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The BurmaNet News: December 7, 1998



------------------------ BurmaNet ------------------------
 "Appropriate Information Technologies, Practical Strategies"
----------------------------------------------------------

The BurmaNet News: December 7, 1998
Issue #1153

HEADLINES:
==========
AUNG SAN SUU KYI: UDHR ANNIVERSARY MESSAGE
RHODODENDRON: PREVENTING FROM RUNNING PRIVATE SCHOOL 
SPDC: GOVERNMENT-AFFILIATED SCHOOLS ORDER 
NLD: STATEMENT #116 
XINHUA: MYANMAR'S CRUDE OIL PRODUCTION DECREASES 
THE NATION: "CARROT" FROM CHILSTON TO RANGOON 
STPI: OPEN LETTER TO KOFI ANNAN 
BBC:  BURMESE RELEASE FOREIGN TOURISTS 
THE NATION: BURMA EXTENDS VISA BAN TO RANGOON 
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AUNG SAN SUU KYI: UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS ANNIVERSARY MESSAGE
7 December, 1998 from <altsean@xxxxxxxxxx> 

MESSAGE FROM DAW AUNG SAN SUU KYI, GENERAL SECRETARY, NATIONAL LEAGUE FOR
DEMOCRACY & 1991 NOBEL PEACE LAUREATE TO MARK THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE
UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS DECEMBER 10, 1998 

[for immediate release - transcript of video]

If I am asked why I am an advocate of human rights, I would like to answer
simply that I do not like seeing so much human misery around me. A society
that lacks human rights is a society that breeds misery. There are many
today whose lives have been blighted by a sense of insecurity and
helplessness common to those who are at the mercy of the whims of unjust,
authoritarian rulers. People need to be protected against the misuse of
power. The articles of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human
Rights are aimed at providing this all-important protection for all the
peoples of the world.

Burma was one of the original signatories of the Universal Declaration of
Human Rights when it was adopted by the United Nations in December 1948. In
the aftermath of the Second World War, already established powers and young
nations emerged newly from the colonial chrysalis gathered together to lay
out a set of principles that would protect future generations from the
scourge of violent conflict. But sadly, fifty years later, the articles of
the Universal Declaration of Human Rights still remain paper promises for
many peoples and nations.

Coming as I do from a country which suffers from the systematic violation
of human rights by those in power, I have come to appreciate deeply the
wisdom and vision of those who drew up the articles of the Declaration.
There is not one that we can choose to ignore without imperiling freedom,
justice and peace. If we are to lead free and full lives, all the articles
of the Declaration must be respected.

Perhaps for the people of Burma today, Article 21 has a special poignancy.
This article provides for the right of everyone to take part in the
government of his country and declares that the will of the people, which
should be the basis of the authority of government, should be expressed in
periodic and genuine elections. Eight years ago, democratic elections were
held in our country but the results of the elections have not been honoured
by the military regime and the victorious party, the National League for
Democracy, has been subjected to the most grueling persecution. So for us,
as for many others, the struggle for democracy has become synonymous with
the struggle for human rights.

The preamble of the Universal Declaration proclaims the "advent of a world
in which human beings shall enjoy freedom of speech and belief and freedom
from fear and want" to be the "highest aspiration of the common people". It
is also the most basic need for all, regardless of race, religion or
nationality. Our struggle for human rights has brought us very close to all
members of the human family who are striving for the recognition of their
inherent dignity and their inalienable right to life, liberty and security
of person.

It is my hope that our common aims and sufferings will create a strong
sense of solidarity that surpasses national frontiers and cultural
differences. We struggle with a sense of purpose and an unshakable faith in
the power of compassion and endeavour and universal brotherhood. As our
gratitude goes out to those who have supported us so generously in our
times of adversity, we would like to express the hope that one day, soon,
our country too may be a source of strength and support for those in need
of peace, justice and freedom.

Aung San Suu Kyi Rangoon, December 1998 

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RHODODENDRON NEWS BULLETIN: PREVENTING FROM RUNNING SELF-SUPPORTED PRIVATE
SCHOOLS
5 December, 1998 from Chin Human Rights Organization 

Preventing from Running Self-Supported Private Schools

In remote areas of Chin State, especially along the border with India and
Bangladesh, many villages do not have a government school.  Parents in
these remote villages are usually poor and cannot afford sending their
children to another bigger village or a town school. Therefore, the
villagers themselves, sometimes with the help of the church, have set up
their own schools. The teachers' salaries and school running costs are
shared among the village community, and the children can get education with
very little expenses.

In order to keep complete control of the education system in the villages,
the military junta have now sent orders throughout Chin State for any
school non-affiliated with the government to close down. This directive is
part of the SPDC anti-opposition tactic, to prevent any contact between
villagers and opposition. Similar orders have also been issued in Mon
State, and probably other regions of Burma as well.

By prohibiting self-supported schools to run, in many villages, children
have no other alternative for education, and have to abandon their studies.
 Parents are worried that the young people will be roaming around the
streets, wasting their lives.

R H O D O D E N D R O N  News   Bulletin
Chin Human Rights Organization
50 Bell Street N.#2, Ottawa ON K1R 7C7, Canada
Ph/Fx : 1-613-234 2485 Email : chokhlei@xxxxxxxxxxx
Volume 1 No. 6, December 1998

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SPDC: GOVERNMENT-AFFILIATED SCHOOLS ORDER
23 June, 1998 from <chinhro@xxxxxxxxxxx> 

SPDC Order

Township Education Office
Thantlang
Letter No. seik-1/(simaan)/,4044/Pa Wa Da
Date: 1998 June 23

To: Principal
Basic Higher/Middle/Primary Schools
_____________ Town

Subject    : To recognize only government affiliated schools

Reference: Chin State and Townships School Inspectors Decision

With reference to Chin State School Inspector's directions, I hereby inform
you that, from the beginning of the 1998-99 School Year, any self-supported
private Primary/Middle/High School will not be allowed to stay open. Only
Government affiliated schools are recognized.

If we find out any school running secretly after this guidance has been
released, severe action will be taken against the Principal.

 (SD/)
Principal
Thantlang Township Education Office

cc:
1. State Education Office, Haka, Chin State
2. Chairman, Township Peace and Development Council(TPDC), Thantlang
3. Chairman, Village Peace and Development Council (VPDC)
4. Interdepartmental circular letter
5. O/C 

[from R H O D O D E N D R O N  News Bulletin
Chin Human Rights Organization
50 Bell Street N.#2, Ottawa ON K1R 7C7, Canada
Ph/Fx : 1-613-234 2485 Email : chokhlei@xxxxxxxxxxx
Volume 1 No. 6, December 1998]

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

NLD: STATEMENT #116
1 December, 1998 

National League for Democracy
No: (97/b) West Shwegondine Road
Bahan, Rangoon

STATEMENT 116 (12/98)

1. 	Out of a pure and generous heart and filled with charitable intentions,
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the General Secretary of the National League for
Democracy donated rice to the impoverished people from all the townships in
the Rangoon Division on two occasions. The first time was on the
anniversary of the National Day (13 Nov 1998) and the second was on 30
November 1998 at about 13:00 hours. The distribution centre was at the NLD
head office at 67B, west Shwegondine Road, Bahan Township.

2. 	Everything went smoothly on the first occasion but on the second
occasion the authorities blockaded the West  Shwegonedine Road when the
time fixed for distribution drew near. This caused great inconvenience and
problems to those who were looking forward to be the beneficiaries of this
charity. An ugly incident that marred this event was experienced by one of
the donees who was handcuffed and prevented by a group of "Lonehtein"
(Special anti-riot police force instituted by the authorities). This
illegal restraint amounts to a criminal offence. The man's poverty and
destitution caused him to struggle and free himself from the shackles to
arrive at the scene with bruised wrists.

3. 	Charitable distribution of food is considered an act of great merit by
Buddhists. We should shower praises on those performing such good deeds.
Buddhist Scriptures teach us that obstructing and preventing the
performance of such charitable acts can earn one a place in the four nether
worlds and denying food to others will transform you after death into a
ghost, ghost, goblin etc in one of the four states of suffering.

4. 	We urge and remind the authorities that they should refrain doing what
is not appropriate.

Central Executive Committee             
National League for Democracy

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XINHUA: MYANMAR CRUDE OIL PRODUCTION DECREASES
5 December, 1998 

YANGON (Dec. 5) XINHUA - Myanmar's crude oil production in the first eight
months was 2.304 million barrels, down 127,000 barrels from 2.431 million
barrels in the same period of last year.

According to the latest official economic indicators issued by the Central
Statistical Organization, the output of natural gas was 1.18 billion
cubic-meters during the period, increasing by 1.443 million cubic-meters
over the corresponding period of last year.

The indicators also show that in the 1997-98 fiscal year, which ended in
March, the country's crude oil production was 3.63 million barrels, while
that of natural gas was recorded at 1.798 billion cubic-meters.

Foreign investment in the sector reached 2.303 billion U.S. dollars at the
end of May this year, accounting for one-third of the over 7 billion
dollars of total foreign investment.

The investment, which came from Australia, Britain, France, Indonesia,
Japan, Malaysia, Thailand and the United States, covered 46 projects.

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

THE NATION: "CARROT" FROM CHILSTON TO RANGOON
3 December, 1998 by Suthichai Yoon
 
THAI TALK

IF the 'Chilston Park' plan remains on track, UN special envoy Alvaro de
Soto will be flying back to Rangoon next month to pursue the latest
international initiative offering a new ''carrot'' to the Burmese military
regime to open a dialogue with the opposition.

When the UN assistant secretary general met leaders of the ruling State
Peace and Development Council (SPDC) last time in October, this year, he
sprang a surprise on them -- the UN and the World Bank, he told them, were
willing to discuss the possibility of offering humanitarian and technical
assistance to Burma if the political deadlock could be broken.

In other words, if the ruling generals and the opposition led by Aung San
Suu Kyi start talking seriously about reconciliation, humanitarian aid
could resume gradually. The preconditions were tough and could prove to be
unacceptable to the strongly entrenched military rulers. But then, the
participants in the formulation of the new approach also detected a sense
of desperation on the part of the Burmese government in coping with the
growing economic difficulties inside Burma.

The preconditions call for the SPDC to release all political prisoners and
allow the opposition party to operate as a political party apart from
permitting freedom of movement to Aung San Suu Kyi. In return, the NLD
would have to stop calling for the convening of Parliament.

Is this, in the face of intensifying economic pressure on the ruling
regime, a ''double'' proposition? Or is it just another hopelessly naive
nonstarter?

''Asean's policy of constructive engagement has failed to get things moving
in a more democratic direction in Burma. The United States' consistent and
high-profile gesture to impose trade and aid sanctions on the military
regime in Rangoon have had no obvious effect either. The European Union's
concerted effort to apply its own pressure there has likewise not produced
any desirable results. We have used a number of sticks which have
apparently not worked. It's time to give out some carrots,'' a diplomat who
took part in the Oct 12-23 informal meeting at Chilston Park in the
southeastern town of Kent in England told me.

The meeting was supposed to be a hush-hush affair. British Foreign Office
Minister Derek Fatchett had initiated the brainstorming session to get the
UN and World Bank directly involved -- and that's when the new approach was
adopted.

''We decided that perhaps the biggest and most effective sanction is the
ongoing Asian economic crisis which has had some clear impact on Burma's
economy. We also decided that instead of applying pressure from the
outside, the new offer should appeal to their self-interests, for both the
military and the opposition,'' another diplomat said.

The 1988 crisis in Burma, after all, began with the skyrocketing rice price
which deteriorated into a political confrontation. This time around, the
military rulers in Burma may be persuaded, if a sufficient set of
incentives was forthcoming, to believe that the economic meltdown could
spark another serious political upheaval.

The Chilston Park meeting was attended by about 40 diplomats from various
interested countries, including five Rangoon-based ambassadors from
Australia, Japan, the Philippines, United Kingdom and the United States.
Thai Deputy Foreign Minister Sukhumband Paribatra also took part in the
deliberations.

Despite the wide-ranging comments over the new move generated by the first
''leak'' in the form of a report in the Nov 26 edition of the International
Herald Tribune, informed diplomats have warned that the gesture is at best
only at its ''preliminary'' stage of sounding out the initial reactions
from both the military rulers and the opposition.

How was the promised US$1 billion ''carrot'' arrived at? Another diplomat
who was also present during the discussions said: ''It's just a
hypothetical figure. Someone just mentioned the number out of the blue.
Someone else said Vietnam's overseas development assistance was around US$2
billion annually. So, Burma, with half of Vietnam's population, should
probably get half that amount.''

But he cautioned that the move is nowhere near the stage where the
international community can even start talking about how much money will be
involved. It's going to be a step-by-step, a very gradual process. Progress
in the political dialogue would be rewarded by increasing amounts of
humanitarian aid. ''The emphasis is on humanitarian assistance through the
UN. The World Bank's role in offering financial assistance will come later
-- when we see real progress,'' he stressed.

There is obviously still a long way to go. For every diplomat who sees this
initiative as ''the best glimmer of hope yet,'' there is also one who says:
''The chances of success? I give it 10 per cent.'' But even the most
cynical among those who took part in the parley are ready to give political
settlement in Burma another chance.

''Despite our skepticism, I must say this is the best thing we have going
at the moment,'' the diplomat said.

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SOCIETY FOR THREATENED PEOPLES INTERNATIONAL: OPEN LETTER TO KOFI ANNAN
4 December, 1998 from <m.win@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> 

OPEN LETTER

To the United Nations Secretary General Mr. Kofi Annan

Goettingen, December 04, 1998

Society for Threatened Peoples calls on Kofi Annan: Stop premature
concessions to Burmese military junta

Dear Secretary General:

Recently there have been reports in the press that the United Nations are
considering to offer $ 1 billion to the military regime in Burma/Myanmar in
exchange for political concessions. While appreciating your commitment to
bring about change in this country oppressed by a brutal military regime,
the Society for Threatened Peoples International is very concerned about
the envisaged method.

The behaviour of the junta in the past has given no indication whatsoever
of an interest in the well-being of the population. On the contrary:
Countless members of ethnic minorities have been driven away from their
homelands, tortured, murdered. Forced labour is a common feature. The
democratic opposition is being massively oppressed. The regime represents
the interests of nobody but a small group of members of the military elite.
It shows an unveiled indifference, even contempt, to calls for compromise
by the international community.

In our view, if this junta is to get any amount of money from the
international community, there is no reason to believe that they will use
the money for the benefit of the population. But what is even worse is the
legitimation the regime would get out of being awarded money for simply
rescinding a few of the worst of its abuses without being forced to
essential changes. Moreover, the plan would include a punishment of the
democratic opposition, as NLD would have to step back from its call to
convene the parliament. This elected parliament would have to de facto
concede the right to power to the junta.

Dear Secretary General, as a human rights organisation focussing on
minority issues and with consultative status with ECOSOC we fear that such
a development would only lead to support the junta in its fight against the
population of Myanmar/Burma. Instead of funding the government in exchange
for superficial concessions we ask you to provide assistance and help to
the nationalities who suffer from the policy of this regime. The current
leaders will doubtlessly continue to ignore the plights of the people. As
long as they do not allow comprehensive international monitoring of the
situation the international community should not increase the regime's
means to carry on its oppressive and degrading policy against the different
nationalities and the political opposition.

Therefore we ask you to ensure that the plan of exchanging fun-ding for
concessions will not be put into practice. The rulers of Myanmar / Burma
must step back, they must make way for democracy. Please, do not allow the
U.N. to legitimize the regime. Indeed, it seems more appropriate to deprive
the junta of the right to represent Burma at the U.N. rather than to make
financial offers.

Yours sincerely,

Tilman Zülch

Gesellschaft für bedrohte Völker
Imke Rust
Asienreferentin
Postfach 20 24
37010 Göttingen
Tel.: 0551 / 499 06-27, Fax: 0551 / 58028
E-Mail: asien@xxxxxxx
Homepage: http://www.gfbv.de
___________________
Dr. Andreas Selmeci
P.O. Box 2024
37010 Goettingen, Germany
phone:  +49/551/49906-22, fax: +49/551/58028
e-mail: pogrom@xxxxxxx

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BBC: BURMESE RELEASE FOREIGN TOURISTS 
5 December, 1998 

The Burmese authorities have released three foreign tourists arrested three
weeks ago on suspicion of being spies. 

The three -- an American, a Canadian and a German -- were detained as they
entered the country illegally from northern Thailand. 

The tourists, who have returned to Thailand, were questioned for several
days in the city of Taunggyi regarding suspicions that they worked for the
American Central Intelligence Agency, the CIA, or for the US drugs
enforcement agency. 

The tourists say they strayed into Burma as they were riding their rented
motorcycles along a jungle route on the Thai-Burmese border.

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THE NATION: BURMA EXTENDS VISA BAN ON DANES
3 December, 1998 

THE Burmese junta has extended a visa ban on Danish government officials, a
measure seen as a retaliation to Denmark's support in the extension of
collective European visa restrictions on Burmese officials in October.

The Danish foreign ministry was informed last Friday of the extended visa
ban, which had been first imposed in 1996. The document said the ban had
been expanded to include transit visas for senior Danish officials and
their families.

A Danish government official told The Nation yesterday that Burma's
military government had first imposed the visa ban on his country in 1996,
shortly after the European Council approved collective restrictions on
travel to Europe by Burmese government officials and their families.

The official said the 1996 visa ban on Denmark was similar to the one
imposed on Britain this Tuesday.

Apart from officials, the ban also applies to ''persons who formulate or
implement policies that impede the process of a smooth transition into a
multi-party democratic state in the Union of Myanmar [Burma] and their
families''.

Denmark and Britain are two of the 15 European Union nations, which have
been slapped with the Burmese visa ban, for having lobbied for the
imposition of tougher EU visa restrictions on Burma.

The collective restriction, approved by the EU Council on Oct 26, has been
expanded to cover transit visas and authorities in the tourism industry.

The Burmese foreign ministry said the visa ban on Britain resulted from the
UK's interference in Burma's domestic affairs.

A statement added that ''similar restrictions on visas were also being
imposed on Denmark for its anti-Myanmar attitude and actions''.

It added that Rangoon ''had been compelled to adopt these measures owing to
the negative actions of both Britain and Denmark''.

Burma's relations with the two European nations have deteriorated in the
past few years. Copenhagen has protested the death in detention of an
ailing Burmese national, Leo Nichols, who had served as the country's
honorary consul-general. Britain's Labour government had made pre-election
promises to toughen its policy towards the Burmese junta and has been
pushed by human rights and Burmese movements to keep its pledge.

Deputy Foreign Minister Sukhumband Paribatra yesterday said he believed the
ban on Britain was not related to London playing host to a meeting on Burma
in October.

The measure was introduced in response to tough British policies against
human rights violations and the worsening political situation in Burma, he
said.

Sukhumband said the meeting at Chilston Park in Kent was merely a forum to
discuss and exchange ideas on the overall situation of the country.

In response to the ban, the British Foreign Office on Tuesday said the
measure will not dissuade it from pressuring the regime to enter talks with
pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi or from continuing its work for the
improvement of human rights and political situation in the country.

London also plans to support a suspension of Burma's membership in the
International Labour Organisation for its poor records in forced labour and
human rights abuse.

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