The BurmaNet News, July 22, 1997

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------------------------ BurmaNet ------------------------     
"Appropriate Information Technologies, Practical Strategies"     
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The BurmaNet News: July 22, 1997        
Issue #778

HEADLINES:        
==========   
FOXNEWS: BURMESE REFUGEES CLASH WITH POLICE
BKK POST: REFUGEES FORCED TO CONVERT TO BUDDHISM
TT: BURMA EXERCISES MILITARY MUSCLE WITH CHINESE JETS 
THE NATION: MEMBERSHIP OFFERS LITTLE SANCTUARY
BKK POST: HEAT OFF BURMA AS HANDS JOINED
THE NATION: LETTER - STUDENTS FIND LITTLE REFUGE
SLORC: INFORMATION SHEET A.0068(I)
THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR : NEWS BRIEFS
----------------------------------------------------------------- 

FOXNEWS: BURMESE REFUGEES CLASH WITH POLICE, 15 INJURED
July 20, 1997

 TEKNAF, Bangladesh (AP)  Police opened fire and lobbed tear gas to  quell
Burmese refugees who were resisting government efforts to send them back to
neighboring Burma, an official said. 

 Three officials and 12 refugees were injured in the three-hour clash, said
the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity. 

 The refugees had attacked with canes, arrows and iron rods when the
officials began rounding up people to be repatriated. 

 More than 250,000 Muslim Burmese refugees fled to Bangladesh in 1991 to
escape persecution by Rangoon's military Junta in Rangoon. Most have been
repatriated under an agreement between  the two nations. 

 The remaining 21,625 refugees, living in two camps, are demanding that they
be sent back together and not in batches of a few hundred each. 

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

BKK POST: REFUGEES FORCED TO CONVERT TO BUDDHISM
July 19, 1997

Junta systematically oppressing Muslims

Burmese Muslim refugees encamped in Thailand will not be allowed back into
Burma unless they convert to Buddhism, according to the chairman of the All
Burma Muslim Union.

Tin Maung Thet said yesterday the Burmese military junta had made it known
that Burmese Muslims living in Karen refugee camps along the Thai-Burmese
border would not be welcomed back unless they converted to Buddhism.

"This applies only to the Muslims, and not to other religious faiths," he said.

Mr. Tin Maung Thet cited the cases of two Muslim families who returned to
Burma a few months ago and were forced by Burmese authorities to abandon the
Islamic faith.

Their children, he said, were also forced to become Buddhist monks.

The junta is systematically oppressing Muslims in Burma and several Muslim
communities along the Burmese-Thai border have been relocated, he said.

A mosque and a religious school in Kyaikdon village, opposite Thailand's Tak
province, were torched early this year, he added.

There are about seven million Muslims in Burma, some 100,000 of whom have
taken refuge in Thailand.

Mr. Tin Maung Thet complained that he had circulated numerous petitions to
Muslim countries and organisations throughout the world over the past
several years to highlight the plight of Burmese Muslims and seek help for
them, but to no avail.

He said the refugees now rely on food and other relief materials supplied
mostly by Christian relief organisations.

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

THAILAND TIMES: BURMA EXERCISES MILITARY MUSCLE WITH JETS FROM CHINA
July 21, 1997
By Kachorn Boompath

MAE HONG SON: The Burmese Air Force has developed its military capacity by
buying over 20 Chinese-made fighter jets, a strong indication of Burma's
desire to press ahead with the arms race despite its dire economic situation.

A Thai security officer, who requested anonymity, said the 21 aircraft are
believed to include Chengdu F-7MG fighters and other second-hand bombers.

The cost of the purchase package is being kept a closely guarded secret, he
said, adding that Burma is thought to be paying over a 5-10 year period.

Burma's ruling junta spends a larger percentage of its budget on military
affairs than on anything else. In the fiscal year beginning in 1994 it spent
1.4 billion US dollars, 10.77 percent of its gross domestic product, on defense.

Despite having signed cease-fires with several rebel groups, the junta knows
that without military might its grip on power would crumble.

The officer said that after the delivery of the aircraft in February and
March this year the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) sent its
pilots to the Chinese Air Force for training.

He said that air bases which are being used for the training are spread
across the country in regions including Mingladon, Mawbi, Myitkyina, Taungu,
Mithila and Namzarng.

In Namzarng, the officer said, there have been nine Chinese-made aircraft
and 30 Chinese pilot trainers stationed since March.

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

THE NATION: MEMBERSHIP OFFERS LITTLE SANCTUARY FOR REGIME
July 21, 1997
Yindee Lertcharoenchok

The much coveted membership in Asean will not help SLORC win more friends,
reports the Nation's Yindee Lertcharoenchok.

On Wednesday, the Burmese junta will face the reality that its hard-won
membership into Asean will not help ease international pressure and its
isolation.

The Burmese State Law and Order Restoration Council (Slorc) will find that
Asean's 10 dialogue partners, particularly the European Union and the United
States, have neither reduce its hostility nor weakened their opposition to
the military junta's illegitimate regime.

Slorc will also realise that even its close friends in Asean are very much
reluctant to defend its poor human rights record and would rather leave the
controversy to be settled bilaterally between Slorc and the West.

When Asean made a final decision early this month to admit Burma along with
Laos this Wednesday, Thailand made a bold suggestion that the regional group
should replace its policy of constructive engagement towards Burma with a
new approach.

Although there have not yet been any serious discussion on the subject,
several senior Asean officials believed the new policy will put emphasis on
the call for national reconciliation and dialogues between Slorc and Burmese
democratic activists led by Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi. It may also
spell out a timetable, or a road map so to speak, on the political
development which the global community wants to see taking place in Burma.

Since its adoption of the constructive engagement policy in mid-1991, Asean
have faced strong criticisms from both the West and the Burmese opposition
movement that its policy was a mere fig-leaf for its members' extensive
exploitation of Burma's rich natural resources and economic potential.

They said the policy has not only failed to bring about democratic reforms
but also lacked substance in practice. Asean members themselves find it hard
to explain the policy when challenged.
     
The critics argued that Asean has not only recognised and engaged with the
illegitimate regime of Slorc, which rose to power after the bloody coup in
1988 and technically voted out in the 1990 general elections, but it has
also failed to deliver a clear message to the ruling generals that they
needed to make compromises and introduce political changes in Burma.

Asean governments, they said, have also deliberately ignored or refused to
engage with Suu Kyi and her National League for Democracy (NLD) which
effectively won a landslide victory in the elections.

Although Asean has repeatedly proclaimed its non-interference policy, the
critics said, its contacts and numerous economic agreements with the
illegitimate regime of Slorc are nothing but a direct interference in
Burmese domestic affairs.

It has always been a puzzle why the seven-member Asean has put so much
emphasis on the number game rather than substance and quality.

The group initially wanted to become a regional organisation of 10 Southeast
Asian countries by the year 2000. Its dream of admitting the three remaining
countries - Burma, Laos and Cambodia - this year when it celebrates its 30th
anniversary was shattered when Cambodia's membership was delayed
indefinitely due to a violent coup on July 5.

Critics often questioned why the rush to admit Burma when it was evident
that the country needs the grouping more than the other way round.

Although Burma is better prepared than the two other countries, the ongoing
political unrest and sporadic violence there would require that Burma be
technically excluded from many of Asean activities and engagements.

Despite its enlargement, Asean's bargaining power will not necessarily be
stronger and its image and reputation will not be more credible. In fact,
Asean will find it much more difficult to reach a consensus particularly on
controversial regional conflicts and disputes as each member has its own
interests to protect.

Moreover, Burma's membership in Asean does not necessarily guarantee that
Slorc would readily reform itself or compromise its hard-line stance. Asean
foreign ministers have tried to justify their decision to admit Burma saying
the membership would help bring about political change.

They even claimed that all political developments in Burma such as the 1990
general elections, Suu Kyi's release from house arrest and SLORC's
cease-fire with armed ethnic groups were the result of its constructive
engagement policy.

As for Slorc, it will soon find out that membership does not win the regime
more friends than it has now.

And although the domestic political situation inside the country has moved
pretty much to its advantage, anti-Slorc activities in countries across the
globe have actually strengthened over the years. The Burmese generals will
find that while Asean will defend its Burma policy, the grouping will not
defend their repressive rule and policy against the democratic movement.

The financial and material assistance which Slorc has expected to flow along
with its membership in Asean will remain conditional to Burma's political
progress. The United Nations Development Programme, which is affiliated to
Asean, and the Manila-based Asian Development Bank are being pressured by
the US not to extend financial loans, assistance or even development projects.

Under strong domestic and western pressures, Japan and Asean, which have
been among SLORC's closest supporters, have been recently forced to convince
the generals of the need for dialogues with the NLD.

During his June 11 to 13 trip to Burma, Hiroshi Hirabayashi, a special envoy
of Japanese Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto, told Slorc leaders that Japan
would resume its Overseas Development Assistance to Burma only if the regime
could introduce some "moderately positive" developments which included
dialogues with the NLD or the progress in the drafting of a new constitution.

Malaysian Foreign Minister Abdullah Badawi shocked top SLORC leaders when he
made a one-day visit to Rangoon on June 10 to inform the regime of Asean
decision to admit the country.

Badawi told the Burmese four top generals - Gen. Than Shwe, Gen. Maung Aye,
Lt Gen. Khin Nyunt and Lt Gen. Tin Oo - that Burma's membership was the
toughest decision the grouping ever made in its 30 years.

He also pointed out that Asean has risked itself by admitting Burma and that
the grouping expected to see some "positive" political gestures or responses
from Slorc.

Whether Badawi's message was sincere or a tactically pre-emptive move to
counter possible Western backlash to Burma's membership, the Slorc is not
likely to enjoy a free-ride in Asean.

The Slorc may this week regret that it has wasted so much effort and energy
in associating with a regional organisation which has turned out to be its
latest critic.
     
**************************************************
                                       
BKK POST: HEAT OFF BURMA AS HANDS JOINED
July 21, 1997 [abridged]
Kuala Lumpur, Reuters

Cambodian Foreign Minister Ung Huot will press for a last-minute change of
heart at this week's Asean meetings, which Cambodia will attend as an
observer. Diplomats say Cambodia could be admitted as early as August 8,
when Asean celebrates its 30th anniversary, or later in December when the
group holds its annual "informal summit".

The region is critically dependent on trade, most of it with Japan and the
West. Asean's combined annual exports of $250 billion represents 40 percent
of its GDP and its annual imports of $300 billion make up 50 percent of GDP.

The two-day foreign ministers' meeting will be followed by the Asean
Regional Forum (ARF), which will bring together foreign ministers from 11
other nations including the United States, the European Union, China, Japan,
Russia, India and Australia.

Issues ranging from the conflicting territorial claims in the South China
Sea, tensions on the Korea peninsula, Burma and Cambodia will likely feature
in the discussions.

For the first time, defence officials have been invited to attend the
security talks. Previous ARF meetings have been confined to foreign
ministers and their senior officials because some countries had been wary of
turning ARF into an Asian version of the European conference on security,
diplomats said.

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

THE NATION: LETTER - STUDENTS FIND LITTLE REFUGE ACROSS BORDER
July 21, 1997

We, the 8888 New Blood students of Burma, would like to ask the Thai
authorities to promptly release five student leaders who are being
indefinitely detained in custody. 
     
The Burmese students taking refuge in Thailand are those who have actively
protested in nationwide uprisings, not only to throw out the one-party,
dictatorial government but also to restore democracy and human rights in Burma.

However, after the military junta the so-called Slorc - clamped down on
Sept. 8, 1988, thousands of people, including students, fled from Burma to
areas along the Thai-Burmese border.

Since then, there has been a strong belief among those who fled that the
military regime must be broken, and have fought against the despots through
violent and non-violent methods.

We, who have been staying temporarily in Thailand, are participating in
peaceful political protests in order to revive democracy and human rights in
Burma. Yet we are facing more harassment and being unduly imprisoned by the
Thai authorities.

We would like to demand that the Thai government put an end to such unjust
conduct and stop treating us like criminals. Such treatment is inappropriate
in the eyes of international law and order.

Needless for us to say, the Thai administration is helping the unlawful
Slorc which seized state power.

We, as the 8888 New Blood political dissidents, object to and denounce the
members of Asean, including Thailand, for approving SLORC's membership. We
believe that if Asean's consideration were based on humanitarian and
democratic grounds it should not have admitted Slorc as a member.

8.8.88 New Blood Comrades

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

SLORC: INFORMATION SHEET A.0068(I)
July 21, 1997

A.0068(I)                                                          21-7-97

                        New Gemlands of  Myanmar

        Geographically, Myanmar, is endowed with plains and hilly regions.
Just as crops are in abundance in plains, hilly regions are rich in natural
resources such as forest and precious gems. In the past, only the Mogok area
was designated as Gemland. Today, in the time of the State Law and Order
Restoration Council, there emerge new Gemlands in the hilly regions in
northern and eastern parts of the country. The new Gemlands are called
Pyinlon Nawarat Gemland, Mongshu Gemland, while there are also new gemlands
in Namsarkha and Lonkhin region. In Mongshu Gemland  feasibility surveys
were carried out with effect from 3rd April 1992 and it has now become a
reliable gemland of the country. It is learnt that from (2-12-94 ) to
(11-5-97) a joint venture enterprise has produced special gem stones
weighing 8012.56 carats and standard gem stones weighing 1062833.18 carats.
Likewise, another joint venture enterprise has from (18-1-93) to (31-5-97)
has produced 8231.48 carats of special stones and 1737179.8 carats of
standard gem stones. Their gem production are increasing year after year.

        The world's biggest ruby and other fabulously precious gems are
found in Myanmar and in fact the world's biggest flawless  ruby weighs
21045 carats and the world biggest star sapphire weighs 63,000 carats which
are both found in Myanmar.

                            Drug-related cases exposed in June.

        The Myanmar Armed Forces, Police Force and Customs Department
exposed 360 cases related to narcotic drugs and took action against (481)
persons in June 1997.

        The anti-drug squads seized 163.2998 kilos of opium in 35 cases,
19.13318 kilos of heroin in 130 cases, 26.7841 kilos of marijuana in 37
cases, 0.5816 kilos of low-grade opium and 130.7988 kilos of opium liquid in
eight cases, 0.0744 kilo of opium oil in four cases, 200 kilos of amphedrine
in two cases, 57.033 litres of phensedyl in five cases, 101 gallons of
acetic anhydride, 1.5 gallon of ethyl alcohol, 62 gallons of ether, 4.2163
gallons of acid, 26 gallons of sulphuric acid, 109 gallons of spirits, 21
gallons of lysol, 35,000 amphetamine tablets in three cases and exposed 125
cases for failure to register and 11 other drug related cases.

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

THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR : NEWS BRIEFS
[excerpts only]

July 16, 1997

MD OF MITSUI MARINE AND FIRE INSURANCE OF JAPAN CALLS ON DEPUTY PM

     YANGON, 15 July-Managing Director Mr. Takazumi Kanai d Mitsui 
     Marine and Fire lnsurance of Japan and party called on Chairman of 
     Myanmar Investment Commission Deputy Prime Minister Vice-
     Admiral Maung Maung Khin at his office this afternoon.

OFFICIALS OF FRASER & NEAVE LTD OF SINGAPORE CALL ON MIC SECRETARY

     YANGON, 15 July-Mr. Teo Kim Chwee and a member of Fraser & 
     Neave Ltd. of Singapore called on Minister at the Office of the Deputy 
     Prime Minister and Secretary of Myanmar Investment Commission 
     BrigGen Maung Maung at MIC office, this morning.

DIRECTOR OF MIDLAND AND SCOTTISH RESOURCES PIC/WESTBURNE OIL LTD OF BRITAIN
CALLS ON MINISTER FOR ENERGY

     YANGON, 15 July-Director Mr. Mike Newman of Midland and Scottish
     Resources PlC/Westburne Oil Ltd of Britain called on Minister for
     Energy U Khin Maung Thein at his office this evening.
     General Manager Mr. Masao Takahashi of NEC System Integration and
     Construction Ltd and party of Japan also called on the minister.

DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER RECEIVES AMBASSADOR OF SWITZERLAND

     YANGON, 15 July-On behalf of the Chairman of the State Law and 
     Order Restoration Council, Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Admiral 
     Maung Maung Khin received Ambassador of Switzerland Mr. Blaise 
     Godet, who has completed tour of his duty, at Dagon Yeiktha of the 
     Ministry of Defence, this, morning.

YANGON MAYOR ARRIVES BACK FROM SOUTH-SOUTH MAYORS CONFERENCE

     YANGON, 15 July Myanmar delegation led by Chairman of Yangon 
     City Development Committee Mayor U Ko Lay arrived back here this 
     evening after,attending South-South Mayors Conference held in Kuala 
     Lumpur.
     The mayor also visited the People's Republic of China at the
     invitation of Mayor of Yongzhou. He signed an agreement on mutual
     cooperation between Rangoon and Yongzhou on 8 July.
     During his stay in PRICE, the mayor visited economic zones, factories
     and ancient and cultural places in Wuxi, Hsuzi and Shanghai.
     Bilateral goodwill relations and cooperation were discussed with
     respective mayors and heads of regions.

July 17, 1997

MARUBENI PRESENTS TWO EXCAVATORS TO PUBLIC WORKS

     YANGON, 16 July Marubeni Corporation of Japan presented two 
     Komatsu hydraulic excavators (PC 200) over to Public Works of the 
     Ministry of Construction at Machinery Division (South) of Public 
     Works in Mayangon Township this afternoon.
     General Manager Mr. H Seki of Marubeni Corporation handed related
     documents to Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun.
     The minister said roads and bridges are being built to bridge
     development gap between regions which had less relations with one
     another due to difficult communications.
     In so doing, he said, modem heavy machines are necessary to be able
     to complete them in accordance with norms within a short period and
     so the Public Works signed an agreement with Marubeni Corporation 
     on 5 January 1996 to purchase 211 units of heavy equipment of 25 
     items and spare parts for Yen 3,000 million.

U AUNG SAN U AND WIFE DONATE K 100,000 TO DAGON UNIVERSITY LIBRARY

     YANGON, 16 July U Aung San U and wife Daw Le Le Nwe Thein, 
     here to attend the 50th Anniversary of Arzani Day, donated K 100,000 
     towards the funds of the library of Dagon University this morning.
     Rector U Kaung Nyunt accepted the donation which will be used for
     buying furniture.

BRONZE BUDDHA IMAGES OF SITTWAY CONVEYED TO YANGON

     YANGON, 16 July Bronze Buddha images of Lawka Nanda Pagoda in
     Sittway, Rakhine State, were conveyed from Mandalay to Yangon by
     special flight this morning.
     The sacred images were kept at Maha Muni Buddha Image in 
     Mandalay yesterday.

MYANMAR DELEGATION ARRIVES BACK FROM INDONESIA

     YANGON, 16 July Myanmar delegation led by Minister for Livestock 
     and Fisheries U Aung Thaung arrived back here from Indonesia this
     afternoon.
     The delegation studied cooperation and exchange of technology in meat
     and fisheries sector in Indonesia from 8 to 16 July at the invitation
     of Minister of Agriculture Dr Sjarifudin Baharsjah.

STRESS TEST SYSTEM' DEMONSTRATED

     YANGON, 16 July Europ Continents Co Ltd sponsored a seminar and
     demonstration on 'stress test system' at Traders Hotel this morning.
     Mr. M Fusilli explained and demonstrated the new machine.
     The ceremony, chaired by Cardiologist Professor U Aung of Yangon
     General Hospital, was attended by Commandant of Defence Services
     Orthopedic Hospital Col. Than Myint, cardiologist, doctors and
     enthusiasts.

July 19, 1997

MINISTER FOR FORESTRY RECEIVES OSAKA UNIVERSITY PROFESSOR

     YANGON, 18 July-Member of the State Law and Order Restoration 
     Council Minister for Forestry Lt-Gen. Chit Swe received Professor 
     Minoru Kiryu of Osaka University of Japan and party it International 
     Business Centre today.

CASH DONATED TO MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, KANDAWLAY HOME

     YANGON, 18 July Minister for Hotels and Tourism Lt-Gen. Kyaw Ba 
     handed over a US$ 3,000 cheque presented by CEH National Holding 
     Ltd Orchid Hotel to the Ministry of Education today.
     On behalf of the donor, Minister Lt-Gen. Kyaw Ba handed over the
     cheque to Minister for Education U Pan Aung.
     So also, the minister handed over a US$ 1,000 cheque presented by the
     same donor to Kandawlay Rome for the Aged run by the Little Sisters
     to Mother Louisa.

U AUNG SAN U AND WIFE DONATE K 100,000 FOR DISABLED TATMADAWMEN AND  OTHER
DISABLED PERSONS

     YANGON, 18 July - In memory of father Bogyoke Aung San, U Aung 
     San U and wife Daw Le Le Nwe Thein, here to attend the 50th 
     Anniversary Arzani Day, donated K 50,000 for disabled Tatmadawmen 
     and another K 50,000 for disabled persons of regions of groups which 
     made peace with the Government.
     Director of Resettlement of Defence Services Col Thaik Tun accepted
     the cash for disabled Tatmadawmen at National Rehabilitation Hospital
     this morning and Medical Superintendent of NHH Dr Ye Hlaing 
     accepted the cash for disabled persons of the regions.
     U Aung San U explained the purpose of today's donation, thanking
     those who had rendered every assistance to the successful holding of
     donation ceremonies for Dagon University Library on 16 July, 
     Myanmar Nurses Association on 17 July and the present one.

July 20, 1997

NATION PAYS TRIBUTE ON 50TH ANNIVERSARY MARTYRS DAY

     YANGON, 19 July-The 50th Anniversary Martyrs Day (1997) was 
     observed at the Martyrs Mausoleum at 8 am today.
     On behalf of the Chairman of the State Law and Order Restoration
     Council, Chairman of the 50th Anniversary Martyrs Day Observance
     Committee Minister for Culture U Aung San attended the ceremony,
     saluted the State Flag, laid wreaths' at the tombs of the late
     national leader Bogyoke Aung San and other fallen leaders and shared
     merits.
     Also present were Chief Justice U Aung Toe, Attorney-General U Tha
     Tun, Auditor-General U Aung Khin Tint, members of the 50th
     Anniversary Martyrs Day Observance Executive Committee, Secretary 
     of the 50th Anniversary Martyrs Day Observance Committee
     Director-General of Fine
     Arts Department U Tin Htoo and Committee members, secretaries of
     subcommittees, senior officers of the Defence Services (Army, Navy
     and Air), Myanmar Police Force and Fire Services Department.
     On arrival at the Mausoleum at 8 am, Minister U Aung San was 
     welcomed by Director-General U Tin Htoo.
     The minister, together with the Chief Justice, the Attorney-General,
     and the Auditor-General, took their respective places.
     All those present then saluted the State Flag. Minister U Aung San,
     Chief Justice U Aung Toe, Attorney-General U Tha Tun and
     Auditor-General U Aung Khin Tint laid wreaths and paid tribute.
     Meanwhile, the State Flag was lowered to the half mast. The Guard of
     Honour of the Defence Services (Army, Navy and Air) also saluted the
     fallen leaders. The buglers sounded the Last Post.
     This was followed by dispensing of metta and observance of two
     minutes silence in memory of the martyrs.
     Minister U Aung San, Chief Justice U Aung Toe, Attorney-General U 
     Tha Tun and Auditor-General U Aung Khin Tint then left the 
     Mausoleum.
     Afterwards, national leader Bogyoke Aung San's son U Aung San U 
     and wife Daw Le Le Nwe Thein laid a wreath' at his tomb, paid 
     obeisance and shared merits.
     Bogyoke Aung San's daughter Daw Aung San Suu Kyi also laid a 
     flower basket at her father's tomb, paid obeisance and shared merits.
     Families of the other martyrs laid wreaths at the respective tombs
     and shared merits.
     Afterwards, diplomats, heads of UN agencies, representatives of Union
     Solidarity and Development Association, Myanmar War Veterans
     Organization, Myanmar Red Cross Society, Myanmar Writers and
     Journalists Association, Myanmar Motion Picture Asiayon, Myanmar
     Music Asiayon, Myanmar Thabin Asiayon and Myanmar Traditional 
     Artists and Artisans Asiayon laid wreaths.
     Then, the public paid tribute to the fallen leaders.
     In commemoration of the day, Bogyoke Aung San Museum on Bogyoke
     Pyadaik Lane was open from 8.30 am to 3.30 pm today. It will be kept
     open from 1'0 am to 3.30 pm on other days except Monday and 
     gazetted holidays.

DEPUTY MINISTER FOR EDUCATION ARRIVES BACK FROM JAPAN

     YANGON, 19 July Deputy Minister for Education Dr Than Nyunt this
     morning arrived back after attending the UNICEF sponsored Regional
     Conference on Higher Education: National Strategies and Regional
     Cooperation for the 21st Century held in Tokyo from 8 to 10 July.

D G OF DIRECTORATE OF HOTELS AND TOURISM ARRIVES BACK FROM SINGAPORE

     YANGON, 19 July Member of policy-making board on ASEAN 
     Economic Ministers Director-General of Directorate of Hotels and 
     Tourism U Khin Maung Latt arrived back here after attending the Sixth 
     National Tourism Board of ASEAN nations held in Singapore from 15 
     to 18 July at the invitation of Singapore Tourism Promotion Board.

INFORMATION DELEGATION LEAVES FOR MALAYSIA

     YANGON, 19 July-Information Delegation led by Editor U Tun Aung 
     of The New Light of Myanmar left here by air this evening to cover the
     30th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting to be held in Subang Jaya, Malaysia,
     and the Post Ministerial Conference.

July 21, 1997

SECRETARY-1'S CLARIFICATION RECOUNTED

     YANGON, 20 July-The Secretary-1 of the State Law and Order
     Restoration Council clarified at the Ministry of Defence on 27 June
     on how some Western powers had been aiding and abetting terrorism
     committed by certain organizations operating in the guise of
     democracy and human rights by giving them assistance in cash and
     kind.
     Supreme Court
     Yangon Division Justice U Aung Ngwe and Additional Justice U Myo
     Nyunt recounted the Secretary-1's clarification to justices of
     division, district and township courts at Supreme Court Dhammayon on
     Gyatawya Road in Bahan Township today.
     The justices also recounted experiences at the 12th coordination
     meeting of Supreme Court and State, Division and District Justices
     held on 10 and 11 July.
     Motion Picture Asiayon
     Chairman of Myanmar Motion Picture Asiayon U Sein Tin and
     Vice-Chairman U Myint Naing, Secretary U Lin Aung and officials
     recounted the Secretary-1's clarification to artistes at the hall of
     MMPA on Wingaba Road in Bahan Township.

FUKUOKA-BOUND STUDENTS GO SIGHTSEEING

     YANGON, 20 July Myanmar student delegation comprising eight 
     members who will attend the 9th Get-together of Students and Youths 
     from Asia and the Pacific in Fukuoka, Japan, went sightseeing in 
     Yangon today.

COMPANY LEVEL COMBAT TRAINING OF MPF

     YANGON, 20 July - A company level combat training was conducted 
     as an exercise of Myanmar Police Force, an auxiliary national defence
     force, near Letyetsan Village in Thanlyin Township, Yangon Division,
     today.
     The Director-General of MPF and senior officers, State/Division
     Police Commanders who are attending the 1997 first bi-annual meeting
     of MPF, and District Police Station commanders inspected it.

DOUBLE-DECKER MISHAP NEAR MAUBIN

     YANGON, 20 July Saba double-decker of inland Water Transport sank
     near Maubin Bridge Project site at about 1 am today after colliding
     with the foundation of the seventh pier of the bridge under
     construction, authorities said.
     The boat left for Yangon at 2 pm yesterday on her Einme-Yangon
     voyage.
     One two-year-old boy drowned and 184 passengers-106 men,and 78 
     women rescued by teams made up of regional Tatmadawmen, police
     personnel, members of Union Solidarity and Development Association,
     Red Cross and Fire Brigade and the public. Minister for Transport
     Lt-Gen. Thein Win, Chairman of Ayeyawady Division Law and Order
     Restoration Council Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin, Deputy Minister for Transport
     U Sann Wai and other departmental officials there this morning and
     provided close supervision for relief measures and cash assistance.
     Rescue teams are still at work.
_______________________________________

    English :     http://www.myanmar.com/nlm/
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    Myanmar   http://www.myanmar.com/nlm/mnlm/
    (pls use Win-Innwa Font to see in Myanmar)

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