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The BurmaNet News, October 23, 1997 (r)



------------------------ BurmaNet ------------------------          
"Appropriate Information Technologies, Practical Strategies"          
----------------------------------------------------------          
      
The BurmaNet News: October 23, 1997             
Issue #851

HEADLINES:             
==========      
THE NATION: GERMAN MINISTER SAYS EU SEEKS CHANGE 
BKK POST: GAS PIPELINE TO CUT THROUGH PARK
SHAN HUMAN RIGHTS FOUNDATION: SEPTEMBER REPORT
THE NATION: BURMA TO AUCTION GEMS
BKK POST: THAI-BURMESE DEAL REACHED TO SOLVE PROBLEMS 
BKK POST: NEW BORDER PASS TO OPEN AT KIEW PAWOG
THE NATION: THAILAND EYES BURMA FOR INVESTMENT
ANNOUNCEMENT: HEARING ON PROPOSED SEATTLE ORDINANCE
ANNOUNCEMENT: FREE BURMA WEEK AT CSU LONG BEACH
--------------------------------------------------------------------------   

THE NATION: GERMAN MINISTER SAYS EU SEEKS CHANGE ON 
FOUR FRONTS IN BURMA
October 22, 1997
AFP

THE European Union (EU) wants to see change on four fronts in military-run
Burma to institute democracy and improved human rights, German Foreign
Minister Klaus Kinkel said yesterday.

In an uncompromising stance, the EU wants the release of all political
prisoners and an end to military-rule, Kinkel said during his official
two-day visit to Thailand.

The EU is also seeking for the ruling junta to grant democratic political
parties in Burma access to "political life" and the promulgation of a
democratic constitution, he told a news conference.

Kinkel said the EU was willing to open contacts with Burma's ruling State
Law and Order Restoration Council (Slorc), which has never recognised the
1990 general election victory of democratic opposition leader Aung San Suu 
Kyi.

"The EU has signalled again and again that it would like to enter contact
with Myanmar [Burma] but they've reacted with great caution," he said.
"Myanmar must open up to the outside world."

The minister said the situation in Burma had "not improved" since Rangoon
was admitted into the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) in
July, adding that Burma remained a "central issue" in EU-Asean affairs.

There were "obvious human right violations and democratic deficits" in the
military state, which had led the EU to renew its limited sanctions -
basically a visa ban for top officials against Burma earlier this month.

The German foreign minister discussed Burma at length with his counterpart
Prachuab Chaiyasarn on Monday. Yesterday, he met with Prime Minister
Chavalit Yongchaiyudh.

Kinkel said that Burma's military government had requested to know the EU's
objections to its rule. The four points would be conveyed to them by
Thailand, he said.

However, the Thai foreign minister had not been formally asked by Germany to
act as an intermediary between Burma and the EU, an aide to the German
minister said.

Burma was admitted into Asean along with Laos in July, despite objections
from western nations seeking to isolate the Slorc, in a bid to force it into
reforms. Asean prefers a policy of "constructive engagement" to promote
trade and gradual political change.

This month, the EU opted not to beef up its sanctions to put the break on
new investment in Burma, as the United States has done, but only to renew
its visa ban against members of the junta and their families.

In a related development, the Burmese military government yesterday rejected
an Amnesty International report calling on the international community to
press for the release of political detainees.

Amnesty said in a report released on Monday that Burma's ruling junta has
shown "cynical contempt" over calls to improve human rights and still holds
at least 1,200 political prisoners.

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

BKK POST: GAS PIPELINE TO CUT THROUGH PARK
October 22, 1997
Chakrit Ridmontri

Special status lifted so fines are avoided

The Petroleum Authority of Thailand won cabinet approval yesterday to begin 
laying its gas pipeline through Sai Yok national park when the rainy season 
ends.

The cabinet approved an Industry Ministry request to revoke the national park 
status of the sections through which the pipeline will be laid, resolving a 
stumbling block but setting the stage for confrontation with project opponents.

Four sections are covered by the resolution at a total distance of 8.4km by
20m, 
a total area of 105 rai. The  Forestry Department and National Park Committee 
reportedly approved the PTT's request for the revocation.

In a letter to the cabinet, the Industry Ministry said the National Environment 
Board had approved the project's environment impact assessment. The PTT had 
agreed to set aside 197 million baht for an environmental mitigation plan to be 
overseen by a committee chaired by the Kanchanaburi governor.

"The ministry considers the project important in shoring up our national 
security in energy," the letter said.

It also said it is necessary to lay the gas pipeline through the Sai Yok by
next 
month to ensure completion by July next year. "Otherwise, damages will result 
estimated to cost one billion baht a month."

Petipong Puengboon na Ayudhaya, deputy permanent secretary for agriculture, 
said earlier that part of the pipeline that would pass through the park
would not 
have severe impact on forests that are mostly degraded.

He was more concerned about areas outside the park, especially the 6km stretch 
through Huay Kba Yeng forest in Thong Pha Phum district, which is 
susceptible because it is lush.

Conservationists rejected Mr Petipong's assertion that the park areas in 
question are degraded.

Surapon Duangkhae, deputy secretary-general of Wildlife Fund Thailand, said: 
"The park is formed of limestone as a result of which forest cover is not dense 
with bamboo clumps scattering about. Unfortunately, the Forestry Department 
classifies this unique forest ecology as degraded.  Consequently, it agreed to
let the PTT clear the forest."
     
Mr Surapon insisted the  project's EIA had been hastily done and was 
incomplete, and therefore the PTT could not have foreseen the actual 
environment impact to  the forests and come up with appropriate mitigation 
measures.

"For example, what should we do with deer and civets that fall in the ditches 
prepared for gas pipes when the EIA did not indicate that these animals 
inhabited this area," he said.

Mr Surapon also raised doubts about the neutrality and effectiveness of the 
monitoring panel under Governor Khwanchai Wasawong which, he said, 
allowed the PTT to carry out many activities prohibited by the mitigation plan.

Construction of the 260km pipeline in other areas, however, is going full 
steam.

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

SHAN HUMAN RIGHTS FOUNDATION: SEPTEMBER REPORT
September 1997

Relocation in Murng Pan

	In June 1997, in Murngpan township, at least 26 villages were forced 
by LIB no.332 to move to the town and along the main road near the town.

Village		Number of houses
1. Kiu Hung				18
2. Look Pa Pek				15
3. Pang Khao Larm			8
4. Tham Tawng				55
5. Look Pa Phai				25
6. Wan Kyawng				53
7. Nawng Long				67
8. Loi Mon				22
9. Tong Zu				74
10. Huay Zoi				72
11. Nar Wawn				15
12. Pung Zan				42
13. Nawng Lur				74
14. Loi Mai Pok				45
15. Nawng Kheo				150
16. Pang Mi				18
17. Kan Kan				45
18. Nam Maw Pung			35
19. San Khwarng				30
20. Nawng Harn				25
21. Tawng Kwai Tai			80
22. Tawng Kwai Nur			83
23. Wan Larn				35
24. Tham Kyawng			16
25. Kung Mark Larng			16
26. Pang Kom				16

	Cattle, pigs and chickens which the villagers had not been able to take
away with them were shot by the Slorc soldiers.

BEATEN TO DEATH

On 7.6.97, 3 villagers of Wan Kyawng, Murngpan township, were beaten to
death by Slorc LIB no.332 troops from Murngpan. The 3 villagers were:
1.	Loong Za Li, 40, son of Loong Sai & Pa Ku
2.	Loong Nan Ta, 45, son of Loong Mawng & Pa Pao
3.	Sai Ta, 37, son of Htun Kya & Pa Wan

On 13.6.97, 5 villagers of different villages in Murngpan township were
beaten to death by Slorc LIB no.332 troops from Murngpan. The 5 victims were:
1.	Pannya, 35, son of Loong Ku Na & Pa Zim, Nam Maw Mon village.
2.	Loong Pae, 50, son of Loong Kham Leng & Pa Ngern, Nawng 
	Harn village.
3.	Pa Kao, 50, son of Loong Tho & Pa Zan, Wan Kung village, 
	Murng Pai.
4.	Su Nan Ta, 40, son of loong Ku & Pa Kham, loi Noi village.
5.	Su Na Ta, Long Kaeng village.

EXTORTION AND KILLING
	
	On 4.8.97, Maj. Tin Htut of Slorc LIB no.332 instructed Capt. Aung 
Zaw and 5-6 troops to disguise as SURA (Shan United Revolutionary Army) 
troops. Capt. Aung Zaw and his troops then went and arrested 3 villagers in 
Murngpan township. The 3 arrested were:
1.	Sai Ma La, 32, of Ho Lin village, Ho Lin tract, Murngpan township. 	He
often acted as interpreter between the villagers and SLORC troops.
2.	Sai Zing Na, 36, of Loi Noi village, Murngpan township. 
	He was the secretary of Loi Noi village headman.
3.	Sai Mu Ling, 38, of Kung Keng village, Murngpan township.
	Since these men could speak Burmese quite well, they were often 
asked by village leaders to help whenever the need to talk with Slorc troops 
arose.
	Capt. Aung Zaw and 5-6 of his troops, all disguised as SURA, went to 
their houses and from their doorsteps ordered them to come down the steps. 
After that the soldiers told their wives to bring down all the money and 
valuables they had, threatening to kill their husbands if they refused.
	After the wives had given all the money and valuables they had to the 
SLORC troops, they were told to go back into the houses and that their 
husbands would be released soon after.
	When the wives had gone back into the houses, the soldiers stabbed 
the men to death with knives and left a letter with the bodies. The letter was
written as if by SURA and it said that these 3 men had always cooperated
with Slorc against SURA, making it very difficult for SURA to get food from
the villagers and to move around, and thus they deserved death.
	According to the local villagers, this was a plot set up by Slorc to
undermine the Shan resistance movement.

LOOTING OF DESERTED VILLAGES
	
	On 26.7.97, Maj. Tin Htut of LIB no.332 ordered his troops to loot the
villages which were deserted because of the forced relocation a month or so
ago in Murngpan township.
	The Slorc soldiers took all they wanted. They took all the timbered 
houses apart and carried all the good timber to their base. On 2-3.8.97, the 
timber was trucked away to be sold at towns such as Namzarng, Taunggyi and 
Mandalay.
	The bamboo and thatched houses were generally burned down.

SHOOTING AT RANDOM

	On 19.8.97, a combined force of Slorc troops from LIB no.516 
(Namzarng) and IB no.248 (Murngnai) patrolled the area of Nam Ern village, 
Nar Wawn tract, Murngpan township. They opened fire when they saw a group 
of 6 villagers from a distance and wounded one woman, while the other 5 
managed to run away and escaped.
	The wounded woman was Nang Pao, 30, who was hit in her left thigh 
and left arm.

KILLING AND RAPING

	On 10.8.97, 80 Slorc troops of IB no.246, led by Maj Too Nyeing, 
arrested 6 villagers in Kho Lam area, Namzarng township.
	1. Sai Wi Ya, 40
	2. Sai Harn, 38
	3. Sai Parn, 37
	4. Nang Poi, 36 - a divorcee (woman)
	5. Nang Htoo, 32 an unmarried woman
	6. Sai Kaw Ya, 29
	These people were accused of supporting the SURA troops with food 
and were taken to the army base at Kho Lam. The men were beaten and 
tortured while being interrogated and finally killed by suffocation, with
plastic 
bags being put over their heads and faces.
	The 2 women were accused of being wives of SURA members and 
were raped repeatedly for 5 consecutive days. Just before release, Maj. Too 
Nyeing warned them not to tell anything about the raping to anyone, otherwise 
they would face 6 months imprisonment.

RELOCATION IN MURNGNAI

	On 28.7.97, Maj. Khin Than Aye of IB no.64 ordered the headman of 
Mai Hai village tract named Su Nan Ta to move all the villages, altogether 416
households, to the town of Murngnai. The movement was to be completed on
31.7.97.

	On 1.8.97, Maj Khin Than Aye ordered Capt. Maung Hla and 50 
troops to take 30 labourers who had tools to go and dismantle the houses in Mai 
Hai village tract. For 10 consecutive days, they carried away the timber and 
corrugated iron from the dismantled houses with 15 trucks to the base of IB 
no.64, and later took it to be sold in the towns like Namzarng and Taunggyi 
etc.

KILLING

	On 7.8.97, 150 Slorc troops of LIB no.516 from Namzarng, led by 
Maj. Myint Maung, made a search in the area of Wan Lao village tract, 
Kunhing township, and shot dead 2 villagers.
	(1) Nang Mai, 25, daughter of Loong Zing & Pa Awng of Wan Lao.
	(2) Ping Nya, 30, son of Loong Yawd & Nai Mart of Wan Lao.

TROOP MOVEMENT

	In August, Tactical Command (1) commander Col. Sein Thaung, 
under the Eastern Regional Command, with LIB no.524 (Kunhing) under his 
command were stationed in Kaeng Lom village tract, Kunhing township, and 
were active in the area.


	On 22.5.97, 8 villagers of Ter Zarng village, Nar Poi tract, Namzarng
township, who had been relocated, went back to their old village of Ter
Zarng to get their belongings which they had not been able to take with them
during the time of relocation. On their way back, they ran into a group of
Slorc troops from Namzarng at the old village of Loi Waeng, Nar Poi tract.
They all started to run but only 4 of them managed to escape. The other 4
were captured, tied up together two-by-two and were killed, and their bodies
were thrown into an old dugout in Loi Waeng village. The 4 villagers killed
were:
	(1) 	Loong Kaw Yao
	(2) 	Nai Nu (his wife)
	(3) 	Sai Ka Wing (their son)
	(4) 	name unknown (their 
			nephew)
	The Slorc soldiers also robbed the dead of their valuables -- 2
tical-weight of gold, 2 good quality precious stones, 60 ancient British
silver coins and other valuables worth over 100,000 Kyat.

KILLING

	Sometime in June 1997, Slorc troops of Laikha-based LIB no.515 
arrested 9 villagers of Wan Pung Murng Yang village, Laikha township. The 
villagers were tied up, brought to Nawng Kar monastery and displayed for 
every passing car driver to see. The Slorc soldiers asked the passing
drivers if 
the villagers were robbers, and the answers were all yes. Later all the 9
villagers were beheaded by Slorc troops.

	Sometime in April and early May 1997, 3 villagers -- Loong Kham, Ai 
Aw Tawm and Sang La -- who had been relocated, went back to their old 
village of Wan Mawn, Laikha township. A group of Slorc troops from Laikha-
based LIB no.515 found them and arrested them. The villagers were 
interrogated one by one and later Ai Aw was released -- he might have satisfied 
them with his answer. The other 2 were tied up together and thrown into Nam 
Taeng river after their faces were cut with a knife by Slorc troops.

LAHU, WA & PALAUNG HUMAN RIGHTS COMMITTEE REPORT

	On 6.7.97, Slorc troops from no.516 LIB led by Lt.Col. Min Thu shot 
dead 4 villagers and burnt more than 800 tins of paddy at Kun Ho Haw village, 
Kaeng Kham tract, Kunhing township. The 4 villagers killed were:
	1. Ai Wi, 20, son of Loong Sai, Kiu Kang village.
	2. Nya Yawng, 45, son of Loong Su Pan Nya, Nar Kawng village.
	3. Wa Lik Ta, 43, son of Loong Ta, Nar Pawk village.
	4. Wi Ya, 25, son of Loong Su, Nar Pawk village.

	On 24.7.97, a mixed force of Slorc troops from IB no.246 and LIB 
no.524 shot dead 4 villagers in Sai Murng area, Kaeng Lom tract, Kunhing 
township.
	1. Wing Ta, 30, son of Loong Ing Ta & Pa Lai, Pang Kha village.
	2. Mu Ning, 25, son of Loong Phom Wan & Pa Nu, Wan Kyawng 
village.
	3. Nang Khing, 19, daughter of Loong Wong & Pa Mon, Nam Lin 
village.
	4. Pan Ta Na, 23, son of Loong Saw Li & Pa Yong, Wan Long village.

	On 6.8.97, the same troops shot at 4 villagers in Sai Murng area, 
Kaeng Lom tract, Kunhing township, instantly killing 2 and wounding the 
other 2 villagers. The 2 killed were:
	1. Loong Ta, 45, son of Loong Saw Hin & Pa Zing, Sai Murng village.
	2. Wi Zing Ta, 30, son of Loong Yawd & Pa Nyunt, Sai Murng 
village.
	The 2 wounded were:
	1. Loong Lu, 48, son of Loong Awng & Pa Moi, Wan Long village.
	2. Nang Poo, 40, daughter of Maha Zing & Pa Mon, Wan Long  
village.
	The troops also shot 1 ox of Loong Lu Long and a cow belonged to Pa 
Zarm.

	On 11.8.97, Slorc troops from LIB no.516 arrested 3 Palawng and 3 
Shan villagers of Nawng Lom village, Kunhing township. On 20.8.97, they 
were forced to pay 5,000 kyat each in exchange for their release.

	On 18.8.97, Slorc troops of LIB no.516, led by Maj. Myint Aung, shot 
dead a villager of Kung Sa village, Wan Lao tract, Kunhing township, in his 
farm at Ho Pha Larn. The victim was Sai Wa Ling, 25, son of Loong Maha Aw 
Ta & Pa Khawng.
	The Slorc troops also arrested Loong Zik Ta, 40, son of Loong Wi & 
Pa Sae from Kung Sa village, at Na La village. They beat and tortured him, and
peeled off some of his skin before they released him. He was being treated
at Kunhing hospital at the time of this report.

	On 20.8.97, Sergeant Aye Myint from the sharp shooter company of 
no.3 Tactical Command seized a buffalo belonged to Loong Na Ling of Pang 
Hoong village. The Slorc soldier forced the owner to buy back his buffalo for 
2,100 Kyat.

	On 26.8.97, Slorc troops no.516 LIB led by Col. Thura Sein Thaung 
arrested 18 villagers who were working in the rice fields at Huay Sai Lao and 
Huay Kun, Kunhing township. The soldiers destroyed the paddy plants by 
pulling them out from the roots and let their horses into the fields to eat.
	They also burnt down Palawng villages of Nawng Lom, Look Long  
and Kai Ek, and forced the villagers to move to Nar Tong Mon near Kunhing 
town.

	On 18.8.97, Slorc Maj. Myint Maung of LIB no.516 arrested Sai Noi, 
a resident of Quarter 4, Kunhing township, on a charge of having connection
with the Shan resistance. On 20.8.97, Sai Noi committed suicide in Kunhing
jail. After Sai Noi's death, Slorc troops arrested his wife Nang Noi who was
still being held in Kunhing prison.

	On 20.8.97, Slorc troops of LIB no.516 shot dead 2 villagers, husband 
and wife, at their farm in Kaeng Lom tract, Kunhing township. They also shot 
one ox for food. The 2 killed were:
	1. Ar Zing Na, 30, son of Loong Ekka & Pa Nyo, Wan Mai village.
	2. Nang Seng Zing (Ar Zing Na's wife), 20, daughter of Loong Zi & 
Pa Suay, Wan Mai village.

	On 22.8.97, Slorc troops of LIB no.516 shot at a motorcycle taxi driver
near Pha Lang in Kunhing township. The victim was Ai Htun, 18, son of 
Loong Ar Zik Ta & Pa Noi, Nawng Ngern village. He was hit in the left chest 
and was in a critical condition. Whether he is dead or alive is not yet known at
the moment.

	On 28.7.97, Slorc Maj. Moe Myint Maung of LIB no.516 seized a 
woman Nang Mai, 30, wife of Loong Sang Moo and daughter of Loong Ming 
& Pa Nang Awng, at Nar Kun village, Kaeng Lom tract, Kunhing township. 
The Slorc Major took her away and raped her until 1.8.97 and shot her dead, 
and set fire to her body.

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

THE NATION: BURMA TO AUCTION GEMS
October 22, 1997
AFP

RANGOON - Burma is to auction off gems, jade and pearls worth more than
US$14 million at a sale in Rangoon starting tomorrow, organisers said 
yesterday.

Nearly 400 gem merchants from 18 countries are expected to attend the sale
which ends next Monday, with viewing and inspection starting yesterday,
deputy minister for Mines Hlaing Win said.

Since a new gems law in September 1995, the sale and production of gems and
jade is being handled increasingly by the private sector, although
production and sale of pearls remains mostly in the hands of the state.

Two joint-ventures with foreign companies have been started recently.

The gems law was enacted mainly to encourage privatisation and to stem the
illegal flow of Burma's gems overseas, Hlaing Win said.

The government also hopes to promote free trade in gems, formerly a state
preserve, through the establishment of a gem market in Rangoon, and by
setting up private outlets in other major cities, he said. 

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

BKK POST: THAI-BURMESE DEAL REACHED TO SOLVE PROBLEMS 
PEACEFULLY
October 22, 1997

Daily river transport and trading allowed

Thai and Burmese authorities have reached an agreement to peacefully solve
outstanding border problems along the Salween River following a recent clash
between Thai rangers and Democratic Karen Buddhist Army force in Sob Moei 
district of Mae Hong Son province.

According to the deal, the two sides would be allowed to engage in river
transport activities from 8.00 a.m.-6.00 p.m. every day.

But citizens of both countries are prohibited from carrying firearms when
they cross the border to engage in trade.

Commanders of the two sides must try to refrain from taking sides in case
their subordinates engage in fighting.

The Thai side propose that both sides of the Salween River stretching from
Ban Mae Sam Lab to Ban Sob Moei be jointly promoted as tourist spots.
Burmese officials agreed to forward the proposal to their superiors in Rangoon.

Joint measures would also be devised to stop illegal logging along their
common border.

Representing Thailand in the negotiations were Sob Moei district chief
Prasert Osathaphan and the commander of the 3607 Ranger Unit. The DKBA 
team was led by Shwe Long. a lieutenant colonel in the Burmese Army.

Meanwhile, Tak authorities are planning to round up tens of thousands of
Burmese aliens who have flocked to the province after losing jobs in Bangkok
and other provinces.

Maj-Gen Chalor Thongsala, chief of' the 4th Infantry Regiment, yesterday
chaired a meeting of officials concerned in Mae Sot district to discuss
problems that could be caused by the influx of illegal Burmese immigrants.

The meeting was told some 25,000 Burmese aliens had moved into Tak after
being laid off as a result of the current economic slump in Thailand.

Most of them were staying in Mae Sot, Phop Phra and Mae Ramat districts to
hunt for jobs. They have been found working as porters, farm hands and house
servants.

Mai-Gen Chalor said all agencies concerned must join forces to deal strictly
with these illegal immigrants in order to prevent crime.

Their arrests and repatriations in the past proved ineffective because Burma
refused to take care of them, and many managed to sneak back into Thailand
because they could find no job in their own country.

Mai-Gen Chalor quoted Burma's Karen state governor Col Saw Khin Soe as
saying Burma would take back illegal immigrants only when Thai authorities
could prove they were Burmese nationals.

Col Saw Khin Soe also proposed Thai investors set up agricultural or
industrial businesses on Burmese soil near the common border to lure illegal
Burmese immigrants back to their country.

Mai-Gen Chalor said he was willing to coordinate with Burmese authorities on
this if Thai investors were interested in the proposal.

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

BKK POST: NEW BORDER PASS TO OPEN AT KIEW PAWOG
October 22, 1997
Phitsanu Thepthong

Expected to boost trade and tourism

Chiang Mai-- Thai and Burmese border authorities yesterday agreed to open 
the Kiew Pawog relaxation checkpoint in the Chiang Dao district of Chiang 
Mai for bilateral trade and tourism.

The agreement was reached at a meeting in Chiang Mai.

The meeting also agreed to upgrade the  relaxation point to a permanent 
checkpoint once trade volume expands.

Chiang Mai governor Palakorn Suwannarat said three other checkpoints along 
the Thai-Burmese border also were open at Mae Sai in Chiang Rai, Mae Sod in 
Tak, and Victoria Point in Ranong.

Mr Palakorn said, effective today, the pass would be open on Wednesdays, 
Fridays and Saturdays, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
     
Under the agreement, Burmese travellers will be allowed to enter a further 100 
metres into Thailand in the Ban Arunothai village.

The Burmese town of Muangtuen is opposite the Kiew Pawog pass.

He said the relaxation point eventually would be upgraded into a permanent 
checkpoint, with more trade and tours organised across the border into Burma.

He expected the opening would benefit tourism.

Thais could arrange joint tour promotions through the Guides Association, the 
Federation of Thai Industries, the Chamber of Commerce and the Tourist 
Authority of Thailand.

But Mr Palakorn said the relaxation point was for Thais and Burmese nationals 
only. Foreigners were prohibited from using it to cross the border.

Immigration officers would help check ID cards at the checkpoint, he said, 
adding that both countries had stepped up their security measures at the border 
opening.

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

THE NATION: THAILAND EYES BURMA FOR INVESTMENT
October 22, 1997
Nitsara Srihanam

THE Commerce Ministry is looking for opportunities to invest in Burma's
agricultural processing industry after the country's accession to Asean in
July, which will cause it to open its markets in line with the Asean Free
Trade Area agreement.

Potential sectors for investment are canned fruit and vegetables and canned
seafood.

The deputy director-general of the Export Promotion Department, Rachane
Potjanasuntorn, said after meeting Deputy PM's Office Minister Maung Maung
yesterday that Burma is trying to promote foreign investment by relaxing
regulations seen as barriers to investment and attempting to adjust its
rules to international standards.

Rachane said Burma needs to adjust all its investment and trade regulations
to meet Afta requirements. It must reduce its tariffs to nought to five per
cent by 2008, five years after the original members. In addition, it will
automatically join the Asean Investment Cooperation scheme.

Rangoon Commercial Minister Sriwat Suwan said the country is strongly
promoting foreign investment by offering many preferences to foreign
investors. This is seen as a crucial opportunity for Thai investors,
especially in the agricultural processing industry.

In terms of trade, Rachane said Burma is an important source of gemstones,
so Thailand, a major gem and jewellery exporter, should cooperate with it in
this sector.

Rachane also invited the Burmese private sector to participate in the gem
and jewellery fair held in Thailand twice a year.

Maung Maung said during the meeting that Burma is ready to support Thai
investors and will provide benefits to Thai people, as well as other foreign
investors.

Meanwhile, Maung Maung asked Thailand to support Burma's tourism 
industry by promoting package tours to encourage foreign tourists who visit 
Thailand to travel on to Burma.

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

ANNOUNCEMENT: PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED SEATTLE 
ORDINANCE
October 22, 1997

Friends,

We have now confirmed that there will be a PUBLIC HEARING (in the form 
of a "panel") at a meeting of the Business and Labor Committee of the Seattle
City Council, at 9:30 am on Tuesday, Dec. 2.  The proposed Seattle Burma
Ordinance is the topic of discussion.  Both supporters and opponents will
be invited.

Last night we held a strategy meeting, and will focus on generating
support from labor, church groups, and grass-roots democratic activists.

Our next meeting is on Monday, Nov. 3, from 7-8:45 at the University
District branch of the Seattle Public Library, 5009 Roosevelt NE.  Call
206-784-5742 for details.

We are excited about this opportunity to discuss this issue PUBLICLY.

Sincerely,

Larry Dohrs
Seattle
206-784-5742

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

ANNOUNCEMENT: FREE BURMA WEEK AT CSU LONG BEACH
October 22, 1997

FREE BURMA WEEK AT CSULB

During November 3rd through 7th, the United Methodist's Student Movement 
of California State University of Long Beach will be hosting a "FREE BURMA
WEEK".  We will be showing a movie/documentary each afternoon and will be
attending a table with info on Burma.  At the table, we'll have a video
continuously running showing the 8-8-88 demonstrations to attract
attention.  We'll also be passing petitions around asking the Student Body
to pass a selective purchasing resolution in process.

Although this is short notice, perhaps other campuses can join in on the
"FREE BURMA WEEK" to make this a national event.  If you are able to do 
so, please contact us so we can share ideas.

Thanks & Peace!
Ali

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