THAI-BURMESE BRIDGE,Top official pu

[ausgeo@xxxxxxx]

Subject: THAI-BURMESE BRIDGE,Top official pulls out of opening day

August 15, 1997

BANGKOK POST

THAI-BURMESE BRIDGE
Top official pulls out of opening day

Slorc First Secretary Khin Nyunt will not be present at the opening of the 
Thai-Burmese Friendship Bridge.

This follows Prime Minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh's decision not to take part.

Instead, Deputy Prime Minister Korn Dabbaransi will represent Thailand.

And Maj Gen Saw Tun, Burma's construction minister, will represent Slorc.

A security source said Lt Gen Khin Nyunt was reportedly upset about Gen 
Chavalit's non-participation.

The source said Army Commander Gen Chettha Thanajaro was reported to be 
unhappy over the latest development and has not yet decided whether to take 
part.

Around 200 Burmese actors and musicians were rehearsing yesterday in Myawaddy.

Thai forces will step up security.

The Karen National Union issued a statement denying it will attack the 
ceremony.

It said it was not a terrorist organization and did not kill innocent people.