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BURMA RELATED NEWS - February 20,
2003.
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HEADLINES
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AP - Myanmar media
black out news of bank runs
AP - Peace
campaigner: Suu Kyi firm in support of sanctions
Reuters - Myanmar
invites U.S. to hold political dialogue
AFP - Myanmar
rejects US scepticism of reform, sanctions threat
Asia Pulse -
Philippines to Host Inter-Regional Workshop on Ict for PWDs
ABC online - Burma
rejects US remarks about political reform process
The Hindu - Myanmar
leader seeks Delhi's support
Asian Tribune -
Declaration regarding restrictions on Aung San Suu Kyi travel, detention and
arrests in Burma
SHAN - Environment:
Dam in Karen State will still flood Shan State
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Myanmar
media black out news of bank runs
Feb 20 6:50 AM
ET
YANGON, Myanmar (AP) - A media blackout has been imposed on
coverage of a banking crisis which has led to runs on Myanmar's 20 private
banks, editors said Thursday.
All three of the tightly controlled
country's state-run daily newspapers and its roughly 100 private weekly journals
have made no mention of the spate of panic withdrawals, which prompted the
government to limit withdrawals and money transfers.
The blackout
has caused turmoil in business circles.
The Myanmar Fisheries and
Livestock Fair, scheduled to be held in Yangon from Feb. 25 to March 1, was
postponed due to the bank crisis, a Fisheries Ministry official said on
condition of anonymity.
Even the English-language Myanmar Times
newspaper ? which is part government-owned but allowed more publishing freedom
because it serves the expatriate community ? has made no mention of the bank
runs.
"We were requested by the authorities not to write about the
bank crisis for fear that it could exacerbate the problem or create more
rumors," an editor of a leading Myanmar-language journal told The Associated
Press on condition of anonymity.
On Feb. 10, Central Bank Chairman
Kyaw Kyaw Maung attempted to quash rumors that several banks were heading into
bankruptcy. Crowds have been gathering at banks since then, and withdrawals have
risen.
On Monday, the central bank ordered a ban on money
transfers and limits on withdrawals from the 20 private banks.
The
collapse of about a dozen companies that had illegally sold shares to the
public, offering greater returns than the interest given by banks, is generally
believed to have sparked the crisis.
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Peace campaigner: Suu Kyi firm in support of sanctions
Wed Feb 19,10:02 AM ET
BANGKOK, Thailand
(AP)- Myanmar pro-democracy leader
Aung San Suu Kyi urged foreign countries to maintain economic sanctions against
her country's military government until it begins a meaningful dialogue with the
opposition, a prominent campaigner for nonviolence said Wednesday.
Jody Williams, the American co-winner of the 1997 Nobel Peace
Prize for her work to ban land mines, met with Suu Kyi in the Myanmar capital
Yangon earlier this week carrying personal messages of support from fellow Nobel
Peace laureates.
It was the first visit to Suu Kyi by another
Nobel Peace laureate since the pro-democracy campaigner received the award while
under house arrest in 1991.
Williams, interviewed in Bangkok, said
that in their 90-minute meeting Suu Kyi ? leader of the National League for
Democracy party ? insisted that only tough sanctions can force Myanmar's
military government to begin true political reform.
"The position
of the (opposition) party remains that economic sanctions should be in place
against the government, that tourists should not come to the country unless and
until there is meaningful dialogue," Williams said. "That countries should not
invest in Burma ? and if they are there they should leave unless and until there
is meaningful dialogue."
A number of nations, including the
European Union (news - web sites) and the United States, have placed sanctions
against Myanmar to encourage moves toward democracy.
The junta
came to power in 1988 after crushing pro-democracy protests. It called elections
in 1990 but refused to give up power when the NLD won.
Suu Kyi and
the junta began closed-door reconciliation talks in late 2000, but almost no
headway has been made.
On Friday, a high-ranking government
official reportedly attacked the opposition for supporting sanctions.
"Internal and external destructive elements are impeding
development work in the country," Information Minister Brig. Gen. Kyaw Hsan was
quoted as saying in the state-controlled Myanma Ahlin daily. "They are
discouraging foreign investment, foreign assistance and tourists to the country
and encourage economic sanctions."
"Destructive elements must be
annihilated and people should cooperate with constructive people working for the
development of the people and the country," he said.
Russia's
ambassador also said international sanctions were unfair.
"A
policy of pressure and interference in the internal affairs of a country is
counterproductive and unjust," Russian Ambassador Oleg Kabanov told the Myanmar
Times weekly, which is partly state-owned.
Kabanov said foreign
investment and aid for Myanmar would contribute to international stability.
A U.S. State Department official said recently that Washington was
skeptical that Myanmar's military was serious about reform, and warned it was
considering further sanctions against the junta.
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Myanmar invites U.S. to hold political
dialogue
YANGON, Feb 20 (Reuters) - Myanmar's ruling military
invited the United States on Thursday to enter dialogue on the country's
political future, a surprise move apparently aimed at warding off the threat of
further economic sanctions.
The move follows U.S. criticism of
Myanmar's human rights record and stalled talks on a transition to democracy
with the opposition, led by Nobel peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi.
``The government...invites the United States to join us in open
constructive dialogue toward humanitarian, economic and political development in
Myanmar,'' a statement from the junta spokesman's office said.
``We welcome American...advice on making the transition to a
stable democracy.''
The junta expressed ``disappointment'' at
remarks last week by Lorne Craner, U.S. assistant secretary of state for human
rights, democracy and labour, who expressed scepticism about the pace of
political transition in Myanmar, formerly called Burma.
Craner
said Washington was considering all options, including further sanctions. The
United States and European nations slapped economic and other sanctions on
Myanmar's military after it denied power to Suu Kyi following the landslide
victory of her National League for Democracy (NLD) party in 1990 elections.
``Sanctions, in short, do not solve problems. They only make them
worse,'' the junta said in its statement.
The junta entered
U.N.-sponsored confidence-building talks with Suu Kyi's opposition in 2000.
Those talks led to the NLD leader's release from house arrest, but have since
stalled.
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Myanmar rejects US scepticism of reform, sanctions threat
YANGON, Feb 20 (AFP) - Myanmar's ruling military regime on
Thursday rejected US scepticism over the progress of its political reform
process and slammed a warning that it may consider further sanctions against the
country.
In a statement released here, the junta said it "noted
with disappointment" remarks made last week by Lorne Craner, US Assistant
Secretary of State for Human Rights, Democracy and Labour.
Craner
had said that the US government was concerned about the "recalcitrance" of
Myanmar's regime in implementing political change.
"Our patience
for positive change is beginning to run out and we, along with the UK and
others, are considering all options, including further sanctions," he said.
The United States currently maintains an investment ban, travel
restrictions for Myanmar officials and an arms embargo on Myanmar, among other
sanctions.
The junta responded by condemning sanctions for failing
to solve the country's problems.
"Sanctions, by definition, impede
economic growth, and deprive the Myanmar people of job opportunities. Sanctions,
especially against a developing country, directly hurt healthcare and
education," it said in the statement.
"Sanctions, in short, do not
solve problems; they only make them worse."
The junta instead
urged the US to enter into a dialogue with it over Myanmar's development.
"The government therefore invites the United States to join us in
open, constructive dialogue toward humanitarian, economic and political
development in Myanmar," the statement said.
"We urge the United
States to roll up its sleeves, open its heart, and join with us to bring a
better life to the people."
Washington is a staunch critic of
Myanmar, and a strong supporter of democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, whose
National League for Democracy party won a landslide election victory in 1990,
which has never been recognised by the military.
The Nobel peace
laureate -- who was released from house arrest in May -- has been engaged in
UN-brokered talks with the junta since October 2000, but they are yet to
progress beyond a confidence-building stage.
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Thursday February
20, 9:27 AM
Philippines to Host
Inter-Regional Workshop on Ict for PWDs
MANILA, Feb
20 Asia Pulse - The Philippines will
host an inter-regional seminar on Accissible ICT (information and communications
technology) for persons with disability [PWDs] in Manila from March 3-7 this
year.
The project is a joint undertaking of the of the Department
of Social Welfare and Development [DSWD] and the National Council for the
Welfare of Disabled Persons [NCWDP] in coordination with the Department of
Foreign Affairs [DFA] and the United Nations Development Fund
[UNDP].
Aimed to promote equalization of opportunities for PWDs,
the seminar-workshop will be held at the Bayview Hotel along Roxas Boulevard in
Manila.
DSWD said participants will come from Cambodia, Indonesia,
Malaysia, Vietnam, the Lao Peoples Republic, Myanmar, Pakistan, Bangladesh,
Brunei Darussalam, Korea, Japan, Hongkong, Singapore, Thailand, India, China,
South Africa and the Philippines.
The event will carry the theme
"Empowering Persons with Disabilities."
DSWD Secretary Corazon
Juliano Soliman said the seminar-workshop is a "substantive response to the
accessibility recommendation of the Ad Hoc Committee on a Comprehensive and
Integral International Convention to Promote and Protect the Rights and Dignity
of Persons with Disabilities."
Juliano said the seminar will
provide a forum for intensive exchange of knowledge and experience in promoting
awareness, planning and developing accessible ICT solutions, particularly
Internet accessibility, for PWDs.
DSWD Undersecretary Lourdes
Balanon, who chairs the national organizing committee, said that during the
workshop, participants shall discuss and review selected national experiences to
promote accessible ICT for PWDs.
She said the workshop will also
review issues and recommendations and develop a strategic framework to promote
ICT for PWDs, and create among the participants networks of excellence to
empower PWDs through ICT.
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Burma rejects US remarks about political reform process
20/02/2003 21:47:17 | ABC Radio Australia
News
Burma's ruling military regime has rejected
United States scepticism at the progress of Rangoon's political reform process
and criticised a US warning that it may consider further sanctions against
Burma.
In a statement, Burma's military junta said it noted with
disappointment remarks made last week by America's Assistant Secretary of State
for Human Rights, Democracy and Labour, Lorne Craner.
Mr Craner
said the US government was concerned about the "recalcitrance" of Burma's regime
in implementing political change.
He warned that Washington's
patience for positive change was starting to run out and the US was considering
all options, including further sanctions.
The US currently
maintains an investment ban, travel restrictions for Burmese officials and an
arms embargo on Burma, among other sanctions.
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The Hindu
Myanmar leader seeks Delhi's support
By Our Special Correspondent
CHENNAI Feb. 19.
A leader of Myanmar's opposition group, the National League for Democracy (NLD),
Dr. Swe, has urged the Indian Government to help in "reviving the dialogue
between the Burmese military junta and the NLD" as a means of restoring
democracy in that country.
Dr. Swe, who is on a tour of south
India under Amnesty International's banner, told mediapersons here on Wednesday
that India needed to provide support for the dialogue process. The military
regime would certainly be more comfortable with its Asian neighbour than holding
talks with Western nation representatives. However, it should not stop with
talking only with the generals.
It should also hold talks with the
Opposition leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, whose NLD stood for peace and non-violence.
India had a "constructive engagement" with Myanmar's military
leaders, mainly to foster border trade and some forms of aid.
But
recently, Dr. Swe noted, he was concerned with Indian arms supplies, mainly
artillery pieces, passed on through the Manipur border.
"At least
80 trucks of equipment passed through the Moreh-Tamu border post in Manipur
about two months back."
Pointing to the continuing human rights
violations including oppression of the people, mainly the ethnic minorities, Dr.
Swe said 50 million people live in permanent fear.
But, their only
hope was Suu Kyi's movement, which spread its message through the
radio.
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Asian Tribune
Date : 2003-02-20
Declaration regarding restrictions on Aung San Suu Kyi travel,
detention and arrests in Burma
The EU notes with
serious concern that reports of restrictions on freedom of _expression_ and
political arrests and detentions in Burma/Myanmar have increased since the
Presidency Declaration of 11 October 2002.
The EU calls on the
Burma/Myanmar authorities to respect their promises to release all political
prisoners and to immediately hold a substantial dialogue with the national
league for democracy, as well as with the other political groups, with a view to
proceeding to the democratic transition of the country.
Of
particular concern is the growing pattern of harassment and attempted
intimidation of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi by the Burma/Myanmar authorities, supported
by the Union Solidarity Development Association (USDA), as demonstrated recently
in Rakhine State.
In this context, the EU notes with concern the
recent political arrests in the country, in particular the arrest of the
Secretary General of the Shan Nationalities' League for Democracy and a number
of NLD members.
The EU believes such actions are aimed at
dissuading supporters of the National League for Democracy and the Burmese
Democratic Movement from having contact with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi while, at the
same time, do not facilitate the progress towards democracy announced by the
Burma/Myanmar authorities.
The EU reaffirms its commitment and
support for political change in Burma/Myanmar in pursuit of national
reconciliation, respect for human rights and democracy. The EU welcomes the
current visit to Rangoon by an Amnesty International delegation and hopes this
will lead to a greater understanding of and respect for human
rights.
At the same time the EU also reiterates its call on Senior
General Than Shwe to enter urgently into a genuine and substantive dialogue with
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the National League for Democracy, the other political
groups in the country and representatives of the ethnic
nationalities.
The EU also calls upon the Burma/Myanmar authorities
to institute a programme of economic reforms with the aim of adequately
addressing the economic and humanitarian needs of the people of Burma/Myanmar
and to take further steps to effectively tackle the spread of HIV/AIDS.
The EU will take the situation in Burma/Myanmar into close account
in considering renewal of the European Union Common Position in April
2003.
The Central and Eastern European countries associated with
the European Union, the associated countries Cyprus, Malta and Turkey, and the
EFTA countries, members of the European Economic Area, align themselves with
this declaration.
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Shan Herald Agency for News
20
February 2003
Environment: Dam in Karen State will still flood Shan
State
The choice dam site of Electricity
Generating Authority of Thailand in Karen State will still inundate parts of
Karenni and Shan states upstream, according to an informed source from
Thailand-based environmental group today.
"The back flood
from Weigyi, between Thailand's Maehongson Province and Burma's Karen State,
will go as far as 380-400 km to the north," said the source, reporting on the
presentation given to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on 12 February, by
EGAT governor, Sitthiporn Rattanopas.
Weigyi "Great
Whirlpool", after completion, will be 168 meters high, with a generating
capacity of 4,540 MW at an estimated cost of US$ 6 billion.
Terra (Towards Ecological Recovery and Regional Alliance)
meanwhile says the reservoir, with a normal high water level of 220 meters will
be inundating 15,000 - 20,000 acres of land that will displace thousands of
people including residents of Bawlake and Hpahsawng in Karenni a.k.a Kayah
State.
The extent of the damage, however, remains to be
investigated, though the EGAT paper promises probable destruction of thousands
of acres of forest areas on both sides of the Salween.
Aung
San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy, has already confirmed since Burma's
Independence Day, 4 January, that it is firmly against foreign investments until
substantive talks between the Opposition and military rulers are in place.
Shans, Karens and Karennis have also voiced their condemnations on
the dam projects since 1993.
The Weigyi dam nonetheless
still requires official approval from Rangoon, that had already signed an
agreement with Thai-based MDX Group last December to construct a 3,300 megawatt
dam at Shan State's Tasarng, 400 km upstream
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