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The BurmaNet News, October 22, 1997



------------------------ BurmaNet ------------------------          
"Appropriate Information Technologies, Practical Strategies"          
----------------------------------------------------------          
      
The BurmaNet News: October 22, 1997             
Issue #850

HEADLINES:             
==========      
NLM: 1.2 MILLION ACRES OF PADDY AFFECTED BY JULY FLOODS 
BKK POST: SHRIMP CALL TO BE PASSED ON TO EU
SCMP: DRUGS KEEP BURMESE JUNTA AFLOAT
BEIJING XINHUA: FU QUANYOU MEETS WITH BURMESE MILITARY
THE STRAITS TIMES: MYANMAR AND LAOS VISITS SHOW PRIORITY
PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER: RAMOS' PIPE DREAM
DVB: THAN SHWE MENTIONS POWER TRANSFER TO RAMOS 
THE NATION: J&J PLANS ASEAN FORUM
ANNOUNCEMENT: PALO ALTO AND QUINCY PASS BURMA LAWS
ANNOUNCEMENT: 1998 GRANTS FOR WOMEN
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NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR: 1.2 MILLION ACRES OF PADDY AFFECTED BY JULY FLOODS 
[short excerpt only]
October 15, 1997

YANGON, 14 Oct -In Bago, Ayeyawady and Yangon Divisions and Mon State, 1.2
million acres of paddy were affected during the last week of July due to
heavy rains.  A total of 600,000 acres was destroyed of which paddy was
cultivated on 400,000 acres.

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BKK POST: SHRIMP CALL TO BE PASSED ON TO EU
[slightly abridged]
October 21, 1997
Bhanravee Tansubhapol, Nussara Sawatsawang

German minister in talks with Prachuab

Germany's Foreign Minister Klaus Kinkel has promised to consider a request
for help in persuading the European Union to allow a special quota for Thai
frozen shrimps.
Mr Kinkel's promise was reported shortly before Prime Minister Chavalit
cancelled a scheduled meeting with him.
Thai foreign ministry officials decried the cancellation as "shameful" in
view of Germany's global standing.
Mr Prachuab expressed confidence that the EU would return Thailand's trading
privileges when it reviews its GSP in January because of the country's
critical economic condition.
Mr Prachuab asked Germany to extend insurance credit to encourage German
investors to put their money in infrastructure in Thailand. He cited Japan,
which set aside twenty billion baht to help Bangkok.
Mr Kinkel said the Bundesbank could give technical advice to Thailand under
the framework of the International Monetary Fund.
On Burma, Mr Kinkel reiterated Bonn's insistence on progress in talks
between the ruling State Law and Order Restoration Council and the
opposition National League for Democracy.
He called for the release of political prisoners and attention to the rights
of ethnic minorities.
In a speech delivered at Thammasat University, Mr Kinkel described the human
rights violations in Burma as "abhorrent".
"Myanmar's full membership of Asean must mean opening up and democratising
the country. Myanmar must not remain an enclave of oppression in Southeast
Asia," Mr Kinkel said, in reference to Burma's admittance into the
Association of Southeast Asian Nations in July.
"No culture, no tradition anywhere in the world can justify torture,
persecution, discrimination and arbitrary rule," he added in a speech
entitled "Europe and Asia: Partners for the Twenty-First Century."
Mr Prachuab said Thailand would work for Burma's participation in a
co-operation framework between the European Union and the Association of
Southeast Asian Nations.
"I do not want to see discrimination against any Asean countries," he said.
Mr Kinkel, in his address at Thammasat, expressed the hope that the election
in Cambodia in May would bring peace to the Khmer people. He welcomed
Asean's mediating role.
The German minister said developments in China were of "critical importance"
to Asia's future. 
He said Germany was "extremely worried" about the situation on the Korean
Peninsula where people in North Korea were facing starvation.
>From Thailand, Mr Kinkel is due to continue to South Korea, and Japan.

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

SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST: DRUGS KEEP BURMESE JUNTA AFLOAT AS TRAFFICKERS PROSPER
October 22, 1997
by William Barnes

The Burmese junta repeatedly claims it is taking steps to stem the massive
outflow of heroin and opium from its borders.

Yet in recent years the country has been enjoying much greater profits from
drug sales than ever before, according to a recent report by the United
States Embassy in Rangoon.

The document states that behind the rhetoric of the State Law and Order
Restoration Council there appears to be a willingness to do deals with known
or suspected narcotics traffickers. These include former drug warlord Khun
Sa who surrendered over New Year in 1996 and is now said to be engaged in
transport and gems in the capital.

"Reports suggest, however, that he had his Mong Tai Army colleagues continue
to be involved in the narcotics trade," said this year's Foreign Economic
Trends Report.

The military regime cut cease-fire deals with notorious ethnic drug dealers
such as the Wa hill tribe and the Kokang Chinese community in the late 1980s
and early 1990s.

Recently the junta effectively encouraged traffickers to keep their
ill-gotten gains in Burma when they stopped confiscating bank deposits that
could not
be shown to have been legally earned.

"During the mid-1990s there was abundant anecdotal evidence . . . that a
growing proportion of Burma's narcotics export receipts were staying home
rather than being kept abroad," the document said.

"Diverse businesses affiliated with these organisations began to flourish
openly in Rangoon, presumably financed by proceeds from illicit trafficking
in narcotics, gems and timber."

Narcotics remain Burma's most valuable export with its estimated potential
production value at the border rising from US$500 million (HK$3.8 billion)
in 1994, to US$850 million in 1995 and US$1.2 billion a year in 1996.

These figures do not include the extremely lucrative rise of amphetamine
exports in the 1990s. Thus drug prices have also risen dramatically for Western
addicts buying, say, on a New York street.

By contrast remittances from Burmese abroad, an important source of foreign
exchange, were US$352 million in 1996.

Profits from the drug trade have helped fuel a spending boom in Rangoon
where luxury hotels and traffic jams have appeared even though the junta's
attempt to kick-start the real economy seems to have largely failed.

The traffickers are now evidently prospering in a country regarded as an
international pariah and where military meddling has cramped the growth of
legitimate businesses.

"In Rangoon some Burmese business people . . . complained of the increasing
difficulty of competing with firms affiliated and allegedly funded by
narcotics-cultivating and exporting organisations," the report said.

"Some of Burma's private banks, legal since 1992, appear to be affiliated
with these organisations."

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

BEIJING XINHUA: FU QUANYOU MEETS WITH BURMESE MILITARY OFFICER 
October 16, 1997

Beijing, October 16 (Xinhua) -- Fu Quanyou, Chief of General Staff of
the People's Liberation Army (PLA) of China, said here today that relations
between the armies of China and Myanmar [Burma] is an important part of the
Sino-Myanmar relations and that constant visits have strengthened their
friendship.
Fu made the remarks while meeting with Lieutenant Tin Ngwe,
Commander-in-Chief of the Myanmar Air Force.
Fu, a member of the Central Military Commission, noted that China
values the friendship between the two countries and two armies and is
willing to work more for it.
Fu briefed the visitors on Hong Kong's successful return to the
motherland and the 15th National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party
held recently in Beijing.
Tin Ngwe discussed the situation in Myanmar with Fu.
Liu Shunyao, Commander of the PLA Air Force, attended the meeting.
Tin Ngwe arrived here on Monday as Fu's guest.

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

THE STRAITS TIMES: MYANMAR AND LAOS VISITS SHOW PRIORITY PHILIPPINES GIVES
TO ASEAN 
October 19, 1997

MANILA -- Philippine President Fidel Ramos yesterday said his visits to
Myanmar and Laos last week showed the "primacy" of the South-east Asian
region to the Philippines. 

"Our visits to Myanmar and Laos manifested the primacy of South-east Asia in
our foreign relations. As close neighbours, they are of strategic importance
to our security, economic progress and national well-being," he said on his
return here. 

Mr Ramos left on Monday to visit Hong Kong, Myanmar and Laos. He visited the
latter two countries to welcome them into the Asean fold and said the trips
were "of timely significance" since the regional grouping is due to hold a
summit in Malaysia in December. 

"More and more, the Philippines' destiny lies in its relations with its
neighbours in South-east Asia. Our security hinges in large measure on our
solidarity with them. Our economic progress is enhanced by the integration
of South-east Asian economies," he said. 

He noted that he had signed agreements for greater economic cooperation with
both countries as well as agreements to work closely with them to fight
drug-trafficking. 

Making no mention of these concerns, Mr Ramos said during his trip, "a
Philippine company and a Laotian group" concluded a deal to set up a
US$30-million (S$46-million) joint venture to manufacture textiles for Laos.
He added that he had also assured Hong Kong businessmen that the Philippines
remained a favourable investment destination despite the regional currency
crisis. -- AFP. 

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

PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER: RAMOS' PIPE DREAM
October 15, 1997

Manila -Now he (Philippine President Fidel Ramos) is off on his foreign trip
that will take him to Hong Kong, Burma (Myanmar) and Laos.

In a pre-departure statement ... Ramos said he would "share" with Burmese
leaders "our experiences in rebuilding our democratic institutions, in
forging national reconciliation, in moving the peace process forward and
reforming our economy."

To what end, Ramos didn't say.  But surely it couldn't be the hope of
converting Burma's military rulers to the ways of democracy?  To the members
of the State Law and Order Restoration Council, the ruling junta, democracy
is a dangerous and dirty word.

If Ramos really wants to spread the gospel of democracy to Burma, he is
doing it in a very strange way.  For not only has the Philippine government
failed to condemn the illegal power grab of Burma's military junta and
ignored its despicable record of human rights violations, but it has
practically spearheaded the efforts to confer legitimacy on its military
regime.  Earlier this year, the Philippines stood as one of the principal
sponsor of Burma's admission into the Association of Southeast Asian
Nations.  Now, Ramos has beaten other ASEAN heads of state in making a visit
to Rangoon (Yangon).

Burma's military rulers are getting all the recognition, honor and support
from the Philippines and ASEAN despite their authoritarian rule.  They have
gotten away with murder and are being rewarded for it.  So why would they
change?  Ramos is hallucinating if he thinks he can sweet- talk Burma's
leaders into adopting democratic reform.

Reprinted in the Daily Yomiuri
October 20, 1997

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

DVB: THAN SHWE MENTIONS POWER TRANSFER TO RAMOS 
[translated from Burmese]
October 16, 1997

Oslo Democratic Voice of Burma

The government radio of the Philippines reported yesterday on details of the
talks between SLORC [State Law and Order Restoration Council] Chairman Sr.
Gen. Than Shwe and Philippine President Ramos which took place
yesterday. These details, however, had not been reported inside Burma. 
Philippine citizens were informed instantly of the details of the talks
between Bo [military title for officer] Than Shwe and President Ramos
because Rodolfo Severino, undersecretary of foreign affairs traveling with
President Ramos, explained the statement made by the SLORC chairman to
Filipino journalists.
Bo Than Shwe is reported to have said that power would be peacefully
transferred to the elected government after the new constitution is
drafted.  However, it was not disclosed when the drafting of the
constitution would be completed.  It was said that the SLORC does not
intend to drag out the process and that the objectives of the constitution
are to ensure national unity, establish a democratic system, and national
reconciliation. Severino said that SLORC Chairman Bo Than Shwe told
President Ramos that power would be transferred peacefully to the elected
government once the drafting of the constitution is complete. However, Bo
Than Shwe did not mention that the constitution drafting process has been
going on for five years.  Nor did he mention that the constitution is being
drafted without the participation of representatives of the people.  He is
reported to have said the drafting process has reached the crucial stage on
distribution of power between [Burma] proper and states and divisions.
The SLORC clique has pledged to crush those who hold different views
and has been arresting and torturing prodemocracy forces inside the country
and vowing to crush internal and external destructive elements and stooges
of imperialists.  However, during meetings with foreign guests, the SLORC
changed its tune and spoke of national reconciliation and cause for
democracy, which are advocated by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. Observers say the
politically and ideologically bankrupt SLORC, which is aware of
international support for the NLD's [National League for Democracy]
principles and objectives, is copying the NLD platforms in its dealings
with foreign leaders.
The SLORC clique has been ruling the country through oppression,
intimidation, and torture since it killed and imprisoned prodemocracy
supporters by the thousands in 1988.  The deeds of SLORC can be described
as imprisonment of prodemocracy forces, application of pressure on elected
members of parliament to resign, restriction of  movement by Aung San Suu
Kyi by blocking the road in front of her residence, and torture of national
races by launching military offensives in Karen State, Shan State, Karenni
State, and Chin State.
According to the statement released by the Office of the President in
Manila today, the SLORC clique believes that opposition groups should work
toward national reconciliation.  Bo Than Shwe was reported to have said
that the SLORC is giving priority to establishing peace with insurgent
organizations as a country cannot develop and progress without peace and
stability and that peace and tolerance are essential in this endeavor.
However, Bo Than Shwe did not identify the organization with which they are
holding talks.  What is known is that the SLORC has invited the KNPP
[Karenni National Progressive Party], against which they have been
launching a massive offensive, to come to Rangoon for talks.  The KNPP has
replied by saying that they wish to hold talks only in Thailand where there
can be observers.
Although the SLORC has allowed the NLD to hold a party congress, it
has not held political talks and is still trying to create division within
the NLD by continuing its criticism and attacks against the party.
President Ramos is reported to have recounted the Philippines
experience in national reconciliation.  The statement from the President's
Office did not make any reference to an earlier attempt to call on Daw Aung
San Suu Kyi and Western sanctions against SLORC.

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

THE NATION: J&J PLANS ASEAN FORUM
October 21, 1997

JOHNSON & Johnson has announced plans to launch the Johnson & Johnson Asean
New Leaders Forum in Singapore in May 1998, the first ever to be taking
place outside Australia.
The annual leadership development focuses on guiding and motivating
individuals to undertake leadership roles in all aspects of life, targeting
young people aged between 20 and 30 years.
The four-day programme plans to welcome between 80 and 100 participants to
be selected from the nine member states of the Association of Southeast
Asian Nations (Asean). Nominations will be sourced from government
organisations, trade organisations, educational institutions and local and
multi-national corporations.
The participants will have the opportunity to interact with their peers from
neighbouring countries. The programme consists of speeches, discussions and
workshops which are designed to be value-based, vision-driven and inspirational.
The company said its Johnson & Johnson Asean New Leaders Forum is a
demonstration of the its commitment to its Credo - or company philosophy -
which spells out its responsibility to the community.

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

ANNOUNCEMENT: PALO ALTO (CA) AND QUINCY (MA) PASS BURMA LAWS
October 21, 1997

BOSTON GLOBE: QUINCY TO BOYCOTT BURMA-TIED FIRMS
October 21, 1997

Quincy - With a 7-1 vote by city councillors last night, Quincy became the
first city in New England and only the 13th nationally to boycott
corporations doing business in Burma, also known as Myanmar. "We're
thrilled that Quincy has taken an important stand for human rights," said
Helen Poland, a Quincy resident and advocate for the ordinance. Mayor James
Sheets is expected to sign the ordinance today.
--------------------

Addendum:

Only a few hours later, the city of Palo Alto, in the heart of California's
Silicon Valley, became the 14th American city to pass a Burma selective
purchasing law. The Palo Alto City Council voted 7-2 to adopt the Free
Burma ordinance. The campaign was spearheaded by Zan Rubin, a Palo Alto
High School student.

The tally of Burma selective purchasing ordinances now stands at 14 cities,
one county and one state.

BURMA SELECTIVE PURCHASING LAWS

				Date Enacted/Signed

STATES: 1

Massachusetts			6/25/96

COUNTIES: 1

Alameda (CA)			12/10/96	

CITIES: 14

Berkeley (CA)			2/28/95
Madison (WI)			8/15/95
Santa Monica (CA)		11/28/95
Ann Arbor (MI)		4/15/96
San Francisco (CA)		4/22/96
Oakland (CA)			4/23/96
Carrboro (NC)			10/8/96
Takoma Park (MD)		10/28/96
Boulder (CO)			12/17/96
Chapel Hill (NC)		1/13/97
New York (NY)			5/30/97
Santa Cruz (CA)		7/8/97
Quincy (MA)			10/20/97
Palo Alto (CA)		10/20/97

BURMA LEGISLATION PENDING

STATES: 2

California
North Carolina

CITIES: 5

Brookline (MA)
Los Angeles (CA)
Newton (MA)
Seattle (WA)
West Hollywood (CA)

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

ANNOUNCEMENT: 1998 GRANTS FOR WOMEN FROM DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
October 21, 1997

The Margaret McNamara Memorial Fund was established in 1981 to honor the
late Margaret McNamara and her commitment to the well-being of women and
children in developing countries. The purpose of the grant is to support the
education of women from developing countries. Previous grant recipients were
studying in fields such as agriculture, architecture and urban planning,
civil engineering, education, forestry, journalism, nursing, nutrition,
pediatrics, public administration, public health, social sciences, and
social work.

The MMMF awards five grants of about $6,000 each year; they are not
renewable. Requests for application forms for the 1998/99 academic year will
be accepted from September 1997 until January 15, 1998. The deadline for
completed applications is February 2, 1998. The MMMF will announce the
recipients about April 15, 1998.

ELIGIBILITY:  The MMMF invites women who meet the following criteria to
apply:

   1.  She has a record of service to women and children in
   her country.

   2.  She plans to return to her country in about two
   years.

   3.  She can demonstrate financial need.

   4.  She is enrolled in an accredited educational
   institution in the US by September 1997 and during the
   entire period covered by the grant.

   5.  She is a national of a developing country* residing
   in the US, but not a permanent resident (green
   card holder).

   6.  She is at least 25 years old by December 31, 1997
   (born before 1973)

   7.  She is not related to any World Bank Group staff
   member or his/her spouse.

APPLICATIONS must be REQUESTED in writing from:

                The Margaret McNamara Memorial Fund
                1818 H Street, NW, Room G-1000
                Washington DC 20433

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