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-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BURMA RELATED NEWS - February - 15, 2001. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- HEADLINE
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AFP - Indian foreign minister to meet with
Myanmar leaders
AFP - Thailand and Myanmar launch
negotiations over border clashes
AFP - India has no alternative to good
ties with Myanmar: Singh
AFP - Indian foreign minister ends Myanmar
visit
AP - Plan For Southeast Asian Gas Pipeline
Ready For Study
ABC online - Burma and Thailand fail to
make border agreement
Kyodo News - Myanmar
economic growth continues, junta says
The Japan Times - Japan readies fresh ODA for Myanmar
Kyodo News - Myanmar
demands Thailand cease support for rebels
Bkk Post - Military says junta wants strike excuse
Bkk Post - Rangoon inadvertently admits
guilt in plea for compensation
The Times of India - Mizoram CM for Indo-Myanmar border fencing
AP - Thailand,Myanmar Fail To Agree On
Troop Pullback
The Nation - New govt to alter policy on
Burma
SCMP - No
agreement reached on troop deployments
Thursday, February 15 5:12 PM SGT
Indian foreign minister to meet with Myanmar leaders YANGON, Feb 15 (AFP) - Visiting
Indian Foreign Minister Jaswant Singh was due to meet with Myanmar's leader
Senior General Than Shwe and the junta's first secretary Khin Nyunt Thursday as
his official visit drew to a close.
The meetings cap off a trip that has been seen as an important plank in
efforts to revive relations between the neighbours amid concerns over the
strength of China's influence in the military-run country.
Indian officials here said they consider the minister's visit -- the first
by a senior Indian leader since 1987 -- extremely significant in terms of the
promoting the bilateral relationship.
"Our external affairs minister is a former military officer and as such has
a good understanding of how the military mind works," one diplomat said.
While not denying that India was concerned about the increasing Chinese
presence in Myanmar, the embassy officials said it was not the driving factor
behind the current "engagement policy" with Myanmar.
"The China factor is something to be reckoned with but this is not what is
motivating us," one said.
"We feel that Myanmar, placed geographically as it is, is in an ideal
position to benefit both of us in terms of economic gains and this is what we
want to develop."
India, as a leading light in the information technology sector, could also
offer much-needed expertise to help Myanmar upgrade its creaking infrastructure,
he added.
Other analysts see the latest moves by the Myanmar regime to seek closer
ties with India as a calculated move to balance out relations with its big
northern neighbour China which is seen to be making too many inroads here.
"Former Myanmar leaders have shrewdly stayed away from big-power regional
politics by managing to strike a delicate balance and staying absolutely
neutral," said one observer in Yangon.
Singh's visit has been given relatively wide coverage in the official
media, which lauded his presence Tuesday at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for an
Indian-built road that links central Myanmar with the Indian state of
Manipur.
"By successfully building (the highway) the government of India has
reaffirmed the substance of the long-standing and traditinally close bonds
between India and Myanmar," said The New Light of Myanmar.
"The inauguration of the road in fact, marks the beginning of an important
journey to achieve better results," it said in an editorial.
Singh, who flies out of Yangon later Thursday, told Indian reporters
accompanying his delegation that the national interest demanded his government
foster good relations with the military regime in Myanmar.
He said that while India was committed to democracy it had too many vital
issues in common to turn its back on the Yangon regime, adding that it would be
"inconceivable" to cut off regular contact with Myanmar.
"When we inaugurated the Tamu-Kalemyo-Kalewa road, we wanted to convey the
message that land joins us and that we cannot be separated," he told the Indian
Express.
He also said India relied on Myanmar for eastward trade and that he hoped
the two countries could work together to develop hydro-electric projects around
their border to provide power for Nepal and Bhutan.
Meanwhile, a high-level 17-member chamber of commerce delegation left for
India Wednesday for a three-week tour with a view to boosting bilateral trade
and seeking out new markets.
"This is a purely economic fact-finding mission and we are going to take a
whirlwind tour covering quite a number of places all over India," a delegation
member told AFP.
Thursday, February 15 4:06 PM SGT
Thailand and Myanmar launch negotiations over border clashes BANGKOK, Feb 15 (AFP) -
Thailand and Myanmar opened negotiations Thursday over weekend clashes that left
five civilians dead and injured dozens more as their national armies traded fire
across the border.
The two sides called a ceasefire Sunday and pledged to find a peaceful
solution to the conflict that was sparked by rival ethnic armies whose bases lie
along the rugged border region.
After several days of wrangling they agreed to hold the talks on both sides
of the Mae Sai-Tachilek border crossing which has been closed since Tuesday amid
unease over a build-up of troops and fears new fighting could erupt.
Thai provincial army commander Major General Thawat Jarukarat crossed into
the township of Tachilek early Thursday to meet with his Myanmar
counterpart.
After brief talks there, the two commanders went across to Mae Sai on the
Thai side for further discussions aimed at ironing out their differences and
easing the tense military stand-off, an army spokesman said.
Thailand and Myanmar have engaged in a heated war of words in recent days,
accusing each other of aiding the ethnic armies that touched off the conflict
which sent shells and gunfire raining down on Mae Sai and Tachilek.
Thailand blamed Myanmar for the incident, saying the artillery that hit Mae
Sai strayed from an offensive against ethnic Shan rebels mounted by Yangon's
troops in alliance with fighters of the United Wa State Army (UWSA).
It said Thai troops were forced to retaliate against an incursion by
Myanmar soldiers.
However, Myanmar denied the accusations that it was behind the border
offensive and accused the Shan of attacking both Mae Sai and Tachilek in an
effort to poison relations with Thailand.
On Wednesday it stepped its attack by accusing Thailand of directly
assisting the Shan rebels -- one of handful of ethnic armies which have refused
to sign a ceasefire with Yangon.
However, it toned down the rhetoric Thursday, saying dissidents and armed
groups "under the influence of certain Western powers residing inside Thailand"
were the real instigators of the trouble.
"These elements, greatly alarmed by the new Thai government's favourable
policy towards Myanmar and fearing that they would ultimately become victims,"
used the Shan to create the border incident, it said.
The commentatary in the Mirror Daily welcomed Thaksin's administration and
said the the "futile attempt" to create discord was bound to fail.
A leading dissident group Thursday said the border skirmish showed the
Myanmar regime was proving to be a "major threat in destabilising the
region".
"This is not only a security crisis for Thailand, but also a problem for
ASEAN as the region moves towards great integration," said the All Burma
Students' Democratic Front (ABSDF).
It said the junta did not respect Thai sovereignty and that conflict would
erupt periodically until democratic rule was established in Myanmar.
"Democracy will not only resolve the border conflict but lead to resolution
of other key problems including drugs, refugees and illegal immigration," it
said.
Thursday, February 15 3:21 PM SGT
India has no alternative to good ties with Myanmar: Singh NEW DELHI, Feb 15 (AFP) -
Foreign Minister Jaswant Singh said India's national interest demanded his
government foster good relations with the military regime in neighbouring
Myanmar, reports said Thursday.
Speaking to Indian reporters during his ongoing visit to Myanmar, Singh
said that while India was committed to democracy it had too many vital issues in
common to turn its back on the Yangon government.
Singh, the first Indian minister to visit Yangon since then prime minister
Rajiv Gandhi in 1987, said it would be "inconceivable" to cut off regular
contact with Myanmar.
He said India relied on Myanmar for eastward trade and that he hoped the
two countries could work together to develop hydro-electric projects around
their border to provide power for Nepal and Bhutan.
Singh pointed to the opening on Tuesday of an Indian-built road aimed at
linking central Myanmar with the Indian state of Manipur as a symbol of the two
countries' new relations.
"When we inaugurated the Tamu-Kalemyo-Kalewa road, we wanted to convey the
message that land joins us and that we cannot be separate," said Singh, quoted
by the Indian Express.
The paper said India wanted to use trade in its remote northeast to improve
ties with Myanmar, and Singh has been accompanied on his three-day visit by
senior officials from all India's troubled northeastern states.
India's engagement of the Myanmar junta has come under fire at home as New
Delhi has traditionally been sympathetic to the pro-democracy movement led by
Aung San Suu Kyi.
But as well as trade, India has been keen to gain Myanmar's cooperation
against a host of separatist groups fighting for independent homelands in its
northeast.
Earlier this year, troops from both countries carried out a combined
operation against five militant camps in Myanmar belonging to the Nationalist
Socialist Council of Nagaland.
India is also keen to counter the growing influence in Myanmar of China,
which has embarked on a massive road-building programme from its southwestern
province of Yunnan and is the Yangon military's closest ally.
Singh is due to meet Thursday with with Myanmar's leader Senior General
Than Shwe and the junta's first secretary Khin Nyunt before heading back to New
Delhi.
The two nations are due to sign a treaty to combat cross-border drug
trafficking and the separatist insurgency.
The Indian minister held talks Wednesday with his counterpart Win
Aung.
Thursday, February 15 11:48 PM SGT
Indian foreign minister ends Myanmar visit BANGKOK, Feb 15 (AFP) - Indian
Foreign Minister Jaswant Singh called on Myanmar military leader Senior General
Than Shwe in Yangon before he ended his official visit to Myanmar on Thursday,
state-run TV Myanmar said.
The meeting, held at the Yangon defence ministry, was also attended by
other senior members of the ruling military regime including vice chairman
General Maung Aye, the report monitored here said.
Singh also held separate talks with the junta's first secretary Lieutenant
General Khin Nyunt who is also head of the country's powerful military
intelligence unit.
The report did not give details of their discussions.
Singh arrived in Yangon Wednesday on an official visit, the first by a
senior Indian leader to Myanmar since then-prime minister Rajiv Gandhi in
1987.
Singh and his delegation arrived in Yangon from the northern city of
Mandalay, where he spent Tuesday evening after crossing the border overland at
the Moreh-Tamu checkpoint, the legal gateway for border trade between the two
sides.
"India's national interest demanded his government foster good relations
with the military regime in neighbouring Myanmar," said Singh, quoted by the
Indian Express newspaper in New Delhi Thursday,
Speaking to Indian reporters during the visit, Singh said that while India
was committed to democracy it had too many vital issues in common to turn its
back on the Yangon government.
Thursday February 15, 4:53 PM
Plan For Southeast Asian Gas Pipeline Ready For Study SINGAPORE (AP)--A plan to
create a massive gas pipeline network across Southeast Asia is ready to be
studied by officials in the region, a report said Thursday.
The plan, drafted by a task force from the Association of Southeast Asian
Nations, or ASEAN, will be sent for consideration to all 10 members of the
grouping, Singapore's government Teletext news service reported Thursday.
A copy of the draft wasn't immediately available.
The Trans-ASEAN Energy Network would link existing and proposed gas
networks in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, the Philippines and
Thailand - with major demand centers in China and Taiwan.
Demand for natural gas is growing throughout world, as oil becomes more
scarce and expensive and concerns about the environment increase.
During a speech Thursday, Singapore Trade Minister George Yeo called for
the private sector to take a more active role in building and financing
infrastructure in Asia's energy sector.
Citing recent Indonesian-Singaporean gas cooperation projects, Yeo said in
a speech to delegates that Singapore "will do its part to bring about great
economic cooperation in the energy industry."
Plans for the pan-ASEAN gas grid have been under consideration for five
years and it may take 20 more years to complete.
Another task force is studying a pan-ASEAN power grid.
Yeo said an ASEAN power grid would help optimize energy resources, make
power generation more cost effective, spur the liberalization of national
electricity markets and attract more private sector investment.
Singapore will also work to increase competition within the power sector in
ASEAN, he added.
Currently cross-border electricity sales take place between Thailand and
Laos, Thailand and Malaysia, and Malaysia and Singapore.
The 10 members of ASEAN are Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines,
Indonesia, Brunei, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia.
ABC online - February 15,
2001.
Burma and Thailand fail to make border agreement Officials from Burma and Thailand have failed to negotiate an agreement on
pulling back troops from their tense border.
Both armies have reinforces positions along a stretch of the northern
border after fighting between Burmese troops and Shan rebels spilled into
Thailand.
At least 19 combatants were killed on both sides during Sunday's fighting.
The two countries have traded barbs since the hostilities subsided but
officials have failed to find ways to ease tensions.
The Burmese refused to talk about withdrawing troops until there is a
resolution of a border demarcation dispute.
Thailand says it will protect its territory, but the talks are a good sign
and wants to have more.
The Thai Army says it has nothing to do with fighting for the autonomy of
the Shan people.
Myanmar economic growth continues, junta
says
YANGON Feb. 15 Kyodo - Myanmar managed to maintain economic growth by
vigorous implementation of the timely adopted policies, despite the 1997 Asian
financial crisis, Lt. Gen. Khin Nyunt, first secretary of country's ruling
junta, said at the opening ceremony of the Third BIMST-EC Trade Ministers
meeting in Yangon on Thursday.
The Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand Economic Cooperation
(BIMST-EC) is an economic pact among the five countries.
''The first four years of the five-year plan 1996-2001 registered average
annual GDP growth rate of 7.2%. The growth rate in the last year of the
five-year plan, ending March 31 this year, is projected at 8%,'' he told
delegates.
''These achievements are made by our own efforts and resources without any
outside assistance,'' the general added.
He also expressed Myanmar's determination to make a meaningful contribution
to progress and prosperity of the BIMST-EC region.
The Japan Times: Feb. 14,
2001
Japan readies fresh ODA for Myanmar By HISANE MASAKI - Staff writer Japan is considering the first large-scale official development assistance
in four years for Myanmar to help relieve the impoverished Southeast Asian
country's acute power-supply shortages, government sources said Tuesday.
The move comes amid signs that tensions could be easing between the
military regime and prodemocracy leader and 1991 Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung
San Suu Kyi and her National League for Democracy.
The ODA under consideration would be for repair work on the superannuated
Baluchaung hydroelectric power plant in the eastern province of Kayah.
The plant, a major source of power, was built four decades ago with
Japanese economic aid extended as part of wartime compensation. Japan began to
consider the fresh ODA at the Myanmar military regime's request, the sources
said.
Although the exact amount of ODA has yet to be determined, it would likely
exceed 1 billion yen, nearly $9 million at recent exchange rates, the sources
said. The fresh ODA would be more likely to be provided in the form of
grants-in-aid than in the form of low-interest official yen loans.
Japanese ODA consists of yen loans, grants-in-aid and technical
cooperation. Japan has retained its status as the world's largest single aid
donor over the past nine years, providing more than $10 billion annually.
If the fresh ODA is actually disbursed, it would be the first extension of
relatively large-scale Japanese ODA to Myanmar in four years. Japan extended 2.5
billion yen in yen loans to Myanmar for repair work at Yangon International
Airport in 1997.
The sources said, however, that Japan will carefully consider the timing of
any ODA for the Baluchaung power project while keeping a close watch on
political developments in Myanmar and on international circumstances surrounding
the Southeast Asian country, especially whether -- and how -- the United States
addresses Myanmar under new Republican President George W. Bush.
The Bush administration is widely expected to take a softer approach toward
Myanmar's military regime than did former President Bill Clinton. Secretary of
State Madeleine Albright, who is known as a personal admirer of Suu Kyi, has
left the White House.
Albright was often critical of Japan's so-called "constructive engagement"
policy on Myanmar, which ASEAN nations also pursued.
At a meeting with her Japanese counterpart, Yohei Kono, in New York in
mid-September, Albright implicitly urged Japan to abandon its policy toward the
military rulers and follow the U.S. and European example.
Myanmar was admitted to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in July,
1997. The 10-nation ASEAN groups Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, the
Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia.
The military took power in a 1988 coup in Myanmar, then nullified the
results of a 1990 election, in which Suu Kyi's NLD won a landslide victory. The
military junta now refers to itself as the State Peace and Development Council,
or SPDC.
While calling for improvements in the protection of human rights and
democratic principles in Myanmar and severely curtailing fresh ODA since the
brutal coup, Japan has taken a different diplomatic tack toward Myanmar than the
U.S. and Europe. Instead of ostracizing the country, Japan has advocated
engagement.
Since the 1988 coup, Japanese ODA to Myanmar has been limited to what
Japanese government officials term humanitarian projects. The loans in 1997, for
instance, were extended due to grave safety concerns at an airport that had
fallen into disrepair.
As for a possible extension of new ODA for the Baluchaung power project,
one government source said, "If the power plant is forced to cease operations
due to some troubles, then it will further aggravate the already serious
shortage of power in Myanmar."
The lives of ordinary Myanmar citizens will also be seriously affected.
Therefore, repair work on the plant can be characterized as a humanitarian
project."
In defiance of mounting international pressure, Japan has vigorously pushed
ahead with technical assistance -- not financial -- to help Myanmar modernize
its outdated economy.
Early last year Japan and Myanmar set up a joint panel of government
officials and private-sector experts to discus ways to resolve structural
problems that have hobbled Myanmar's economic development. The fledgling joint
panel has so far met twice -- first in Yangon in June and again in Tokyo in
early December.
The signs of easing tensions emerged only after the start of the new
year.
It was made known last month that the SPDC and NLD had held secret talks
over the past few months -- the first known contacts between the two archrivals
in nearly six years -- to try and break the decade-long political impasse.
The resumption of direct dialogue between the two sides materialized thanks
to mediation efforts by a special envoy of the United Nations Secretary General
Kofi Annan.
The SPDC has also made other symbolic gestures, including the release from
prison of party vice chairman Tin Oo and some 80 other party members. The SPDC
has also reportedly lifted a travel ban on NLD members residing in rural areas
and stopped airing criticism of the NLD in state-run media.
The U.S. and other industrialized countries in Europe have toughened
economic and other sanctions against Myanmar during the past decade but may
soften their stances depending on further favorable developments.
In fact, the 15-nation European Union, which reopened regular dialogue with
ASEAN in December after suspending it since Myanmar's entry into ASEAN in 1997,
dispatched a mission to Yangon at the end of last month.
Myanmar demands Thailand cease support
for rebels
YANGON Feb. 14 Kyodo - The Myanmar Foreign Ministry, in an aide-memoire
handed to Thai Ambassador Oum Maolanon on Monday, demanded that Thailand cease
support to armed insurgents and not harm ''existing friendship'' between the two
countries, newspapers reported Wednesday.
''Myanmar maintains friendly relations with all countries particularly with
neighbors. Taking advantage of Myanmar's good neighborly policy, armed insurgent
groups such as the Karen National Union and Shan United Revolutionary Army
(SURA), are carrying out anti-Myanmar activities from bases in Thailand. In
recent government operations against drug-trafficking SURA, Myanmar troops took
all precautions not to cause any harm to Thailand. However Thai troops not only
acted in support of the SURA but also gave supporting fire, using heavy
weapons,'' the message said.
''Myanmar therefore calls on Thai authorities to cease providing direct or
indirect support to SURA,'' it said.
Bangkok Post - February 15,
2001.
Army alert for Wa infiltrators Military says junta wants strike excuse Subin Khuenkaew, Wassana Nanuam and Cheewin Sattha The Burmese plan to send United Wa State Army strike teams into Chiang Rai
to stir up trouble and justify further cross-border military action, Thai
intelligence sources said.
The continuing build-up of junta forces opposite Chiang Rai indicated
Rangoon was determined to crush the Shan State Army and needed a pretext.
The army yesterday reinforced its troops in Mai Sai, opposite Tachilek in
Burma, with 20 Scorpion and Stingray light tanks sent from cavalry bases in
Chiang Mai and Petchabun.
"The situation at the border town could turn militarily explosive any
moment," said an army intelligence officer.
Pha Muang Force commander Maj Gen Somboonkiat Sithidecha and 3rd Cavalry
Regiment commander Col Akaradet Songworawit, who is in charge of security at Mae
Sai district, were briefed by military intelligence in Bangkok yesterday.
Hundreds of Wa troops were reported poised for an assault on the Shan State
Army's military base, commanded by Jao Gong Juen, opposite Ban Pang Noon, Mae
Fah Luang district, Chiang Rai.
"There will certainly be fierce fighting in that area in the next few
days," said an officer from Pha Muang Task Force.
In Chiang Rai, Lt-Gen Wattanachai Chaimuanwong, the Third Army commander,
said the closure of border checkpoints in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai was to
prevent logistic supplies and war materials from reaching Burmese troops.
"Burmese troops are gearing up for assaults. They are hoarding rice and
banning the sale of fuel to the people. While it is still uncertain whether
there will be combat, it is necessary to take this step-to block logistical
supplies from reaching the Burmese troops," he said.
The Third Army chief dismissed an accusation by army retirees that he was
thirsty for war, saying he had a duty to protect the country's interests.
"There is no fighting yet between the two countries. The presence of forces
on both sides of the border will continue until the conflict is settled.
Fighting will not occur until someone violates the ceasefire," said Lt-Gen
Wattanachai.
"We cannot be certain of anything about Burma. My opinion is that all
Burmese unit commanders who caused the conflict should brought before a firing
squad," Lt-Gen Wattanachai said.
Talks began on Monday and Tuesday to start talks to end the conflict, but
the two sides could not reach an agreement over the venue. They were to meet
again yesterday.
The military yesterday warned motorists to avoid highways Nos 1, 1089,
1130, 1234 and 1149 as military movements in the area could cause
inconvenience.
Residents in Mae Sai have been advised to stay in their homes at
night.
Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said he wanted to go to Burma for talks
on the drug and border problems, but warned that if they did not yield results
Thailand would take unilateral "decisive action".
"We must discuss the issue as neighbours, but if the talks do not settle
the problem we will have to deal with it in our own way," Mr Thaksin said.
Mr Thaksin said Gen Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, the probable defence minister,
planned to use his personal contacts with Burmese officers to settle the
problem.
"His main duties will be to help me on the issues of security, the border,
and the military," Mr Thaksin said.
Bangkok Post - February - 15,
2001.
Rangoon inadvertently admits guilt in plea for compensation Burma told to show proof of damage Post Reporters And Reuters Burma has effectively admitted its troops trespassed into Thai territory
and will have to show proof of damage if it wants compensation from Thailand,
the Foreign Ministry said yesterday.
Pradap Pibulsonggram, the ministry spokesman, cited part of the Burmese
aide memoire: "Myanmar [Burma] forces had not intentionally crossed over into
Thai territory or attacked Thai targets."For Mr Pradap, the allusion to absence
of intention was "tantamount" to admitting that Burmese troops trespassed into
Thai territory.
The Burmese protest note demanded compensation for damage, and urged the
Thai military to refrain from returning fire.
To secure compensation, Burma would have to produce proof of damage, Mr
Pradap said. There was solid evidence of damage on the Thai side.
Both sides have demanded compensation for loss of lives and property in
their respective border towns, Mae Sai and Tachilek, on Sunday.
Burma said it suffered three dead, against Thailand's three.
Burma yesterday denied its troops had fired shells at Mae Sai on Sunday. It
claimed ethnic Shan guerrillas had carried out the attack to damage relations
between the two countries, in a government statement Reuters received in
Bangkok.
Burma accused Thai troops of giving morale and military support to the Shan
guerrillas, who Rangoon says are the major drug producers and smugglers in the
region.
"It is...sad to learn that there were civilian casualties on the Thai side
and that the Thai army leaders were coming up with strong statements against
Myanmar because two civilians were killed and eight wounded," the statement
said.
"It is very clear that the direction of the shells that fell into Mae Sai
was not in the direction of where the actual fighting was taking place on the
Myanmar side. It is a totally different direction and only someone with vested
interests can deliberately do it."Senior Thai soldiers say the Burmese military
is heavily involved in the drugs trade and accuse the United Wa State Army of
being behind most of the methamphetamines flooding Thailand.
Burma insists it is trying to stamp out the drugs trade, and blames the
Shan for drug production in the area.
"To effectively stop the drug menace threatening both Myanmar and Thailand,
it is of utmost importance for both countries to join forces and seriously
co-operate with each other," the Rangoon government said in the official
statement.
"Without co-operation from Thailand, especially in the field of preventing
essential chemicals from falling into the hands of organised crime syndicates
and refraining from giving sanctuary and support to armed criminal
organisations...any endeavour would be in vain."
The Times of India - February 15,
2001.
Mizoram CM for Indo-Myanmar border fencing AIZAWL: Mizoram chief minister Zoramthanga has submitted a proposal to
prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee regarding the fencing of the 404 km long
Mizoram-Myanmar border.
Official sources told here on Wednesday that Zoramthanga met Vajpayee last
evening and informed him that the Mizoram-Myanmar border has been perpetually
used by both insurgents and drug traffickers and asked for its immediate
fencing.
Border fencing is also important to check illegal influx from neighbouring
Myanmar, Zoramthanga said.
The chief minister also urged the centre to provide at least Rs 12 crore
for construction of houses and barracks for the newly raised second battalion of
the Indian Reserve Police.
The new battalion would be having its headquarters in the border town of
Khawzawl. (PTI)
Thursday, February 15 4:30 PM SGT
Thailand,Myanmar Fail To Agree On Troop Pullback MAE SAI, Thailand (AP)--Thailand and Myanmar failed to agree Thursday
on pulling back troops from their tense border where the worst fighting in years
occurred last week, officials said.
They said border officials of the two countries met for the first time
since Sunday's fighting, but came away without agree any measure to ease
tensions.
Myanmar refused to talk about withdrawing troops until there was a
resolution to a border demarcation dispute and compensation for the damage to
property and civilian deaths, a senior official who participated in the talks
said, on condition of anonymity.
The two rounds of talks were held in the border towns of Mae Sai in
Thailand and Tachilek in Myanmar. The Thai side was led by Maj. Gen. Thawat
Jaruklas, military commander of the northernmost province of Chiang Rai, and the
Myanmar side by Lt. Col. Aye Zaw, chairman of Tachilek township committee.
"Myanmar demanded compensation and immediate resolution of the border
dispute, which was beyond my authorization," Thawat told reporters.
"So I have to report their demands to my superiors for consideration,"
Thawat said in Mae Sai, 720 kilometers from the capital, Bangkok.
Myanmar and Thailand have positioned reinforcements along a stretch of the
northern border where fighting between Myanmar troops and the separatist Shan
rebels had spilled into Thailand. At least 19 combatants were killed on both
sides.
During the fighting, Myanmar shells landed in Mae Sai, killing two
civilians. Thailand also fired artillery shells at Myanmar troops, accusing them
of intruding into Thai soil. Myanmar says three civilians were killed.
The two countries have traded barbs since the hostilities subsided Monday.
With the impasse continuing, the Mae Sai-Tachilek checkpoint and other
nearby border trading points would stay closed until further notice, Thawat
said.
Thailand had shut the border crossings Tuesday for safety reasons and to
deny supplies to Myanmar forces.
Myanmar's military government accuses the Thai army of being in cahoots
with the separatist Shan rebels, who are based along the Thai-Myanmar border,
and giving them artillery support. Thailand denies the accusation.
Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said Thursday he would address the
Myanmar issue when his Cabinet starts work next week. He told reporters he still
planned to make an early visit to Myanmar.
February 13, 2001 atimes.com
Southeast Asia Paving the way for better
India-Myanmar ties
NEW DELHI - Relations between India and Myanmar are expected to move into
top gear with the Indian External Affairs Minister Jaswant Singh putting into
operation next week a new road that will pave the way for enhanced tourism,
trade and economic ties.
Singh's three-day official visit, the first high-level one from India to
Myanmar since the trip by the late prime minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1987, will
signal India's interest in reviving close contacts with Yangon.
He will inaugurate the Rs1 billion (US$21.54 million) 165-kilometer
Tamu-Kalemyo-Kalewa road, the first of its kind in Myanmar developed by the
Border Roads Organization aimed at greater cross-border linkages with India.
Sharing a long border stretching over 1,600 kilometers, India and Myanmar
face problems of cross-border insurgency, drug trafficking and smuggling of
illegal arms. Though institutional mechanisms have been set up to deal with
these issues, they continue to be a source of concern for the two neighbors.
Myanmar is attaching considerable significance to Singh's visit, during
which he will meet Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and
Development Council, the highest decision-making body of the military regime.
Besides Than Shwe, who is also prime minister and the defense minister, Singh
will meet Myanmar Foreign Minister U Win Aung.
Meanwhile, Malaysia says the Myanmar government's more open attitude and
softer stance and is confident these developments will lead to even better
political winds of change in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean)
member state.
Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar said in Kuala Lumpur on the weekend
political developments in Myanmar were very encouraging and Malaysia was
confident that the disputing groups would arrive at a consensus on the governing
process for their country.
He was commenting on positive developments reported recently by the United
Nations Secretary-General's Special Envoy to Myanmar Razali Ismail on his
mission to that country.
Razali was reported to have said that he was allowed to meet twice with
opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, now under house arrest in Yangon.
Razali was given the mandate by the UN to discuss issues related to the UN
General Assembly Resolution of December 1999 urging the Myanmar government to
stop any violation of human rights and take steps to return the country to
democracy.
Syed Hamid said as a country with close ties with Myanmar, Malaysia fully
supported Razali's efforts to restore democracy in that country. But in line
with the policy of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries,
Malaysia had adopted the stand that democratization in Myanmar should be at its
own pace and convenience without any external force or pressure, he said.
"The Malaysian government has always stressed on the concept of a
constructive relationship without offending any country and on the question of
Myanmar we can only be influential to the extent of showing how the democratic
process has brought benefit to economic development and to the people's
well-being in this country," he said.
He said the visit of Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad to Myanmar last month
had produced encouraging results and Malaysia would help in the economic
development of that country. He said Malaysia was confident that the
democratization process in Myanmar would gain momentum when its economy further
improved.
The Nation - February 16,
2001.
New govt to alter policy on Burma SURAKIART Sathirathai, tipped to be the new foreign minister, yesterday
underlined the need to use multi-channel personal contacts with Burma to restore
much-needed mutual trust.
Surakiart emphasised trust-building as a key to strengthening bilateral
ties, which hit their lowest point in several years after last weekend's border
clashes.
Surakiart, deputy leader of the Thai Rak Thai Party, said he and Prime
Minister Thaksin Shinawatra will further develop informal relations with their
Burmese counterparts.
"We will make it so informal that we can talk anytime on the phone or fly
into the other country when we have problems to solve," he said.
Surakiart was among key foreign negotiators on the Ban Phitsanulok team
under former prime minister Chatichai Choonhavan, whose downfall in a 1991 coup
was partly the result of corruption within his Cabinet.
Surakiart was instrumental in brokering gas deals with Burma while serving
as chairman of PTT Exploration and Production, an arm of the state-owned
Petroleum Authority of Thailand.
However, outgoing Foreign Minister Surin Pitsuwan yesterday cautioned
against the use of "personal diplomacy", saying only a united approach could
solve the problems with Burma.
He said there was strong unity among agencies dealing with Burma in the
Chuan administration and that his "flexible engagement" policy had worked well
over the past few years. The recent discussions between Rangoon military leaders
and opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi illustrate this, he said.
Surin warned that the use of individual players would weaken the
institution-building that he championed.
However, Surakiart said the new government's policies towards neighbours
would be independent, based on mutual respect and trust as well as
non-interference in neighbours' domestic affairs.
In what he called "forward engagement", Surakiart said the policy would be
guided by a business-driven rather than ideological approach.
"We would like to promote democracy in Burma, but we would like to do it
the Asian way," he was quoted as saying in the latest issue of the Hong
Kong-based Far Eastern Economic Review.
"We must identify key relationships and focus on dimensions where we can
cooperate. Our foreign policy must correspond with the economic needs of
Thailand," he was quoted as saying.
The magazine quoted Surakiart as saying that the new line means closer
cooperation with the whole of Asia. "Thailand will play a leading role in
engaging South Asia and linking it with East Asia," he said.
He also favours bringing South Asia into the "Asean plus three" forum.
Greater regional cooperation will translate into more negotiating clout
internationally, Surakiart said.
The magazine said Surakiart supported the promotion of the Asian Monetary
Fund and a parallel body to the powerful Group of Eight.
"We should tell the world what the new financial architecture is, rather
than be told," he said.
He said the new government will aim to work with its neighbours to open
borders and establish a common production base in mainland Southeast Asia, "so
that regional investors will look at us with economies of scale in mind".
Thaksin's team believes deeper business ties with neighbouring countries
will make the region less tense and more prosperous, the magazine said.
Under outgoing Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai, relations with neighbours had
been somewhat strained over democracy and human rights, in addition to border
conflicts.
Burma suspects Thailand of providing support to pockets of ethnic
insurgents along the border. Relations hit their lowest point in several years
last weekend when Burmese troops shelled targets on Thai soil while battling
insurgents.
Chuan did not visit Burma during his three years in office. Thaksin has
promised to make Rangoon among his first official foreign visits.
South China Morning Post
Thursday, February 15, 2001 BURMA No agreement reached on troop deployments Thailand and Burma failed to agree on Thursday on pulling back troops from
their tense border where the worst fighting in years occurred last week,
officials said.
They said border officials of the two countries met for the first time since Sunday's fighting, but came away without agree any measure to ease tensions. Burma refused to talk about withdrawing troops until there was a resolution
to a border demarcation dispute and compensation for the damage to property and
civilian deaths, a senior official who participated in the talks said.. He spoke
on condition of anonymity.
The two rounds of talks were held in the border towns of Mae Sai in
Thailand and Tachilek in Burma. The Thai side was led by Major-General Thawat
Jaruklas, military commander of the northernmost province of Chiang Rai, and the
Burma side by Lieutenant-Colonel Aye Zaw, chairman of Tachilek township
committee.
''Burma demanded compensation and immediate resolution of the border
dispute, which was beyond my authorisation,'' General Thawat said.
''So I have to report their demands to my superiors for consideration,''
General Thawat said in Mae Sai, 720km from the capital, Bangkok.
Burma and Thailand have positioned reinforcements along a stretch of the
northern border where fighting between Burma troops and the separatist Shan
rebels had spilled into Thailand. At least 19 combatants were killed on both
sides.
During the fighting, Burmese shells landed in Mae Sai, killing two
civilians. Thailand also fired artillery at Burmese troops, accusing them of
intruding into Thai soil. Burma says three civilians were killed.
The two countries have traded barbs since the hostilities subsided on
Monday. |