Burma Related News- March 14, 2001.

[Tin Kyi <tinkyi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

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BURMA RELATED NEWS - March 14, 2001.
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Headlines
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AP - Thailand's Oldest Airline Launches Online Reservation
AP - Myanmar Gunboat Fires On Thai Trawlers, Injures One
Reuters - Myanmar general vows to keep Thai border closed
People's Daily - Thai PM: Thai-Myanmar Relations Sound at National Level
People's Daily - New Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar Presents Credentials
ABC online - Thailand tries to soothe Burma rift after drugs crisis row
The Nation - Thaksin delivers counter-punch in war of words
The Nation - Burmese journalist honoured for fight
Bkk Post - Chuan gets the blame for bad ties
Bkk Post - China support to be sought
The Nation - Japan defends ties with Burma

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Wednesday March 14, 6:22 PM
Thailand's Oldest Airline Launches Online Reservation


BANGKOK (AP)--Thailand's oldest private airline, Bangkok Airways, Wednesday launched an upgraded Web site that enables travelers to make flight bookings online.

The site, also provides information about the airline's destinations, including the popular resort islands of Samui and Phuket in the south, and the hill city of Chiang Mai in the north.

Bangkok Airways, which was formed in 1986, flies to 11 destinations in Thailand, Cambodia and Singapore. It operates one Boeing 717-200, one ATR-42 and eight ATR-72 twin-turboprops planes manufactured by France's Avions De Transportation Regional.

The airline's Web site also has information about other destinations, including the Cambodian city of Siem Reap, the closest airport to the temples of Angkor Wat.

A Bangkok Airways statement said travelers can make reservations online and the airline will confirm their booking via e-mail within 24 hours. The e-mail confirmation will provide the passenger with a five-digit code that will be used as a reference at payment stage.

The airline has appointed Bank of Asia (H.BKA), partly owned by Dutch banking giant ABN Amro, to manage its secure online payment system. Initially payment can only be made with a Visa card.

In the first year, the airline expects 1% of its bookings to go through the Internet.

Bangkok Airways' partner airline, Siem Reap Airways International, also recently launched its Web page,

Bangkok Airways said it plans add more regional destinations in Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia and Thailand soon.

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Wednesday March 14, 4:53 PM
Myanmar Gunboat Fires On Thai Trawlers, Injures One


BANGKOK (AP)--A Myanmar patrol boat opened fire at two Thai fishing trawlers that entered Myanmar waters Wednesday, injuring one crew member and damaging one boat, police said.

The Thai boats fled on being challenged by the patrol boat, which gave chase and opened fire with M-40 machine guns, said Capt. Surat Srikoh, chief of the marine police in Ranong province.

He said one trawler, Pornimit, was hit when it was two kilometers out of Myanmar waters. The other trawler escaped without damage.

The incident happened in the Andaman Sea off the port of Ranong, 470 kilometers south of Bangkok.

The stricken 15-meter Pornimit docked in Ranong with the injured crew member, a Myanmar migrant worker, Surat said. Several bullets had hit the boat's hull, he said.

He said the sound of the gunfire was audible from the shore.

Two Thai naval gunboats were dispatched to confront the Myanmar boat near Koh island, located 5 kilometers from the coast, where territorial demarcation is unclear, Surat said. But no incident was reported.

The fishermen admitted they had ventured into Myanmar waters, he said.

Hundreds of Thai trawlers have been regularly sneaking into Myanmar's part of the Andaman Sea since 1999, when Myanmar withdrew a concession to Thailand that allowed Thai fishermen to exploit its waters.

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Wednesday March 14, 4:55 PM
Myanmar general vows to keep Thai border closed


YANGON (Reuters) - A top Myanmar military official accused the Thai army on Wednesday of treating his country like a "subordinate state" after a border skirmish last month, and vowed Myanmar would respond by keeping a key border checkpoint closed.

Major General Kyaw Win, Deputy Director of Defence Services Intelligence, said the Thai military unilaterally shut a busy border checkpoint last month and tried to reopen it this week without consulting its counterpart in Myanmar.

The Thai army had also laid down six conditions for re-opening the checkpoint, he said.

"They behaved as if Myanmar were a subordinate state, under their influence," he told a news conference.

"They failed to abide by international norms set for promoting good neighbourly relations."

Thai officials closed a bridge linking Mae Sai in Thailand with Tachilek in Myanmar after a series of skirmishes last month.

Bangkok says Myanmar troops crossed into Thai territory on February 10, seizing an outpost which was later recaptured.

A day later, shells hit Mae Sai as Myanmar soldiers and their allies in the United Wa State Army clashed with ethnic Shan rebels in Thailand.

Mae Sai and Tachilek are major trading towns through which large shipments of consumer goods flow from Thailand into Myanmar. Thailand and Myanmar also accuse each other of fostering a brisk drug trade along the border.

The Myanmar general said the border closure had not hurt his country, and said the bridge would stay closed until the two countries hold formal talks.

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People's Daily
Wednesday, March 14, 2001, updated at 08:23(GMT+8)
Thai PM: Thai-Myanmar Relations Sound at National Level


Bilateral relations between Thailand and Myanmar remain sound at the national level, although some problems may exist at the local level, Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said Tuesday.

Thaksin was quoted by the official Thai News Agency as saying that Thailand would treat Myanmar as an allied nation with sound relations because bilateral ties between the two countries at the national level had remained normal.

"We have no problems with Rangoon at the national level, though some problems may exist at the local level due to suspects on drugs problems along the border," he was quoted as saying.

"We have evidences that the ethnic Red Wa group has been involved in drugs problems in Thailand. Therefore, the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs will seek clarification and guarantee from Rangoon whether it gives any support to the Red Wa group," he said.

Thailand wanted cooperation from Rangoon in dealing with drugs problems, said the Thai premier.

Thaksin made the remarks after Thailand reopened a key check point in Northern province of Chiang Rai on Monday while the Myanmar side failed to reopen its check point as the both sides had agreed, the report said.

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People's Daily
Wednesday, March 14, 2001, updated at 08:23(GMT+8)
New Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar Presents Credentials


New Chinese ambassador to Myanmar Li Jinjun Tuesday presented his credentials to Chairman of the Myanmar State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) Senior-General Than Shwe.

Than Shwe said the friendly relations of the two countries are forged on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence.

The Chinese ambassador stressed that development of friendly ties with neighbors including Myanmar constitutes a basic state policy of the Chinese government.

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ABC online - March 14, 2001
Thailand tries to soothe Burma rift after drugs crisis row

Thailand's Prime Minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, has tried to play down a growing rift with Burma after the junta angrily accused Bangkok of making it a scapegoat for the drugs crisis.

Mr Thaksin declared a war on drugs last weekend at an unprecedented meeting of top officials, charged with working out a coordinated strategy to close down the narcotics trade.

He said he would demand explanations from Burma's generals over the deadly flow of methamphetamines, made in jungle refineries operated by Rangoon-allied ethnic druglords.

But, Burma criticised the tough new approach, saying Thailand should put its own house in order before dumping the blame for its drugs problems onto border militias.

Mr Thaksin has attempted to turn the war of words down a notch, saying relations on a national level were "good".

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The Nation - March 14, 2001
Thaksin delivers counter-punch in war of words

IN what appeared to be a counter-punch to Burma telling Thailand to rid its own house of the drug menace, Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra yesterday said the Kingdom faced an uphill battle because of the flood of narcotics coming across its border.

"We can confirm that we have already been cleaning up our own house but the dust still keeps flying in from our neighbour," Thaksin said, stopping short of singling out any specific country.

A two-day drug conference last weekend was shown images of the alleged drug manufacturing town of Mong Yawn belonging to the United Wa State Army (UWSA), close to the Thai border. Thaksin said he was shocked by the satellite images and would demand an explanation from Rangoon.

On Monday, a Burmese government spokesman accused Thailand of making the pro-Rangoon United Wa State Army (UWSA) the "scapegoat" for its narcotics problems. It urged Bangkok to "clean its own house first" instead of dumping all the blame on its neighbour.

The spokesman said drug syndicates were protected and thriving in the Kingdom.

Rangoon attributed the success of Mong Yawn township and the UWSA on development projects such as mining, fishery, logging and agriculture, not drug money. It claimed a huge ore field had recently been discovered containing at least nine minerals that were being exported to China.

Thaksin said yesterday that despite the recent war of words, he believed the two governments were still on good terms although some problems at the local level needed to be resolved. The problems stemmed from suspicion of Burma's involvement with the Wa.

"We want the Burmese government to understand that we have the evidence and are concerned about this issue, and we would like to see how [Rangoon] can cooperate and help us," he said.

Meanwhile, Defence Minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh reiterated that both sides must start talking to each other in order to dispel misunderstandings. He hoped the upcoming Regional Border Committee (RBC) talks to be held in Keng Tung, Burma, early next month would ease the tension.

Chavalit blamed the current poor relations on the former government for not talking to Rangoon, saying that "in fact there should not be any more trouble after Burmese leader General Than Shwe met with then prime minister Chuan Leekpai, and had extended an invitation for further talks". He added that he did not understand why Chuan had not accepted the invitation, which could have smoothed out any problems.

However, an official source cautioned against hoping that the RBC would be a panacea. "Thai people should have no illusion about the meeting. Its primary purpose is to diffuse the tension leading up to the disengagement of troops," said the source.

Foreign Minister Surakiart Sathirathai said drug cooperation would be high on the agenda during his visit to China next week and Thaksin's visit to Hong Kong in May.

The Burmese side of the Mae Sai-Tachilek crossing remained shut yesterday, infuriating people from both countries. Burmese were seen arguing with Burma border officials.

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The Nation
Burmese journalist honoured for fight
BY KAVI CHONGKITTAVORN


U Win Tin, a 70-year-old former newspaper editor, imprisoned in Burma since 1989, has been awarded Unesco's Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize.

PARIS - Each year at this time, Unesco's 16-member Advisory Group on Press Freedom assembles at its headquarters here to determine the winner of the Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize. This year 12 candidates from nine countries - Burkina Faso, Serbia, France, Burma, Colombia, Congo, Canada, Papua New Guinea and Cyprus - were considered. Five other applications from India, Jordan, Iran and Mexico were invalid.

This prestigious award, which carries a US$25,000 (Bt1,075,000) prize, is named after a Colombian journalist who was killed while attempting to report on the activities of drug barons in his country. The prize honours a person, organisation or institution that has made a notable contribution to the defence and promotion of press freedom anywhere in the world, especially if this involves risk.

Since its establishment in 1997, the Cano prize had raised eyebrows all over the world with its annual winner. Last year, the Syrian government was not happy with the naming of Syrian journalist Nizar Nayyouf as the winner. Nayyouf, who has been in jail since 1992, is very sick. Unesco has been trying to secure his release. At first, there was a ray of hope that the new Syrian president, Bashar Assad, would give him amnesty. But after months of rumours, it was later confirmed that there was no such plan.

The jury was so concerned with Nayyouf's health that it recommended Koichiro Matsuura, the new director general from Japan, continue his discussions with the Syrian authorities so that "a solution can be reached for the release of Nayyouf on humanitarian grounds".

However, the most controversial of all was the naming of 1998 winner Gao Yu, a female Chinese journalist. The Chinese leaders attacked the choice and criticised the former director general, Federico Mayor, who defended the jury's decision. Beijing viewed the award as an act of interference in its internal affairs.

Since 1991, Unesco has been at the forefront to promote media freedom throughout the world, much to the chagrin of member governments. It has helped media development in Indonesia, East Timor, Cambodia and Thailand.

Matsuura reiterated to the jury on Monday that Unesco would continue to support the free flow of information and promote press freedom around the world. Unesco is planning a huge meeting in Windhoek, Namibia on May 3, World Press Freedom Day, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Windhoek Declaration, which aims to promote press freedom around the world.

This year four names were short-listed. Two were from Burma - San San Nweh and U Win Tin. The others were Miroslav Filipovic of Serbia and the Paris-based Reporters Sans Frontiers (Reporters Without Frontiers).

San San Nweh, 56, is an editor and writer who has been jailed for her political activities since 1994. She is currently suffering from liver disease, arthritis, partial paralysis and eye problems. She may only speak for a total of 15 minutes a day. Burmese prison authorities say she could be set free if she renounces all political activity.

The other Burmese candidate is U Win Tin, 70, former editor of the daily Hanthawati newspaper, vice-chair of Burma's Writer Association and a founder of the National League of Democracy. He was arrested in July 1989 and three months later, he was accused of being a member of the banned Communist Party of Burma. He was then sentenced by a military tribunal to 14 years in prison and transported to Rangoon's notorious Insein jail.

In March 1996, he was sentenced to an additional five years in prison for breaking regulations banning the possession of writing materials. He was transferred to the Myingan Jail, where visits from family and friends are banned.

Miroslav Filipovic broke the Serbian media's silence during the reign of Slobodan Milosevic. His articles contributed to lifting the fear that had stifled Serbian political debate for so long. He has argued that Yugoslavia needs to examine its past and the acts that were committed in its name. Filipovic has sparked public debate relating to his country, without fear or favour, even though his life was at risk.

For the first time, a free media advocacy organisation was a candidate. Reporters Sans Frontiers (RSF), which was set up in 1985, has been active in fighting for press freedom around the world. In Asia, RSF has closely monitored press conditions and abuses. Recently, RSF condemned the Thaksin government over the firing of 23 iTV journalists and editorial staff as well as Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohammad for his treatment of the online newspaper, Malaysiakini.com.

After several rounds of voting, the jury narrowed the choice down to U Win Tin and Filipovic. As it turns out now, U Win Tin is the winner. The award will be given on May 3. It remains to be seen how the Burmese junta leaders will respond to the award.

During the deliberation, the jury urged non-Western free media advocacy organisations to submit their candidates for consideration. It also recommended that there should be greater publicity for the prize to attract as many candidates as possible from around the world.

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Bangkok Post - March 14, 2001
Chuan gets the blame for bad ties
Chavalit: He should have visited Burma
Yuwadee Tunyasiri and Wassana Nanuam

Defence Minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh yesterday slammed former prime minister Chuan Leekpai for failing to improve relations with Burma.

The deputy prime minister said relations with Burma would not have sunk this low had the two sides sat down and talked.

"The matter should have been settled when Burmese Prime Minister Than Shwe visited Mr Chuan and invited him to visit Burma for talks. But Mr Chuan did not go," Gen Chavalit said.

"That was why the two sides have never resumed talks. This was followed by suspicion and border conflicts in which each side had to protect its interests."Gen Chavalit was commenting on Burma's failure to keep its promise to open its side of the Mae Sai-Tachilek checkpoint.

He said there might be a misunderstanding on the part of Burma. "This explains why I have to say the two sides must hold talks."Gen Chavalit said there would be talks at a higher level if the one at the regional border committee-level did not succeed.

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra described relations between the two countries as normal.

"There may be problems at a local level because we suspect Burma might have something to do with the Red Wa," he said.

"We want the Burmese government to know that we have evidence and are concerned about it," he said, referring to Thailand's belief that Mong Yawn settlement of the United Wa State Army is a major methamphetamine production base.

He agreed that both countries were suspicious of each other and should sit down for talks.

A source said a meeting looked likely between military top brass from both sides in Rangoon before the regional border committee meeting in Keng Tung.

Participants would include Third Army commander Lt-Gen Wattanachai Chaimuanwong, military commander of Burma's Southwest Army chief Maj-Gen Than Sein, Burmese premier and defence minister Gen Than Shwe, Burmese supreme commander Gen Maung Aye and Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, secretary one of the State Peace and Development Council. Lt-Gen Wattanachai and Maj-Gen Than Sein are co-chairmen of the regional border committee.

The source said Burma proposed the panel meeting be held for three days early next month. The 40-strong Thai delegation will include members from the Interior and Foreign ministries and Office of the Narcotics Control Board.

The Thai side is expected to raise the problem of Burmese illegal immigrants and war refugees.

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Bangkok Post - March 14, 2001
THAI-BURMESE RELATIONS
China support to be sought
Lone efforts futile, says Surakiart
Post Reporters

Thailand will seek China's support for trilateral co-operation with Burma in curbing drug problems, Foreign Minister Surakiart Sathirathai said yesterday.

The three-way framework would step up existing co-operation between Thailand and China and would not be an attempt to heap pressure on any one party, he said.

The minister said he would also seek China's co-operation in the communications and agriculture sectors during his March 22-25 visit to that country.

Stressing that no one country could solve the drug problem alone, Mr Surakiart said three-way talks on drug problems among Thailand, Laos and Burma would also be encouraged.

He declined comment on Burma's refusal to accept it is a source of illicit drugs, saying this matter had to be raised at high level, with an open mind and mutual trust from all sides.

There would be continuity and unity in the consultations with all government agencies involved, including the Foreign Affairs and Defence ministries, the Industry Ministry which oversees energy co-operation with Burma, and the Agriculture Ministry which handles land preparation, he said.

"The seminar in Chiang Rai and public opinion have shown that everyone agrees that the most important issue in Thai-Burmese relations is none other than co-operation in the suppression of narcotics. If this can advance, co-operation in other aspects will follow," the minister said.

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The Nation
March 13, 2001.
Japan defends ties with Burma
Jeerawat na Thalang, Pana janviroi

Japan has insisted that it will continue dialogue with the Burmese government, saying such an approach is one of the collective tools that will eventually bring positive change to the country.

� By isolating (Burma), you cannot achieve anything,� Nobutoshi Akao, Japanese ambassador to Thailand, said in an interview. � Maintaining only international pressure and without maintaining dialogue, how can we achieve our goal?�

In spite of international sanctions on Burma $BCT (B military government, the Japanese government still provides assistance to the country.

Our goal is the same with Thailand, the US or the EU. We want to see the democratic system. Our approach is the different from the US and EU. We have a kind of more Asian way,� Akao said.

Tokyo provided 1.6 billion yen(Bt 579.3million) for the expansion of nursing facilities and 2.5 billion Yen to improve Rangoon $BCT (B international airport in 1998. � We were criticized by the US and EU, and we said we did not share your opinion,� he said.

There signs of progress in Burma. The junta has been holding secret talks since last October with pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, the since 1994.

The military has ruled Burma since 1988, when it took over in a bloody suppression of pro-democracy demonstrations. It refused to cede control in 1990 when Suu Kyi $BCT (B National League for Democracy overwhelmingly won a general election .

The latest talks, which have been cautiously welcomed by the international community, were revealed in January after a visit to Rangoon by Ismail Razali, the UN special envoy.

 $BE8 (Be think that the role of Mr. Razali�..brings the both sides together,� Akao said.  $BE0 (Bf course, I don $BCU (B think his role is the only one to bring this. Bur effort has also very important.�

Asked what he predicted after the latest development in Burma, Akao said:  $BE8 (Be have to wait and see how the start of the dialogue will progress and materialize, and we don $BCU (B have to be pessimistic about. We are cautious optimistic perhaps.

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