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The BurmaNet News, September 15, 19



------------------------ BurmaNet ------------------------       
"Appropriate Information Technologies, Practical Strategies"       
----------------------------------------------------------       
   
The BurmaNet News: September 15, 1997          
Issue #820
  
HEADLINES:          
==========   
FEER: LISTENING POST
KNU: PRESS RELEASE NO. 56/97
REUTER: THAI COMPANY SELL STAKE IN BURMA AIRLINE
DVB: DRUG TRAFFICKING VIA CHINDWIN RIVER ON RISE 
IMPHAL FREE PRESS:FERNANDES LAUDS UGS FOR ANTI-DRUG
KYODO: JAPAN TO DODGE HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUES AT TALKS 
THE NATION: ACTIVISTS PRAISE BRITISH STANCE ON BURMA
BKK POST: GETTING RANGOON TO THE START LINE
SEATTLE BURMA ROUNDTABLE: SEATTLE LAW NEWS RELEASE
ABSDF-WB: INDO-BURMA BORDER NEWS
BEIJING XINHUA: NEW CHINESE AMBASSADOR TO BURMA
SLORC: INFORMATION  SHEET  NO. A-0124(I), A-0123(I)
BKK POST: AMBASSADORS ASKED TO HELP EASE FINES
INVITATION: BOOK LAUNCH & PHOTO EXHIBIT- SEPT. 17 BANGKOK
BRC-J: BURMA STUDY/ACTION WEEKEND
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

FEER: LISTENING POST
September 18, 1997

Recent speeches by Burma's intelligence chief, Lt.-Gen. Khin Nyunt, in which
he referred to satellite-telephone conversations by opponents of the Rangoon
military regime, indicate that the junta's new hi-tech information- warfare
centre is in operation. Also called the "cyber-warfare centre," it is
located in a Defence Ministry compound in Rangoon and has the ability to
intercept and interfere with all sorts of telephone and fax messages as well
as e-mail and radio communications. 

A source who has been inside the complex says its relatively sophisticated
equipment has been provided by an unidentified Singapore-based company.

He says the company's representatives are stationed in the complex to train
Burmese military officers in how to use the equipment. Recent interceptions
have led to the arrest of four prominent dissidents, who in August were
sentenced to long prison terms for 'high treason."

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

KNU: PRESS RELEASE NO. 56/97
September 14, 1997

OFFICE OF THE SUPREME HEADQUARTERS
                 KAREN NATIONAL UNION
                         KAWTHOOLEI

                Press Release No. 56/97
Regarding 1997 SLORC Offensive against KNU

                                             					 September 14,1997

News Concerning Shooting Down of Thai Military Helicopter by SLORC 
Troops.


* 28.8.97: The SLORC troops shot down a Thai military helicopter in 
Ga-neh-lay area. Details regarding the incident are as follows:.

* On 28.8.97, two Thai military helicopters flew over the KNLA guerrilla
base areas of Maw-kee and Ga-neh-lay, at about 2 p.m. Burma standard time.
When the 2 helicopters arrived at Ga-neh-lay area, from the direction of
Maw-kee, SLORC troops from Company #1 and # 4 of the IB 32, stationed in the
area of Ga-neh-lay, opened fire on them with various kinds of weapons. The
smaller of the two helicopter was severely hit and went downed. Ga-neh-lay
area is situated about 30 Km, in Burma territory, to the south of Mae sod town.

* Commanding officers of SLORC units shooting down the helicopter are 

(1) Captain Kyaw Hsan (Sr # 24170, Commander of Company # 4, IB 32);
(2) Captain Thein Lwin (Sr # 23943, Commander of Company # 1, IB 32)

* Two days after the incident, on August 30, 1997, Lance Corporal Poe Kwee
(Sr # 852851, a Karen National) from Company # 3 of SLORC IB 32, defected to
a KNLA guerrilla unit. He confirmed the shooting down of the Thai helicopter
by the SLORC troops as follows.

* On August 28, at about 2 p.m, a helicopter flew over, at low altitude, the
area of Maw-kee, where Company # 3 was stationed. When the helicopter
arrived over Ga-neh-lay area, I heard the sound of Chinese heavy machine-gun
fire and the fire of the weapons. Though the place was not far, I could not
see the incident with my eyes, as there was a hill between the place where I
was and Ga-neh-lay. Soon after the incident, Company # 3 Commander, Captain
Mya Tay, who was at place of Company # 4  during the incident, returned and
said that Company # 4 had shot down a Thai helicopter. On the night of
29.8.97, at about 0200 hours after midnight I heard a series of  7
explosions, coming from direction of Ga-neh-lay.

* From field sources it is learnt that at the present, the SLORC higher
command has blocked access to the place where the helicopter fell by
planting land-mines and stationing 2 companies of soldiers around the place.

(Translated printed and distributed by the Karen Information  Center)

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

REUTER: THAI COMPANY SELLS STAKE IN BURMA AIRLINE
September 12, 1997

RANGOON, Sept 12 (Reuter) - A Thai company has sold its 49 percent stake in
Burma's money-losing domestic Yangon Airways Ltd to Myanmar May Flower
Group, a spokesman for the Burmese company said on Friday. 

Tin Maung Lat, information and public relations director for Myanmar May
Flower Group -- one of Burma's largest private conglomerates -- said Krong
Sombat Co Ltd of Thailand sold its share on August 27. 

He would not give the terms of the sale. 

Yangon Airways was set up in October 1996 and was 51 percent owned by
state-run Myanmar Airways and 49 percent held by the Thai company. 

Tin Maung Lat said Krong Sombat sold its stake in the airline because Yangon
Airways was losing money. 

``Frankly the airline has been in the red all along,'' he said. ``We are
still losing money but are very optimistic about the future of this airline.'' 

Tin Maung Lat said Yangon Airways flies between the capital and seven
domestic destinations with two ATR 72 aircraft leased from France. 

``We will plan to lease some more aircraft and fly to more destinations,''
he said. 

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

DVB: DRUG TRAFFICKING VIA CHINDWIN RIVER REPORTED ON RISE 
September 9, 1997 [translated from Burmese]
Kyaw Moe at India-Burma border

Oslo Democratic Voice of Burma 

In the growing narcotics trade at the India-Burma border, Burma exports
opium and heroin and imports Phensedyl [cough] syrup from India. As the
number of traffickers increases, the routes multiply along the Burma-India
border.  There are routes running from the Chill Hills into Mizoram in India
and roads and water routes into Moirang in Manipur. Goods purchased from
Monywa are sent up the Chindwin River. Among the traders are narcotic
traffickers.  It is learned that six out of 10 traders are narcotic
traffickers and majority of them are women who carry heroin and opium among
textiles and consumer goods bought in Monywa. Traders along the Chindwin
River use codewords, referring to heroin as small [athay] and opium as big
[akyi].  Goods going up the river is called small and big [athay hnint akyi]
and Phensedyl going down the river is called water [yay].  For instance the
code -- Will drink water; fetch water [Yay Thauk Me; Ye Hkat Htar] -- means
Phensedyl will be sent down the river in rafts; be ready.
Latlabut village in Kani Township is the center for drug traffickers along
the Chindwin River as it is located in the vicinity of Monywa and Kani.
Heroin, opium, and Phensedyl are traded on wholesale and retail basis.  On
their way up the river, the traffickers buy heroin and opium in Latlabut and
sell Phensedyl to agents on their way down the river. Heroin is carried in
thanatkha [Burmese herbal cosmetic] and cigarette packages and opium is
carried in tomato crates.  Most boats and vessels plying the Chindwin River
are involved in drug trafficking.  Phensedyl bottles are transported in
bamboo rafts along the Chindwin River.  Each raft carries about 1,000
bottles of Phensedyl.  Phensedyl bottles are hidden inside the bamboo rafts
made in Lengin, Yamin, and Thitaung villages in Phaungbyin Township and it
takes about five days to reach Latlabut village.
When Phensedyl is transported by boat the bottles are carried inside the
boat with fishing nets on top to give the appearance of fishing boats.  The
transportation cost by boat for sending 1,000 bottles of Phensedyl is Kyat
5,000 and by bamboo raft is Kyat 20,000.  The trafficker earns Kyat 25 for
each bottle of Phensedyl and number of Phensedyl traffickers is growing due
to hard living conditions, according to a trader. Each bottle of Phensedyl
costs around Kyat 700 by the time it reaches Latlabut and costs about Kyat
1,500 when it reaches agents. It is said that Kyat 100 investment in
Phensedly will earn Kyat 100 in profit.  Phensedyl price rises around the
time of Thingyan and Taungbyon festivals [in April and around July,
respectively] when the pace of trading picks up.  Phensedyl is carried on
foot via land route from Moirang to Thitaung
village and from there it is transported by boat and raft to Latlabut
village.  Heroin and opium from Latlabut and Kyaukhmwa villages are
transported in motorboats and trawlers to the Indian side. It is reported
that more people are engaged in drug trafficking along the Chindwin River
due to hard living conditions and job scarcity inside the country.

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

IMPHAL FREE PRESS: FERNANDES LAUDS UGS FOR DRIVE AGAINST DRUGS
September 13, 1997
By a staff reporter

The Samata party will observe a Satyagraha, and set up a human wall on the
Indo-Burma border at Moreh indefinitely from October 2 onwards to drawn the
attention of the world to the problem of drug trafficking along the border,
according to the president of the party, George Fernandes.
 
Talking to reporters, the SP president said many NGOs and women's
organization would take part in the Satyagraha. While pointing out that drug
money posed the greatest threat to national security in the region,
Fernandes expressed appreciation for the campaign carried out by some of the
underground organizations in the state, including the UNLF and the PLA
against drug smuggling.
 
The SP president also observed that along with drug smuggling, the border
opening has become the road to export AIDS into India. The tentacles of HIV
have imprisoned the youths of the northeast with the blessings of Burma,
according to Fernandes.  The number of people afflicted with AIDS has
reached frightening proportions in Manipur making it he virtual AIDS capital
of the world, Fernandes said.
 
The SP leader, who criticized the Center's policies towards this region,
stated that the economic condition of the states of the northeast has
worsened with the increasing trend of unemployment.
 
The NE is neglected in every way by the Center and the PM's economic package
was meant to hoodwink the people of the region and not for their welfare, he
said.
 
The Samata Party would also organize state and district level conventions to
express solidarity with and support to Aung San Suu Kyi and the Burmese
people in their struggle for the restoration of democracy in the country,
Fernandes added.
 
Earlier yesterday, the SP president visited Moreh to prepare the groundwork
for the Satyagraha. Fernandes who held meetings with several people,
including the president of the Marwari Dharamsala, and secured assurances
that they would provide accommodation for those taking part in the Satyagraha.
 
A coordinating committee, including representation of several NGOs has
already been formed to make preparations for the Satyagraha.
 
Fernandes, who left Imphal today, also held meetings with O.Joy, MPP
president, H. Bhubon, state BJP president and Prof. Gangmumei president of
the FPM before his departure.     
  
Imphal Free Press, Imphal
Manipur State, India
 
****************************************

KYODO: JAPAN TO DODGE HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUES AT TALKS WITH US
September 10, 1997

WASHINGTON, Sept. 10 (Kyodo) - Japan intends to dodge differences with the
United States in dealing with Asian human rights during a bilateral foreign
ministerial meeting in New York later this month, a Japanese diplomatic
source said Wednesday. 

''We should not highlight the policy differences between Japan and the U.S.
over certain countries, such as Cambodia and Myanmar,'' the source said,
referring to the meeting to be held on the fringes of the U.N. General
Assembly session. 

Washington has imposed tough sanctions against Cambodia and Myanmar, while
Tokyo's policy is to seek improvements through dialogue. 

The U.S. has repeatedly urged Japan to join it in taking tough action. 

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

THE NATION: ACTIVISTS PRAISE BRITISH STANCE ON BURMA JUNTA 
September 12, 1997

BURMESE student dissidents yesterday hailed the British government's
decision to exclude the Rangoon junta from next year's Asia-Europe (Asem)
summit m London.

Eight students from two dissident groups handed over a letter to the British
Embassy in Bangkok welcoming the European Union's "wise and honourable"
policy to forbid visas to the inhuman monsters" of Burma's ruling military.

"We would like to welcome the EU action as they are against the military
junta," said Aung Naing Min, spokesman of the All Burma Basic Education
Students' Union (Thailand).

The letter, addressed to the British Foreign Secretary Robin Cook, was also
presented on behalf of the Overseas National Students' Organisation of
Burma, another group of student exiles.

Carrying a red flag emblazoned with the yellow peacock - the ensign of the
Burmese democracy movement_ and British flags, the students presented the
letter to a Gurkha soldier on duty at the embassy in central Bangkok.

During an Asian visit this month, the British Foreign Secretary ruled out
the participation of Burma in the Asem summit to be held in April 1998, in
line with European Union sanctions against Rangoon.

Last year the EU decided to deny visas to officials of the junta, officially
known as the State Law and Order Restoration Council (Slorc), in protest at
its human rights record and suppression of democracy.

Aung Naing Min expressed some disappointment that the British ambassador did
not come out in person to accept the letter. "We would like to talk to him
[the ambassador] about our feelings about human rights abuses," he said.

In their letter, the students expressed hope that the EU would "gradually
impose more sanctions against the Slorc until they hand over power to the
real representatives of the people."

The Slorc, which assumed power in 1988 during a bloody crackdown against a
pro-democracy demonstrators nation-wide, overturned the results of general
elections in 1990 that were swept by opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

Burma was admitted into the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean)
in July, despite pressure from the west to isolate the unelected military
regime.

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

BKK POST: GETTING RANGOON TO THE START LINE
September 14, 1997

**Asean faces the onerous task of convincing the West that Burma is fit to
play- in the big leagues at the Asia-Europe Meeting next year. The seasoned
veterans are looking at the rookie somewhat askance. Will it make the final
cut?**

All things considered, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations is
demonstrating to the world a newfound collective conscience and maturity in
the face of grave regional challenges.

It did the right thing following Hun Sen's coup in Cambodia, and despite the
adolescent chip smouldering on its shoulder anytime someone outside Asia
suggests a different political tack, it has not thawed on Phnom Penh's
admittance even as the tyrant's misguided threats and misaimed artillery
shells fly overhead. 

But Burma, already getting cozy in its seat at the Asean round table, is a
different kind of sporting event altogether. 

Britain, its former ruler, no doubt thought that it was doing the right
thing by espousing the western party line in opposing Rangoon's
representation at next year's Asia-Europe Meeting (Asem) in London. Its
foreign secretary, Robin Cook, said entry visas could well be denied any
Burmese wishing to attend.

Burma is, after all, close on China's heels in the human rights abuse
sprints, and seems to regard democracy, in the sense of giving people a free
choice in who governs them, as a third consecutive false start. Its ruling
State Law and Order Restoration Council has in fact disqualified the very
notion of
empowering the common man to channel his own destiny.

But never mind - Burma is one of ours now: it's on the home team, and Asean
wants it on the bench, at least, at the Asem games.

No doubt the coaching staff has already weighed the options. It could
sideline the player for the event, but that would make a mockery of its
rather expensive contract. It could stand by the player and threaten to
boycott the games, but in doing so, it would risk forfeiting a great deal more.

Or it could cry foul, and accuse organisers and the host country of
discrimination, which, pending further action, is exactly what it has done.

Philippines Foreign Under-secretary Rodolfo Severino, who becomes Asean
secretary -general in January, played the D-card this week and said Asean
foreign ministers will unveil their final strategy after they meet later
this month in New York.

"We do not discriminate among ourselves. We do not accept discrimination by
others among Asean members," he said.

Asean members attend the Asem as individual countries, and Burma is not part
of the Asem. But "we are all concerned," said Philippine Foreign Secretary
Mr Domingo Siazon, "that one of us will be deliberately left out. So we will
deal with that." That is team spirit.

Prime Minister Mohamad Mahathir, said Malaysia may "opt out" of the meeting
if Burma is not allowed to attend, but Philippines President Fidel Ramos
hastily pointed out that Asean makes its decisions by consensus. Friction on
the team; a rift in the defence.

It should be an interesting convergence in New York this month, where
preliminary tactics will be run up one or more of the UN flagpoles ready for
the finale in London next April. Much is at risk.

When Asean exercised its option and signed up Rangoon, it was warned at
length that it was recruiting a debilitated, and quite possibly
debilitating, player. Green and limping, it now needs the rest of the team
to carry it through the final heats, assuming it can make it to the starting
block.

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

SEATTLE BURMA ROUNDTABLE: SEATTLE LAW NEWS RELEASE
September 11, 1997

S E A T T L E   B U R M A   R O U N D T A B L E
2319 N. 45th St., #115, Seattle, WA  98103  USA
Tel (206) 784-5742, Fax (206) 784-8150

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

SEATTLE CITY COUNCIL TO CONSIDER BURMA CONTRACTING RESTRICTIONS

Seattle--September 11, 1997--On September 16 at 9:30 am, the Business,
Economic & Community Development Committee of the Seattle City Council,
chaired by Council President Jan Drago, will vote on Drago's proposal to
restrict city contracts with companies doing business in the military
dictatorship of Burma (Myanmar). 

"This proposal gives the city maximum flexibility, yet sends a clear
message to the Burmese junta, and the companies that prop it up, that
Seattle is offended by Burmese heroin exports, suppression of democracy,
and gross violations of human rights," says Drago. 

President Clinton announced a ban on new US investment in Burma in April,
citing US national security concerns.  Secretary of State Albright said in
July "We are increasingly concerned that Burma's drug traffickers, with
official encouragement, are laundering their profits through Burmese banks
and companies -- some of which are joint ventures with foreign
businesses." Burma supplies 60% of the heroin on US streets, according to
the State Department. 

"We don't want city money going to known dope dealers and money
launderers," says Larry Dohrs of the Seattle Burma Roundtable.  "We
support the strong US policy on Burma, where a democratically elected
government is being held hostage by a brutal junta."

In military sponsored elections, the National League for Democracy party
(NLD) of Nobel Peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi won 82% of the seats.  The
results were ignored by the junta.  Suu Kyi and the NLD have called
repeatedly for a campaign of economic pressure on the military regime, as
an effective way to force dialogue leading to negotiations with the
democratic majority. 

Twelve cities (including New York, where it passed 50-0, and San
Francisco), one county and the State of Massachusetts have already passed
laws similar to the Seattle proposal.  The US and Canada have imposed
sanctions, the European Union has introduced visa restrictions and revoked
GSP benefits, while Japan and others have frozen aid to Burma due to
military intransigence and brutality. 

The campaign appears to be working.  Dozens of foreign companies have left
Burma, including Eddie Bauer, Pacific Trail, Disney and Motorola, while
many more have stayed away.  The Burmese economy is described as "near
collapse," and with the military alienated from the population, dialogue
may be the only way forward. 

"The Seattle law would be a huge boost for the Burmese democracy
movement," says Khin Pale Nu, a Seattle-based Burmese exile.  "At almost
no cost, Seattle can make a difference for millions of Burmese, and take a
slap at the 'heroin junta,' whose number one export, drugs, costs our city
big money." 
 
"We all know that Seattle is pro-trade," adds Drago.  "When Burma
restricts its heroin exports and respects the vote of its own people, we
anticipate a positive, friendly trade relationship." 


Contact:  	Larry Dohrs, Seattle Burma Roundtable 206-784-5742
		Jan Drago, President, Seattle City Council, 206-684-8888

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

ABSDF-WB: INDO-BURMA BORDER NEWS
September 15, 1997

One died in truck accident at Mandalay
 
Thai workers are working at the International Airport construction project,
in Mandalay, second capital of Burma. There was a truck accident around noon
on 12th September 1997. A ten-wheeled truck model 91/93 including watching
machine carrying Thai-workers on the way from the worksite to the barracks
for lunch, skidded on the road and overturned to an upside down position at
right angle to town, 200 yards away towards northwest from the main building
of Airport. Mr. Pardesh, 42 years perished on the spot and one out of the 19
injured was seriously hurt and hospitalized at surgical Unit (2) of Mandalay
General Hospital.
  
News and Information Unit
ABSDF (Western-Burma)
 
*********************************************************

BEIJING XINHUA: NEW CHINESE AMBASSADOR TO BURMA PRESENTS CREDENTIALS 
September 10, 1997

Yangon [Rangoon], September 10 (XINHUA) -- New Chinese ambassador to
Myanmar [Burma] Liang Dong today presented his credentials to Chairman of
the Myanmar State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) Senior-General
Than Shwe.
Present on the occasion were First Secretary of the SLORC
Lieutenant-General Khin Nyunt and Myanmar Foreign Minister U Ohn Gyaw.
During the meeting, the Myanmar leader said that there have been
friendly and cooperative relations in all fields between Myanmar and China.
He was convinced that such kind of relations between the two countries
would be continued and further developed.
The Chinese ambassador also said on the occasion that the Chinese
government has consistently attached importance to the development of the
neighborly goodwill relations between the two countries.
The new Chinese ambassador arrived in Yangon on September 3.

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

SLORC: INFORMATION  SHEET  NO. A-0124(I), A-0123(I)

 INFORMATION  SHEET  No. A-0124(I)                      Date.13-9-97

 (3) Japanese Government Donates $ 50,000 Relief Supplies for Flood Victims
                Japanese Government presented US $ 50,000 and relief
supplies- blankets, towels, gasoline, batteries, soap, and washing powder
for victims of floods which occurred in some regions of the country in July
and August. Charge d?Affaires ai of Japanese Embassy Mr Koichi Kawakami
handed the donations to Director General U Saw Thein of Department of Relief
and Resettlement.

(4) Relief Goods Distributed to Flood-hit Villages in Bago Division
                Cash and relief goods were provided to the flood victims of
Daik U, Nyaunglaybin and Shwekyin Townships in Bago Division for the second
time from 5 to 7 September. Relief goods included 1,650 bags of rice for 63
villages and medicines, kitchen utensils, blankets, longyis, plastic sheets,
personal goods and cash were also distributed.

OFFICE CALLS IN YANGON ON 12 SEPTEMBER

(A)             Secretary-1 of the State Law and Order Restoration Council
Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt received Mr John Dauth, Special Envoy of the Australian
Foreign
Minister, at Dagon Yeiktha of the Ministry of Defence.

(C)             Member of National Convention Convening Commission Chairman
of National Convention Convening Work Committee Chief Justice U Aung Toe
received Mr John Dauth, Special Envoy of Australian Foreign Minister, at his
office.
                                  
----------------------------

Information Sheet No. A-0123(I)                           Date.12-9-97


(3) Yangon Airways Ltd jointly taken over by Myanma Airways, Myanmar May
Flower Group
                Yangon Airways Ltd, initially formed jointly by Myanma
Airways and Krong Sombat Co Ltd of Thailand, has been jointly taken over by
Myanma
Airways and Myanmar May Flower Group (MMF Group). Dealing with aviation,
since 1988 opportunities for establishing joint-venture airlines such as
Myanmar Airways International (MAI), Air Mandalay, Yangon Airways and
Myanmar Helicopter International has been created. MAI is operating
international routes such as Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Dhaka, Kunming,
Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta with Boeing 737-400s and is keeping abreast with
other international airlines. The credibility of MAI, the cordiality and
hospitality of Myanmar staff and comfort of the flights has brought constant
success and popularity to MAI in the world.

(4) Myangonmyint, Hutchison Whompoa Group, Golden Lion International sign MoU
                Myangonmyint Co, Hutchison Whompoa Group Ltd of Hong Kong
and Golden Lion International Holdings Ltd signed a memorandum of
understanding at Sedona Hotel on 11 September. According to the MoU, the
companies will operate communication services, road construction, building
of freight handling jetties and deep-sea ports, housing, drilling and
exploration of oil and gas and production of high-quality feedstuff and
personal goods in Myanmar.

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

BKK POST: AMBASSADORS ASKED TO HELP EASE FINES
September 13, 1997

MAIN ISSUES CONCERN FORESTS, HUMAN RIGHTS

Thai ambassadors to France and Germany have been instructed to ask Total and
a German oil company to be lenient about imposing fines in case they delay
construction of the controversial Thai-Burmese gas pipeline, the Foreign
Ministry said yesterday.

Ambassadors Tej Bunnag and Kasit Piromya were asked to make clear to the two
governments and their people Thailand's concerns about environmental impacts
and human rights problems arising from the 16.5-billion-baht project.

Foreign Minister Prachuab Chaiyasarn, whose tour of Britain and France ended
yesterday, gave his instructions at a meeting with the ambassadors and
consulars-general in London on Tuesday.

Meechai Veeravaidya, chairman of Petroleum Authority of Thailand Exploration
and Production (PTTEP), the project's key shareholder, said in a report it
may take time to reach an understanding with local people on the
environmental impacts of the project, the ministry said in a press release.

Concerns on human rights abuses and forced labour in Burma, widely reported
in the media, and the European Union's reservations about private sector
investment in Burma were acknowledged.

Environmental activists have demanded that a section of the pipeline through
"Grade A" forest in Kanchanaburi's Tong Pha Phum district be rerouted.

The threat of delays prompted the PTTEP to file complaints on Wednesday
against a local businessman for obstruction.

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

INVITATION: BOOK LAUNCH & PHOTO EXHIBIT- SEPT. 17 BANGKOK
September 12, 1997

The Human Rights Documentation Unit (HRDU)
Images Asia and
Altsean-Burma (Alternative Asean Network on Burma)
are pleased to announce
the launch of
The Human Rights Yearbook 1996 published by the HRDU and
Images Asia's Photo Exhibition "Constructive Engagement" by Nic Dunlop

Hosted by the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand
The Galleria Plaza, JTC (South Tower), 919/1 Silom Road, Bangkok
At 7 p.m. (1900), on Wednesday September 17, 1997
(the eve of the 9th anniversary of the SLORC coup d'etat in Burma)

The evening will feature:
*The premiere of the video "No Childhood At All",
* Images Asia's Photo Exhibition "Constructive Engagement" by Nic Dunlop, and
* A discussion on "Human Rights & Development in Burma - Conflict or Consensus?"
  Speakers will include Mr. Aung Myo Min (HRDU),
  Mr. Montree Sornpaisarn (Businessmen for Democracy),
  Ms Debbie Stothard (Altsean-Burma)
  and surprise guests.

Dinner will cost Bt250 for members, or Bt350 for non-members.
Entrance without dinner for non-members is Bt200.

R.S.V.P./Inquiries:
Altsean-Burma Secretariat
TEL [662] 275 1811 / 693 4515
FAX [662] 693 4515
E-MAIL  altsean@xxxxxxxxxx

A L T S E A N - B U R M A
ALTERNATIVE ASEAN NETWORK ON BURMA
*tel: [662] 275 1811/693 4515 *fax: [662] 693 4515 *e-mail: altsean@xxxxxxxxxx

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

BRC-J: BURMA STUDY/ACTION WEEKEND
September 11, 1997

Burma Study/Action Weekend
November 15-16, 1997
Takaradera, Yamazaki, Kyoto

It's been nine years since the demonstrations calling for democracy in Burma
resulted in a bloody crackdown and a military coup d'etat.  For those nine
years students have been struggling on the Burma's borders to keep the hope
for democracy alive.  It's been seven years since the National League for
Democracy won the elections which have never been honored by the military
junta.  Most of the leaders of the opposition are in exile, in jail, or
dead.  It's been two years since the opposition leader, Nobel Laureate Aung
San Suu Kyi, was released from six years of house arrest.  Nothing has
improved; in fact, the situation inside the country and along Burma's
borders has deteriorated drastically.

Aung San Suu Kyi is again detained under quasi house arrest; her movements
are severely limited, and journalists are denied all access to her.  Rumors
abound that a special cell for her has been prepared in notorious Insein
Prison. It is not possible to exaggerate the appalling human rights
situation in Burma these days. 

Through an insidious "divide and rule" campaign, SLORC has made cease-fire
agreements with almost all of the ethnic groups on the borders, but forced
labor, forced relocation of whole villages,  rape, and summary execution in
those areas goes on.  In Shan State, the situation borders on genocide. For
the first time, SLORC now controls the entire length of the Thai/Burma
border.  There are no more liberated areas, and as a result there are more
refugees sheltering in the jungles on both sides of the border than ever
before. Tens of thousands of new refugees have fled into Thailand just this
year. 

In spite of pleas from Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the Japanese government (JICA
and JETRO) is increasing assistance to the SLORC, and, to their shame, ASEAN
has admitted SLORC as a full member.

Although there have been many reports in the Japanese media recently
claiming that the economy in Burma is booming and that the life of the
people is improving, nothing is further from the truth.  Luxury hotels have
sprung up, but they remain empty.  Inflation is rampant.  Stores in Rangoon
may be filled with luxury goods, but only the very rich can afford them.
Food, even staples such as rice and cooking oil, has become very expensive
for ordinary citizens.  According to UNICEF, malnutrition is widespread
among children.  Colleges and universities, as well as many high schools,
have been closed since the end of last year.  Even those with degrees,
however, have little chance of finding meaningful jobs.  The junta, though
it continues printing money, is virtually bankrupt.

At the eighth annual Study/Action Weekend, sponsored by Burmese Relief
Center?Japan, these and other issues will be presented and discussed.  This
forum has become famous as a reliable source of information and a
springboard for action on human rights.  Several new videos will be shown,
and many up-to-date reports will be available.  There will also be recent
photos, as well as presentations, by BRC-J volunteers who have recently
returned from  Thailand and the border.


Many books and reports will be on sale.  There  will also be a bazaar with
hundreds of items, many  made by refugees themselves.

All proceeds, of course, will be used to help the  Burmese.

Burma Study/Action Weekend
November 15-16, 1997
Takaradera, Yamazaki, Kyoto

Schedule and Directions

Activities will begin early Saturday afternoon and continue until Sunday
afternoon, with accommodation for sleeping.   Vegetarian meals and Burmese
refreshments will be provided.  Discussion will be in English, Japanese, and
Burmese.  Come when you can; stay as long as you can.  Historic, scenic
Tenno-zan merits notice as well, so plan time for a hike!
	
Takaradera, a Shingon temple with important cultural properties, is in
Yamazaki between Kyoto and Osaka and can be reached by either JR or Hankyu.
Some  Rapid Service (kaisoku) stop at JR Yamazaki, but only the local
(futsu) stops at Hankyu Oyamazaki.  From Hankyu Oyamazaki Station, first
walk to JR Yamazaki Station (about five minutes).  From JR Yamazaki Station
cross the tracks and go STRAIGHT up the hill.  (After you cross the tracks,
DO NOT TURN RIGHT.  That takes you around the hill to the Tenno-zan cherry
trees.)  You will pass one temple before you reach the gate of Takaradera on
the right.  By car, continue past the stairs and turn right, going around
the main gate.  The parking lot is on the left.  The fifteen-minute walk up
is quite steep.  Taxis are available from both stations, but the taxi stand
at Hankyu Oyamazaki Station is not right at the station.  You have to walk
along the road to the left after you come out of the station.

Participation fee:	10,000 yen
	6000 yen for those who cannot stay overnight
		(Payable at the site)

For reservations, please contact:

Burmese Relief Center?Japan
266-27 Ozuku-cho, Kashihara, Nara 634, Japan
Tel: (0744) 22-8236 ? Fax: (0744) 24-6254
e-mail:brelief@xxxxxxx

Takaradera telephone number:  (075) 956-0047  
	(for directions to the temple; NOT for reservations!) 

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

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