BurmaNet News: February 13, 2001

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______________ THE BURMANET NEWS ______________
        An on-line newspaper covering Burma 
         February 13, 2001   Issue # 1735
______________ www.burmanet.org _______________

NOTED IN PASSING: Burma is using the United Wa State Army to wage a 
proxy war with Thailand and all of the Burmese officers along the border 
are getting kickbacks from drug traffickers.

Lt-Gen Wattanachai Chaimuanwong, Thailand?s Third Army Regional 
Commander.  See Bangkok Post: Junta in cahoots with rebels; Peace talks 
halt artillery exchanges

INSIDE BURMA _______
*Shan Herald Agency for News:  Shan commander--Shans no sitting ducks 
for junta troops
*Freedom News: Battle on Keng Tung front
*Myanmar Information Committee (SPDC): Press Conference on offensive 
operations against opium smuggler SURA  insurgents held 

REGIONAL/INTERNATIONAL _______
*Bangkok Post: Junta in cahoots with rebels; Peace talks halt artillery 
exchanges
*Bangkok Post: Thai troops get approval to retaliate without hesitation: 
No casualties in latest exchanges
*Bangkok Post: Fierce clashes were connected: Burmese forces retaliated 
shortly after Ban Pang Noon defeat 
*The Guardian (UK): War of blame after Thai-Burmese border clashes 
*Financial Times (London): Thais in protest to Burma
*Bernama: Myanmar Officials Attend Course Here 
*The Hindu (India): India for gaining foothold in Myanmar to counter 
China 
*Bernama: M'sia Has So Far Trained 214 Myanmar Officials

OPINION/EDITORIALS_______
*Bangkok Post: Fatal result of a flawed policy

OTHER______
*Colorado University International Film Series:   Burma Film event	


__________________ INSIDE BURMA ____________________


Shan Herald Agency for News:  Shan commander--Shans no sitting ducks for 
junta troops

Feb. 13, 2001

As reports of Rangoon sending its crack units to dislodge the Shan armed 
 resistance from the border areas flooded in, the Shan State Army's 
eastern  commander disclosed to S.H.A.N. he would not be engaging in a 
positional  warfare with the Burmese.

Lt-col Kornzuen, better known as Kham to all his friends, confirming  
elements from LIDs (Light Infantry Division) 55 and 99 coming across the 
 Salween, said his Kengtung Front fighters was preparing a "hearty 
welcome"  along the motor roads.

So far there are 7 junta battalions (IB 244, LIBs 316, 330, 334, 335, 
359  and 526) and a 300 -strong Wa reserve unit involved in the 
fighting. 
The Shans took the Pang Noon base, opposite Mae Faluang District, 
Chiangrai  Province, yesterday morning (12 February) after a 3-hour long 
bloody fight.  The retreating LIB 330 (Monghpyak) left 6 dead on the 
battle field. As for  his own casualties, he was still "looking through 
it," he said. 
"The Burmese (military) thought we were easy pickings, and made the same 
 mistake for the second time," Kornzuen told S.H.A.N. The first time 
Rangoon  tried to wrest the area from the SSA was in December 1999, 
after the  latter's ambush on a drug convoy.

Nearly 400 villagers from across the border, most of them Akha and Lahu, 
 fled into Thailand. They are being given temporary refuge at the 
village of  Phyaprai in Mae Faluang District.

The SSA fields 8 brigades and 3 mobile columns. The total strength  
estimates vary from 3,500-7,000. It presents the strongest armed 
opposition  against Rangoon at present.






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Freedom News: Battle on Keng Tung front

12 February 2001


On 11th Feb:2001, at 07:00 hr the combine SPDC troops from 224th, 526th 
and 359th Infantry battalions launched an attack on the SSA camp at Loi 
Kaw Wan. This battle was fought for the whole day and ended by 18:00hr 
in the evening. 

On the morning of 12th Feb:2001, at 06:00hr, SSA troops from the Keng 
Tung front launched an attack on the Burmese camp of Loi Pang Noon 
{which SPDC troops had captured from the Thais on Saturday}. After 3 
hours of fierce fighting, SSA troops recaptured the camp. 20 dead SPDC 
troopers were found. 3 truckloads of their wounded were evacuated from 
the battlefield. The battle spoil is still on count.  




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Myanmar Information Committee (SPDC): Press Conference on offensive 
operations against opium smuggler SURA  insurgents held 

[BurmaNet adds?The Myanmar Information Committee is part of the regime?s 
Ministry of Information]


Yangon, 12 Feb - A Press Conference on offensive operations against 
opium  smuggler SURA insurgents in Tachilek, Kyahtina, Lwekhanchon and 
Lwemahsoak  regions was held at Tatmadaw Guest House on Inya Road this 
evening. Present  were Head of Department of Office of Strategic Studies 
Col Kyaw Thein,  Managing Director of News and Periodicals Enterprise U 
Tin Kha, Director  (News) U Hla Tun, chief editors of dailies, Patron of 
Myanmar Foreign  Correspondents Club U Sein Win, President U Sao Kai Pha 
and member  correspondents and officials of the Ministry of Defence. Col 
Kyaw Thein said  that it was learnt that about-150-strong group under 
the command of Ywet Sit  had set up nine camps in Kyahtina region 
(estimated U-598642), Lwekhanchon  region (estimated U-673601), 
Lwemahsoak region (estimated U-501642) in  Triangle Region Command along 
Myanmar-Thai border, and along the border area  to the north of 
Mahintet, Thailand. According to that information, one  tactical 
operations command and four battalions of Regional Control Command  
(Mongphyat) launched offensive operations. 

Two clashes broke out on 8 February, two on 9 February, and there were 
also  other skirmishes. Eight Tatmadawmen fell and 10 were injured. Two 
enemies  were captured dead, two weapons seized and two camp hillocks 
occupied. SURA  insurgent camps were stationed along Myanmar-Thai 
border. If heavy weapons  had been fired, the shells could have fallen 
inside the territory of  Thailand. So great care was taken in launching 
offensive operations. The  hillocks of enemies were contiguous to the 
border demarcation line, and opium  smuggler SURA insurgents attacked 
the Tatmadaw columns from the hillocks. The  Tatmadaw columns had to 
attack the enemies, making sure that no bullets fell  inside the 
territory of Thailand. Opium smuggler SURA insurgents put up a  fierce 
defensive attack. Hillock No 1 is contiguous to the hillock where a  
military unit commanded by Maj Htan Nee of Royal Thai Army was 
stationed.  

As Maj Htan Nee and his unit withdrew from that hillock, the Tatmadaw 
columns  took up their position at that place in view of security and 
location. While  the Tatmadaw columns were getting ready to withdraw 
from that hillock as they  were not sure whether that hillock was inside 
their territory, heavy weapons  inside the Thai territory fired at the 
hillock. The Tatmadawmen got wounded,  so the withdrawal of Tatmadaw 
columns was delayed. Commander of Triangle  Region Command Maj-Gen Thein 
Sein met with Tactical Operations Commander of  Chinrai Maj Htawat in 
Tachilek and discussed the situation. Maj-Gen Thein  Sein explained that 
the Tatmadaw columns were attacking only the strongholds  of Ywet Sit 
and his insurgent group, that they didn't have any intention of  
trespassing on Thai territory. 
But Thai troops seemed to be assisting Ywet Sit and his group in 
attacking  the Tatmadaw columns. Commander of Royal Thai Army General 
Surayoad said that  Myanma Tatmadaw columns had taken a Thai people 
militia camp and ordered the  Tatmadaw columns to withdrawal from the 
Thai territory within 16 hours on 10  February. Likewise, Commander of 
No 3 Thai Command Lt-Gen Watnachai said that  Myanma Tatmadaw intruded 
into the Thai territory and that retaliatory  measures would be taken. 
The Tatmadaw columns, attaching great importance to  the friendship 
between the two Tatmadaws, acted with great care and attacked  opium 
smuggler SURA insurgent groups. 

The Chief of Staff's Office and the Commander-in-Chief (Army)'s Office 
of  Royal Thai Army were informed of the developments of the fighting 
through  Myanmar Military Attach's Office in Bangkok, and measures were 
coordinated.  At about 05.10 am on 11 February, some enemies, using 
heavy and small  weapons, launched an attack on E-7 hillock which is 
located near the border  demarcation line and lies on the route to 
Monghsat near Tachilek. The enemies  from the side of Aungzeya Hillock 
in Maisai, Thailand, fired heavy weapons at  E-7 hillock. Altogether 48 
shells of heavy weapons were fired on E-7 hillock.  Four Tatmadawmen 
fell and five got wounded. 

The Tatmadaw columns launched counter-attacks on the enemies. At that 
time,  the enemies fired 10 shells of heavy weapons into Tachilek. Two 
shells fell  and exploded in Ponhton Ward in Tachilek and two on the 
hill of Ngwetaung  Monastery. In addition, the shells of heavy weapons 
fell and exploded in  Wankaung Ward, Talot Ward and Talot Market, 
Haungleik Village, Pahlyan Ward-2  and at the round-abouts near the head 
of the friendship bridge. It was found  that not only were these shells 
fired by SURA insurgents, but they also came  from the side of Thailand. 
Three innocent people from Tachilek were killed  and 15 got wounded. 
Seven houses, one Buddhist monastery, one church, three  shops and three 
motor vehicles were damaged in Ponhton Ward.  

However, the Thai newspapers dated 12 February stated that the shells 
fired  from the side of Myanmar fell and exploded in Maisai, two Thai 
civilians were  killed, and seven military personnel and eight civilians 
were wounded, and  moreover, Commander of No 3 Military Command of 
Thailand Lt-Gen Watnachai  said that Myanmar Tatmadaw units had intruded 
into the territory of Thailand;  he would not at all forgive them; he 
would retaliate with the use of force,  regardless of loss of lives. As 
E-7 is a disputed hillock between the two  nations, Thai military units, 
putting SURA to the front and giving them  covering fire from the rear, 
launched the attacks. 

But, General Surayode and Lt-Gen Watnachai both made accusations that it 
was  as if the Tatmadaw launched the attacks one-sidedly. On 11 
February, Royal  Thai Army blocked the friendship bridge between 
Tachilek and Maisai, and not  only assisted SURA in attacking E-7 
hillock but also fired heavy weapons into  Tachilek. The Tatmadaw 
columns did not at all fire heavy weapons into Maisai.  Attaching great 
importance to the friendship of the two Tatmadaws, Myanmar  Tatmadaw 
columns launched the attacks with great care. Measures are being  taken 
to solve this matter through township-level border committees. However,  
it is hard to make out the attitude of some Thai Tatmadaw leaders. 
Myanmar  Tatmadaw, on its part, will solve border problems in a peaceful 
way, taking  the friendship between the two nations and between the two 
Tatmadaws into  consideration. Beginning 6.00 am on 12 February, 
Tachilek-Maisai friendship  bridge has been reopened by both sides. It 
is also learnt that Deputy  Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung 
Win summoned Thai Ambassador Mr Oun  Maolanon at 5 pm today and 
delivered an Aide Memoire. 


___________________ REGIONAL/INTERNATIONAL___________________
				


Bangkok Post: Junta in cahoots with rebels; Peace talks halt artillery 
exchanges

February 13, 2001 


Burma is using the United Wa State Army to wage a proxy war with 
Thailand and all of the Burmese officers along the border are getting 
kickbacks from drug traffickers, the Third Army commander said 
yesterday. 

Officers of all Burmese battalions based along the border had vested 
interests from the drug trade dominated by the Red Wa and 
under-the-table money from traders, said Lt-Gen Wattanachai 
Chaimuanwong. 

Burmese forces were supporting the Red Wa to produce drugs in areas 
opposite Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, and to expand their production base 
to areas opposite Mae Hong Son, he said. 

Burmese soldiers also captured a Thai base at Ban Pang Noon in Mae Fah 
Luang district, Chiang Rai, because the base posed an obstacle to 
trafficking. 

"The fact Burmese soldiers are involved in the drug trade explains why 
the production of narcotics in Burma has continued to flourish. We 
believe we have been able to seize only 10% of the whole production," he 
said. 

Also, Burmese soldiers were illegally taxing border traders to line 
their own pockets, Lt-Gen Wattanachai said. 

The Third Army would continue to watch the border situation closely 
pending the outcome of a meeting of the Thai-Burmese joint regional 
border committee in Chiang Rai today. 

Meanwhile, outgoing Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai said Burmese intruders 
were believed to have suffered heavy casualties at the hands of the Thai 
army. 

Sources from the Third Army had estimated that around 50-80 Burmese 
soldiers were killed while soldiers from Pha Muang Task Force, 
supervising security along Thai-Burmese border, heavily shelled a seized 
outpost early on Saturday morning. 

Mr Chuan said Burmese troops intruded on Thai soil to attack minority 
ethnic rebels. 

The intruders had captured a Thai military base at Ban Pang Noon, Mae 
Fah Luang district, on Thursday, forcing Thai border soldiers to take 
action to repel the intruders, he said. 

"We tried to settle the problem through peaceful means, but Burma did 
not co-operate. This forced Thai soldiers to take retaliatory action." 
Mr Chuan said the situation had returned to normal and border 
checkpoints were reopened yesterday. 

Army chief Gen Surayud Chulanont yesterday confirmed cross-border 
artillery exchanges had stopped after talks between Burma and Thailand 
began at 7.30pm on Sunday. 

After the capture of the base at Ban Pang Noon, Gen Surayud said, the 
Burmese military attache informed the army's directorate of intelligence 
of Rangoon's order for its soldiers not to intrude on Thai soil or to 
engage with Thai soldiers. 

At 10.30am on Saturday, the Thai army attache in Rangoon reported that 
Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, secretary 1 of the ruling State Peace and Development 
Council, had been informed of the border incident and wanted to settle 
the dispute through peaceful negotiation with Thailand. 

He then sent Maj-Gen Teng Seng, commander of the local force, to 
Tachilek to negotiate with the Thai side. Their talks began at 7.30pm on 
Sunday, leading to a halt in cross-border artillery exchanges shortly 
afterwards, Gen Surayud said. 

The army chief confirmed two Thai civilians were killed and nine 
soldiers wounded by Burmese mortar rounds that exploded in Mae Sai 
district town on Sunday. 

The situation had returned to normal and local people evacuated on 
Sunday had returned home, Gen Surayud said. 

Cheewin Sattha 

         


___________________________________________________


 
Bangkok Post: Thai troops get approval to retaliate without hesitation: 
No casualties in latest exchanges 



February 13, 2001 


Thai troops along the border here have been given the green light to 
retaliate against any intruders at once after mortar shells landed in 
Mae Sot district early yesterday morning. 

Seven mortar shells from unidentified forces landed on the field in Ban 
Mae Kon Kane in tambon Mahawan near the 346th border patrol police 
operational base at about 1 am yesterday, border officials said. 

There were no reports of injuries. 

According to border officials, the Sixth Division of Karen National 
Union, opposite Phop Phra district, launched counter attacks on the 
Burmese Palu camp and both forces were involved in heavy artillery 
exchanges for about 20 minutes. Palu camp is a military base of the 
Southeastern Force Command made up of pro-Rangoon troops of the 
Democratic Karen Buddhist Army and Wa, the officials said. 

Palu is also a major transit point for drug traffickers from Burma to 
Thailand. Hundreds of thousands of methamphetamines were seized in Ban 
Mae Kon Kane last year. 

Meanwhile, the Senate committee on military affairs chaired by Gen Harn 
Leelanont yesterday flew to inspect the situation in Mae Sot. 

His team was briefed by Fourth Infantry Regiment Task Force commander 
Col Chainarong Thanaroon. 

Gen Harn also held a meeting with local authorities, deputy governor 
Veeradej Surasit and the Third Army's chief of staff Maj-Gen Narit 
Srinate. 

Supamart Kasem, Tak 


        
___________________________________________________




Bangkok Post: Fierce clashes were connected: Burmese forces retaliated 
shortly after Ban Pang Noon defeat 



February 13, 2001 


Heavy clashes during the weekend between Thai and Burmese security 
forces here and in Mae Sai town were directly related. 

Several hours after Burmese forces suffered heavy casualties at Ban Pang 
Noon, where a Thai forward military outpost was earlier seized by 
Burmese troops, Burmese forces in Tachilek heavily retaliated on 
Saturday morning. 

A security source from the Third Army estimated around 50-80 Burmese 
soldiers were killed while soldiers from Pha Muang Task Force, 
supervising security along the border, shelled a seized outpost after 20 
Thai paramilitary soldiers escaped unharmed from the outpost, located 
around 500m deep inside Thailand. 

The Pha Muang Task Force retaliated with mortar rounds and recoilless 
rifles when their colleagues escaped from the outpost at about 1am on 
Saturday. 

"Burmese soldiers wanted to use the Ban Pang Noon outpost as a rear base 
to assault the Shan State Army, which has its military base along the 
border," one soldier said. 

Thai troops posted at the outpost denied a request by Burmese soldiers 
to use the outpost for the attack. 

Shan forces, commanded by Jao Gong Juen, regularly attack Burmese forces 
and the United Wa State Army, the biggest drug traffickers in the 
region. 

Lt-Gen Wattanchai Chaimuanwong, the Third Army chief, confirmed the 
attacks spurred the Burmese to retaliate. Burmese forces along the 
border area opposite Mae Fah Luang were thought to be involved in drug 
trafficking. 

The Shans' December raid on Muser Abi border village, inside Burma, 
seems to have caused much embarassment to Maj Myo Chit, the area's 
commander. 

A Burmese junior officer accused of providing protection to traffickers 
was kidnapped during the raid, along with 100,000 methamphetamine pills. 


Border areas opposite Mah Fah Luang were regarded by the Pha Muang Task 
Force as the major exit for methamphetamines produced by the United Wa 
State Army. 

Maj Myo Chit tried but failed to dislodge Jao Gong Juen's men from the 
area. It was reported Maj Myo Chit tried to attack Jao Gong Juen on Feb 
5 at Doi Kor Kham, opposite Mae Fah Luang's Ban Phaya Prai. 

The Shans countered and caused heavy casualties to Burmese forces, which 
were unable to capture the Shan base. 

Heavy fighting was also reported on Feb 7 when Maj Myo Chit sent more 
troops to the base. 

A Thai soldier said it would be hard to seize the Shan camp since it was 
located on rough terrain on the Burma side. 

Maj Myo Chit sent his men to negotiate with Thai paramilitary troops in 
Bang Pang Noon, for permission to use the base for the assault. 

"When we turned down their request, they decided instead to seize our 
outpost," said a cavalry soldier. About 250 Burmese soldiers were 
involved in the operation to seize the Shan camp, he said. 

The Third Army had tried to end the dispute peacefully since Burmese 
forces had maintained the outpost was not on Thai soil. 

Fighting intensified on Saturday between 1am and 5am when Third Army 
gunners trained their weapons on the seized outpost hoping to drive out 
the Burmese forces from Thai territory. 

At 5am on the same day, Burmese soldiers who were posted at Wat Phra 
That Jong Kham, which stands on high ground in Mae Sai district, 
launched a surprise attack on Thai soldiers deployed at the nearby area. 
The area where the temple was located was claimed by both sides. 

"They certainly want revenge for their men killed during the fierce 
fight at Mah Fah Luang," the cavalry officer said. Seven Thai soldiers 
were injured here during the brief exchanges with Burmese forces. 

Thai soldiers posted at the border town had been told to strongly 
retaliate after Burmese forces had fired their shells indiscriminately 
into Mae Sai town. 

"The situation could turn more bloody if the Burmese military junta does 
not call for the withdrawal of its forces from our land," said a senior 
officer of the Third Army. 

Subin Khuenkaew, Mae Fah Luang, Chiang Rai 



___________________________________________________




The Guardian (UK): War of blame after Thai-Burmese border clashes 

John Aglionby, South-east Asia correspondent
Tuesday February 13, 2001
The Guardian 

Thailand and Burma intensified their war of words yesterday about who 
was to blame for cross-border fighting at the weekend, some of the 
heaviest in the region in recent years. 

Burma's junta accused the Thai third army of helping the Shan State Army 
(SSA), which is fighting for an autonomous homeland in northern Burma. 
The Thais accused Burmese forces and a group allied to them, the United 
Wa State army, of infiltrating Thailand to attack the SSA. 

While all this was going on, the junta was commemorating the 1947 
agreement that led to Burmese independence from Britain. General Than 
Shwe said in a speech that Rangoon wanted "a flourishing and disciplined 
democracy" based not on western ideals but principles suited to the 
Burmese. He gave no time, but any election is likely to be at least two 
years away. 

Opposition campaigners believe the military is unlikely to introduce any 
new system it does not control. 

Colonel Kyaw Thein, a military spokesman, was reported as saying in the 
capital Rangoon that Thai troops had helped SSA forces shell Burmese 
positions near the town of Tachilek on Sunday. He said 14 soldiers and 
two civilians had been killed, and almost 70 soldiers and civilians 
hurt. 

At least two Thai civilians were killed and more than a dozen injured in 
Mae Sai town when the Burmese retaliated. Residents started trickling 
back to their homes yesterday after Sunday's eight-hour bombardment but 
few shops opened. 

"We haven't experienced fighting on this scale for years," said one 
shopkeeper. 

Captain Songkarn Nilphan of the Thai army, commander of the unit that 
retook the Pang Noon border base yesterday morning, said almost 100 
Burmese troops were killed. 

The fighting began on Saturday when Burmese forces seized the Pang Noon 
base just inside Thailand and then started firing back into Burma, 
presumably at the Shan rebels. 

Rangoon says that the SSA runs much of the drug trade in the region. 
Most observers say the Wa are behing the drugs flooding Thailand. 

The Burmese ambassador to Thailand was summoned to the foreign ministry 
in Bangkok to explain his country's actions but Thailand's prime 
minister-elect, Thaksin Shinawatra, appeared keen to stop the 
confrontation from getting worse and said he would visit Burma as soon 
as his cabinet had been sworn in later this week. 

His coalition partner, former prime minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, is 
thought to have close ties to Burma's military. 

Gen Shwe did not mention the border tensions in his Union Day speech 
yesterday, but he appeared more optimistic than in previous years about 
pluralist politics. 

"Success has been achieved to a significant extent in building national 
reconciliation," he said of secret talks with the opposition National 
League for Democracy. It easily won the 1990 election but has never been 
allowed to govern.


___________________________________________________


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Financial Times (London): Thais in protest to Burma 


February 13, 2001

By AMY KAZMIN 


Thais in protest to Burma 

Thailand yesterday lodged a formal diplomatic protest against Burma 
after fighting between the Burmese military and ethnic minority rebels 
spilled into the Thai border town of Mae Sai, killing two people and 
injuring dozens of others. 

Thai officials said stray mortars and bullets rained on the normally 
bustling border town of Mae Sai at the weekend as Burma's military made 
an offensive against ethnic Shan rebels fighting in the area. Thai 
soldiers fired on Burmese troops in return. Amy Kazmin, Bangkok 



___________________________________________________



Bernama: Myanmar Officials Attend Course Here 

February 12, 2001 


KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 12 (Bernama) -- Ten Myanmar diplomats and 
administrators are attending a two-week special training course here to 
better understand the development of Malaysia and Japan. 

The course, opened by Patricia Chia Yoon Moi, Director of External 
Assistance Division of the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) of the Prime 
Minister's Department, today, was also attended by two Malaysian 
officials. 

It is aimed at enabling Myanmar's officers to learn the theory, history 
and practices in politics and world economics, with special emphasis on 
the Malaysian and Japanese development models. 

One of the participants, Kyaw Ye Min, Head of Branch 1 of the Myanmar 
Foreign Affairs Ministry, hoped that the course would serve as a 
launching pad for Myanmar government officials to network with Malaysian 
and Japanese public and private sector officials. 

"After this course I think I'll have deeper knowledge of globalisation 
and international politics and economics to use when working and 
liaising with Japanese and Malaysian public and private sector 
officials," he told Bernama after the opening ceremony. 

His colleague, Kyaw Swa, an assistant director in the same ministry, 
shared his views and hoped to tap the Malaysian and Japanese national 
strategy, with a view to facilitating Myanmar's socio-economic 
development. 

The participants will also visit Wisma Putra, EPU, the Malaysian 
Industrial Development Authority (Mida), a Japanese factory in Shah Alam 
and Carey Island and spend a night in Melaka. 

The course is organised by the International Institute of Public Policy 
and Management (Inpuma), which was jointly established by the University 
of Malaya, and the National Institute of Public Administration (Intan), 
and co-sponsored by the EPU and the Japan International Cooperation 
Agency (Jica). 


___________________________________________________


         
The Hindu (India): India for gaining foothold in Myanmar to counter 
China 


February 13, 2001 



IMPHAL, FEB. 12 The External Affairs Minister, Mr. Jaswant Singh, will 
cross the international border into Myanmar tomorrow to begin what could 
prove to be the most serious engagement with Yangon since the visit of 
the late Prime Minister, Rajiv Gandhi, in December 1987. 

Mr. Singh, who has been invited by his Myanmar counterpart, Mr. U. Wing 
Aung, will inaugurate a 130 km road built by India, apart from holding 
meetings with the top leadership of the State Peace and Development 
Council. 

He is likely to call on the SPDC Chairman, Gen. Than Shwe, the 
intelligence chief, Lt. Gen. Khin Nyunt, apart from holding talks with 
Mr. Aung. 

Mr. Singh's visit has been preceded by contacts at various levels, the 
most significant being the visit by the Myanmar Army Chief, Gen. Maung 
Aye, to India last November. 

It is a known fact that India is keen on combating the growing influence 
of the Chinese in Myanmar. 

A journalist and writer on Myanmar, Mr. Bertil Lintner, claims that arms 
worth between one and two billion dollars have been delivered by China 
to Myanmar in the 1990s. 

In a recent paper, Mr. Lintner said: "Of particular concern to India has 
been Chinese support for upgrading Burma (Myanmar's) naval facilities - 
including at least four electronic listening posts along the Bay of 
Bengal and the Andaman Sea: Man- aung on an island off the coast of 
western Arakan, or Rakhine, State; Hainggyi Island in the Irrawady 
delta, Zadetkyi (St. Matthew) Island just north of the entrance to the 
Malacca Strait, and the strategically important Coco Islands just north 
of India's Andaman islands...." 

According to Mr. Lintner, the Chinese interest (in Myanmar) has 
increased after India getting involved in Myanmar. He claims that India 
is now supplying non-lethal military equipment to Myanmar, including 
uniforms and other combat gear. 

He claims, quoting intelligence sources, that the Chinese want to 
transport goods from Bhamo on the Irrawady river (close to the Chinese 
border) to Minhla, some 1000 km down river. "From Minhla, a road is 
being built across the Arakan Yoma mountain range, running via An to 
Kyaukpyu on the coast. Kyaukpyu has been chosen as the site for a new 
deep water port." 

Kyaukpyu, which lies at the northern end of the offshore island of 
Ramree in Combermere Bay, an inlet of the Bay of Bengal, is 400 km 
north-west of Yangon. It has an excellent natural harbour and is a 
regular port of call for steamers in the rice trade between Yangon and 
Calcutta. 

There are also reports of tens of thousands of illegal Chinese migrants 
having entered northern Myanmar and taken control of businesses there. 
This, apparently, has also caused tensions with the local population. 

The Chinese, clearly, are far ahead of India in Myanmar. Rather than 
looking at the issue in terms of "strategic competition", India must do 
whatever it can to promote trade, build infrastructure and have a 
cordial relationship with Myanmar at all levels. 

The "strategic direction" taken by China to it's neighbourhood was spelt 
out in no uncertain terms by the Chinese Premier, Mr. Zhu Rongji, at the 
ASEAN-China summit in Singapore in November. "In the new century, China 
will enter a stage of developing a well-to-do society in an all-round 
manner accelerating the modernisation drive. To achieve this grand 
objective that we have set for us, we need a surrounding environment 
conducive to stability and development," Mr. Zhu said. 


___________________________________________________



Bernama: M'sia Has So Far Trained 214 Myanmar Officials  


February 12, 2001, Monday 



KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 12, 2001 

Malaysia, which supports Myanmar in its nation-building efforts, will 
continue to share development experiences, particularly in human 
resource development in the spirit of South-South co-operation, it was 
annoounced today. 

Patricia Chia Yoon Moi, director of the external assistance division in 
the Economic Planning Unit of the Prime Minister's Department, said 
Malaysia had so far trained 214 Myanmar officials in several development 
areas like project planning management, productivity management, central 
banking, oil palm plantation management, crisis management and 
veterinary services management. 

She said Malaysia had maintained close relations with Myanmar in line 
with ASEAN's policy of constructive engagement. 

Recent years had seen closer personal rapport between leaders and 
officials from both sides, said Chia at the opening of a training course 
on international politics and economic matters for Myanmar diplomats and 
administrators. 

The course, which ends on Feb 25, is organised by the International 
Institute of Public Policy and Management of Universiti Malaya here. 

Malaysia, Chia said, had extended technical assistance to Myanmar since 
1983. 

In addition, three study visits were undertaken by Myanmar officials to 
Malaysia since 1995 in the areas of forestry, privatisation and 
industrial development. 

Universiti Malaya's deputy vice chancellor, Prof Ir. Dr Mashkuri Yaacob, 
said the training programme would give insights to a wide range of 
global issues in politics, economics and trade with special emphasis on 
experiences in Japane and Malaysia. 




_______________ ECONOMY AND BUSINESS _______________
 



________________OPINION/EDITORIALS_______________



Bangkok Post: Fatal result of a flawed policy 


February 13, 2001 


The spillover of fighting between the Burmese army and its internal 
friends and enemies is unacceptable. Two Thai citizens died in a 
reckless shelling that crossed the border into one of the busiest border 
district towns. Other Thai civilians and military men were wounded by 
careless and rash shelling and gunfire. Burma must cease such attacks 
immediately, and prevent such wanton violence in the future. Rangoon 
owes Thailand an apology, and restitution to the victims and their 
survivors. 

The Thai army acted swiftly and professionally. Troops moved rapidly, 
and responded properly. They helped civilians find cover, protected the 
frontier, and responded to cross-border fire with fire. The military 
response showed that recent attempts to trim and train the army have 
paid off in continuously improving border security. 

It was equally encouraging to see a rapid response from our Foreign 
Ministry to Sunday's outrage. A spokesman was on hand to keep the public 
and the world media informed. In the field, officials worked to try to 
convene the proper border committees. The first thing that Ambassador 
Hla Maung saw when he arrived at work yesterday morning was a letter 
from the Foreign Ministry inviting him to receive a formal protest. 

The response of the Foreign Ministry must be matched quickly by an 
equally responsible response from the brand new government. It may give 
too much credit to Rangoon to note that, once again, the Burmese army 
has launched a deadly attack on Thailand while a government is still 
being formed. In a similar incident some four years ago, incoming Prime 
Minister Chuan Leekpai was firmly critical of Rangoon's incursion. Prime 
Minister Thaksin Shinawatra can do no less. 

All of this, and more, constitute the correct Thai response. But it is 
not enough. Border violations have become a regular part of Burmese 
policy in recent years. Sunday's deadly violence served to highlight 
continuing assaults and intrusions along the border. Nor can Burma 
escape responsibility with yet another claim that its troops did not 
commit the actual shelling. Behind the border problems lie Burmese 
policies that are profoundly flawed and inevitably murderous to innocent 
people in Thailand. 

The Sunday outrage highlighted the questionable Burmese policy to force 
Shan people out of areas across from northern Thailand. By impelling the 
Shan to move south, Burma can put its new Wa allies in firm control of 
the opium-growing areas. 

The weekend incursion occurred as the Shan State Army fought a heavy 
battle against an allied force of the Burmese army and the United Wa 
State Army. Burma continues to acquiesce and encourage the Wa, who are 
behind the region's disastrous methamphetamine epidemic, and now are 
virtually in control of heroin trafficking as well. 

This is not an internal affair of Burma. Thais are dying, and their 
homes and businesses are threatened and attacked. In recent years, 
Burmese policy has never succeeded in securing the dangerous frontier. 
Each new step by Rangoon has increased the dangers and escalated the 
violence against Thailand. 

Mr Thaksin, Asean friends and the rest of the world must convince Burma 
that its troubles come from deep within. Burmese policies encourage drug 
traffickers. In turn, the trafficking threatens and subverts neighbours. 
The image of the region suffers as potential investors see violence and 
death. three-day trip to Burma today. The first item on his agenda will 
be how to prevent Burmese drug trafficking into, and through, India. Mr 
Singh, Mr Thaksin and others must make it clear to the Burmese dictators 
that their policies are badly flawed. Until the junta changes, more 
violence and death may be inevitable. 





______________________OTHER______________________



Colorado University International Film Series:   Burma Film event


The CU International Film Series is presenting on Wednesday, March 14, 
2001 two documentary feature films: 

"THE LAST MAHADEVI", featuring Inge Sargent, at 7:00pm
"BURMA ENDANGERED LAND", directed by Trung Nguyen, at 9:00pm. 

Both films will be followed by a Q&A session with Inge Sargent and Trung 
Nguyen in person. The event will also be a fundraiser for Burma 
Lifeline, a non-profit Burma relief organization founded by Mrs. Sargent 
and dedicated to helping Burmese refugees. Admission for both shows 
together is $8 adult, $6 student. It's your opportunity to help 
refugees, $8 feeds a family of 4 for a month..

THE LAST MAHADEVI is a German-made documentary about the life of Inge 
Sargent as a Princess in Burma. Interviews, home movies and still images 
take us to Austria, Burma and Colorado to tell Mrs. Sargent's 
fascinating story. A shortened German-language version of the film has 
been widely viewed on television in Europe. 
BURMA ENDANGERED LAND is a cultural, political and human journey through 
the heart of Burma and its people, directed by Boulder resident Trung 
Nguyen. It is in many ways complementary to the first film. This 
beautiful documentary reaches Hsipaw, the Burmese town where Inge 
Sargent lived, and winds up in one of the refugee camps along the 
Thai-Burma border. 

On Friday, March 9, the Boulder Daily Camera is publishing in the art 
section of its newspaper an article featuring the films, Burma, Inge 
Sargent and Trung Nguyen. 
The CU International Film Series takes place on CU campus at Muenzinger 
Auditorium (building #60, E6-F6 on the grid below), walking distance 
straight West of Folsom Field stadium. Pay parking lot is available by 
Euclid Avenue (parking #24, G5-H5). 

For more info, contact Trung Nguyen at nguyen.trung@xxxxxxxxx 




________________


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Burma News Summaries available by email or the web

There are three Burma news digest services available via either email or 
the web.

Burma News Update
Frequency: Biweekly
Availability: By fax or the web.
Viewable online at http://www.soros.org/burma/burmanewsupdate/index.html
Cost: Free
Published by: Open Society Institute, Burma Project

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Frequency: Weekly 
Availability: E-mail, fax or post.  To subscribe or unsubscribe by email 
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Viewable on line at: http://www.egroups.com/group/BurmaCourier
Cost: Free
Note: News sources are cited at the beginning of an article. 
Interpretive comments and background
details are often added.

Burma Today
Frequency: Weekly
Availability: E-mail
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To subscribe, write to pdburma@xxxxxxxxx
Cost: Free
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Promoting Democracy in Burma)




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