPAN TOTAL 
MANAGEMENT 
     
     YANGON, 11 April -Central Executive Committee members of Union     
Solidarity and Development Association Minister for Live stock and     
Fisheries U Aung Thaung and Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin     
Hlaing received President of Japan Total Management Mr Tsuyoshi     
Watanabe and party at the Minister's Office this morning. They discussed 
mutual cooperation between the Japan Total Management and 
Myangonmyint Company.

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