Letter to the editor (r)

[OKKAR66129@xxxxxxx]

   The following is the letter to the editor sent from the Myanmar Embassy in
Telaviv to The Jerusalem Post.

ok
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To,

    The Editor
    The Jerusalem Post
    P.O Box 81, Jerusalem
    Fax: (02) 538 9527
                                                          16 August 1998
Sir,

It is regretful that the editorial "No Thanks for Burma" which appeared
in 16 Aug, 1998 of your esteemed The Jerusalem Post seen as a biased
statement based on unsounded ideas.

The Union of Myanmar is a sovereign country like any other country in
the world who has her own internal prevailing laws it deems appropriate.
Everybody is aware of all domestic laws of one country must be abide by
its own nationals and foreigners also. Only those from civilized
countries who disrespect, neglect and violate a foreign country's laws
within its territory are shameful and they can be considered as the ones
who interfere in other's internal affairs.

The 18 detainees, who belong to groups opposed to the Government, are
being part of a plot to destabilize the country.  The distribution of
the instigative leaflets is not a minor matter.  Their real intention is
to called on the people of Myanmar to remember and to recreate
anarchistic senario of 8 August 1988.

They violated Myanmar's laws and interfered in domestic affairs and
therefore were subject to penalties deemed appropriate by the
Government. They were pleaded guilty and sentenced to 5 years
imprisonment on 14 Aug according to the section 5(e) of the Emergency
Provisions Act, 1950. The punishment handed down on them were cancelled
under section 401(a) of the Criminal Procedure Law and the authorities
passed the decision for them to leave Myanmar on 15 Aug are to show
goodwill gesture.

The decision of Myanmar authorities of the deportation of the foreign
activists, upon consideration based on existing mutual friendly
relations between the countries concerned and also upon the requests of
their families and of their respective governments, should at least be
appreciated by those who do not want to express their thanks for unseen
reasons.  It is very much regretful to your criticism on our goodwill
gesture instead appreciation.

No nation brooks attempts by outside groups to carry out seditious
campaigns.  Myanmar is no exception.

Myanmar will not accept any action by any country which tantamount to
interference in Myanmar's internal affairs.  Myanmar Government is
capable of managing its own domestic affairs : at the same time it will
continue to endeavour towards achieving peace and tranquillity through
out the whole country.

Yours truly,


         sd/-
( Aung Soe Win )
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