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BURMA RELATED NEWS - September
06, 2001.
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HEADLINES
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- BBC - Burma opposition denies 'power
share'
BBC - Thai-Burmese relations 'improve' after
visit
AFP - Myanmar intelligence chief expects "good
news" from talks: reports
Reuters - Thailand expects "good news" soon in
Myanmar talks
AP - Money Laundering Conference
Opens
SMH - US clothing
company pulls out of Burma
ABC online - Money
laundering conference reviews blacklist
Bkk Post - Rosarin sold fuel oil to Red Wa, says
Third Army chief
Bkk Post - The two of
us
Bkk Post - Speed pill
dealers sentenced to death
Bkk Post - Thailand
asked to mediate talks
Bkk Post - Karen
refugee pleads for more pressure on Rangoon
The Nation - Unocal closer to trial
The Nation - JUNTA-NLD TALKS: 'Good news' soon
Xinhuanet - WHO Regional Meeting Ends in Myanmar
Xinhuanet - Thai-Myanmar in More
Constructive Talks
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- BBC - Thursday, 6 September, 2001,
11:24 GMT 12:24 UK
Burma opposition denies 'power share' By regional analyst Larry Jagan in Bangkok Burma's military rulers have proposed a power sharing arrangement with the
country's opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, a Thai army officer has said,
quoting a top Burma general.
But a spokesman for Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy told
the BBC he knew of no such proposal.
Thailand's Defence Minister Chavalit Yongchaiyut made the claim following a
visit to Thailand by Burma's military intelligence chief, Lt General Khin Nyunt.
"The talks are going well," he told journalists. "There may be good news
soon."
But the NLD spokesman, U Lwin, told the BBC "there was in fact no dialogue
process going on at present."
He added: "We are waiting for the military to make an offer."
U Lwin said the party was waiting for more releases of political prisoners
and were very hopeful that this might happen in the near future.
Thai interests
The talks between Aung San Suu Kyi and Burma's military leaders are on the
verge of a break-through, according to senior Thai military sources.
But it is in Thailand's interests to believe Khin Nyunt. The Thai
Government has gone overboard in supporting the Burmese military government -
with substantial aid packages for crop substitution programmes and promises of
major economic co-operation in the future.
The government is keen to deflect opposition criticism of its policy of
doing business with the junta as well as international criticism that is bound
to follow.
General Chavalit told reporters that General Khin Nyunt told him that he
saw Aung San Suu Kyi every two weeks.
"That's not the case" NLD spokesman U Lwin told the BBC. "He hasn't seen
her for several months."
Thai military sources told the BBC that Khin Nyunt actually said they were
seeing Aung San Suu Kyi through a channel of contacts rather than direct
face-to-face meetings. U Lwin said that this was the case, and a military
intelligence liaison officer was calling on Aung San Suu Kyi at least once a
week.
Slow change
This is not the first time that General Chavalit has told journalists that
there was about to be a political break-through in Burma. He told journalists
something similar in July. He is known to be very close to Khin Nyunt.
Diplomats in Rangoon say the talks between the two sides are obviously at a
crucial stage. Aung San Suu Kyi appears very confident, they say.
But the fact remains that no one is revealing what, if any, the substance
of the talks are.
Aung San Suu Kyi has told diplomats and senior party members that she had
promised the Generals not to discuss the details of the talks with anyone, and
she was keeping to that even if the military were not keeping their part of the
bargain.
The signs in Rangoon seem to indicate that the talks may be on a verge of a
break-through of sorts, but according to senior NLD sources this means movement
from talks about talks to something substantive.
"We must remain patient" U Lwin told the BBC.
This seems to also reflect the UN special envoy, Razali Ismail's view.
"Change in Burma is imperceptible and will not be in the form of major
milestones," he told the BBC.
For the moment everyone is advising patience.
"Although we don't know what, things are happening," said a diplomat who
wanted to remain anonymous.
But the talks have been going on for nearly a year and there is growing
impatience among pro-democracy supporters inside and outside Burma.
They want a clear indication that the talks are moving beyond the
confidence-building stage and are becoming a substantive dialogue involving some
kind of power-sharing proposals.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- BBC - Wednesday, 5 September, 2001,
20:12 GMT 21:12 UK
Thai-Burmese relations 'improve' after visit By regional analyst Larry Jagan in Bangkok
One of Burma's most senior military leaders has completed what he called a
very satisfactory trip to Thailand.
General Khin Nyunt, head of Burmese military intelligence, said relations
had been restored following fierce fighting between Burmese and Thai troops
earlier this year and they were now good neighbours again.
Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who took office in January, has
been keen to improve relations with Burma despite clashes along the border.
However, the smuggling of drugs produced in Burma's so-called Golden
Triangle remains a major issue of contention between the two countries.
Symbolic
Khin Nyunt's trip was his first major visit to Thailand for several years
and was high on symbolism.
Treated like a visiting head of state, Khin Nyunt was even granted a rare
hour-long audience with the Thai king.
Both sides are anxious to see their relations enter a new era.
As he was leaving, the general said the trip had achieved its goal.
"We have come to Thailand with only one objective in mind, that is to
strengthen the tradition of friendship and mutually beneficial co-operation
between our two countries and our two peoples.
"Both sides are completely satisfied with the results of the talks and we
were able to reach amicable solutions on the topics we discussed," he said.
Golden Triangle
There are still major differences between the two countries that need to be
overcome.
The trafficking of drugs from Burma's Golden Triangle remains the biggest
problem.
Khin Nyunt told his Thai hosts that the Wa - the ethnic rebel group which
is responsible for most of the drugs trade - had agreed to make the area drug
free by 2005.
Most anti-drug experts, however, remain sceptical.
But this has not deterred the Thai Government, which has promised to
support the project financially with some half a million dollars and has offered
preferential treatment for the imports from the crop substitution programme.
This was not the only financial incentive the Thais offered for improved
relations with Rangoon.
Road building programmes and joint ventures in fishing were also sealed
during the trip.
For Burma, Thai financial aid is crucial if they are to halt the economic
collapse the country is experiencing.
The Defence Minister, Choiut Lung Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, who hosted the
Burmese general during the trip, was certainly pleased that the policy of doing
business with Burma was working.
He said Khin Nyunt had told him that the talks between the opposition
leader and the Burmese military government were going very well.
"He already told me he did have a talk with [opposition leader] Aung San
Suu Kyi every two weeks and they get together, they understand each other very
well. He also told me that everything has made good progress, maybe you have a
good year soon." -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thursday September 6, 11:53 AM
Myanmar intelligence chief expects "good news" from talks: reports BANGKOK, Sept 6 (AFP) - The
Myanmar junta's number-three Lieutenant-General Khin Nyunt told Thai leaders
that he expects "good news" to emerge soon from talks with democracy leader Aung
San Suu Kyi, reports said Thursday.
Defence Minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, who has close contacts with
Myanamr's military regime, said Khin Nyunt briefed him on the progress of the
11-month-old talks during his official visit to Thailand this week.
"He told me that everything is good and maybe we will have good news soon.
I believe that the talks will succeed as the Burmese leaders are sincere and
serious in bringing peace to the country," Chavalit told The Nation
newspaper.
Chavalit -- who has served as prime minister and army chief during his long
career -- said Khin Nyunt assured him that the junta intended to set up a
political system that gave people their freedom.
"This is to confirm that Burmese leaders now are determined to do what we
all would like to see ... a political system that works for the people and the
country with a peaceful reconciliation approach," he said.
Chavalit told The Bangkok Post newspaper that Khin Nyunt told him he had
been meeting with Aung San Suu Kyi every two weeks "and they understood each
other well."
"We expect to see every party in Burma join together to set up a government
to work for the people and the country," he said.
Myanmar's junta embarked on the historic talks with the opposition -- their
first since 1994 -- in October 2000, a month after putting the movement's leader
under house arrest.
But observers close to the secret dialogue say it has proceeded painfully
slowly since then, failing to progress past the initial "confidence-building"
stage designed to build up trust between the sworn enemies.
They caution that any transition to democracy in Myanmar, which has been
under military rule for four decades, will be a years-long process involving
fresh elections and the drafting of a new constitution.
Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) won a lanslide
victory in 1990 elections, but was barred from taking power by the military
regime.
The junta has been consistently upbeat about the progress of the talks, but
Western governments maintain a position of "cautious optimism", saying they want
to see concrete results before they considering lifting sanctions.
Sanctions are believed to be a major factor in the generals' decision to
enter into the potentially risky political reconciliation process, as they
attempt to find fresh funds to rebuild the dilapidated economy.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wednesday September 5, 5:24 PM
Thailand expects "good news" soon in Myanmar talks By Nopporn Wong-Anan BANGKOK (Reuters) - Myanmar
military intelligence chief Lieutenant-General Khin Nyunt expects "good news"
soon from talks between the government and the opposition, Thai Defence Minster
Chavalit Yongchaiyudh quoted him as saying on Wednesday.
Chavalit told reporters that Khin Nyunt had briefed him on reconciliation
talks between Yangon's ruling military and Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi's
National League for Democracy.
"He told me that everything is very good (and) maybe we will have good news
soon," Chavalit said at Bangkok's military airport after seeing the general off
at the end of a three-day official visit intended to help improve relations
between the two nations.
"He told me of the progress in national reconciliation. He told me he
talked with Aung San Suu Kyi every two weeks... and they understand each other
very well."
Khin Nyunt, the third most senior member of Myanmar's ruling State Peace
and Development Council (SPDC), arrived on Monday and held meetings with Thai
leaders including Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
He also had an audience with Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej, an honour
usually given to heads of state and very important national figures.
Khin Nyunt was the most senior member of Myanmar's military government to
visit Thailand since SPDC Chairman Senior-General Than Shwe in March 1999.
In a rare news conference before boarding his plane on Wednesday, the
general said his trip had been very successful.
"Our discussion totally is in an atmosphere of sincerity, understanding and
promises to help each other," he said.
"Both sides are completely satisfied with this visit and we were able to
reach amicable solutions on the topics we discussed. I believe we were able to
promote friendship and understanding while finding new areas for cooperation,"
he said.
STRONG TIES
Chavalit, who often talks about his strong ties with senior military
figures in Myanmar, said Khin Nyunt had assured him Yangon was "determined" to
set up a political system that gave people freedom and liberty.
"This is to confirm that Myanmar leaders now are determined to do what we
all would like to see, (set up) a political system that works for the people and
the country with a peaceful reconciliation approach," he said.
The secretive dialogue between the military government and the opposition
began last year with United Nations special envoy Razali Ismail as mediator.
Razali visited Myanmar late last month and a U.N. spokesman said that the
envoy was satisfied that all parties were committed to the process of national
reconciliation.
Suu Kyi's NLD won Myanmar's 1990 elections by a landslide but has never
been allowed to govern. Instead, its members have been detained and harassed.
Suu Kyi, winner of the 1991 Nobel Peace Prize, has been under de facto
house arrest since September last year following a renewed military crackdown.
Tensions between the two sides have eased in recent months and the military
has released more than 150 political prisoners, including two top NLD leaders.
But human rights groups say at least 1,500 political prisoners remain in
detention in Myanmar.
SOOTHING TENSIONS
The visit to Thailand was part of a series of high level exchanges aimed at
soothing tensions. Both countries have accused each other of involvement in the
illicit drugs trade.
A series of skirmishes earlier in the year along the 2,400 km (1,490-mile)
Thai-Myanmar border took ties to a new low. But relations have improved since
Thaksin visited in June.
Thaksin told Khin Nyunt during his visit that Thailand would help Yangon
with job creation schemes and offer trade incentives for substituted crops to
help Yangon stem the tide of illegal drugs and migrant workers flooding across
the border.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wednesday September 5, 3:16 pm Eastern
Time
Money Laundering Conference Opens International Task Force Against Money Laundering Begins Three-Day Conference By JAMEY KEATEN PARIS (AP) -- An international
task force against money laundering began a three-day conference Wednesday to
review a blacklist of countries deemed ``noncooperative'' in the fight against
the illegal practice.
The Financial Action Task Force met behind closed doors at the Paris
headquarters of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development to
assess efforts by 17 blacklisted countries or territories to adopt tougher rules
against the practice.
In June, the task force said some countries or territories have made
progress: Israel and Lebanon in the Middle East; the Marshall Islands, Cook
Islands and Niue in the Pacific; and the Caribbean countries of Dominica and St.
Kitts and Nevis.
But it also said in June that Russia, the Philippines and the small Pacific
island of Nauru had made ``inadequate progress'' and gave them until the end of
September to crack down on money laundering or face sanctions.
Since then, lawmakers in Russia and Nauru have tightened banking
regulations, and Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has urged
lawmakers to close loopholes in banking laws in her country.
The threatened sanctions could include requiring banks to gather detailed
information about the countries before doing business there, or warning
international companies away from them.
Seven other countries were listed as uncooperative in June, but no updates
were given on their efforts against money laundering. They were Egypt,
Guatemala, Hungary, Indonesia, Myanmar, Nigeria, and the Caribbean country of
St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Money laundering involves exchanging or investing funds earned from crime
in order to conceal their source and make the money appear legitimate.
U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft said last month that worldwide money
laundering activity is estimated at $1 trillion a year -- half of that tied to
proceeds from drug trafficking.
The task force drew up the blacklist in June 2000. Since then, it has
removed Liechtenstein -- the only Western European country on the list -- the
Bahamas, the Cayman Islands and Panama.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sydney Morning Herald - Sep 06,
2001.
US clothing company pulls out of Burma
Washington: Activists have claimed a new victory in their battle with
Rangoon's generals after a United States underwear seller pledged to halt
production in Burma.
"Sara Lee's Hanes licencees were caught with their pants down," said Mr
Jeremy Woodrum, of the Free Burma Coalition. "But we commend Sara Lee for ending
its support for Burma's military regime by stopping its licencees from producing
in Burma."
Sara Lee Corporation, which makes clothing under various brands, is the
latest in a string of companies to pull out of Burma, which has been strongly
criticised by Western governments for its suppression of a democracy movement
and for its human rights record.
The Free Burma Coalition condemned the firm on its Web site three weeks
ago, after an investigation found that some items sold under the Hanes Her Way
and Hanes University brands were made in Burma. In a letter released by the
coalition, the firm's vice-president, Mr Melvin Ortner, said the company looked
into the claims and found two licencees were using Burmese factories in
violation of their contracts.
"We have taken immediate steps with both licencees to confirm that neither
will make our product in Burma again," Mr Ortner said. "Sara Lee looks forward
to a time when positive political and human rights changes in Burma allow us to
reconsider our policy and provide opportunities for Burmese citizens."
The Sara Lee withdrawal follows the decision of 15 other US-based
companies, including Wal-Mart, to quit Burma.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Australian Broadcasting Corporation
September 06, 2001.
Money laundering conference reviews
blacklist
An international task force against money laundering began a three-day
conference today to review a blacklist of countries deemed non-cooperative in
the fight against the illegal practice.
The Financial Action Task Force met behind closed doors at OECD
headquarters to assess efforts by 17 blacklisted countries or territories to
adopt tougher rules against the practice.
In June, the task force said some countries or territories have made
progress: Cook Islands, Dominica, Israel, Lebanon, Marshall Islands, Niue and St
Kitts and Nevis.
But it also said that Russia, the Philippines and the small Pacific island
of Nauru had made inadequate progress and gave them until the end of September
to crack down on money laundering or face sanctions.
Last month, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed into law a bill that
would require banks to report big transactions by their clients in a bid to
comply with the task force's rules. Nauru's Parliament also passed an anti-money
laundering bill last month.
Legislative action in the Philippines has been delayed, but President
Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has urged lawmakers to close banking law loopholes that
make the country a money-laundering haven.
Money laundering involves exchanging or investing funds earned from illegal
activities such as prostitution, gambling and drug trafficking in order to
conceal their source and make the money appear legitimate.
The territories or countries deemed noncooperative in June included
Indonesia and Burma.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bangkok Post - Sep 06,
2001.
Rosarin sold fuel oil to Red Wa, says Third Army chief Fake trade papers found at her place Wassana Nanuam Wassayos Ngarmkham One of the prime suspects in the latest money-laundering racket had been
selling oil to the drug-trafficking United Wa State Army in Burma's Shan state,
the Third Army commander said yesterday.
``Undoubtedly, the fuel was bought with money acquired through the drug
trade,'' Lt-Gen Watanachai Chaimuanwong said.
Rosarin Chorpradit had supplied fuel to the Red Wa at Mong Yawn for three
to four years from 1995, when oil could be legally and freely traded with Burma,
he said.
She was known to be a sales agent for TPI, an oil firm.
In 1999 the Third Army began restricting the export of fuel to Burma after
it was found that a large quantity was being supplied through San Ton Du
temporary checkpoint to Mong Yawn. Intelligence reports said the town was a
major producer of methamphetamine pills and money from the trafficking of the
drug was being used to expand the town.
With approval from then-prime minister Chuan Leekpai, the Third Army closed
San Ton Du checkpoint.
Mrs Rosarin contacted the Third Army for the first time shortly after that,
seeking permission to deliver oil through temporary checkpoints at Kiew Pha Wok,
Ban Nong Uk and Ban Arunothai south of San Ton Du.
The Third Army insisted that shipments could be made only through the
permanent checkpoint at Mae Sai.
``She petitioned many influential figures including Defence Minister
Chavalit Yongchaiyudh and some cabinet ministers, but to no avail,'' Lt-Gen
Watanachai said.
Two months ago when the Thai-Burmese border conflict had not been resolved
Mrs Rosarin filed a petition claiming her fuel delivery quota to Burma through
Mae Sai had been used by other people. At that time all checkpoints on the
Thai-Burmese border were still closed.
During that time there were reports of Mrs Rosarin smuggling oil through
Laos and China to Burma, Lt-Gen Watanachai said.
Warrants have been issued for the arrest of Mrs Rosarin and her husband,
Pichet, in connection with the illegal transfer of about 7.5 billion baht out of
the country in a money-laundering operation. Police are seeking other people for
alleged conspiracy.
There were rumours Mrs Rosarin was hiding with the Wa at Mong Yawn.
The only suspect under arrest is Sarinra Mahamad, an assistant director for
merchant banking of UOB Radanasin Bank. The money was transferred overseas under
the names of three companies _ Rattanakosin International, Thanasap Thavee and
Eastern Petropower.
Economic crime police will freeze the assets of all suspects for
examination and look for the sources of the huge sums transferred abroad.
Police on Tuesday searched Ms Sarinra's office at UOB Radanasin Bank and
Mrs Rosarin's room at her apartment in Klong Toey and seized a large number of
documents.
A police source said some of them were fake documents relating to oil trade
with neighbouring countries such as Burma and Laos. They were believed intended
for submission to the Excise Department for an oil tax refund.
Police also found fake rubber stamps of official units in Burma and
Laos.
It could not yet be confirmed if the three firms had claimed reimbursement
of the oil tax or how much money was involved, the source said. If fake papers
had been used, then excise and customs officials might have been involved.
An Excise Department source said no evidence had been uncovered so far the
three firms had sought refunds.
Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said he had been advised the money
transferred overseas might have come from an illegal operation under the pretext
of exporting oil. Investigations were continuing.
Police searched a house they believed to belong to Mr Pichet in the Wat Sam
Phraya area. But a man in the house said it was his and he did not know Mr
Pichet.
Police also searched a house in Silom Soi 11 belonging to Hameed Muinuddin
Ahmed, 31, an Indian, owner of East International Co in the Surawong area. He
was said to be a business partner of the suspects in the case.
Police took a number of documents on the import and export of gems and bank
pass books for examination.
Surin Pitsuwan, a former foreign minister and one of several Democrat MPs
photographed with the suspects, said neither he nor his wife had any kind of
business with any of the suspects.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bangkok Post - Sep 06,
2001.
The two of us
The visit has ended, and all is well with the world. We have done
everything possible to appear a good friend, and now it is up to the Chosen One
to sell the package to his fellow generals back home. * It's been a month, but
the admirals and generals here at home who didn't get all they wanted are still
grumbling and even throwing around nepotism charges. * Thaksin has decided he is
best on the side of the righteous crusade.
Defence Minister Gen Chavalit Yongchaiyudh must have had his head in the
thesaurus this past week looking up words of effusion with which to describe the
visit to our undeserving nation of Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, first secretary of Burma's
State Peace and Development Council.
This is because bilateral ties have been cemented, better understanding has
been mutual, and it is is almost entirely inconceivable that our two countries
were nearly at each other's throats earlier this year when Burmese forces
decided to occupy a Thai army outpost in Chiang Mai's Mae Fah Luang
district.
``It is quite rare for him to make a trip outside Burma,'' said one of our
general's gushing lackeys of the Burmese general's visit. ``This visit is quite
special, aimed purely at strengthening ties and understanding between our two
countries.''
Gen Vichit Yathip, chief of the defence minister's staff officers, would
have us believe that this is the ``dawning of a new era'' of co-operation in all
fields between our two countries.
Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt's visit included an audience with His Majesty the King at
Klaikangwon Palace in Hua Hin on Tuesday night.
Ties between Thailand and Burma hit a recent rock bottom in early February
when armed government forces crossed the border and seized an army outpost in
Mae Fah Luang, but Gen Chavalit since has called on the camaraderie only fellow
soldiers can share to try to heal any mistrust in Rangoon and restore
confidence.
``How could we help bring prosperity to the region when we still had an
antagonistic attitude towards each other?'' asked the defence minister this
week.
Rangoon has needed mollycoddling ever since its ruling elite were miffed by
comments by senior Thai military officers that Rangoon was not interested in
stopping the drug production and trafficking activities taking place along the
border with Thailand.
During a visit by Gen Chavalit to Rangoon in July, Gen Than Shwe, Burma's
general of generals, told his visitor that trust and confidence were essential
for regional stability.
Gen Chavalit blames the last (civilian-heavy) government for border
tensions. He said the lapse in regular contact (a breakdown of the generals'
network) had resulted in two friendly countries almost going to war against each
other.
Gen Chavalit said he was confident Gen Surayud Chulanont, army
commander-in-chief, was aware of the government's policy to maintain peace and a
good understanding with Rangoon.
He said what was encouraging was Gen Surayud's establishment of a new
border unit, the Neighbouring Countries Co-ordination Centre, to ensure any
border disputes are dealt with amicably and peacefully rather than through the
use of force.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bangkok Post - Sep 06,
2001.
Speed pill dealers sentenced to death
Two Chinese Haw and a Burmese drug dealer were
sentenced to death by the Criminal Court yesterday.
A Thai woman, Prachak Saengpratheep, who bought some 64,000 speed pills
from them, was given a 50-year jail term.
Two of the three sentenced to death were Chinese Haw tribesmen Ar-hong sae
Soo, 27, and Ar-sing sae Lee, 28. The other was Ar-liang sae Chern, 28, a
Burmese national. Initially, the court also gave Prachak a death sentence but
decided to reduce it to 50 years in jail because her confession had led to the
arrest of the foreign drug gang.
The three foreigners, charged with possessing 1,730,000 speed pills, had
sold some 64,000 tablets to Prachak, a garment trader, for 1.5 million
baht.
The woman was arrested in tambon Pratchathippatai, Thanyaburi district,
Pathum Thani, on Feb 10 by police officers posing as buyers.
She told police she had bought the drugs from Ar-sing and his gang.
Ar-sing was arrested in a restaurant in Huay Khwang on the same day.
Ar-hong and Ar-liang were later apprehended in the Charoenkrung area.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bangkok Post - Sep 06,
2001.
Thailand asked to mediate talks
SSA first target for peace negotiations
Wassana Nanuam Subin Khuenkaew Supamart Kasem
Burma yesterday officially asked Thailand to mediate with three rebel armed
groups fighting Rangoon to end the armed insurrection and join the government's
national reconciliation plan.
Third Army commander Lt-Gen Watanachai Chaimuenwong said Rangoon made the
approach during yesterday's 18th Regional Border Committee meeting near
Pattaya.
Maj-Gen Thein Sein, Triangle Region commander, asked Thailand to negotiate
with the groups to end a five-decade-long fight. They would join another 17
armed groups, including the now-defunct Mong Tai Army once led by drug kingpin
Khun Sa, which during the past decade had joined a government-proposed national
reconciliation programme.
The groups are the Karen National Union, the Karenni National Progressive
Party and the Shan State Army, with a combined force of around 10,000-12,000
armed men.
Lt-Gen Watanachai, who will become an army assistant commander next month,
said he would try his best to end the fighting since neither Rangoon nor rebel
groups wanted it to drag on.
``We will try to arrange a meeting and establish communication lines so
that they can talk to each other. This could eventually bring peace to the
area,'' he said.
He said Rangoon had agreed not to set any conditions for the talks.
``I've told Maj-Gen Thein Sein that both sides should start meeting
unconditionally. Solutions could be found once both sides meet and exchange
ideas,'' he said.
He said that depending on the outcome, drug trafficking on the border could
diminish while thousands of refugees sheltering in Thailand could be
repatriated.
A security source said Rangoon wanted Thailand to start mediating with the
SSA, led by Col Yod Suk, which is seen as the most active rebel group with 6,000
armed members.
The KNU can call on around 4,000 soldiers and is headed by Pado U Ba Thin
Sein while the KNPP, led by Aung Than Lay, has 3,000 armed men.
Sai Aung Mart, SSA member and vice-president of the Shan State Restoration
Council, said talks could help bring permanent peace to the region.
He suggested that the groups join the talks as an alliance since they were
allies in the common fight against Rangoon.
``The KNU, KNPP and SSA are political allies and are ready to hold talks
with Burma,'' said Sai Aung Mart, adding that the United Nations should send
representatives to the talks, which ideally would be held in Thailand.
Pado U Ba Thin Sein also backed the move saying the KNU's independence
fight had caused bloodshed and suffering to Burmese people. The country had lost
opportunities for economic development, making Burma one of the world's least
developed countries.
``We are ready to hold talks with the State Peace and Development Council
that could help bring national unity,'' he said, noting that diplomatic channels
were the only route leading to national reconciliation.
At the meeting, the Thai and Burmese sides agreed in principle to conduct
joint patrols along the common border. Either side could suggest joint
inspections on some specific border area thought to be the base for drug
factories or Burmese rebel groups.
Rangoon said it was ready to help Thailand destroy suspected drug factories
located inside Burma. Thailand agreed to release two Burmese soldiers seized in
a recent border conflict.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bangkok Post - September 06,
2001
Karen refugee pleads for more pressure
on Rangoon
Vasana Chinvarakorn
More than 50,000 refugees and migrants from Burma have signed a petition
urging the UN's World Conference Against Racism to address the consequences of
racial discrimination and human rights violations committed by the Rangoon
junta.
Naw Chai Mei Hua, a Karen refugee, yesterday addressed more than 1,000
state representatives and non-government organisations attending the World
Conference Against Racism, in Durban, South Africa.
``I'm here for the people of Burma. I'm here to talk about the multiple
discrimination I've faced because I'm a woman, of an ethnic origin and a
refugee,'' she said.
``Discrimination is exacerbated in ethnic lands due to the war raging
against the ethnic nationalities by the Burmese ruling authority.
``The soldiers commit sexual violence against ethnic women with impunity,
the most obvious form of discrimination.
``The ethnic persecution, a form of racism, xenophobia and related
intolerance has led us to flee Burma. Some have become refugees and some
undocumented migrant workers in the neighbouring countries,'' she said.
``Again we face more discrimination because we are non-nationals.''
Between June and July this year, the Women's League of Burma (WLB) where Ms
Naw Chai Mei Hua works launched the signature campaign among people exiled from
Burma and in the refugee camps to add ``Burma, Country-specific situation and
recommendations'' to the declaration of the NGO forum which preceded the racism
conference.
In all, 51,487 signatures were collected and submitted to the NGO forum.
Ms Naw Chai Mei Hua also asked the United Nations to encourage the military
regime to negotiate a nationwide cease-fire and to enter a genuine dialogue with
all political figures in Burma.
``Particularly, we request the Asean, China, India and Japan to review
their policy toward Burma and to take a leading role for the development of
national reconciliation process and meaningful political change in Burma,''
added another WLB member.
``If the policies of the governments toward Burma continue as it is now,
the military dictatorship in Burma will go on forever.''
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Nation
BURMA PIPELINE 'ATROCITIES':
Unocal closer to trial
Published on Sep 6, 2001
Pravit Rojanaphruk
California Superior Court Judge Victoria Chaney yesterday rejected Unocal Corp's bid to dismiss claims that it facilitated and abetted human rights abuses on its Yadana Pipeline project in Burma. "This is a minor victory," said Pipob Udomittipong, a member of the board
of directors of EarthRights International, a non-governmental organisation based
in Washington that is suing Unocal over alleged human rights abuses.
Pipob said the move was just the beginning, as the trial itself has yet to
begin.
In a companion case, a federal court in Los Angeles found last summer that
"Plaintiffs present[ed] evidence demonstrating that before joining the Project,
Unocal knew that the [Burmese] military had a record of committing human rights
abuses; that the Project hired the military to provide security for the Project;
that the military, while forcing villagers to work and relocate, committed
numerous acts of violence; and that Unocal knew or should have known that the
military did commit, was committing and would continue to commit these tortious
acts."
Unocal argued that the case should be dismissed on a number of grounds,
including an assertion that the US Constitution prohibits such claims as they
could impede US foreign policy. Judge Chaney rejected all of Unocal's
arguments.
Co-counsel for the plaintiffs Anne Richardson said: "This puts the
plaintiffs one step closer to having their day in court. We are confident a jury
reviewing the facts of this case will be horrified. We expect a huge verdict on
their behalf."
Pipob said many ethnic Mon and Karen affected by the construction project
had fled to the Thai side of the border. The Petroleum Authority of Thailand is
the local partner in the joint Thai-Burmese pipeline project.
The plaintiffs in John I et al V. Unocal Corp et al are Burmese villagers
who lived near the pipeline. EarthRights claims some were forced to work on the
project by Unocal's pipeline partner - the notoriously repressive Burmese
military.
The remainder suffered egregious abuses during the military's provision of
"security" for the project. The alleged atrocities range from sexual assault to
a reported case of an infant who died after being kicked into a cooking
fire.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Nation
JUNTA-NLD TALKS: 'Good news'
soon
Published on Sep 6, 2001
Burmese Intelli-gence Chief Lt Gen Khin Nyunt yesterday said he expected
"good news" soon from the dialogue between the military junta and the opposition
in that country, Defence Minister General Chavalit Yongchaiyudh said.
The Burmese general briefed him about the progress of the junta's dialogue
with Aung San Suu Kyi, leader of the National League for Democracy (NLD),
Chavalit said.
"He told me that everything is good and maybe we will have good news soon.
I believe that the talks will succeed as the Burmese leaders are sincere and
serious in bringing peace to the country," Chavalit said.
Chavalit added that Khin Nyunt had assured him Rangoon was determined to
set up a political system that gave people freedoms and liberties.
"This is to confirm that Burmese leaders now are determined to do what we
all would like to see, [to set up] a political system that works for the people
and the country with a peaceful reconciliation approach," he said.
Thailand is more than ready to support the process and hopes that public
participation would be part of that process, Chavalit said.
Burma's State Peace and Development Council is having talks with Suu Kyi,
whose NLD won a national election in 1990 but was prevented by the junta from
taking power.
Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, has been under de facto house arrest
since September last year following a renewed military crackdown.
However the tension eased with the visit of UN special envoy Razali Ismail,
who acted as a mediator.
Chavalit was speaking at a military airport after seeing Khin Nyunt depart
for Rangoon after a three-day official visit. During the visit, Khin Nyunt
pledged strong support and coordination with Thailand on the suppression of
narcotics as well as promising to attempt to prevent any misunderstandings on
border issues with Thailand.
The visit is expected to help heal the volatile relationship caused by the
trespassing of Burma's troops onto Thai soil, as well as silence the war of
verbal attacks following a series of incidents in Thailand by Burmese
dissidents.
Before leaving for Rangoon, Khin Nyunt said that the visit was
successful.
"Our discussions were totally in an atmosphere of sincerity and
understanding with promises to help each other. Both sides are totally satisfied
with this visit and we were able to reach amicable solutions on the topics we
discussed.
"We were able to promote friendship and understanding while finding new
areas for cooperation," he said.
"I regard the visit as a great success in [patching] up the relations of
the two nations. We are neighbours like one family," he said.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- WHO Regional Meeting Ends in
Myanmar
Xinhuanet 2001.09.06 20:37:29 YANGON, September 6 (Xinhuanet)
-- The 54th Regional Committee Meeting of the World Health Organization
(WHO) South East Asia Region ended here Thursday with a call for a strong
commitment and joint endeavors to continue action on priority health
issues.
Relating to mental health and drug and alcohol-related problems, the
committee, in its resolution, urged member states to further strengthen
the development of national policy on the problems through assessment of
the burden and major determinants of such disorders as increasing number
of persons are becoming dependent on narcotics and alcohol.
With regard to arsenic poisoning in drinking water supply, which pose
a serious threat to the health of large population in the region, the
resolution called for enhancing support to member states in their efforts
to intensify arsenic mitigation activities, including provision of guidelines,
norms and standards for the surveillance, diagnosis and treatment of
poisoning.
The resolution also emphasized the need for effective intersectoral
action to address common cross-border health problems.
The resolution approved to hold the next three regional committee
meetings respectively in Indonesia in 2002, in India in 2003 and in
Maldives in 2004.
The WHO regional committee meeting, which began on Monday, was the fourth
one hosted by Myanmar and attended by representatives from Bangladesh,
Bhutan, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, India, Indonesia, Maldives,
Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand as well as those from the U.N. agencies,
inter-governments, national and international non-governmental
organizations.
Myanmar last hosted the regional committee meeting in 1971.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thai-Myanmar in More Constructive
Talks
Xinhuanet 2001.09.06 16:14:47 BANGKOK, September 6 (Xinhuanet) -- Thai and Myanmar authorities
are discussing in details several topics in their two-day meeting in a
resort province of Chonburi, the Thai News Agency(TNA) reported Thursday.
The 19th Regional Border Committee meeting is hosted by Thailand,
starting Thursday and is scheduled to end Friday, Thai Third Army Region
Commander Wattanachai Chaimuanwong was quoted as saying.
The topics to be discussed would follow what Lt. Gen. Khin Nyunt,
First Secretary of Myanmar's Ruling State Peace and Development Council
(SPDC) and his Thai counterpart had primarily agreed and would include
illegal drugs trading, illegal labors, displaced persons and fishery,
Wattanachai said.
The two sides also agreed that their border special force would take care
of the illegal labor problems.
Asked if displaced persons escaping from border fights and now in
Thailand would be sent home, the Thai Commander said that would depend upon the
refugees' willingness.
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