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The BurmaNet News, May 15, 1997
- Subject: The BurmaNet News, May 15, 1997
- From: strider@xxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Thu, 15 May 1997 00:59:00
------------------------ BurmaNet ------------------------
"Appropriate Information Technologies, Practical Strategies"
----------------------------------------------------------
The BurmaNet News: May 15, 1997
Issue #721
HEADLINES:
==========
BRC-J: NEW YORK CITY PASSES BURMA SANCTIONS
NEWSWEEK:INTERVIEW- "JUST SAY NO TO BURMA"
THE NATION: PREMIER TO DISCUSS US SANCTIONS
BKK POST: BUSY AGENDA FOR CHAVALIT IN RANGOON
BKK POST: ADB DEFENDS LOAN BAN AGAINST BURMA
THAILAND TIMES: THAI GIVEN MORE FLIGHT TO BURMA
SLORC: INFORMATION SHEET NO. A-0040
DPNS: FACTS ABOUT DEMOCRATIC PARTY FOR A NEW SOCIETY
NEW FRONTIERS: MERGUI ARCHIPELAGO OPEN FOR SALE TO
THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR: NEWS BRIEFS
-----------------------------------------------------------------
BRC-J: NEW YORK CITY PASSES BURMA SANCTIONS
May 14, 1997
NEW YORK BURMA SUPPORT GROUP
NEW YORK CITY, WEDNESDAY, 14 MAY 1997
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
New York City Passes Burma Sanctions
The City of New York will no longer do business with companies doing
business in Burma under the provisions a law adopted unanimously by the New
York City Council Wednesday afternoon at City Hall here . Bill #647A passed
by 50 votes to none opposed
City Council Speaker Peter Vallone said the Council voted for the
legislation only after hearing strong proof of human rights abuses by
Burmese ruling military junta, the State Law and Order Restoration council
(SLORC). "New York City has a right and an obligation to invest our money to
do good and not to encourage evil," Vallone said.
A March 4 Council hearing on the legislation heard detailed and often
disturbing testimony regarding the Burmese military dictatorship's denial of
democracy, responsibility for severe human rights abuses and ecological
devastation and links Burma's booming heroin trade.
New York becomes the thirteenth US city to adopt selective purchasing
legislation aimed at the repressive Burmese military junta On the state
level, Massachusetts adopted a similar law last year and legislation is
today under active consideration in Connecticut and Texas. US Federal
government sanctions enacted on April 22 bars all new American investment in
Burma.
Council member Mary Pinkett of Brooklyn said the new law showed there could
be "no business as usual when dealing with dictatorships. This shows as New
Yorkers we will take a stand, not only to protect our own interests but the
rights of others who are suffering so terribly. To the people of Burma we
say, 'Please know that you are not forgotten.' "
Councilman Kenneth Fisher, one of the law's original sponsors was among
fifteen council members who spoke in support of the bill. "I hope the
Burmese Junta will pay attention to what we did here today," Fisher said,
"but it's more important if it helps make them pay attention to democrats in
Burma."
City Council member Thomas Duane of Manhattan, another strong supporter of
the bill, added: "New Yorkers today showed our support for Aung San Suu Kyi
and the vast majority of Burmese who want a peaceful and democratic country,
and our belief that corporate greed must not be allowed to prop a cruel and
corrupt dictatorship."
UNOCAL, the California-based petrochemical giant, is partners with the SLORC
junta in a billion dollar gas pipeline project associated with serious human
rights abuses, and faces suit in federal court in California by victims of
these abuses. UNOCAL is using the New York firm of Davidoff and Malito to
lobby against Bill 647A.
Unocal and Texaco are today targets of consumer boycotts because of their
business in Burma. Other companies which have already pulled out of Burma or
announced they will not do business there include Apple Computer, Motorola,
Kodak Pepsi-Cola Anheuser-Busch, Heineken, Columbia Sportswear, Macy's
(Federated Dept. Stores) Amoco' Levi Strauss, Eddie Bauer and Liz Claiborne.
New York City Mayor Rudy Giullani now has 30 days to either sign or veto the
bill. His Administration has twice testified against the bill but City
Council members expressed confidence that the Council would easily muster
the two-thirds majority needed to override a mayoral veto.
For further information, please contact;
New York City; Nina Reznick, Coordinators NY Burma Support Group
212-473-0048
Dr. Than Htun, Burma UN Office
212-338-0048
New York City Council 212 788-6948
Connecticut: Representative Jessie Stratton 860-240-0440
Texas Representative Lon Burnam 214-522-8905
***********************************************
NEWSWEEK:INTERVIEW- "JUST SAY NO TO BURMA"
May 12, 1997
Sukhumbhand Paribatra, a cousin of Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej's, is
a member of Parliament from the opposition Democrat party and chairman of
the Thai Parliament's foreign affairs subcommittee on Thai - Burmese
relations. One of Thailand's most respected foreign-policy experts.
Sukhumbhand, 44, is sharply critical of the policy of "constructive
engagement" that his country and the six other members of ASEAN -- the
Association of South East Asian Nations -- follow toward Burma. He talked
in Bangkok with Newsweek's Ron Moreau. Excerpts:
MORELS: Will Washington's embargo on new American investment in Burma,
announced in April, bring about positive change there?
SUKHUMBHAND: I think the sanctions are justified in moral terms. In recent
months the junta has increased its suppression of opposition groups In
Burma. This is a worrying trend; Washington is right to register its
disapproval of the way things are going. But I have a feeling that
[sanctions] won't work. The economies of this region are so well integrated
that the temporary void created by the ban on new U.S. investment will
quickly be filled by someone else, and Burma's increasing trade with its
neighbors will go on.
Q: Washington is lobbying ASEAN members not to admit Burma as a full member
of the regional group when they meet in Kuala Lumpur in July. Is that the
right thing to do?
I don't think ASEAN should admit Burma as a new member in July. New members
must live up to a minimum standard of decency for admission, and I think the
present junta in Burma has failed to meet that minimum standard of decent
behavior. New member governments must also meet a minimum standard of
legitimacy and I believe the Burmese junta has no legitimacy. It has held
on to power against the verdict of the last [1990] election, which it was
responsible for organizing. So I think Burma has failed the litmus test for
both decency and legitimacy.
Q: What should ASEAN do regarding Burma?
In its policy of "constructive engagement" with Burma, ASEAN should put more
emphasis on being constructive and less on engagement. In the past, ASEAN
has emphasized engagement, such as investing in Burma and doing business
with the junta. Now it's time to move forward to stress constructive
intervention in Burmese affairs. We have to be more direct in talking to
them about the kind of decency and legitimacy in government that we'd like
to see in a friendly, neighboring country
Q: But aren't ASEAN foreign ministers already quietly advising the junta to
clean up its act?
Some of that is going on. But if (Malaysian Prime Minister) Mahathir
(Mohamad) has his way, ASEAN would admit Burma by July without asking
anything in return. This is far too early and too easy for the junta.
Q: Specifically, what changes should Burma make before it is admitted?
I think the Burmese junta must make progress along the road toward more
accountability and openness before we admit them. At least that means
talking to and working with the democratic opposition. ASEAN has developed
to a stage of maturity where it should be able to confidently say "no" to
countries who wish to join ASEAN but who do not measure up to our standards
of behavior. I'm not saying that all ASEAN countries are paragons of
democracy but there is growing accountability and transparency in all ASEAN
countries. We respect the main principles of the United Nations Charter of
Human Rights.
Q: What should Thailand's attitude be toward Burma?
As Burma's closest ASEAN neighbor we should make the point very directly and
clearly that Burma's domestic affairs are having a very negative impact on
Thailand. For example, the junta's military offensive against Karen rebels
along our border is pushing refugees into Thailand. Since we abide by
human-rights conventions we cannot be expected to push all these refugees
back to Burma as the junta demands. We must insist that Burma solve its
internal problems by bringing about enough domestic change so that refugees
and other Burmese won't fear returning to their county voluntarily.
Q: So you think Thailand should insist on democratic change in Burma?
I don't think we should try to promote democracy anywhere before we have a
full- fledged democratic system in Thailand. Democracy is the wrong word.
What one should realistically hope for and push for is a system of
government in Burma that is answerable to the people. That's in Thailand's
own self-interest because Thailand cannot survive as an island of democracy
in the middle of authoritarian regimes.
*******************************************
THE NATION: PREMIER TO DISCUSS US SANCTIONS WITH BURMA
May 14, 1997 [abridged]
Piyanart Srivalo, Surachai Chupaka
PRIME Minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh will discuss several economic issues,
including US sanctions, when he makes an official two-day visit to Burma
starting on Friday.
Informed sources said that all government and security agencies will hold a
final round of discussions today to finalise the premier's agenda with top
Burmese junta leaders, including Gen Than Shwe, Gen Maung Aye and Gen Khin
Nyunt.
Chavalit is expected to hold private talks with some of Burma's leaders
during which he will reiterate Thailand's support for the country's
admission as a full member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. He
will also discuss the problems of illegal Burmese immigrants and refugees in
Thailand.
According to one official source, Burma is likely to be badly hurt by US
economic sanctions that ban new American investment in the country.. But at
the same time, many countries both near and far are waiting to take
advantage of the sanctions by taking over any prospective economic projects,
he said.
During the visit, Chavalit is expected to assure the Burmese junta of
Thailand's readiness to assist Burma in times of critical economic woes by
urging the junta to facilitate the entry of Thai investors into the country,
the source added.
He said that Chavalit's team of economic advisers has already held a meeting
with representatives of seven big Thai companies investing in Burma to work
out part of the premier's agenda and a common position on Thailand's
economic activity into the country. Some firms present included Italian-Thai
Development, Petroleum Authority of Thailand, Sahavirija, Cosmo Oil and Thai
Fisheries Association.
According to Wirachai Techawichit, one of Chavalit's economic advisers,
three pressing issues will top the economic agenda of bilateral talks,
including a request for the junta to reform the country's dual kyat currency
to promote investment in Burma.
The economic adviser said that Chavalit will also urge the ruling State Law
and Order Restoration Council (Slorc) to establish a one-stop service that
will consider and grant projects to investors.
He said that Chavalit, who has developed close relations with Slorc leaders,
will discuss the prospect of Thailand's fishing fleet being allowed to use
Burmese waters.
The premier will tell Slorc to deal directly with the Thai Fisheries
Association which will have strict control over the economic behaviour of
its member companies.
Chavalit will inform Slorc of a proposal to construct a hospital in Burma as
a gift to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Thai-Burmese diplomatic
relations next year.
************************************************
BKK POST: BUSY AGENDA FOR CHAVALIT IN RANGOON
May 14, 1997 [abridged]
Bhanravee Tansubhapol
Prime Minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh will be on hand to witness Thailand and
Burma sign agreements on border crossings and jurisdiction over a friendship
bridge bridge during his May 16 and 17 visit to Rangoon.
Foreign Minister Prachuab Chaiyasarn, who will accompany the prime minister,
will be Thailand's signatory.
The border agreement, covering checkpoints at Kawthaung-Ranong, Mae
Sot-Myawaddy and Mae Sai- Tachilek, is aimed at curbing crime including
drugs trafficking, an official said.
To come into effect 90 days after its signing, the agreement will allow only
those living near the three checkpoints to carry permanent passes. Others
will be issued temporary passes.
Thailand plans to enter into similar agreements with neighbouring Laos and
Cambodia, the official noted.
The other agreement concerns jurisdiction over the Thai-Burmese
Friendship Bridge linking Mae Sot and Myawaddy.
Premier Chavalit will reaffirm the decision of the Association of Southeast
Asian Nations to admit Burma, Cambodia and Laos, Mr Prachuab said.
Also on the agenda are the development of a deep sea port at Tavoy and a
possible road link between Tavoy and central Vietnam via Laos and Laem
Chabang port in Chon Buri.
Bangkok wants to link the western seaboard with ports on the Andaman Sea to
create an alternative trade route for Europe-bound goods currently taking
the longer journey through the Malacca Straits.
"Tavoy port has a petrochemical base which could develop like the Eastern
Seaboard of Thailand," Mr Prachuab said.
General Chavalit will also discuss the purchase of 1,500 megawatts of
electricity from Burma and confirm Thai cooperation in laying an oil
pipeline from Burma to Ratchaburi province.
In addition, he will raise the issue of the 700,000 illegal Burmese workers
in Thailand.
****************************************************
BKK POST: ADB DEFENDS LOAN BAN AGAINST BURMA
May 14, 1997
AFP
Fukuoka, Japan -Asian Development Bank president Mitsuo Sato yesterday
defended his policy of not lending to Burma following objections raised on
Monday by Burmese Finance Minister Win Tin.
"The issue of Myanmar includes highly political issues. There will be
problems with the international community," he said.
Mr Sato cited Burma's military-run exchange rate policy and fiscal policy as
two of the major problems with the country.
********************************************************
THAILAND TIMES: THAI GIVEN MORE FLIGHT TO BURMA
May 14, 1997
BANGKOK: Thailand and Burma have sealed an agreement to increase
the number of flights on the Bangkok-Rangoon route, the Cabinet
acknowledged yesterday.
The accord was signed in Rangoon last week during a visit by Communications
Minister Suwat Liptapallop to Burma.
According to the terms of the agreement, Thai Airways International will
increase the number of flights to Rangoon to a total of 14 flights per week
with 3,500 passengers.
The aviation deal, which will come into effect in October, was one of
several agreements made by Suwat prior to the Prime Minister's official
visit to Burma later this week.
***************************************************
SLORC: INFORMATION SHEET NO. A-0040
May 14, 1997
On the evening of 13th May '97, Mrs. Aris, together with U Kyi
Maung, met the Charge d' Affaires of the U.S Embassy Mr. Kent
Wiedemann at his residence. Mrs. Aris spent an hour with the Charge
d' affaires , it is learnt.
***********************************************
DPNS: FACTS ABOUT "DEMOCRATIC PARTY FOR A NEW
SOCIETY (DPNS)"
May 10, 1997
mingla@xxxxxxxxxxxx
Democratic Party for a New Society (DPNS) was formed to be able to play
in a role in politics to legally to achieve democracy in Burma. The DPNS,
which is based on youths including students, played a very important role
in the democratic struggle in Burma. As soon as it was formed, the DPNS
demanded that the military junta, the so-called State Law and Order
Restoration Council(SLORC), allow an interim goverment to form. Many
young people became linked through the DPNS which has become the
second largest party in Burma.
In spite of the DPNS being the second largest democratic opposition
party in Burma, next to the National League for Democracy (NLD) led by
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the DPNS decided not to enter the general
election scheduled and held in 1990, giving full support to Daw Aung San
Suu Kyi.
After the 1990 election, all political activities of the DPNS were
suppressed by SLORC and a number of its members including some party
leaders were arrested - some of them are still in various jails in Burma.
So, the Central Committee of DPNS decided to move to the liberated area.
POLITICAL STAND
We, the DPNS, have resolved the following as our steadfast goals;
(1) We shall resolve to work for democracy, national solidarity and peace;
(2) We shall stand, at all times, on the side of oppressed peoples of Burma;
(3) We shall be against any oppressive regime, regardless of its name and
nature, which put our Burmese people under its servitude;
AIMS & OBJECTVES
- To abolish military dictatorial system;
- To achieve democracy;
- To reach internal peace;
- To establish the genuine federal union;
BACKGROUND HISTORY
A series of demonstrations took place in 1988 in Burma, which was under
the one party system rule of the Burma Socialist Programme Party
(BSPP), with an absence of democratic rights. In that period, there was no
freedom of speech, writing, assembly and so on. The BSPP was merely a
military force. Under that military force, the entire people had to face many
difficulities. Mismanagement of the unskilled, so-called socialist army
turned the resource-wealthy country into the one of ten poorest
countries in the world, greatly effecting the lives of Burmese citizens.
Corruption and economic malaise impoverished the nation. The people
joined the demonstrations and the entire country seemed to be on the
streets calling for BSPP to step down and the interim government to lead
our mother land back to democracy. But the military junta responded with
arrests, killings, and staged a coup itself, established martial law on
September 18, 1988. Many people including students and youths were
killed during these turbulent days. Many popular leaders wererounded up
overnight, imprisoned and executed.
However, the military junta could not resist the pressure of the entire
people. So, they allowed the establishment of political parties and promised
to hold a multi-party election. Meanwhile, the All Burma Federation of
Students' Union (ABFSU), a leading organization during the uprising,
considered that there were three main forms of struggle against
the military dictatorship, namely;
1. Armed struggle
2. Non-violent legal struggle and
3. Under secret networks.
The ABFSU leadership decided that part of the student activitists
should establish a legal political party and participate in the non-violent
form of struggle. Thus the student and youth activitists organized and
formed the Democratic Party for New Society (DPNS) on October 14,
1988.
During the organizational campaign of the DPNS, the DPNS focused on
the youths of grassroot population such as peasants, workers, and urban
poor population. After six months, the DPNS emerged as the second most
powerful political party in legal fore. We were able to form our branches in
more than 250 townships and could produce 1500 qualified organizers.
The number of party members extended to 250,000. The DPNS formed a
reliable alliance of the National League for Democracy (NLD) led by Daw
Aung San Suu Kyi.
Furthermore, the DPNS was able to organize to form the League for
Democratic Alliance (LDA) comprising of twelve registered political
parties. The DPNS succeeded in establishing another political front named
Democratic Front of Union of Burma (DFUB) in which forty one registered
political parties participated.
In spite of such achievements, the DPNS was the target of the SLORC's
oppression. After the party was formed, the chairman had to flee to the
eastern border. Meanwhile more than one hundred party members were
apprehended by the SLORC. No less than three hundred members of the
DPNS were imprisoned within six months and two of them died in the jail.
During the political defiance campaign led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in
the first half of 1989, almost all leaders were imprisoned by the military
junta, the SLORC. Most of them are still in the prison.
The DPNS never intended contest in the general election held on May
27,1990. The DPNS aimed to participate in the election campaign for the
political rights and create a democratic atmosphere, but the SLORC issued
a decree ordering every registered party to submit no less than three
constituencies to participate in the contest.
Nevertheless, the DPNS adopted a strategy to concentrate all its efforts in
support of the NLD, so that the NLD became strong enough to challenge
the dictators. During that time, the DPNS was able to organize and form a
campaign committe together with the All Burma Federation of Students'
Union (ABFSU), various trade unions, youth fronts, young monks' union
and other youth organizations.
After the general election, the DPNS adopted a four point programme as
follows;
1. To convene the parliament as early as possible;
2. To release Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and all political prisoners;
3. To terminate the civil war ;
4. To convene a national convention where all political groups are able to
participate;
The SLORC responded by restricting permits to print and disseminate
any political pamphlets and newsletters by the DPNS, prohibiting publicity
practices, and raiding the party's branch offices in Rangoon and various
part of Burma. Moreover, the SLORC launched their offensive against the
DPNS. The chairman and most of party's leaders of DPNS were
imprisoned and the headquarters of DPNS was sealed.
The Central Committee of DPNS, therefore, decided to resort to
underground activities. Then some of party's leaders contacted the DAB
and the chairman and eleven leaders sneacked out of Rangoon in
November 1991. Then the headquarters of the DPNS was established at
Manerplaw.
After arriving at the liberated area, the DPNS became a member of the
Democratic Alliance of Burma (DAB) and, later, a member of the National
Council of Union of Burma (NCUB). The DPNS was able to establish
contacts with the party members who remained inside Burma, and formed
underground party committees inside Burma.
At the second conference of DAB recently held in the Thai-Burma border,
the chairman of DPNS was re-elected as the General Secretary and the
General Secretary of DPNS was elected as a member of Central Executive
Committee of DAB by secret ballot. After that, the chairman of DPNS
served as the General Secretary of DAB, a member of secretariat of NCUB
and the Incharge of Political Defiance Committee (PDC).
While the DPNS was working to reach its aims and objectives for
the sake of Burmese people under the military rule, the Chairman of
DPNS, Comrade Myint Zaw, passed away due to malaria on the Thai-
Burma border. After the death of Comrade Myint Zaw, the Central
Committee meeting was held and Comrade Aung Moe Zaw was elected as
the Chairman of DPNS. In that meeting, it was decided that the DPNS
shall continue its struggle as the policies under the leadership of Comrade
Myint Zaw.
THE PRESENT SITUATION AND ACTIVITIES OF THE DPNS
In order to improve the involvement of the DPNS in the anti-military
dictatorship struggle and pro-democracy movement, the present activities
of the DPNS emphasize the following urgent tasks;
1. To strengthen the political defiance activities (non-violent
action) inside Burma,
2. To improve and extend the organizational and information
activities.
3. To set up the regional underground committees of DPNS inside
Burma.
4. To harmonize movements inside and outside Burma.
As the current situation of the armed struggle along the border, the DPNS
faces limitations in continuing its struggle to promote democracy in
Burma. Despite current conditions, the DPNS strongly believes that we
will be able to overcome hardships with the support of the people of Burma
and the international community who understand and sympathize with the
real situation of Burma.
The DPNS is now trying to fulfill its urgent tasks. The DPNS has been able
to establish contact with members who are still inside Burma and organized
them to form the underground committees regionally. Now, the regional party
committees are implementing the organizational works and information works
according to the guideline policies and urgent programmes of the Central
Committee of DPNS. Especially, they are trying to organize the grassroot
population of Burma to be educated on the essence of democracy and human
rights, to involve the political defiance programme against the oppressive
government and, at present, to follow up the leadership of Daw Aung San Suu
Kyi to promote democracy in Burma and to reach national reconciliation for
lasting peace in Burma. And also, the Central Committee formed political
working groups to regularly meet the underground committees inside Burma.
On the other hand, as the DPNS is a member organization of DAB and
NCUB, it has been implementing the strategic plan of NCUB and its PD
committee and the DPNS has been trying to achieve trust between
Burman and ethnic nationalities to work towards national reconciliation by
working closely hand in hand with the NDF member organizations and other
ethnic forces.
*****************************************************
NEW FRONTIERS: MERGUI ARCHIPELAGO OPEN FOR SALE TO
TOURISTS
April, 1997
(Prepared by Tourism Investigation & Monitoring Team)
E-mail: TERRAPER@xxxxxxxxxx
MERGUI ARCHIPELAGO OPEN FOR SALE TO TOURISTS
{BP: 20.3.97} - A few weeks ago, a group of international tourists for the
first time legally set foot on any of the 600 islands in the Mergui
archipelago in the Andaman Sea. They made the journey on board of the
'Gaea', a ship operated by South East Asia Liveaboard, which entered
Burma at Kawthuang, or once called Victoria Point, at the southernmost
tip of the country.
Burma's military leaders are trying to sell the archipelago as a "re-
emerging lost island paradise" to foreign visitors. But the opening of
such a vast expanse of virtually undeveloped beach real estate less than 150
kilometres away from Phuket might also have enormous effects on tourism
in southern Thailand.
Various diving and yacht charter companies have been trying to develop
tourism in southern Burma for some years already, and Club Med made an
exploratory trip into the area two years ago. The inaugural voyage of 'Gaea'
was the result of negotiations that began in 1995 between a syndicate of
three Phuket-based diving and yacht charter companies and the Burmese
Ministry of Hotels and Tourism. South East Asia Liveaboard finally
received permission to take small groups of tourists into the Mergui.
According to Jeroen Deknatel of Phuket's Fantasea Divers, "the Burmese
authorities do allow some Phuket-based operations to dive in Burmese
waters but customs and immigration conditions make it difficult," he said.
Pornchan Chankajor of Dive Master Co. Ltd. said that her company took
18 divers as far north as Little Torres Islands in January. She plans more
trips this season, and two per month next year. "How it goes in future will
depend on the government in Burma," she said. "When we go, we have an
escort boat from the {Burmese) Navy to ensure 100-per cent security. But
the conditions under sea are very good, very good for diving."
One of the problems is the longstanding conflict between Burma and
Thailand over rich fishing grounds around the outer Mergui islands. South
East Asia Liveaboards received permission to enter the area only on the
condition that it would stay among the inner islands, away from the
disputed islands.
Twice during its maiden trip, the 'Gaea' was challenged by Burmese Navy
patrol boats, and the government tour guide had to explain to the Navy that
the Mergui was now actually open to tourism.
http://www2.gol.com/users/brelief/Index.htm
*******************************************
THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR: NEWS BRIEFS
May 3, 1997:
MIC SECRETARY RECEIVES SECRETARY OF JAINGSU PROVINCE
YANGON, 2 May -Minister at the Office of Deputy Prime Minister and
Secretary of Myanmar Investment Commission Brig-Gen Maung Maung
received Secretary of Jaingsu Province of the People's Republic of China
Mr Liu lian and party at Myanmar Investment Commission Office this
morning. They discussed foreign investment law, investment opportunities,
promotion of trade and friendly relations between the two countries.
2ND MALAYSIAN PRODUCTS EXHIBITION-97 OPENS
YANGON, 2 May-The 2nd Malaysian Products Exhibition-R7, assisted
by the Ministry of Cooperatives and jointly sponsored by Silver Kris Co
(Myanmar) and Forum Exposition Sdn Bhd of Malaysia, opened at
Tatmadaw Hall on U Wisara Road here today. Chemicals for agricultural
sector, fertilizer, papers, plastic goods, paints, silverplated and goldplated
goods, fencing materials, printing materials, foodstuff, petroleum products
and gas of Petronas, personal and household goods, decorated materials,
ribbons, cooking oil and others, are being displayed under the assistance of
MATRADE - Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation.
May 4, 1997:
OVER 31,000 USDA MEMBERS OF YANGON DIVISION VOW TO
EXPAND ASSOCIATION'S ORGANIZATION, TAKE ACTIVE PART
IN PUBLIC WELFARE SERVICES
YANGON, 3 May-Over 31,000 members of Union Solidarity and
Development Associations of four districts in Yangon Division today
rallied to the support of the motions to expand organization of the USDA
and for all members to take an active part in public welfare services and to
denounce the' destructive acts of internal and external subversive
elements-and unanimously vowed their commitment at a USDA plenary
meeting on implementation of tasks held at the National Indoor Stadium 1
in Thingangyun Township this morning.
May 7, 1997:
SENIOR GENERAL THAN SHWE ACCEPTS CREDENTIALS OF
AMBASSADOR OF INDIA
YANGON, 6 May-Mr Shyam Saran, newly accredited Ambassador of
the Republic of India to the Union of Myanmar presented his credentials
to Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Law and Order
Restoration Council of the Union of Myanmar at Dagon Yeiktha of the
Ministry of Defence at 10 am today.
MIC SECRETARY RECEIVES CHIEF REP OF IT TRADE
YANGON, 6 May - Minister at the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister
Secretary of Myanmar Investment, Commission Brig-Gen Maung Maunge
received Chief Representative Dr Umberto Ricca of IT Trade of Vietnam
at the office of MIC this afternoon. They discussed production of ceramic
tiles and canning industry.
May 8, 1997
OVER 20,000 KAYIN STATE USDA MEMBERS SUPPORT
EXPANSION OF ASSOCIATION, DENOUNCE INTERNAL AND
EXTERNAL DESTRUCTIONSTS
YANGON, 7 May - About 20,570 members of Union Solidarity and
Development Associations in townships in Kayin State rallied at a
meeting on implementation of community service tasks at Aung Thanlwin
Sports Ground in Hpa-an on 5 May morning. The members comprising
Executive Committee members of Kayin State, District and Township
USDAs and organizers and executives of Ward USDAs marched to the
venue in four columns.
DIRECTOR OF RESETTLEMENT LEAVES FOR PRC
YANGON, 7 May-Secretary-2 of the State Law and Order Restoration
Council Chief of Bureau of Special Operations Chief of Staff (Army) Lt-
Gen Tin Oo this afternoon saw off Director of Resettlement of the
Ministry at Defence Col Thaik Tun who left for the People's Republic of
China to study factoriess workshops and agriculture and livestock
breeding and production.
THAI ENERGY DELEGATION ARRIVES
YANGON, 7 May-A Thai energy delegation led by Minister at the
Office of the Prime Minister of Thailand Mr Sompong Amornvivat arrived
here by air this morning at the invitation of Minister for Energy U Khin
Maung Thein.
May 9, 1997
DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER RECEIVES DIRECTOR OF
YANGTZEKIANG INDUSTRIES (MYANMAR) LTD
YANGON, 8 May - Member of the State Law and Order Restoration
Council Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman-of Myanmar Investment t
Commission Vice-Admiral Maung Maung Khin received Director of
Yangtzekiang Industries (Myanmar) Ltd Mr Rodney Stewart Curson at his
office this morning. They discussed implementations of Yangtzekiang
Industries (Myanmar) Ltd in Myanmar according to the Foreign
Investment Law and extension of investment in Myanmar.
THAI TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATIONS MINISTER ARRIVES
YANGON, 8 May-Minister of Transport and Communications of
Thailand Mr Suwat Liptapanlop, his wife and party arrived here by air this
morning at the invitation of Minister for Transport Lt-Gen Thein Win.
ASSISTANT UN SECRETARY-GENERAL CALLS ON MINISTER FOR
FOREIGN AFFAIRS
YANGON, 8 May - Assistant United Nations Secretary-General Mr
Alvaro De Soto, Representative of the Unit Nations Secretary-General
called on Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw at ministry this
morning.They discussed matters of mutual interest. Director-General of the
International Organizations and Economic Department U Ba Thwin,
Director General of the Consular, International Law and Treaties and
Research Department U Aye Lwin and Director of the International
Organizations Division U Tin Maung Aye were also present. He arrived
here by air yesterday morning. He was accompanied by Ms Hiroko
Miyamura, Associate Political Affairs Officer, Department of Political
Affairs of the UN Headquarters.
FINANCIAL ATTACHE FOR SOUTH-EAST ASIA REGION MEETS
CHAIRMAN OF MYANMAR MAY FLOWER BANK LTD
YANGON 8 May - Mr Patrick Pillon, Financial Attache for South-East
Asia Region n, Franch Embassy Financial Agency for South-East Asia.
Region, met Chairman of Myanmar May flower Bank Ltd U Kyaw Win at
the Head Office of Myanmar May Flower Bank at 9th Mile, Py8y Road, at
10 am.
MIC CHAIRMAN RECEIVES CHAINNAN OF MANDALAY MINING
COMPANY NL
YANGON, 8 May - Member of the State Law and Order Restoration
Council Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of Myanmar Investment
Commission Vice-Admiral Maung Maung Khin received Chairman of
Mandalay Mining Company NL Mr John R Shepherd and party of
Australia at his office this afternoon. They discussed.implementation of
Mandalay Mining Company NL for the development of Namatu Mine and
their future tasks.
May 10, 1997:
SENIOR GENERAL THAN SHWE RECEIVES THAI TRANSPORT
AND COMMUNICATIONS MINISTER
YANGON, 9 May Chairman of the State Law and Order Restoration
Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than
Shwe received Minister of Transport and Communications of Thailand Mr
Suwat Liptapanlop and party at Dagon Yeiktha of the Ministry of
Defence this morning.
MIC CHAIRMAN RECEIVES MD OF KERRY INVESTMENT
MANAGEMENT LTD
YANGON, 9 May Member of the State Law and Order Restoration
Council Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of Myanmar Investment
Commission Vice-Admiral Maung Maung Khin received Managing
Director of Kerry Investment Management Ltd Mr David Walton Masters
and party of Hong Kong at his office this morning.
MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT RECEIVES GM OF MITSUBISHI
CORPORATION
YANGON, 9 May Minister for Transport Lt-Gen Thein Win received
General Manager of Mitsubishi Corporation Mr R Hara at his office this
morning.
ASSISTANT UN SECRETARY-GENERAL CALLS ON SECRETARIAT
MEMBER OF USDA
YANGON, 9 May Assistant United Nations Secretary-General Mr
Alvaro De Soto, Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General,
accompanied by Associate Political Affairs Officers of Department of
Political Affairs of the UN Headquarters Ms Hiroko Miyamura, called
on member of the Secretariat of Union Solidarity and Development
Association U Ko Lay at his office this afternoon. They discussed matter
related to USDA. CEC members of USDA U Thein Sein, U Aung Phone
and officials were also present.
May 11, 1997:
SECRETARY-1 RECEIVES ASSISTANT UN SECRETARY-GENERAL
YANGON, 10 May Secretary-l of the State Law and Order Restoration
Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt received Assistant United Nations Secretary-
General Mr Alvaro De Soto, Representative of the United Nations
Secretary-General, at Dagon Yeiktha of the Ministry of Defence at 9 am
today. Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw and Director-General of
Protocol Department Thura U Aung Htet were also present. He was
accompanied by Ms Hiroko Miyamura, Associate Political Affairs
Officer, Department of Political Affairs of the UN Headquarters.
SECRETARY-1 RECEIVES KACHIN STATE NATIONALITIES
LEADER
YANGON, 10 May Chairman of the Work Committee for Development
of Border Areas and National Races Secretary-1 of the State Law and
Order Restoration Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt received nationalities
leader of Kachin State Special Region 1 U Za Khun Ting Ring and
members U Nyein Aye and U Zaw La at Tatmadaw Guest House on Inya
Road this evening. They discussed industrial services, energy sector an
economic development activities.
May 13, 1997:
MINISTER FOR HOTELS AND TOURISM RECEIVES TOURISM
PROMOTERS
YANGON, 12 May-Minister for Hotels and Tourism Lt-Gen Kyaw Ba
received General Manager Mr Duncan T Machan of Central Floating
Hotel, Yangon, at his office at 4.30 pm today. They discussed publishing of
Mingalarbar Magazine for tourism promotion and cruises. The minister
also received Chairman Mr Chain S Wong of Kung Fu Plaza Restaurant of
Thailand and Director Mr Peter Drummond of Kordex Corp Pty Ltd of
Australia separately.
English : http://www.myanmar.com/nlm/
German: http://www.myanmar.com/nlm/gnlm/
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