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BURMA RELATED NEWS - NOV - 9, 2000. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- HEADLINE
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Reuters - Myanmar could win ILO sanctions
reprieve-source
AFP - Bomb blast at Vientiane
airport
AP - Myanmar State Press Denounces Corrupt
Traders
CNN - U.N. agency still questions Myanmar stance
on use of forced labor
ABC online - Burma
making some progress on force labour say ILO experts
The Hindu - Myanmar
for balanced ties with India, China
Fart Eastern Economic Review - BURMA -
Tightening The Noose
Xinhua - Myanmar
Leader Calls for Producing Standardized Motor Vehicles
WIRE:11/08/2000 13:45:00 ET
Myanmar could win ILO sanctions reprieve-source GENEVA, Nov 8 (Reuters) -
Myanmar could avoid new sanctions over the use of forced labour next week by
persuading the International Labour Organisation it has made sufficient movement
towards a ban on the abuse, a diplomatic source said on Wednesday. The
south-east Asian state is already a virtual pariah after bloodily crushing a
1988 uprising, refusing to recognise the victory of pro-democracy leader Aung
San Suu Kyi in a 1990 election and flooding neighbouring states with illegal
drugs.
An ILO report on its labour policy, to be presented to policy-makers on
Monday, says the military government"s effort to make laws conform to an
international treaty banning forced labour "leaves a deficiency" with regard to
ILO demands. But a source familiar with ILO policy said the concessions could
still persuade the 174-nation body to tone down a call for governments and
international organisations to strengthen sanctions -- a move it threatened to
carry out at its annual meeting in June unless the junta changed tack by
November 30.
The ILO"s Governing Body, meeting in Geneva from November 2 to 17, will
consider Myanmar"s response from next Monday. "It is more probable that they
will strike some sort of compromise and put some of this on hold," the source
said. The governing body will debate a report compiled by five ILO experts after
meetings last month with Yangon"s military rulers, including Lt.-Gen Khin Nyunt,
the powerful Secretary One of the State Peace and Development Council and
intelligence chief.
The report, which includes letters from the ministers of labour, home
affairs and foreign affairs, shows Myanmar has not directly met demands to pass
legislation banning forced labour, which a 1998 ILO inquiry ruled was
"widespread and systematic." But a letter from Myanmar"s Department of Labour,
dated October 31 -- five days after the fact-finders left -- gave details of
steps towards a forced labour ban, which a diplomatic source said could avert
the full weight of ILO sanctions.
The prospect of sanctions from ILO member governments and other U.N.
organisations looked to have twisted Yangon"s arm -- though probably not enough
to win ILO approval, the source said. The dispute centres on Myanmar"s Towns Act
and Village Act, which the government says reflect traditional cooperative
involvement in local building projects, but which the ILO says amount to legal
authorisation of effective slave labour.
Trade unions have estimated that more than 800,000 Burmese are conscripted
with little or no pay as army porters or construction and agriculture in
slave-like conditions. Yangon has long withstood Western pressure to transform
its dictatorial regime into a more open and tolerant society despite sanctions
imposed by many of the world"s large economies.
These curbs have had little effect on the impoverished country because its
economy has long been shut off from the world and has never really had full
international exposure.
Thursday, November 9 1:19 PM SGT
Bomb blast at Vientiane airport VIENTIANE, Nov 9 (AFP) - A bomb
exploded at Vientiane international airport Thursday, wounding at least three
people on the eve of a Southeast Asian foreign ministers meeting here, witnesses
and diplomats told AFP.
The bomb went off at 10:00 am (0300 gmt), just an hour and a half before
the foreign minister of Laos's main ally Vietnam, Nguyen Dy Nien, flew in from
Hanoi for the meeting, one diplomat said.
The blast seriously injured an airport cleaner and also hurt a waiter and a
taxi driver, the diplomat said.
A witness at the airport told AFP that two of the casualities died from
their injuries.
Police would not let an AFP correspondent near the domestic terminal,
outside which the bomb went off.
But diplomats said that shrapnel damage was visible on a sign
outside.
The bomb was the latest in a spate of mystery bombings to have rocked the
Lao capital in recent months in which at least 40 people have been hurt, some of
them seriously.
Thursday's blast came as Indian Foreign Minister Jaswant Singh held talks
here ahead of the foreign ministers' meeting Friday.
He is to be joined by the foreign ministers of Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and
Thailand as well as Laos and Vietnam.
Thursday, November 9 2:07 PM SGT
Myanmar State Press Denounces Corrupt Traders YANGON (AP)--Taking a break
from its usual vitriolic attacks on the country's pro-democracy movement, a
state-run newspaper Thursday blasted "unscrupulous businessmen" and "corrupt
officials" for smuggling luxury foreign goods into the country and lacking
patriotic spirit.
"Some avaricious businessmen smuggled out cattle, precious stones and
timber into a neighboring country and smuggled in banned items such as toys, and
luxury foreign goods such as cigarettes and liquor," wrote the pseudonymous
commentator "Pauk Sa" in the Myanma Ahlin daily.
The author did not identify the "neighboring country" but border trade
between Myanmar and Thailand has often created problems between the two
governments.
Myanmar restricts the import of more than 20 categories of goods, including
beverages, biscuits, fresh fruit, canned food and cigarettes. The import of
luxury goods is banned.
"The people of Myanmar will be happy if businessmen can take part in the
country's market-oriented economic system with honesty and patriotic spirit,"
said the newspaper commentary.
"Likewise, some officials from the customs department and border trade
department who are involved in implementing the country's economic development
should carry out their duties with patriotism for the welfare of the people."
It urged "unscrupulous businessmen,", "a handful of people who think highly
of foreign goods," and "some corrupt officials" to work for the benefit of the
people and the country.
The military regime, which took power in 1988, instituted limited economic
liberalization, particular encouraging foreign investment, but kept many trade
and currency restrictions.
CNN - U.N. agency
still questions Myanmar stance on use of forced
labor
November 8, 2000 Web posted at: 8:45 PM HKT (1245 GMT) GENEVA, Switzerland (AP) -- Myanmar has made progress in improving its laws
but it is less clear what is actually being done to stop the use of forced
labor, a U.N. labor agency report said Wednesday.
The 52-page report followed a weeklong visit to Myanmar last month by a
five-member delegation from the International Labor Organization.
It was unclear whether findings in the report will help stave off proposed
unprecedented action against Myanmar next week by the ILO's governing body.
ILO delegates voted in June to recommend that ILO members _ governments,
workers and employers -- "review their links with Myanmar and take appropriate
measures to ensure (Myanmar) cannot take advantage of such relations to
perpetuate or extend the system of forced or compulsory labor."
But the resolution, which was opposed by Asian nations, put off action
until the governing body's meeting.
Myanmar, also known as Burma, has long been assailed by the United Nations
and Western countries for suppression of democracy and its human rights record
-- including use of unpaid civilian labor on infrastructure projects.
Its government has said civilians contribute their labor voluntarily to
promote development of the nation.
Much of the ILO's effort has focused on amendment of provisions in
Myanmar's Village Act and Towns Act, which bind residents to perform any "public
duties" requested of them or face punishment.
"Progress has been made" on that front, the ILO report said. "Progress is
far less in evidence in terms of appropriate executive measures and the
accompanying administrative and budgetary measures."
Myanmar officials in Geneva were not immediately available for comment.
The military has ruled Myanmar since 1962. The current regime organized a
general election in 1990 but refused to yield power to the victorious party of
pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
ABC online - Nov 9,
2000.
Burma making some progress on force labour say ILO experts A new report by the International Labour Organisation says Burma has made
progress in changing its laws to end the use of forced labour.
The I-L-O report found however, there was far less progress by Burma in
putting legislative changes into practice.
A team of experts, who have just finished a six-day mission to Rangoon,
says progress is far less in evidence in terms of appropriate executive,
administrative and budgetary measures.
The report comes ahead of a discussion next week by the I-L-O'sgoverning
body on whether to recommend its member states review their relations with Burma
over the use of forced labour.
The I-L-O wants the country to comply with recommendations made by a 1998
committee of inquiry which found use of forced labour to be widespread and
systematic.
The Hindu
Myanmar for balanced ties with India, China By Our Staff Reporter CHENNAI, NOV. 8. Myanmar strives for ``balanced'' relations with both its
major neighbours, India and China, the visiting Myanmarese Home Minister, Col.
Tin Hlaing, said today.
Myanmar's relations with India, which was ``very good and cordial'' did not
hamper or impede his country's relations with China, he told The Hindu, at the
Indo- Myanmarese Buddhist temple at Padianallur here.
India stepped up diplomatic efforts with Yangon after the reported presence
of Chinese naval forces in the Bay of Bengal and also after reports of the
possibility of China setting up a base in that country. The recent rejuvenation
in Indo-Myanmar relations were the result of the ``desire of both countries to
come closer'' and ``explore possibilities for further cooperation in various
spheres,'' he said. India was training Myanmarese military personnel, he said
and added that India had a lot to offer to upgrade information technology
capability in his country. Besides, military and civilian authorities in border
states of both countries have stepped up efforts against trafficking of
narcotics and smuggling of contraband.
Col. Hlaing, who is on the last leg of his India visit, said that a senior
leader of the military junta will visit New Delhi shortly to cement the relation
further. Col. Hlaing, who was here ``on an invitation from the Indian Union Home
Minister,'' said that his present visit covered Calcutta, New Delhi, Patna,
Agra, Hyderabad and Bangalore.
The process of his country returning to democracy was ``in progress'' but
no deadline could be put for a return to democracy. On the issue of the
restriction of movement of the pro-democracy leader, Ms. Aung Suu Kyi and her
frequent house arrests, he said that the Myanmarese authorities were ``working
on the issue closely with United Nations officials.'' A team sent by the U.N.
Secretary-General had met Ms. Aung Suu Kyi and the issue of greater freedom for
her was being discussed, he said and added that the authorities treated the
leader with great regard and consideration.
Six fishermen, who had reached the shores of Tamil Nadu after a storm set
their boat adrift some months ago, met the Minister today and requested his
intervention to speed up the repatriation process.
Far Eastern Economic Review
BURMA - Tightening The Noose Rangoon's military junta seems bent on finishing off the main opposition party this year--a further strain on its ties with the EU and Asean By Bertil Lintner/BANGKOK Issue cover-dated November 16, 2000 IT'S OFFICIAL: MOST ELIGIBLE voters in Burma think the country's main
opposition party should be dissolved. That's the message from the
government-controlled press, which has reported on a wave of hostility toward
the National League for Democracy, or NLD, around the country in recent weeks.
For example, the Myanma Alin newspaper reported that all 99,542 people at
three rallies on September 2 in the Prome area north of Rangoon supported a
petition to disband the NLD, which is looking increasingly vulnerable. Since
there are 101,817 registered voters in the same area, Burma's military
authorities proudly announced that 99.77% of the electorate wanted the NLD to be
dissolved.
The same scene is being repeated and reported on all over Burma as the
generals try to give a veneer of legality to their latest and most severe
assault on the NLD in years.
What the press doesn't say is that voters are being forced to attend the
mass rallies--which, first launched in 1999, have been stepped up in the second
half of this year--and to support the petition. Those who don't attend risk
losing their jobs and government benefits, or worse, Rangoon residents
say.
This fresh campaign seems aimed at finally silencing the dwindling
pro-democracy movement at a time when it's on its knees. The entire leadership
of the NLD is under effective detention, most of the party's offices around the
country have been forced shut, and an eviction order has been slapped on its
Rangoon headquarters.
The ruling military junta, enraged by renewed opposition provocations, has
ordered the Home Ministry's secret police to finish off the NLD before the end
of the year, according to Rangoon residents.
"Believe me, the military is trying to finish the game," says a student
activist working underground in Burma. With the NLD at such a low ebb, the
chances are they will succeed.
The situation took a turn for the worse after a stand-off at Rangoon's
railway station in late September. NLD leaders Aung San Suu Kyi and Tin Oo and
some of their supporters tried to board a train bound for the northern city of
Mandalay, where they planned to meet other party members. The station was
surrounded by armed security personnel, and the NLD leaders were brusquely
removed from the premises.
Since then, a Rangoon-based diplomat says, Suu Kyi "has been under virtual
house arrest, detained incommunicado in her compound. Tin Oo, the diplomat says,
is in a military detention centre. Up to 80 people who were taken from the
railway station are still being held in prison.
INTERNATIONAL PRESSURE
While the recent arrests, and the rallies, may convince most Burmese citizens to avoid the NLD, the crackdown is bound to provoke a strong international response, and could even strain relations between Burma and its fellow members in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. From December 11-12, Asean and European Union foreign ministers are
scheduled to hold their 13th formal meeting in Laos, but some diplomats reckon
the event might be scaled down or cancelled because of the crackdown in
Burma.
"If the present situation prevails, it is unthinkable that our foreign
minister would attend an official meeting where Burma's foreign minister is also
present," says a high-ranking European diplomat.
In Brussels, however, one diplomat said Europe was reluctant to let its
distaste for Burma's rulers harm ties with Asean. "We do not want the Burmese
tail to wag the Asean dog." But the diplomat said foreign ministers might decide
not to go to the Lao capital Vientiane if there was a "significant
deterioration" in the situation in Burma.
A former Asean official in Thailand said he understood that some ministers
wouldn't attend the meeting because of Burma's failure to end forced labour. The
UN's International Labour Organisation, or ILO, is considering imposing
sanctions on Burma for its alleged use of forced labour.
"The Burmese government doesn't realise how serious that is," says a
Western diplomat. "If the ILO imposes sanctions on Burma, many other UN agencies
would have to pull out." The junta has consistently denied the forced labour
charges, but numerous studies indicate otherwise, including an October 16 report
by Rajsoomer Lallah, who resigned last week as the UN's special rapporteur on
human rights in Burma due to a lack of support and resources.
Cancellation of the Vientiane meeting would also push Asean to deal more
decisively with the Burmese problem. "So far, they have done nothing. They talk
about 'constructive engagement' with the junta, but what has that policy
achieved? Just more repression," says the Western diplomat.
Asean has played along with the military junta to date and did not even
protest when Burma in September angrily rejected a proposal from the grouping
that Vietnam act as an intermediary to break the impasse. That may change if the
Vientiane meeting is called off and Burma becomes a major stumbling block in
Asean's relations with the West.
There are signs that some Asean members are irritated by Burma, whose Gen.
Maung Aye is boycotting a unique meeting of Asean army chiefs in Thailand on
November 21-23 because of drifting defence relations between the
neighbours.
A recent visit to Rangoon by Razali Ismail, a United Nations special envoy
to Burma, also doesn't seem to have brought the government and the NLD closer to
any kind of dialogue. Consequently, in early November, Sweden will submit a
resolution to the UN General Assembly criticising Burma for human-rights abuses
and demanding improvements.
To date there have been virtually no internationally approved sanctions
against Burma, but increased repression in the country may push the UN to
consider taking firmer action than the ritual yearly resolutions condemning the
Rangoon generals.
However, UN sanctions would need the approval of the Security Council and
permanent member China has in the past vetoed efforts to punish Burma on the
grounds that this would be interference in its internal affairs.
Europe and the United States have spearheaded international condemnation of
the Burmese military's heavy-handed rule ever since their refusal to hand over
power to the NLD after the opposition's landslide victory in 1990 elections. The
NLD won 392 out of the 485 seats at stake in Burma's first multi-party general
elections since 1960.
But the then junta leaders reneged on earlier pledges to honour the will of
the people and nullifed the results. The parliament that should have emerged
from the polls was replaced by a 700-member "National Convention," which was
tasked with drafting a new constitution. The NLD, which was only allowed to send
97 of its MPs to the body , pulled out of the convention in December 1995 after
calling it a sham.
International pressure has had limited success and there is no guarantee
that UN General Assembly resolutions and International Labour Organization
sanctions will force the Burmese junta to the negotiating table. The generals
have ignored such condemnation in the past and turned to regional allies for
support, and there is no sign that the latest arrests of opposition
activists--or the mass rallies--are about to stop.
"They're digging in, preparing for the worst. A change towards more
openness is not part of that strategy," says a Bangkok-based Asian
diplomat.
Myanmar Leader Calls for Producing
Standardized Motor Vehicles
YANGON (Nov. 9) XINHUA -
Myanmar leader Lieutenant- General Tin Oo has called on the country's private
industrialists to produce standardized motor vehicles to help reduce car
imports.
Tin Oo, second secretary of the State Peace and Development Council, made
the call at a coordination meeting here Wednesday, attended by industrialists
from the country's five industrial zones out of 18, official newspaper The New
Light of Myanmar reported Thursday.
Production of motor vehicles by the national industrialists is just on the
initial stage, he said, adding that the country has to use and assemble most of
the imported parts.
He disclosed that a plan is under way for each industrial zone to design
and produce each own model motor vehicle.
He urged the industrialists to bring innovation idea into use in producing
and assembling motor vehicles.
He called for cooperation between the government and the private
industrialists for the development of this import- substitute industry.
Meanwhile, Myanmar plans to form a Car Producers' Association in the
country to boost the production.
Motor vehicles used in Myanmar are mainly imported ones and manufactured in
Japan. It is reported that the Suzuki Motor Corporation of Japan is running a
car assembling plant in Dagon Myothit, one of the industrial zones in the
capital of Yangon.
According to official statistics, the number of motor vehicles in operation
in Myanmar increased by 31,828 annually in the last four years, registering
434,315 at the end of June this year which include passenger cars, trucks, buses
and motorcycles. |