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BURMA RELATED NEWS
- January 07, 2003.
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HEADLINES
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AFP - China seizes eight tonnes of
drugs from Golden Triangle in 2002
AFP - China and Myanmar vow closer
ties
The Hindu - Suu Kyi not allowed to
phone in message
The Nation - Features - A local
impetus
Asian Tribune - Buddhism is the
Panacea for curbing terrorism and other sins - Aung San Suu Kyi
Asia Times - Thailand's
humanitarian reputation at risk
Mizzima - Daw Aung San Su Kyi's
independence day speech stresses faith in Burma?s youth
Mizzima - Burmese literature and journal group will hold literature talk in Shan State Mizzima - Message of Nobel Peace
Laureate and leader of Burma?s democratic movement Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to the
Asian Social Forum
through telephone -------------------------------------------------------------------- China seizes eight tonnes of
drugs from Golden Triangle in 2002
BEIJING, Jan 7 (AFP) - China seized more than eight tonnes of drugs along its southwestern border with the Golden Triangle poppy-growing region last year, state media said Tuesday. Without specifying what the drugs were, the Xinhua news agency, quoting statistics from the Yunnan provincial government, said they accounted for 70 percent of all drugs captured in China. The figures showed 15,601 drug cases were investigated and 5,292 people "punished" in Yunnan province alone. However, the haul is only a small fraction of the 1,800 tonnes of heroin that Chinese police estimate is produced in the Golden Triangle, mainly by Myanmar and Laos, which share porous borders with China. Of around 92,400 hectares (230,000 acres) of poppy fields in the Golden Triangle, 87,000 hectares are in Myanmar. According to Chinese police maps seen last year, a wide belt of poppy plantations sits just inside the Myanmar side of the country's 1,400 kilometer (840 mile) border with China. It is not clear how much is shipped into China, police say, but since the 1980s, drug traffickers have increasingly routed heroin to the United States and Europe via China and through either Hong Kong or Taiwan. Xinhua said that in a bid to crack down on the flourishing trade, seven cross-border campaigns were launched in collaboration with Myanmar and Laos police. They led to the destruction of 10 drug laboratories, 33 arrests and the seizure of 280 kilograms (616 pounds) of heroin and 120 kilograms of metamphetamines. Police refuse to estimate how many Chinese have tried heroin or use it recreationally, but they readily admit that heroin and other drugs like ecstasy and methamphetamines are easily available in bars and night clubs around the country. -------------------------------------------------------------------- China and Myanmar vow closer
ties
BEIJING, Jan 7 (AFP) - Myanmar junta leader Senior General Than Shwe and Chinese President Jiang Zemin inked six bilateral agreements Tuesday and vowed closer ties. Than Shwe, on his second trip to China as chairman of the ruling State Peace and Development Council (SPDC), will hold more in depth talks with Chinese vice-president Hu Jintao Wednesday. "The purpose of my bringing this delegation to visit China this time is to build on existing agreements and deepen our trade cooperation," he said. Diplomats in Yangon said the visit was particularly significant due to the imminent new leadership in China under Hu. Sino-Myanmar relations have always been strong, except for a brief period during the 1960s when the Cultural Revolution swept across China and spilled over the border into Myanmar. On Tuesday agreements on cooperation in health, trade and sports were signed. "I am willing to deepen our exchange of views on bilateral realtions and on issues of mutual concern," said Jiang. Jiang made his first visit to Myanmar in December 2001, when the countries signed cooperation agreements in the agriculture, natural and human resources and infrastructure sectors, in addition to agreeing on new soft loans. Analysts say China has boosted its influence in Myanmar in a bid to secure strategic access to the Andaman Sea, where it is funding a sea port. It is also interested in offsetting India's growing links with the junta, they say. -------------------------------------------------------------------- The Hindu - Tuesday,
Jan 07, 2003
Suu Kyi not allowed to phone in message By W. Chandrakanth HYDERABAD Jan. 6. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the Nobel Peace laureate, fighting for restoration of democratic rights of the Myanmarese was allegedly not allowed by the military regime on January 2 to deliver a message over telephone to the first Asian Social Forum summit being held here. The telephone lines were reportedly cut as the regime feared she would speak against it in the phone-in programme. As a result, her recorded message would be delivered here on the concluding day on Tuesday. A human rights delegation from Myanmar attending the summit reiterated its call to the international community to cut aid to the military Government ``in every form'' till it complies with ``civilised norms'' and halts crime against women. Talking to The Hindu, Thin Than Aung, joint general secretary of the Women's League of Burma and Nang Hseng Moon of the Shan Women's Action Network said the `military regime's atrocities against women continue'. It had only released Daw Aung San Suu Kyi from house arrest but human rights continue to be ``under arrest'' and there is no sight of their being ``released.'' ``The Burmese military has been systematically using rape as a weapon of war against women and girls belonging to the ethnic minorities. Our carefully documented work covering 173 cases proves that 83 per cent of rapes had been committed by the military officers and in most cases, in front of their troops. These rapes often involve extreme brutality and torture. At least 25 per cent of such rapes have resulted in the death of victims'', they say. The military regime uses foreign funding to train officials in human rights but has it any positive effect ? ``No, not at all. Any support to the regime only means a continued license to rape and kill. We have appealed to the UN Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women to send a fact finding mission to the Thai-Burma border to investigate sexual violence committed by the military. We had submitted a report to the officials, Radhika Comaraswamy, in Colombo. We are yet to see a positive response from the international community''. ``A tripartite dialogue is needed with representatives of non-Burmese ethnic nationalities and the democratic opposition on the country's political future. The civil war in Burma should be viewed in the context of systematic sexual violence and not just from other angles. As long as others continue to support the regime for one reason or the other, the nightmare of sexual violence continues indefinitely'', they plead. -------------------------------------------------------------------- The
Nation
Features - A local impetus Published on Jan 7, 2003 Who said foreign affairs are only for the suits sitting in the new building on the Krung Sri Ayutthaya Road? Not me, said Kobsak Chutikul, one of the three vice chairmen for the House committee on foreign affairs. Good foreign policy, initiatives, ideas, said Kobsak, can be derived and have their impetus from the conditions and needs of local communities - not just some general, theoretical concepts thought out in Bangkok or as a reaction to general world trends. At a recent working visit to Ranong where the committee met with provincial officials and members of the private sector, one idea that came up is that of turning the area around the various islands in the Andaman Sea into "the Riviera of the East". Yachts could drop anchor, people could play the casinos and indulge in water sports, while film festivals and art events could occur as well, Kobsak said. There is also talk of having some kind of exit tax at land border crossings, like the one here in Ranong where the Thai-owned Andaman Club, a five-star hotel and casino on Burma's Koh Son, which collects Bt250 from ferry visitors from the Thai side. The fee is divided up three ways: Bt100 for the Andaman Club, Bt75 for the Thai side and Bt 75 for the Burmese. "This arrangement might be useful at other border points where Thais go across to gamble," Kobsak said. "At least this way the state gets something back for use in areas such as local environmental protection, garbage disposal, and local healthcare." Kobsak suggested that these taxes be specifically earmarked for local purposes and that local residents with border passes should be exempt. THE NATION, RANONG ------------------------ MPs who have no fear of fishing in troubled waters With depleting fish stocks in the Kingdom's territorial waters, just about everybody in Ranong is stuck between Burma and the deep blue sea. Wiruch Romyen has heard it over and over, probably a million times, but he doesn't seem to grow tired of it. And if he is, he isn't showing it. Seeing him at work, one could easily assume that the lawyer-turned-politician was elected to do just that - to hear the complaints, grievances and criticisms from his constituency over what appears to be a never-ending dispute between Thailand and Burma. It probably wouldn't have been that bad if Wiruch had come from any other province, but coming from Ranong, the heart of the Kingdom's fisheries industry, so much depends on the fate of Thai-Burmese relations. So when the Rangoon government decided to cancel all fishery deals with Thailand following the Burmese embassy hostage crisis three years ago, Ranong's sole representative to Parliament knew tough times were ahead. Elected to the House of Representative for the past five consecutive sessions, Wiruch - currently one of three vice chairmen for the House committee on foreign affairs - has sailed through some of the most troubling waters in Thailand's cut-throat politics, both at the national and local levels. Wiruch represents an interesting facet of modern Thai politics. A five-time MP like him could have easily demanded a spot on a more powerful committee like police affairs or local administration, but instead chose foreign affairs. His presence there is a reminder that provincial MPs no longer have the luxury of leaving foreign policy in the hands of the country's diplomats. It may be one of the country's smallest provinces in terms of registered households, but politics in Ranong is not exactly a walk in the park. It is home to some of the nation's toughest bunch of so-called influential businessmen - locally known as chao por. They hold their cards close to the chest and don't always play by the rules. And when things go wrong - like when one of their boats is confiscated or its crew is arrested by Burmese authorities for illegal fishing - it is people like Wiruch, with all his connections at the local level, who ride in to save the day. Besides the big businessmen, Wiruch also has to contend with the local fishermen, folk who are simply trying to make ends meet. Thailand has some 40,000 fishing boats treading international waters in the region. Nearly 2,500 of these vessels were heading out of Ranong's piers before Burma decided to cancel all their concessions three years ago. Today, said Wiruch, that number has dropped to about 700. But unlike other MPs, Wiruch is not telling the people in his constituency what they want to hear - that Thai-Burmese relations will soon be back on track and then they will be able to fish in Burmese waters once again. Instead, he is telling them to prepare for the worst - and perhaps hope for better days. If anything, the past decade has taught this slick-haired, energetic lawmaker, who never seems to tire of talking, lobbying, explaining and raising objections on the House floor, that Thai-Burmese relations rest on very shaky ground. For the past 10 years, Wiruch has seen relations swing abruptly up and down, bringing the fishing industry and diplomacy to their knees as both sides have |dispatched troops along their common border while politicians jet back and forth between the |two capitals to try and sort things out. Today, he is still shuttling back and forth between Ranong and Bangkok, updating his constituents about negotiations over the fishing industry. At a recent meeting among members of the House committee on foreign affairs, provincial officers and the private sector from Ranong, Wiruch once again listened to their grievances. "We can't make a living with what the Burmese are giving us," cried one representative from the fishing industry. "There has got to be a better way," hollered another. While the bitterness came amid a general consensus that the Burmese government had unfairly cancelled the concessions, the industry and policymakers have yet to find a middle ground as to how they should move forward and deal with these new regional and global challenges. It is here where men like Kobsak Chutikul - another vice-chairman of the House committee - and Wiruch come in, looking for ways to develop a unified position between the government and the private sector before going to the negotiating table with the Burmese. The Thai side, said Kobsak, must also find agreement as to how far they are willing to bend in response to Burma's stiffer demands, which include higher licensing fees, smaller mesh openings or investing in the downstream industry like canning and refrigeration through joint ventures. The playing field is changing rapidly, but this doesn't mean it has tilted in Burma's favour, Kobsak said. A higher benchmark from countries with plenty of natural resources like Burma is part of a global trend, he added. The question now, it seems, is how to get the Thai fishing community to consolidate its position before going to the negotiating table with Rangoon. Don Pathan THE NATION, RANONG -------------------------------------------------------------------- Asian Tribune
Date : 2003-01-07 Buddhism is the Panacea for curbing terrorism and other sins - Aung San Suu Kyi Special interview with Aung San Suu Kyi, Burma's leader of the Opposition, conducted by South Korea?s "Buddhism" newspaper appeared when the newspaper recently celebrated its 43rd Anniversary. Aung San Suu Kyi won the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1991. She is the leader of the opposition in Burma, and considered all over as the symbol of democracy. She was earlier under house arrest for 19 long torturous months, until last May 2002. Now she is released from custody and journalists from all over the world wanted to contact her, to conduct exclusive interview with the courageous Burmese leader. But unfortunately, it is not that easy to enter Burma by being a journalist. Situation in Burma is always abnormal. It is not that easy to interview her even though she agreed to do so. On numerous occasion journalists attached to the Buddhism newspaper, from South Korea tried to interview her, but they failed. Finally, the journalists attached to Buddhism managed to interview her on Dec.13 from 3:40 pm, at her NLD office in Rangoon, located in Burma. According to the Buddhism newspaper, ? After making the necessary arrangements, we departed to Burma on Dec.12. We met her and we were pleased to conduct the interview. We asked umpteen questions, about her personal life, about Buddhism, about Burmese peoples' passion for democracy, sought her comments and suggestions about international terrorism and her suggestions regarding the ways to curb it and also we questioned her about so many other relevant issues. Phra Lim Young Dam, a Buddhist priest & President of the newspaper interviewed Aung San Suu Kyi. She was given written questions in English and she replied in English. The interpreter was Phra Hae Chen, a Buddhist priest from Sri Lanka. The final interview report was filed in the Korean language. Special interview conducted by South Korea?s Buddhism newspaper appeared when the newspaper recently celebrated its 43rd Anniversary. Excerpt of the interview is given below: Lim Young Dam: You were released from house arrest on the last May 6. Am I right with my date? But it seems that you are not allowed to travel inside the country and also we learnt that you are being prevented from engaging in political activities. What is your comment about it? Aung San Suu Kyi: The way to my house is blocked-up, but actually I am not restrained from engaging in any political activity, as well as traveling. I can go wherever I want and the traveling gives me opportunities to have first hand information about the state of affairs prevailing in the country. I also come to know issues that are confronting my people. The traveling gives me an opportunity to gain considerable knowledge of our peoples? dire straits and their pent-up frustrations. Lim Young Dam: It seems that it is not that easy for the press to interview you? Are there any problems you are encountering with regard to the meeting the press - Western, as well as from the Asian countries? Aung San Suu Kyi: It is difficult for the foreign reporters to to get the required entry visa from our government. Therefore, it is not that easy for them to enter our country to meet me. But, if they enter into our country legally, then there will not be any problem. They can meet me. Also, I think, the international press, if they want, could get in touch with me even by telephone for any interviews. Lim Young Dam: Your desire for democratization of Burma is well known all over the world. What is the basis of it? Does it have any connection with your religious faith? Aung San Suu Kyi: Basis is clear and we always wanted the peoples will should persist. I cannot say that I am a good Buddhist, but I am trying to be a good Buddhist. And the attitude I have developed to be a good Buddhist has helped me in many ways. Lim Young Dam: I heard that you've met Phra U Winaya, a Buddhist priest from Rangoon, immediately after your release from the house arrest. Do you have any special attachment towards the Buddhist clergy? What kind of religion do you think Buddhism is? Aung San Suu Kyi: I respect him so much, that is why I met him. He's always a very kind and a compassionate person. I think compassion towards our fellow beings is the best solution to solve many problems of the world. Buddhism teaches us the way of life. I wouldn't say what kind of a religion Buddhism is, but I can boldly tell you that, Buddhism is everything to me. Lim Young Dam: What do you think Buddhism has to do for the Democratization of Burma and what do Buddhists do to achieve it? Aung San Suu Kyi: I think Buddhist have to be compassionate, kind and merciful. Burmese people have to be preached about, compassion, kindness and mercy. Lim Young Dam: There are many Burmese workers in Korea. Do you know about their present plight? Aung San Suu Kyi: I know about that. Surely, I want to talk with them. What I?m trying to say is that Burmese people working in Korea are being treated unfairly. Koreans ought to know about it, and treat the Burmese workers in their country humanely as possible. Lim Young Dam: A couple of years ago, you've been interviewed by Burnard Ruice, Newsweek, Tokyo bureau reporter. In that interview, you were quoted as said that there is no true (real) market economy in Burma. The so-called market economy enterprise is only profitable venture for those people who are connected with political power. You said that therefore that's not a fair system. Aung San Suu Kyi : The situation still remains the same, unchanged as before, I think it has never changed a wee bit. We have still many problems. Lim Young Dam: It was reported as you've said that there are not so many people who are joining the struggle for the democratization of Burma. Because, it seems that most people are afraid of being suppressed by the military junta. Aung San Suu Kyi: Of course they are. Fear is there written all over Burma and it is fear that is ruling the country. The fear comes from inside their heart, but they can overcome it when they come to know how to overcome it. I am helping them to overcome it and also encouraging them. Lim Young Dam: How are you doing that? Aung San Suu Kyi: I think, if they have mercy and compassion in their heart, they can overcome it. Because the fear use to emerges out from one?s selfishness. If one thinks that he is most important than others, then he automatically become afraid, afraid of each and everything. We have to think of peoples? necessity more than individual?s necessity. I'd say it is hard for the Burmese people to have an attitude, but they accept it comparatively. I am sure that they can easily over come their fear some day or other, too soon. Lim Young Dam: I remember that you've said that President Kim, Dae-Joong is a steady and nice person. So, you respect him. You know, this year, he is in a difficult situation due to his son?s court cases. What do you think about it? Well, I mean do you have any opinion about that? Also, what do you think about the new President-elect of Korea? Aung San Suu Kyi : The most important thing is that if Kim Dae-Joong is interfering to realize righteousness through his son's case. If not, he should be respected as a great leader. I really appreciate him for all he has done for the upkeep democracy in Korea, also for his contribution towards the propagation of democracy all over the world. And I thank him for doing his best. I hope and trust that the new President-elect of Korea would also work for the steady advancement Korea. Lim Young Dam: Recently, there is a marked upsurge of terrorist activities all over the world. What do think could be the solution to terrorism in the world? Aung San Suu Kyi: You know, I am a Buddhist. As a Buddhist, the answer is very simple and clear. That is compassion and mercy is the real panacea. I am sure that, when we have compassion and mercy in our heart, we can overcome not only terrorism but also many other evil things that are plaguing the world. Lim Young Dam: There are only you and Dalai Lama, the two great Buddhists who have won the Nobel Prize. What do you think of Dalai Lama? Aung San Suu Kyi: He is a great teacher, a priest. I cannot dare to be compared with him. Lim Young Dam: Would you like to say any New Year's message to the millions of Buddhists in Korea? Aung San Suu Kyi: I wish Koreans lead a healthy and peaceful life and Korean Buddhists must also realize the truth through the Teachings of Lord Buddha. Summarized by Park Kee-Ryun Translated from Korean language to English by Shin Young min -------------------------------------------------------------------- Asia Times - Jan 7,
2003
Thailand's humanitarian reputation at risk By Marwaan Macan-Markar BANGKOK - Thailand's much regarded open-door policy of offering refuge to people fleeing persecution from nearby conflicts may be on its last legs. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and human-rights activists are troubled by signs that the humanitarian policies for which Thailand has long been regarded may soon change in the wake of ominous signs emerging from the country's national-security establishment. On Friday, Forum-Asia, a Bangkok-based regional rights watchdog, added its voice to those of rights groups who have been objecting to plans by the Thai military establishment to clamp down on refugees from conflict-ridden Myanmar who seek sanctuary in this country. On December 29, General Winai Phattiyakhul, the newly appointed secretary general of the powerful National Security Council, said: "From now on, Thailand [will] force refugees to go back to where they came from. Thailand [will] not welcome refugees from Burma and other neighboring countries anymore." His words came in the wake of the military telling 64 members of the Karen ethnic community on December 24 that they had three days to leave Thailand and head back to neighboring Myanmar (formerly Burma). As far as military officials were concerned the Karen, who were subsequently arrested during a roundup, belonged to a rebel movement waging a separatist war with Myanmar's military junta. They were "members of the anti-Yangon Karen National Union", an army spokesman said. Forum-Asia disagrees, declaring in a statement on Friday that the 65 Karen were "unarmed civilians". The affected communities have appealed to the Human Rights Commission and rights groups to come to their aid, since the Thai army had been warning the Karens that "they would be pushed across the border" to Myanmar, Forum-Asia stated. "I don't agree with these steps," said Jaran Ditapichai, a member of the Thai Human Rights Commission. "We have appealed to the army not to send people back." But these words have done little to stop the chill spreading among the many refugees and political activists from Myanmar who fled persecution in their. "There is a sense of fear and insecurity that the people are feeling due to what is going on," said Masao Imamura, an analyst based in Thailand's northern city of Chiang Mai for EarthRights International, an environmentalist and rights lobby. Signs of this "climate of pressure" have become increasingly evident during the past year, admits Aung Zaw, editor of The Irrawaddy, a Thailand-based English-language magazine that focuses on Myanmese and other Southeast Asian issues. "There are a lot of dissidents, some having been here for 10 years, who have had to live carefully, playing hide-and-seek, due to signs coming from the Thai government that made them feel uneasy," he added. Last year, for instance, the Thai government announced it was hoping to close at least 10 camps along the Thailand-Myanmar border where refugees from the Karen and Kareni ethnic groups live. That came on top of Thai authorities' crackdown on a rights group working for another ethnic-minority group from Myanmar, the Shan. Commentators attribute this trend to a move by the government of Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to develop closer bonds with Yangon. The Thaksin administration's policy of strengthening ties with Thailand's northern neighbor is a marked contrast to that of the previous government, which kept Yangon at some distance because of its notorious rights record. Critics say that Myanmese authorities can handle the flow of economic migrants crossing into Thailand, but they see red at the increasing number of those fleeing due to political reasons. "So the planned crackdown helps [Yanong]," said an international aid worker. Currently, there are well over 100,000 people who have sought refuge in Thailand for political reasons, many of them living in camps in four provinces in western and northern Thailand. Others, particularly Myanmese dissidents in exile, live in towns. This number, however, is far less than the number of migrants from Myanmar - estimated at a million - and from Thailand's other poorer neighbors, Laos and Cambodia, who have slipped into this country in search of jobs. Bangkok, in fact, has been trying to control this flow of illegal migration. In 2001, it succeeded in getting some 560,000 Myanmese workers to register with authorities to address this economic migration. Most of the illegal workers are employed in the agriculture sector and in some factories, where they accept lower pay than locals. Indrika Ratwatte of the UNHCR said the Thai government should not act in a manner that will squander its reputation as a country with an impressive humanitarian record. "When it comes to refugees, Thailand has exemplary achievements since the 1970s, unlike other more developed countries in the region who closed their doors on refugees fleeing the Indochina war." Since 1975, Thailand, although not a signatory to the UN Refugee Convention, has opened its doors to more than 1.5 million people fleeing conflicts from neighboring countries such as Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia and Myanmar. "The vast majority of Burmese refugees want to go back home, as was the case with those who came here during the Indochina war," Ratwatte asserted. "But they want to go back when the conditions are right, when they can return and live in safety and with dignity." Life in Myanmar, however, does not measure up to safe conditions, given the iron grip Yangon's ruling military junta has on the society and the war the military is waging on some of the country's ethnic minorities. The Thai authorities should think again before calling for Myanmese refugees to be repatriated, argues Jaran, the Thai human-rights commissioner. "The conditions in Burma are not safe for people to be pushed back." (Inter Press Service) --------------------------------------------------------------------
Daw Aung San Su Kyi's
independence day speech stresses faith in Burma?s youth
04 January 2003 (Mizzima News) Today, on Burmese Independence Day, a ceremony was held at NLD headquarters in Yangon, featuring traditional singing and a dance party. In the morning, the Secretary- General of the NLD, Daw Aung San Su Kyi, attended the celebration as did other senior politicians. Daw Aung Su Kyi shared her good wishes for the Burmese people. Daw Aung San Su Kyi extended her gratitude especially to the young people of Burma: ?What I want to say to the people of Burma is that to protect the spirit of liberty is to protect something that is worthwhile, so no one will set it aside or throw it away on the street if it is so truly worthy. So liberty is not the thing that should be thrown away in the streets. Only if we are able to protect liberty will it be long lasting. That?s all! I also personally want to express my gratitude towards the young people. When I was on my trip, especially the young people welcomed me very warmly and supported me. I was very much encouraged by them, and I found a lot of hopes for the future of Burma. Therefore I want to thank the youth and encourage them to keep trying, and I would like to share my best wishes for the young people so that they may grow into people serving the country?. --------------------------------------------------------------------
Burmese literature and journal
group will hold literature talk in Shan State 05 Jan 2003(Mizzima News) Literature and journal associations in Burma are planning to visit cities in Shan State in order to deliver literature talks in autumn on the occasion of Burmese month of Pyatho, during which traditionally the composition of literature was celebrated. The Literature and Journal Association, run by the SPDC, will commence its programme in Lasho on 5 January. Between 6 and 17 January, literature talks will be delivered in Thipaw, Kyawt Me, Lasho, Muse, Kwan Lone, Tant Yan, Lawt Kaing, and Ho Pan City. Each meeting will be preceded by a meeting with the local authorities. It is as yet unknown which speakers will be featured in the military-sponsored events. In Burma, freedom of literature and journalism is curtailed while the SPDC tramples on democratic rights. These kinds of literary events are bound to be mistrusted by the public. Local sources report that there is also suspicion that the event could be intended for SPDC?s propaganda. Meanwhile popular Burmese writers like U Tin Moe, Saya Tin Maung Than, Maung Thar Ra and others live and work in exile in order to be able to compose literature free of the bounds of censorship and suppression. --------------------------------------------------------------------
Message of Nobel Peace Laureate and
leader of Burma?s democratic movement Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to the Asian Social
Forum
through telephone(Mizzima News) 7 January 2003, Hyderabad: It is a great pleasure for me to be able to address all of you who are there. I am sorry I was not able to speak the other day. I think my telephone was cut off deliberately. I may be mistaken of course. But when you consider that it makes all realize how important it is to change the world. You believe in change. You believe that another world is possible. Not only should we believe that another world is possible, I think we have to say that another world must be created in order that we may be able to live in dignity as human beings. I would especially like to address a few words to the Youth Camp. Because in my recent travels across Burma I have been very struck by the situation of our young people. And I want a new world for them. I want to be able to see them grow up in a Burma, that is a changed Burma. That is a country, which will provide them with freedom, security and with the opportunity to develop their potential. So I would like all of you, the young people at the Forum to do whatever they can to help our young people. I have to confess that it is a little bit difficult for me to speak off the cuff because I left my speech at home. So this is a very informal conversation that I am having with the members of the Conference. In any case, it is a great pleasure to be in contact and I would like you to be aware of the difficulties of the people of Burma. You talk about anti-neo liberalism. I think we have yet to get to the stage in Burma when there is such thing as liberalism. We are trying to achieve a more liberal society. We would like you to do what you can to help us create a more liberal society. I think first we have to learn what liberalism is before we can learn about the dangers of neo-liberalism. Occasions like the World Social Forum help all of us to focus on the problems of this world. I know that this is the social forum. But I do not think the social matters can be separated from political matters. I do not think that economic matters can be separated from political matters. Politics is a thread that runs through everything that we do. Because whether we like it or not we are political animals. Because we live together in societies as society has to become in some way or the other that there may be order. I don?t think we should put too much emphasis on the order. As you know, in 1988 after the beginning of the movement for democracy, the military took over under the name of the State Law and Order Restoration Council. We do not want law and order to be misused to oppress people. Which is why we want the people to understand what exactly we mean by ordered society. An Ordered Society is one in which there is a healthy balance between striving for our rights and protecting those of others. Where the citizens are aware of their rights as well as their responsibilities. Where social and economic values are not separated artificially from political ones. I am glad to have opportunity to say these rather hap hazard words that we may be able to keep in contact. I hope that the time will come when we in Burma are allowed to participate freely in such forums. In conclusion, I would like to thank the World Social Forum-India for having invited me to address the conference. I am very sorry that I was not able to do it in the way in which I had intended but still perhaps sometimes it is better that we speak to each other informally as friends. And I hope that this is what we are going to be friends all over the world that this world will be a better, a newer one for everybody concerned. -------------------------------------------------------------------- |