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The BurmaNet News, July 9, 1997




------------------------ BurmaNet ------------------------     
"Appropriate Information Technologies, Practical Strategies"     
----------------------------------------------------------     
 
The BurmaNet News: July 9, 1997        
Issue #768

HEADLINES:        
==========   
HKS: ASEAN CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE IN CAMBODIA
SHAN: SITUATION IN SHAN STATE
THE NATION: THAI PRISONER SUFFERS FROM JUNTA'S HANDS
AFP: JAPAN MAY JOIN EU-US TALKS ON MASSACHUSETTS LAW
BEIJING XINHUA: MYANMAR WANTS TO STRENGTHEN TIES 
THAILAND TIMES: WORKERS CRY FOUL OVER NSC POLICY
BKK POST: PANEL AGREES TO BURMESE SECTOR PLAN
BKK POST: MEETING OVER GAS PIPELINE CALLED OFF
THAILAND TIMES: ASEAN WORKS ON INVESTMENT AREA
XINHUA: BURMESE LEADER CONGRATULATES CHINA ON HK
XINHUA: OVERSEAS CHINESE IN MYANMAR CELEBRATE HK
ASIAN AGE (NEW DELHI): MAJOR-GENERAL DIES IN N-E COPTER
BKK POST: DEPARTMENT STORE RISES ON NLD STREET
ANNOUNCEMENT: FORMATION OF OBSDA
SAMPLE LETTER: SEATTLE SELECTIVE PURCHASING
BRC-J: GREETING CARDS AND POSTERS 
----------------------------------------------------------------- 

HONG KONG STANDARD: ASEAN CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE IN CAMBODIA
July 8, 1997

KUALA LUMPUR: The Association of South East Asian Nations (Asean) on Tuesday
called for an immediate ceasefire among Cambodia's warring
factions and for immediate steps to ensure the safety of foreign
nationals.

``Asean is dismayed by and deeply regrets the unfortunate turn of events
in Cambodia, resulting in the loss of innocent lives, both of Cambodian
citizens and of foreigners,'' the seven-member grouping said in a
statement. ``Asean calls for an immediate ceasefire,'' it said. ``Asean
also calls upon the Government of Cambodia to take immediate steps to
ensure the safety of foreign nationals and provide protection to their
properties in that country.''

It urged Cambodia's two warring prime ministers ``to abide by the terms
of the (1991) Paris Peace accords'' which ended two-decades of civil
war. Asean foreign ministers will hold an emergency meeting on Thursday
in Kuala Lumpur to discuss the crisis. Malaysia is currently chairman of
Asean, which also groups Indonesia, Brunei, the Philippines, Singapore,
Vietnam and Thailand.

Cambodia, which was plunged into turmoil following two days of fighting
in the capital Phnom Penh over the weekend, was to join Asean later this
month along with Burma and Laos. It has been Asean's ambition since it
was founded to have all 10 Southeast Asian countries within its fold.
But the collapse of Cambodia's troubled coalition government has thrown
considerable doubt on the plan. 

Second Prime Minister Hun Sen has taken control of Phnom Penh and its
outskirts, while his ousted rival, First Prime Minister Prince Norodom
Ranariddh, has vowed from France to organise resistance.

Singapore's Straits Times newspaper said in an editorial on Tuesday
Cambodia's entry into Asean can wait. The pro-government
English-language daily said the situation raises questions about who is
really in charge of Cambodia and could speak for it when Asean meets on
23 July to formalise entry of Cambodia, Burma and Laos into the group.

The foreign ministers of Thailand and the Philippines said on Monday
Asean may reconsider its decision to admit the three new members.
Malaysia's acting Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the Asean foreign
ministers at the meeting on Thursday would review the decision to admit
Cambodia.

``We're asking our Foreign Ministry to discuss with the other Asean
foreign ministries the possibility of a change,'' he told reporters.

Malaysia's opposition leader Lim Kit Siang also said induction of the
three new members should be deferred.

``The United Nations had sent more than 20,000 peacekeeping troops to
Cambodia between 1991 and 1993 and spent more than US$2 billion to
organise elections to create a legitimate and democratic society _ but
all these efforts seem to have gone down the drain,'' he said in a
statement on Tuesday.

The political stalemate has prevented Cambodia's National Assembly from
meeting for more than two months to enact laws paving the way for the
country's entry into Asean, he said.

But the Malaysian Business Times, which reflects government views, said
in an editorial on Tuesday the Cambodian conundrum could best be solved
if the country was within the Asean fold.

``Asean can, and probably will, play a key role in bringing the feuding
parties in Cambodia to a compromise without anymore gunfire and
violence,'' the newspaper said. ``The vision of an Asean-10 must not be
allowed to waver at this point in time.''

A Western diplomat said of the editorial: ``That argument can be made
persuasively and not just by the Malaysians.''

The political quake in Cambodia exposed possible fault lines in Asean as
well, analysts and diplomats said.

Vietnam, which joined Asean in 1995, installed Mr Hun Sen as head of a
communist government after invading Cambodia in 1978 to end the
``killing fields'' regime of Pol Pot's Khmer Rouge.

Mr Hun Sen visited Vietnam last week before making his move against
Prince Ranariddh but was on vacation and did not meet any Vietnamese
leaders, a foreign ministry spokesman in Hanoi said.

In the 1980s, Asean steadfastly supported an anti-Vietnamese coalition
led by King Norodom Sihanouk that included his son Prince Ranariddh's
royalist faction and the Khmer Rouge. Vietnam is worried anti-Vietnamese
sentiment may re-emerge in the wake of Mr Hun Sen's takeover, analysts
said._ Reuter

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

SHAN: SITUATION IN SHAN STATE
July 8, 1997

THE WHOLE OF KAENG TAWNG AREA FORCED TO MOVE
        On 26.5.97, Strategic Command commander Thein Htut at Kho Lam sent
an order to Maj. Kyaw Than Win of Slorc no.44 who was stationed with 50
troops at Ton Hoong Long relocation site in Kaeng Tawng area, Murngnai
township, to move all the villagers in the entire area to towns such as
Namzarng, Murngnai, Kunhing etc.
        On 28.5.97, Maj. Kyaw Than Win summoned 13 headmen in the area and
told them that another relocation was imminent and suggested that they go
and plead with Thein Htut for mercy so that they did not have to move. So,
on 29.5.97, they went to see Thein Htut at Kho Lam who asked them if there
was any Shan rebels in the area. The villagers said that they did not see
and did not give any help to any rebels but there might be some in the area
because they often came across some foot tracks which they thought were
rebels'. Thein Htut then ordered the 13 village leaders to remain at Kho Lam
while he dispatched troops to search the area. Troops from 3 different
battalions -- 150 troops from Murngnai - based no.158 led by Maj. Ba Maung,
120 troops from Kunhing- based no.404 led by Maj. Aung Than Htay and 200
troops from Panglong led by Maj. Kyaw Htay Win -- were involved in the search.
        On 1.6.97, while no.424 troops were returning to Kunhing, they
clashed with some rebel troops at Kung Nyawng, Kun Mong village tract,
Murngnai township. The battle lasted for about 2 honours during which 17
Slorc troops were killed and 5 wounded (later all died) while 1 rebel was
killed with the number of wounded unknown. Four packed-horses of the SLORC
troops were also killed.
        On 4.6.97, all the villagers in the entire Kaeng Tawng area were
driven to Murngnai, Kunhing, Namzarng and Larngkhur. No one was left in the
villages except for some villagers who were still hiding in the jungles near
Nam Ma, Nar Paw, Pa Kharn and Huay Yaen deserted villages which were close
to the Salween river.
        As soon as he got a hint of the impending relocation in late May,
Loong Zarng Kham Su, one of the well-to-do farmer-traders in Kaeng Tawng,
gave away all his possessions that he had taken to sell at the Market place
to the villagers on the market day -- things usually sold at village general
stores, including 30 baskets of husked rice -- in fear of being looted or
burned by Slorc troops if he had to move. Fortunately, he had managed to
move 16 cart-loads of his things to Kunhing, and later to
Namzarng by truck.

THAI LOGGERS SEIZED BY SLORC
        On 2.6.97, Maj. Gen. Thein Sein, Kaengtung-based Golden Triangle
Area Command commander, came to a meeting in Murngsart. Than Aung & Aye
Thant also attended the meeting.
        30.5.97, Slorc troops retained only one of their 6 check-points
along Murngton - Pung Pa Khem route opposite Fang district, Chiangmai.
Before that, there were military check-points at BP 1 (Border Point 1),
Pung Pa Khem, Na Kawng Mu, Murng Harng IB no.277 and Pha Khe; and an
immigration check-point at Pung Pa Khem. Currently, there is only one at BP 1.
        5.6.97, Thai military closed the Pang Tawng - Nawng Ook border
crossing by felling trees to block the roads on Thai side. But the Burmese
troops did not close, they still let people walk through their check-point
even though they secretly take money, it was said. One of the reasons for
the border closure could be the arrest of some Thai loggers by the Burmese
troops.
        There are 3 groups who bribe local Burmese military commanders and
haul logs into Thailand:
        (1)     Ai Ti, an ethnic Chinese at Nawng Ook.
        (2)     Tam Bon Mon Pin (Fang District) group led by the headman.
        (3)     Thamma (an officer of 'Wa' group) and Loong Phon (a Thai
from Lampang) group.
        On 4.6.97, 120 Burmese troops, under the order of Aye Thant .....,
surrounded the loggers and arrested 38 men, 2 elephants, 18 chain-saws and 2
trucks, and took them to Murngton and then to Murngsart. Ten men who were
not actually in logging business but were hired as cooks and housekeepers
were released before sending the rest to Kaengtung. The 28 men were mostly
Thai from Chiangrai and Lampang. Their leader was Loong Phon from Lampang
who had been buying logs for more than a year. When they were in Murngsart,
Thamma tried to plead for their release, but to no avail.

VILLAGERS FORCED TO GROW OPIUM
        On May 1, 1997, Yang kyar Shong aka Kyaw Htoon aka Kyaw Win, 38, a
Chinese cousin of Khun Sa from Mamdalay, came to meet Slorc Maj. Khin Than
Aye, head of LI no.64 in Murngnai. He gave 500,000 Kyat to Maj. Khin Than
Aye to arrange for local villagers for growing opium. On May 5, 1997, Maj.
Khin Than Aye called the headmen of Loi Ai and Loi La villages to come into
the town to meet him. He gave the headmen 500,000 Kyat so that the people in
their villages could grow opium in 1997-98. They were ordered not to sell
their opium crop to anyone else except for Loong Ah Soong. Maj. Khin Than
Aye told the headmen that he wanted to help the village become developed,
and if the villagers refused to grow opium they would be punished.

TOWNSPEOPLE FORCED TO SELL ESTATES AND MOVE OUT
        Because of the Chinese (from China) willingness to buy estates in
Namzarng town, Slorc authorities there have ordered townspeople who live
close to the main roads to build 3-storey, or larger, houses. Those who
could not afford to build 3-storey houses would have to move away or Slorc
would seize their property. Or they could sell their property and Slorc
authorities would help sell them if the owners could not sell by
themselves, the buyers were virtually all Chinese from China. Left with no
choice, many have to sell their properties at give-away prices and move to
the outskirts of the town.
        The Chinese were also asking for land along the main roads in
Murngton town. There houses have so far been inquired about, but none have
actually been bought.

BATTLE NEWS
        On 2.5.97, SURA (Shan United Revolutionary Army) troops were
collecting 'tax' from the passing vehicles between Pung Pa Khem and Mae Ken
in Murngton township, when an army vehicle carrying troops of no.277 from
Murngton arrived and exchanged fires. In the shooting, 4 Slorc soldiers were
killed.

        On 27.5.97, 13:00 hrs., SURA troops of no.156 Battalion, no.757
Brigade clashed with Slorc troops south of Wan Pung village, Loi Ngawk
circle, Murngnai township. Casualties unknown.
        27.5.97, 03:00 hrs., SURA troops of no.451 Battalion, no.759
Brigade clashed with Slorc troops north of Wan Kung village, Pang Pi
circle, Murngpan township. Slorc suffered 4 deaths and 3 wounded, and SURA 2
wounded.
        6.6.97, 08:00-09:00 hrs., SURA troops no. 153 Battalion, no.758
Brigade clashed with Slorc troops on Murngsu-Laikha road. Three Slorc
soldiers were killed, including 2 sergeant, and 9 wounded. SURA seized 2
G-3 rifles and 40 rounds of ammunition.


DIRECTIVE FROM THE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF THE SHAN UNITED REVOLUTIONARY ARMY
(SURA).

Directive
18 June 1997

To all the officers and the rank and file of SURA

        Since its seizure of power (1988), Slorc military junta has
regarded us, the people of Shan State, as its enemies and has been killing
and displacing the civilian population up to the present, causing many
people to lose their homes, their farmland and, thus, their livelihood. In
order to survive the atrocities of the Slorc, it is imperative that the
people and the armed resistance of Shan State should unite in our effort to
withstand Slorc's aggression and protect our livelihood.
        Our Shan United Revolutionary Army (SURA) is an army which was born
of the people and acts in accordance with the will of the people.
Therefore, wherever we go, it is imperative that we refrain from any act of
injustice towards the people and abstain from any form of racial
discrimination. In the end, justice will certainly prevail. When we meet
good and just civilian Burmese nationals, we should tell them that we are
not brutal soldiers as Slorc troops and that it would be advisable for them
to return to Burma Proper for their own safety while Slorc is brutally
oppressing the people, because the situation has become chaotic and many
people are on the verge of starvation, robbers are rampant and there are
several armed groups, some with no identity, that roam the highways.
        We shall strive with unified effort until we achieve our goals and
restore our rights.
                Yord Serk

CHINESE BIG GUNS AND TRUCKS BROUGHT TO MURNGTON
        On 3.5.97, 200 strong Slorc troops from no.62 IB led by Maj. Aung
Thein brought from Taunggyi 150 trucks with 16-tons capacity each, which
Slorc had bought from China on 20.3.97, to Murngton. The trucks were being
kept: - 40 at Nawng Pa Yaen village, 40 at Wan Nar village and 40 at Pha Khe
village. Each truck had 2 drivers who took turns to look after it all the time.
        Maj. Aung Thein and his troops returned to Taunggyi with 30 trucks
on 7.5.97.
        The trucks were said to have carried 4 pieces of 130mm artillery
and a large amount of ammunition to Murngton area. It was said that the big
guns were brought to use against the SURA troops in the area.

AMPHETAMINES SOLD IN SLORC CAMP
        Since February 4, 1997, one of Khun Sa's men of Chinese origin,
Loong Lao Yarng, has been jointly producing heroin and amphetamines
together with Slorc troops from LI no.65, no.225, and no.519 at Murngton.
On May 20, 1997, Maj. Than Nyunt and   Maj. Shwe Myint of LI no.65 sold
500,000 amphetamine pills to a Chinese man from Nawng Ook called Ai Ti at a
price of 15 Baht each. Ai Ti collected the pills from the Slorc camp and
then brought them to the Thai border.

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

THE NATION: THAI PRISONER SUFFERS FROM JUNTA'S HANDS
July 8, 1997
By Khachorn Boonphat

MAE HONG SON: Thai authorities have demanded that the State Law and Order
Restoration Council (SLORC) accept full responsibility for an incident in
which a Thai prisoner's legs were broken by Burmese soldiers.

The victim and six other prisoners were imprisoned in Chiang Tung on charges
of illegal entry into Burma near Baan Khai Luang in March this year and were
finally released early this month, a member of the Provincial Council said.

Surasi Trithong said Chan-tha Chah-ha, a 19-year-old Red Muser tribeswoman
living in Baan Ya Pa Han, was found to be so emaciated she could not walk
following a few months of incarceration.

He therefore yesterday submitted a strongly worded letter to the military
junta through Capt Samran Rung-ruang, deputy chief of the Thai-Burmese
border cooperation unit, in protest against the 65th Battalion led by Maj
Win Shew.

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

AFP: JAPAN MAY JOIN EU-US TALKS ON MASSACHUSETTS LAW AGAINST BURMA
July 8, 1997

   TOKYO - Japan may join the European Union in taking the United States to
the World Trade Organisation over a US state's sanctions law against Burma,
a Japanese trade official said Tuesday.
   "We are considering taking part in the talks as a third country," said
the official in charge of international agreements at the ministry of
international trade and industry.
   "Our status will not be equal to that of the United States or the EU. But
it may be close to that of an observer," he added.
   The European Union (EU) decided last month to take its complaint about
the 1996 Massachusetts law to the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
   The law bars state-owned entities from buying goods from companies doing
business in military-ruled Burma. That has led to the black-listing of
roughly 150 foreign companies.
   "There is the possibility of the law violating the WTO provision on
government procurement," said the Japanese official.
   "Depending on US action hereafter on the matter, we may consider taking
it to the WTO ourselves." 
   In January, the EU formally complained about the Massachusetts law, while
Japan registered its objections more quietly.
   The EU claims the law violates a WTO provision committing most states to
open all government contracts to international competition.
   "We have been getting information on the matter from the US side as the
federal government and the state of Massachusetts continue consultation," he
said. "It is not that the federal government can unilaterally force the
state to scrap the law."
   In a letter to US Trade Representative Charlene Barshefsky last month, EU
Trade Commissioner Sir Leon Brittan expressed displeasure at the lack of
progress made in the consultation.
   "On this issue, it would not appear that progress has been made, and
there are no indications that Massachusetts is considering amending this
law, in spite of the efforts you have been making," he wrote.
   Barshefsky replied in a statement she was "surprised and very
disappointed" at the European move, given the shared US and European
interest in improving the human rights situation in Burma.

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

BEIJING XINHUA: MYANMAR WANTS TO STRENGTHEN NEIGHBORLY GOODWILL TIES 
July 3, 1997

Yangon, July 3 (XINHUA) -- Myanmar Deputy Prime Minister Lieutenant-General
Tin Tun has said his country wants to further strengthen neighborly goodwill
relations as well as trade and economic cooperation with China.
Tin Tun made the remarks here on Wednesday afternoon when he, on
behalf of Chairman of the State Law and Order Restoration Council and Prime
Minister Senior-General Than Shwe, received Chinese ambassador to Myanmar
Chen Baoliu who is leaving her post in the country.
He noted Myanmar had consistently paid attention to the development of
Myanmar-China bilateral relations.
He also expressed his congratulation on China's resumption of the
exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong on July 1, 1997.

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

THAILAND TIMES: WORKERS CRY FOUL OVER NSC POLICY GIVING MORE FREEDOM TO
ALIEN LABOR
July 8, 1997

BANGKOK: Labor organizations voiced disagreement with a rumor
that the National Security Council (NSC) may move to approve more
freedom for alien workers .

Prathuang Saengsang, secretary-general of the National Congress of Thai
Labor, said the government's policy to allow alien laborers to work in all
occupational areas throughout the country would greatly affect Thai
laborers, particularly when the country is facing economic slowdown and
laying off workers.

He said, if the matter is passed on to the Cabinet for consideration, most
employers will take full advantage of the situation and exploit alien
workers due to lower wages.

The congress will seek measures to cope with the matter in its meeting on
Saturday.

Thipphawan U-vichien, chief of the Alien Labor Control Center, said a
committee that the NSC had assigned to study the alien labor problems would
carefully consider the matter.

She added that most of over 700,000 alien workers from neighboring countries
had not registered with the government labor offices.

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

BKK POST: PANEL AGREES TO BURMESE SECTOR PLAN
July 8, 1997

Proposal may speed up demarcation work

Mae Sot - The Joint Boundary Committee has agreed in principle with a 
border demarcation proposal from the Burmese authorities.

The Burmese JBC proposed that the 2,000km-long common border be 
divided into nine sectors with ill-defined boundaries as the first spots to be 
demarcated.

The proposal was made during the JBC meeting of the two countries on 
June 30-July 2 in Rangoon, said Tak Governor Pongpayom Wassaput.

The Thai delegation led by Somboon Sa-giambut, director-general of the
Treaties and Legal Affairs Department, the Burmese delegated by "U Aye 
Lwin to discuss demarcation.

The Burmese proposal would help speed up demarcation work as it clearly
divided the common border into nine sectors, said the Tak governor, 
adding that previous talks had been unsuccessful as Thai and Burmese 
authorities normally focused on an area in dispute without considering 
other ill-defined boundaries.

The division of the area into nine sectors would enable the JBC committee 
of the two countries to consider the whole borderline faster and an 
agreement would be made in each sector, said Mr Pongpayom.

However, the two countries needed to allocate budgets for the border
demarcation in each sector.

Sources said the meeting raised the dispute over the digging of a new
channel in the Moei River in front of Wat Phrathat Khok Chang Pheuak in 
Mae Sot.

Thailand proposed that aerial photos from 1994 be used to demarcate the
area, but Burma was silent on the issue and asked for more details from the
Thai delegation. 

Burma proposed that the Thai-Burmese Friendship Bridge be officially 
opened on August 15.

The two countries agreed to open three permanent checkpoints - Mae
Sot-Myawaddy, Mae Sai-Thachilek and Ranong-Kawthaung - on August 
16. (BP)

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

BKK POST: MEETING OVER GAS PIPELINE CALLED OFF
July 5, 1997

Kanchanaburi- Officials of the Petroleum Authority of Thailand yesterday 
cancelled a meeting aimed at assuring local villagers of the safety of the 
Yadana gas pipeline to be built in front of their homes.

Villagers in tambon Chorake Puek of Dan Makham Tia district were 
earlier told by their headman, Chaicharn Jenbanchong, that PTT officials 
would visit them yesterday to put to  rest their concerns over the pipeline  
project.

But the PTT officials decided to call off the meeting after noticing i that 
some 200 villagers were gathering at the tambon administrative 
organisation's office where some local environmentalists were speaking 
against the pipeline project. 
 
"It's not safe enough for the PTT  official because the villagers may get 
wild with environmentalists demonstrating nearby," Mr Chaicharn said. 

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

THAILAND TIMES: ASEAN WORKS ON REGION-WIDE 
INVESTMENT AREA
July 5, 1997
AFP

MANILA: The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has 
agreed to complete a framework by 1998 for the creation of an ASEAN 
Investment Area to lure region wide investors, it was announced here 
yesterday.

The agreement was reached at a meeting of the heads of investment agencies
of the ASEAN nations, held in the Philippines this week, said Melito
Salazar, director of the Philippine Board of Investments.

Salazar said the joint ASEAN Investment Area would be crucial in 
attracting foreign direct investment to the region as well as in encouraging 
intra-ASEAN investment.

The framework for the investment area would be completed by September 
1998 and would deal with harmonizing the investment incentives of 
ASEAN countries and with competition between countries for investment, 
he added.

Also to be taken up are issues of national treatment of foreign investments, 
increased investment promotion between ASEAN countries and 
development of sub-regional economic groupings within ASEAN.
     
Lim Pin, deputy chairman Singapore's Economic Development Board,
said the investment area would largely be operation by 2010 although some 
aspects would not be fully implemented until 2020.

However Salazar said that no member would be compelled to harmonize its 
investment incentives, but rather member nations would be al to consult 
each other to s what would be the best incentives to adopt.

Also at the conference, Staporn Kavitanon, secretary general of Thailand's 
Board of Investments, announced that his country was working on an 
ASEAN industry database which could be accessed on the Internet.

The database would allow those seeking potential partners or suppliers in-
ASEAN to get information on companies in the region depending on their 
sectors, their product lines, their markets and their ownership.

ASEAN includes Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, 
Thailand and Vietnam. The countries of Burma, Cambodia and Laos are 
scheduled to join ASEAN this month.

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

XINHUA: BURMESE LEADER CONGRATULATES CHINA ON HONG KONG RETURN 
July 1, 1997

Beijing, July 1 (XINHUA) -- Chairman of Myanmar's [Burma] State Law
and Order Restoration Council (head of state), Than Shwe, sent a message,
on Monday, of congratulations to Chinese President Jiang Zemin on Hong
Kong's return to the motherland. In his message, Than Shwe said the Chinese
government's resumption of the exercise of sovereign over Hong Kong is an
event well worth celebrating. He said he believed Hong Kong's return would
help promote the development of the Chinese economy, and the principle of
"one country, two systems" the Chinese government adopted to solve the Hong
Kong issue would be carried out smoothly and successfully there.

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

XINHUA: OVERSEAS CHINESE IN MYANMAR CELEBRATE HK'S RETURN 
July 2, 1997

Yangon, July 2 (XINHUA) -- Overseas Chinese in Myanmar gathered here
this evening to celebrate China's resumption of the exercise of sovereignty
over Hong Kong on July 1. A grand reception, sponsored by the Committee for
Celebration of Hong Kong's Return to the Motherland, was attended by Chinese
Ambassador to Myanmar Chen Baoliu, leaders of the local Chinese community
and over 1,000 representatives from different walks of life. He Deneng,
acting chairman of the committee, said in his speech that
he believed that Hong Kong's future will be better and its prosperity and
stability will be maintained. The Chinese ambassador also spoke at the
reception. At the reception, local Chinese artists gave performances.

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

ASIAN AGE (NEW DELHI): MAJOR-GENERAL DIES IN N-E COPTER CRASH
July 8, 1997

Guwahati: AN Army helicopter carrying the chief of staff of 3 Corps,
Maj. Gen. Keshav Singh, and three others, including two crew members,
went missing soon after it took of from the corps headquarters at
Rangapahar near Dimapur, Nagaland, on Monday morning, reports our
special correspondent.

The two pilots on board were Capt. Surjit Singh and Capt. S. Srivastava,
defence sources in New Delhi said reports PTI.

Army sources said the Chetak helicopter took off at 7 in the morning for
Limakong (Leikmakun), near Imphal, but soon the ground control lost
radio contact with it. "The last message which ground control received
was that weather conditions were very bad and that they were returning
either to base or to Kohima," the sources said.

However, official sources in Nagaland said the helicopter crashed over
the Sakhraba hill in the Phek district, about 80 km from Kohima. "Some
villagers reported seeing a helicopter crashing down in the area," an
official in Kohima said. Maj. Gen. J.B.S. Sharma, GOC of a mountain
division based in Manipur, said over the telephone that the ground
troops and helicopter were looking for the missing helicopter, but there
was no trace of it till the afternoon.

Maj. Gen. Singh was on his way to the border town of Moreh where he was
to preside over a meeting on Wednesday with Burmese Army officers.

He was to have arrived at Moreh by noon on Monday.

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

BKK POST: DEPARTMENT STORE RISES ON BURMA'S NLD 
STREET
July 7, 1997
Matthew Pennington
Rangoon, AFP

Yuzana brushes politics aside

	A leading Burmese property developer has set up a gleaming new 
department store down the street from the humble Rangoon headquarters 
of Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD).
	Fifty metres from the ramshackle office where the NLD party 
faithful meet and plan how to outwit the military authorities, the Yuzana 
Company has set up a multi-storey shopping, hotel and office complex.
	Unconcerned at the prospect of the occasional street blockade, the 
Burmese construction giants opened Rangoon's latest "one-stop" shopping 
experience on Shwegondine Road in a blaze of state media publicity on 
June 7.
	The ruling junta's chief of military intelligence, Lieutenant-
General Khin Nyunt cut the ribbon at the Yuzana Centre, before 1,500 
eager punters given $3 worth of discount vouchers started the tills ringing.
	"Over the past five years after the government opened up the 
economy, in 1989, so many stores have started up. People have more 
money in their pockets now," said Yuzana's managing director Dr Myat 
Hlaing.
	He announced that despite having the democratic opposition on 
their doorstep, business has been booming.
	"It's no problem for us," he said, with a brief glance over his 
shoulder towards the two red NLD flags bearing the party's peacock 
symbol, "Visible above the palm trees.
	"They're doing politics. We're doing business."
	The Yuzana centre is the firm's second major multi-product store 
in Rangoon, as traditional open-plan marketplaces in the Burmese capital 
begin to give way to convenience shops and air-conditioned shopping 
centres.
	Young Burmese shop assistants, all girls, shine smiles from 
behind glass counters, peddling mostly imported goods, especially 
fashions, cosmetics, and hi-tech consumer goods.
	Confident they have their finger of the pulse of retail trends in 
Rangoon, Yuzana have also built a soon-to-be opened store in Bayinaung 
township in the north of city, and are beginning construction of a shopping 
complex in the eastern township of Mingala, to be finished within 14 
months.
	To include parking spaces for 1,500 and a drive-in cinema, it is 
part of a $100 million project including apartments and houses covering 70 
acres (28 hectares) on long-term lease from the government.
	In return for using state land, Yuzana gives between 30 and 50% 
of the developed property to the government, Dr Myat said. While the 
purchasing power of the average Burmese is still small, labour costs are 
low - starting at $30 a month - and owning your own store means you pay 
no rent, Dr Myat said.
	To keep prices down, mark-ups are on average about 10%, much 
lower than in Thailand or Singapore, so the secret is to keep up a high 
volume of trade. (BP)

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ANNOUNCEMENT: FORMATION OF OBSDA
July 3, 1997

Overseas Burmese Social Development Association (OBSDA)

In Burma, where military totalitarianism has been practiced for years, 
along with struggle for democracy, for the emergence of righteous, genuine 
and developed democratic society, laying foundations must be done.
We, who have been struggling for democracy in our mother land, formed 
the Overseas Burmese Social Development Association (OBSDA) on the 
basic of patrotism.

1. Aims
To mutually carry out the development of social and educational affairs of
the patriotic overseas Burmese people for the restoration and development 
of the country in future.

2.  Working Plans
(a) To promote and widen the real practice of democratization among the
members and citizens.
(b) To stand up against drugs within democratic society.
(c) To promote the international community's awareness of the loss of human
rights and sufferings of people in Burma.
(d) To improve the mutual progress of the organization and its members.
(e) To establish contact with international organizations.

3.  Membership
(a) The members shall be persons who share the desire to implement 
the aims for both self interest and welfare of others.
(b) Admission to the organization (membership) must be decided by the
secretariat.
(c) Following address can be contacted for membership.

4.  Formation
Formation of the organization was done by the activists on 1st January 
1997 to fulfill the above-mentioned aims and working plans.
For the time being the secretariat will take responsibility of the
organization. The secretariat was democratically elected at the meeting held
on 26 April 1997 by all members.

5.  Secretariat is as follows;
(1) Ko Than Naing Ko 	(General Secretary)
(2) Ko Aike San 		(Secretary - Foreign Affairs)
(3) Ko Min Kyaw	(Secretary - News & Information)
(4) Ko Than Aung	( Secretary - Finance)
(5) Ko Naing Naing	(Secretary - Social welfare)

Contact address:

OBSDA
PO Box- 63,
Hua Mak Post,
Ramkhamhaeng Rd,
Bangkok, Thailand. 10243.

E- mail : < dawn@xxxxxxxxxxxx >

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SAMPLE LETTER: SEATTLE SELECTIVE PURCHASING
July 6, 1997

The Seattle City Government is close to enacting a selective purchasing
law.  This law is modeled on the successful anti-apartheid "selective
purchasing" laws from the 1980's, and is called for by the legitimate,
elected leaders of Burma, led by Nobel Peace Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi and
the National League for Democracy. 

Please write a letter to the city council and Mayor Norm Rice (same address).

These local efforts are the best hope for democracy in Burma.  So say
Burma's democrats, who clearly represent the majority.  It is both right and
in our own interests to support them. 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mayor Norm Rice OR

To Receptionist:  Please Distribute to All Council Members
Seattle City Council
600 Fourth Ave.
Seattle, WA  98104

Dear Council Member,

	I am ... (give some personal background).
	I am interested in the restoration of democracy in Burma.  Please
support a "selective contracting" law barring city contracts to companies
doing business in Burma.  Such companies clearly support a violent
military regime that stifles democracy, uses massive forced labor,
practices systematic torture and rape, and cooperates in the export of
heroin worldwide. 
	President Clinton has now barred new US investment in Burma.  A Seattle law
would support the federal effort, and is in fact more fair,
since it applies to US and foreign companies equally. 
	Similar laws are now in force in New York City, San Francisco,
Oakland, the State of Massachusetts and a dozen other municipalities.  The
laws have been found to be non-burdensome at home, yet highly effective in
squeezing the investment-dependent Burmese junta. 
	Seattle's interests in the future will be best served by more
democratic development on the Pacific Rim.  Please take this small but
crucial action to support the Burmese Democracy movement.  Please support a
Seattle "selective contracting" law on Burma. 

Sincerely,


For more info, call 206-784-5742.
See also www.freeburma.org

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BRC-J: GREETING CARDS AND POSTERS 
July 5, 1997

Greeting Cards and Posters featuring a magnificent portrait of Daw Suu by
Chinese artist Chen Yan Ning.  The artist has donated the portrait and its
reproductions to the Burmese people and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.  

Order the cards and posters and use them for fund- and consciousness -
raising activities at your upcoming events.  To order, contact Syllavethy
Gallery.  

Syllavethy Gallery
Montgarrie, Alford, Aberdeenshire
Scotland AB33  8AQ
Tel: 019755-62273
Fax: 019755 63173

International + 44 19755 62273

Cards approximately 8" x 4 1/2" with envelopes ... 1.00 pound
Pack of 5 cards with envelopes ... 4.50 pounds.

Please make cheques payable to the SUU KYI FUND

http://www2.gol.com/users/brelief/Index.htm

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