New Page, Old Story
1 April -
ALTSEAN,
Published September 2002
contents
2 New Page, Old Story
3 DEMOCRACY
The Talks, The “Big” Development, SPDC
Word Games, Tripartite, Working for National Reconciliation, International
Response, Sanctions, Razali, Political Prisoners, That’s All Folks
10 MILITARY
THREAT
The ‘Coup Plot’ Trial, Power Struggle,
Weapons, Restructuring
14 THAI-BURMA
Bordering on Disaster, Let the Games
Begin, Thaksin Appeases, Drugs,
17 DRUGS
Production, Eradication &
Prevention, A New Way to Play the Same Card, UNCDP, Regional Problem, US
Position Shift,
22 ETHNIC RELATIONS
Shan, Kachin, Karen, Rakhine & Rohingya, Chin, Mon
25 RELIGIOUS PERSECUTION
26 HUMAN RIGHTS
Extortion, Forced Labour, Political Freedoms,
Death Sentences, Arbitrary Arrests, Forced Relocation, Village Destruction,
UNCHR, ILO, International Actions, Legalizing Abuse of Power
30 WOMEN
License to Rape, Trafficking,
32 INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Asean,
37 ECONOMy
The Crisis, The
Kyat, Gold Rush, 2001-2002 Fiscal Year, Jan-Feb 2002, Investment, Pressure
& Divestment, Import/Export Bans, Watchdog, Expensive Lobbyist
42 Aid Update
International
Crisis Group, The Money Move, Sanctions Remain but HIV/AIDS Planned
45 DISPLACEMENT
Repatriation & Deportation, Migrant
Workers, Refugees, IDPs
48 EDUCATION
49 CHRONOLOGY: 1 April ~ 30 June 2002
60 APPENDIX i:
AN INTERVIEW WITH DAW AUNG SAN SUU KYI
64 APPENDIX II: Executive Summary: We are Not Free to Work for
Ourselves
New Page, Old Story
______________________________________________________________________
On May 6,
the SPDC enjoyed tremendous fanfare when Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was released from
19 months of house arrest. The SPDC Col Hla Min said
Or
perhaps the SPDC is just too busy. The SPDC appears to be courting the
international community on a fundraising mission and even hired DCI Associates,
an expensive US lobbying firm. Although the SPDC cries poor, they “found”
enough money to sign several expensive contracts for Orwellian
communication services. The generals also put a lot of effort into maintaining
a conflict with
Or maybe
they are not actually interested in democratization
and reconciliation. Since May 6, no talks have taken place between Daw Aung San
Suu Kyi and the SPDC. Human rights violations continue unabated, especially in
ethnic nationality areas. There are still over 1,500 political prisoners
imprisoned, including some who have completed their sentences. While Daw Aung
San Suu Kyi has been able to travel, there have been conditions and a backlash
against some people who associate with her. The international community and
democratic opposition have seen through the SPDC’s facade and media
manipulations.
Daw Aung
San Suu Kyi has demonstrated that she is committed to reconciliation, democratization and negotiation, but negotiation requires
at least two players. The SPDC’s “new page” is a tissue of deceit and
manipulations. In 2 years since the “talks” began, nothing has changed.
How long
will the waiting game continue?
DEMOCRACY
______________________________________________________________________
R Improving * Stagnant * Deteriorating
The Talks
After postponements imposed by the
regime, UN Special Envoy on Myanmar Razali Ismail’s
finally made his seventh visit to Burma on April 23-26.[1]
Patience was running thin as the UN, US and EU all indicated they might
consider reassessing their approach in dealing with Burma, possibly creating
more restrictions, if Razali’s visit did not bear any fruit. An op-ed by Human
Rights Watch said, “Razali’s trip needs to bring progress to keep legitimacy of
the talks.”[2]
Similar opinions resonated throughout the opposition movement, “We
told him that if the dialogue fails, public confidence will deteriorate and we
fear undesirable consequences if the people are faced with economic hardships,”
said U Khun HTun Oo Chairman of Shan Nationalities
League for Democracy (SNLD).[3]
Not only could pressure increase on the SPDC, but it appeared the credibility
of Razali and the UN were on the line.
Known meetings during Razali’s visit
23 April Representatives of Mon, Zomi,
Karen and Arakanese political parties, Kachin Independence Organization, Kachin
Baptist Council[4]
24 April Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, Secretary-1
Lt Gen Khin Nyunt, SNLD, Shan State Army, Shan State North Army and employees of some
Rangoon-based international economic enterprises.[5]
25 April NLD
Central Executive Committee members at Headquarters in
26 April Sr-Gen Than Shwe,
Gen Maung Aye and Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt[7], a
meeting with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi (expected)
Razali
essentially avoided the media except to say that he was “hopeful there should
be progress, but I can’t promise when it will be.” SPDC Labor
Minister, U Tin Win said there would be “significant progress.”[8]
Rumors spread like wildfire hypothesizing Daw Aung
San Suu Kyi’s release, a mass release of political prisoners, a committee
partnership between the democracy leader and the SPDC, announcing results of
some substantial dialogue from “the talks” but above all, tensions ran high
about what Southeast Asia’s most famous captive would say upon release.
Although hopeful for some development, many remembered her release in 1995 did
not herald any political change. However, grasping for what they could, the
opposition movement and international community paused and waited and waited….
The “Big Development”
In a rare
move, the SPDC granted foreign journalists visas and permission to wait outside
the gates of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s house. It was clear that she would be
released, but the days dragged on until Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was finally
released on May 6 from over nineteen months of house arrest.
In an
agreement not to hold rallies, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi gave a press conference at
the National League for Democracy (NLD) Headquarters in the afternoon. Being
typically humble she said, “Many of people have suffered more than I
have, much more. I don't have the right to complain.”[9] She addressed the status of the
talks declaring “the phase of confidence building is over,” but warned the
NLD’s position had not changed on sanctions or aid.[10]
However, she maintained the NLD has “always been flexible,” and said “ We want
to negotiate an agreement for the betterment of the people of
In line with her cautious optimism, Daw Aung San Suu
Kyi’s view of the SPDC was “I think you can say there is a change in their
attitude; otherwise we wouldn’t be where we are. And as to the matter of
sincerity, this is for time to give the answer.”[12]
While she may have agreed to “tone down” the fan fare, she showed she will not
bow down to the generals when she criticized them saying, “I don’t see any
reason why we should talk of a “disciplined” democracy.”[13]
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi reassured people of her commitment when she said, “The NLD
as well as myself vow to work to the best of our abilities to achieve democracy
as quickly as possible, and we would like to request that the people help and
support us,”[14]
SPDC Word Games
It was
evident Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s release was for consumption of the international
community as the state-run papers devoted the front page to visiting Vietnamese
President and blacked out the Nobel Laureate’s release. Col Hla
Min said, “She can travel. We will sort of cooperate because she is a prominent
person,” seeming as though it was the pressure and not SPDC’s desire to abide
by the rule of law that secured this “development.”[15]
In the
SPDC’s statement released to the international community, there was no mention
of national reconciliation, but rather for “greater international stability”
and “improving the social welfare of our diverse people,” apparently hints for
increased aid and trade. It could also be inferred they are still not willing
to tolerate political dissent as they said, “We shall recommit ourselves to
allowing all of our citizens to participate freely in the life of our political
process, while giving priority to national unity, peace and stability of the
country as well as the region.”[16]
In an obvious ploy aimed at the international community, they vowed to
“continue to work together…in the fight against terrorism and the total
eradication of narcotic drugs…and we will also work together with the
international community in the fight against the spread of HIV/AIDS.”[17]
Tripartite
After her
release, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi acknowledged ethnic nationality groups and their
patience saying, “We believe the ethnic nationalities know we are sincere
towards them, and we are very thankful to them for their trust in us and the
support they give us.”[18]
SNLD Chairman Khun Htun Oo, quoted her as saying,
“Dialogue continues for now between the NLD and the [junta], but that it would
expand in the future to include ethnic minority groups…and now the role of
ethnic minority groups in
Many
ethnic nationalities leaders are concerned the SPDC will be rewarded
prematurely when conditions in the ethnic nationality areas have largely not
changed at all. The Karen National Union (KNU) called on the international
community to institute a “benchmark policy” to ensure true reconciliation,
unity and peace.[20]
Some ethnic nationality groups are creating alliances between themselves
and in a statement from the SNLD, representing Shan, Mon, Zomi,
Karen and Arakanese, they said, “In this period of the dawning of a new day,
we, the political parties of the national groups, declare that we will take on
any responsibilities assigned to us towards establishing national
reconciliation which is inevitably needed.”[21]
Working for National
Reconciliation
After her release, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi had jam-packed
days of meetings with diplomats, diverse political parties, ethnic nationality
organizations, INGO’s and inspecting humanitarian
projects while working at the NLD headquarters in
Her statements to the public were often about
embracing their civic duties, “Don't support me without knowing what we are
doing. I don’t really
appreciate the kind of members who are active only when times are good.”[23]
She also said, “The NLD
cannot do much for the people at this time….it is up to the people themselves
to also help” reminding people that democracy alone “cannot solve all the
country’s woes.”[24]
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi focused on encouraging and organizing the youth population
as she said, “this is our future” and urging older politicians to nurture new
ones.”[25]
To pro-democracy organizations inside and outside of
Testing
the waters: Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s Initial Travels
17 May NLD
office in
14 June Buddhist
shrine at
23 June Trip
to
While her
travel was not blocked, there were the inevitable SPDC unofficial barriers. Daw
Aung San Suu Kyi was trailed by plain clothes Military Intelligence (MI’s) and
conditions continue to be imposed upon her. It remains illegal to place phone
calls to opposition leaders in exile and journalists wishing to interview her
have been refused visas. “Frankly speaking, we can’t find any proof yet that
the military is willing to make democratic concessions,” commented Dr. Sann Aung, a minister in the National Coalition Government
of the Union of Burma in
International Response
Following Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s lead, “cautious
optimism” seemed to be the trend with
Sanctions
Daw Aung
San Suu Kyi was quite clear saying, “I think we’ll tell you”, when the military
is genuine about political reform.[37]
She was also direct about investment saying, “Sanctions
should be maintained until we have finished negotiating with the authorities” because
sanctions send a “strong political and economic message” to the junta.[38]
She also reiterated, “There is no evidence that sanctions have caused harm
primarily to the Burmese people.” Razali undermined his nickname as an “SPDC
fundraiser” when he said, “It is not a question of asking for sanctions to be
lifted, it is having things happen in the country that would make it
unnecessary for the sanctions to be there.”[39]
Razali
Razali,
relishing in his international applause said, “I am delighted for her and the
country…we have to give them time. Don’t expect things to happen immediately. I
think there is a commitment on the part of the military to make the
transition.”[40]
However, just as Daw
Aung San Suu Kyi was released, so was Razali’s dirty little secret. He is the
chairman and thirty percent stockowner of IRIS Technologies, a company that has
a contract with SPDC for high-tech passports with biometric features.[41]
Naturally, Razali’s neutrality was called into question and he was somewhat
defensive in his response saying, “If they say that that is a conflict of
interest, so be it. I will resign from my company and I will resign from the
peace initiative.”[42]
However, the UN came to his rescue saying his kind of part-time contract with
the United Nations doesn't carry any restrictions on business activities.[43]
[See Economics]
Political Prisoners
With the
release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the junta gave itself a pat on the back for
their generosity in releasing political prisoners. The junta said, “We shall
continue to release those who will cause no harm to the community nor threaten
the existing peace and stability and unity of the nation. [44]
Displaying the mindset of the SPDC, Col Tin Hlaing,
at the May 19 meeting on terrorism in Kuala Lumpur said “There are no political
prisoners” in Burma and that “…these 200 so-called NLD members were actually
involved in criminal activities such as bombings in public places and working
with insurgency groups.”[45]
The SPDC claims to have released over 600 detainees since January 2001, but the
number of political prisoners releases is actually 272.[46]
Daw Aung
San Suu Kyi has been consistent in calling for a quick release of all political
prisoners, “I and my party have been disappointed at the slow rate of release
of political prisoners. Their release is important, not only in humanitarian
terms but also in political terms.”[47]
While Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the NLD have said they are willing to be
open-minded on negotiations, the release of political prisoners is a
pre-requisite, “We are now sticking to our first proposal to release all the
political prisoners - and so far that is the main [item] - the only one; the
rest it can be discussed on the table,” said NLD Spokesman U Lwin.[48]
Releases:
4 May NLD members: Cho
Lay, Than Tun, Aung Myint, Myint
Swe and Hla Win[49]
6 May Daw Aung San Suu Kyi
14 May NLD
members: Zaw Win, Kyaw Nyein, Chan I Ila, Kyin Swan Khan, Paw Tun,
Khin Maung Yin, Sein Hlaing, Phone Myint and Aung Soe.[50]
5 June NLD
members: U Khin Maung Myint, U Sein Maung, U Tin Myint, U Chin Chein, U Htay Ngwe, U Kyaw Naing Tun, U
Tint Lwin, U Myo Kyi and U Soe
Myint.[51]
In April,
49
That’s All, Folks
Since May
6 no known dialogue has taken place between Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the
generals. To ease concerns of some diplomats, Razali said the
SPDC and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi met 60-70 times, according to a log apparently
shown to him by General Khin Nyunt.[52] Military Intelligence Deputy Major
General Kyaw Win told reporters, "The dialogue process continues and
will go on. There is no change from before. We have our communication lines
open.”[53]
No change
from before is right. In addition to being followed by MI’s, the junta
cancelled an appointment Daw Aung San Suu Kyi had with a Japanese NGO in June
and refused to give her permission to visit UN programs hosted in SPDC
buildings. Obviously fearing her influence and popularity, SPDC cancelled
government contracts and mobile phone use to a businessman who invited Daw Aung
San Suu Kyi to his child’s wedding and warned the same would happen to other
businessmen who associated with her.[54]
Razali
announced he would like to return every two to three months, making his next
trip in July, but the SPDC said they are still “synchronizing” the date. Col Hla Min said Razali’s major victory was convincing “certain
countries” to stop interfering in
MILITARY THREAT
______________________________________________________________________
R Increasing * Stagnant * Deteriorating
The ‘Coup Plot’ trial
The show
began on May 20 at the Insein Prison compound. U Aye Zaw Win, Sandar Win’s husband, and their sons, Aye Ne Win, Kyaw Ne
Win, Zwe Ne Win were put on trial for high treason,
enticing military officers to betray the nation
and illegal importation and use of communication equipment. There will
be a second trial of 8 cases related to buying and using unregistered motor
vehicles and 2 cases of illegal importation and use of telephone equipment.[57]
The SPDC said there will be 2 trials because a maximum of 3 charges could be
heard at a time.[58]
Judge
Aung Ngwe is presiding and the defense
lawyer is Tun Sein.[59]
The prosecution’s case rests mainly on the testimony of Major Thet Myo Aung, Ne Win’s security
commander. Thet Myo Aung
was initially accused of conspiracy, but later pardoned and used as a key
source of evidence, despite his self-admittance of succumbing to corruption and
manipulation throughout his life.[60]
He testified that Kyaw Ne Win told him the coup would be on March 27 and asked
him to help, plying him with lavish gifts.[61] The trial is expected to conclude in August.
Sandar
Win has been labeled as the mastermind behind the
“coup plot” yet she remains under “de facto house arrest” with Ne Win, without
any speculation to her fate.[62]
SPDC Major General, Kyaw Win said that since Sandar
Win was “complicit in closed-door discussion” she is not being indicted in the
trial. The prosecution called this a fatal flaw as it should be hard to indict
conspirators without a mastermind.[63]
Under SPDC judicial law, if there is evidence in the police papers, the courts
can serve a warrant to someone potentially accused, however, the court has not
exercised this power as of yet. [64]
Interestingly,
the SPDC took over the GSM mobile telephone network, conveniently founded and
financed by Sandar Win and others, only to set up
their own shady deal with Sky-Link Network.[65]
There could be business motivations as Sandar Win is
extremely powerful in the hotel, medical and communications industries.[66]
This adds momentum to the speculation that this “coup plot” is mostly about
business and personal politics within the SPDC.
It is
generally believed that this “plot” is to cover-up a split in leadership of the
SPDC, to deflect the responsibility of the 1988 massacres from the current
generals or to re-centralize power away from regional commanders.[67]
On Armed Forces Day, April 27, SPDC Senior General, Than Shwe blamed Ne Win for
the “chaos” in 1988.[68]
All the media focused on Ne Win’s family, but over one hundred military
commanders were also implicated in coup, although their course of justice has
not been discussed.[69]
Regardless
of the true motivation, one thing is sure, the SPDC managed to deflect
attention away from Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the “talks” and instantly had a
reason to delay the reconciliation process. As NLD Spokesman U Lwin said, “I
think that it was about time that we might be able to go for the dialogue, then
unfortunately we had this coup attempt,” and “…it really disturbed everything
here.” [70]
Once the intrigue wore off, a huge, dramatic skirmish with
Power Struggle?
The NCGUB
thinks that something is brewing within the military because, “Implicating over
one-hundred commanders, increased desertion of lower ranks along the border and
protests by cadets, shows signs of trouble or reconfiguration in the military.”[71]
The long rumored struggle for power between General Maung Aye and
Lt-General Khin Nyunt continued. Khin Nyunt is credited with arranging most of
the cease-fires, including co-operation with the Kachin Baptist Church (KBC).
Khin Nyunt approved a KBC religious celebration, which Maung Aye in turned
cancelled, thus possibly undermining Khin Nyunt’s credibility with the KBC.[See
Religion][72]
The United Wa State Army (UWSA) is another group with close ties to Khin Nyunt.
Although the SPDC officially denies it, it was said that Maung Aye gave
Many
speculators say the “coup plot” was another step in centralizing the power
among the top elite and eliminating competition. The Ne Win family has great
control and influence in the business community and was it obviously damaging
when the SPDC took over their GSM mobile network. The SPDC are selling 10,000
handsets for Sky-Link, the new SPDC network, backed and probably owned by UWSA.[74]
Perhaps the arrangement was as much to do with keeping peace and loyalty with
the UWSA as power dominance in business.
The
protest by cadets in
Weapons
The SPDC
continues to increase their military capacity which has been raising a few
eyebrows in the region as to the SPDC’s intentions. All 12 of the SPDC military
commands will have approximately forty Chinese heavy artillery pieces including
launchers, anti-aircraft guns and machine guns.[76]
It is unknown how or exactly when the system was acquired, but a military
border source said
Restructuring
Shortly
before April 27, Armed Forces Day, orders for restructuring the Directorate of
Armoured and Artillery were released. It will now have 3 components, artillery,
armoured vehicles and SAM units. The generals have also created a “Border
Discipline Department” to fight corruption in trade with other countries.[79]
Commands and Battalions
Desertion
and defection continue to occur, often among younger soldiers. On June 15, 11
soldiers from No 312 Artillery Battalion in
The SPDC
appears to be gearing up for a long-term, intense offense
in
Artillery
commands are being planned for all regional military commands. [82]
The first, No 505 Artillery Command led by Commander Col Khin Maung Yin and
Deputy Commander Col Khin Maung Win, has been set up in
THAI-BURMA RELATIONS
______________________________________________________________________
* Improving * Stagnant R Deteriorating
Bordering on Disaster
Border
skirmishes exploded, infecting all facets of the Thai-Burma relationship. It
appears that Burma is testing the limits and patience of Thailand who seems to
be going out of its way to appease the generals, some say even at the risk of
national security.
In a
prelude of what was to come, on April 12 and 16, grenade and bomb explosions
occurred near Mae Sot District.[83]
On May 26 the United Wa State Army (UWSA) attacked the Pha
Maung Task Force (Thai border security) over two captured Muser
hilltribemen known to have close connections with
UWSA.
In efforts to deepen bilateral relations, Commander in Chief General
Maung Aye visited
Let the Games Begin
The games
began when the Thai Army in conjunction with the US Army, conducted drills near
the northern border from May 1-23. A General in the Thai Third Army Region said
the drills were “A preparation for a fully-fledged battle in cooperation with
On May
22, without notice, the SPDC closed 4 border checkpoints. One was reopened a
few days later, but the others remain closed until further notice.[87]
This caused a huge financial loss and prices soared inside
The SSA
captured several of the junta’s posts, for which the SPDC accused
Things
got worse when unidentified gunmen opened fire on a Thai school bus in
Ratchaburi province on June 3, leaving 2 dead and 13 wounded. It was speculated
the gunmen were from the Karen National Union (KNU) or perhaps the SPDC or
Democratic Karen Buddhist Army trying to frame the KNU.[91]
SPDC
alluded to being unsatisfied with
Thaksin Appeases
When the
SPDC led incursions into the SSA to reclaim captured posts, mortar shells
regularly landed on Thai soil. This provocation created angst in the Thai Army
when Thaksin instructed them to exercise “restraint”
in the face of the SPDC’s aggression. This appeared to put appeasement of the
SPDC ahead of national security. Thaksin negotiated
with the junta behind closed doors without accountability. He would not reveal
any information, but asked people to trust him, calling for “patience” and
“understanding” with
Prospects
remain grim as the junta continues its attacks on the SSA and
Drugs
DRUGS
______________________________________________________________________
* Improving R Stagnant * Deteriorating
PRODUCTION
The
United Nations International Narcotics Control Board says
UWSA & Wa Drug
Production
United Wa State Army is renown for its drug production and close
relationship with the SPDC. While UWSA is the main drug producing Wa group,
there are also other Wa drug productions.
ERADICATION &
PREVENTION
Changing Crops
Apparently,
April marked the beginning of the SPDC’s “Opium Cultivation Control Project”,
part of the 15-year Narcotic Elimination Plan, which will be implemented in
northern and southern
Burn Baby, Burn
In
another attempt to captivate the world in its drug eradication efforts, the
junta has resumed public drug burnings, inviting foreign journalists and
diplomats to watch. The regime claims to have burned billions of dollars worth
of drugs on June 6, 7 and 26.[110]
(Several years ago when the regime tried to impress the world with its drug
burning, a reporter noticed that some of the poppies had already been drained
of opium![111])
Law Enforcement &
Arrests
Lt-Gen Khin
Nyunt told several groups that production, trafficking, possession of precursor
chemicals and drug paraphernalia are all punishable with life imprisonment or
death.[112]
The junta
acknowledged Wei Hsueh-Kang’s
Hong Pang Group’s involvement in the drug business when they supposedly ordered
the group’s office closed. Wei Hsueh-Kang
is leading military operations against the Shan State Army, which illustrates
the SPDC’s intertwined relationship with the drug business. [See Ethnic
Relations] The SPDC also reported closing offices such as: Jai Lin’s Golden
Star Group and Kan Yod’s SSA Group, New Mon State
Party, Democratic Karen Buddhist Army and sent military light infantry
divisions to the northeast and “Golden Triangle” region to monitor various Wa
productions.[113]
The junta also announced that it would set up three border liaison offices to
combat drugs in Myawaddy-Mae Sot, Tachilek-Mae
Sai and Kawsawng-Ranong. [114]
On April
5, Ta Kap, Deputy Commander of Brigade 894, was
reportedly arrested, but no trial or sentencing has been reported.[115]
On May 6, 2.4kg of raw opium was seized in northern
Financing a Dictatorship
The
sincerity of the generals’ desire and actions to eradicate drug production is
often questioned. Frank Milne, an analyst with the
Canberra ASEAN Focus Group said, “Economic statistics from
A New Way to Play the Same
Old Card
The junta
has apparently had a change of heart and would like the
UNDCP
United
National Drug Control Program (UNDCP)
REGIONAL PROBLEM
A
Sub-Regional Drug Control Meeting took place in Beijing from May 20-22, hosting
senior officials from Burma, China, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, UNDCP
and donor countries where they pledged more cross-border cooperation.[125]
Thailand
Drug
trafficking and consequent addictions are now labeled
as a national security threat in
Army
Chief General Maung Aye’s visit to
China
Australia
US position shift
In
apparent violation of
ETHNIC RELATIONS
______________________________________________________________________
* Improving R Stagnant * Deteriorating
National
races such as Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Chin, Mon, Bamar,
Rakhine and Shan have been living in a closely-knit
community in the
It is
quite alarming that the SPDC who is supposedly committed to “dialogue” about
national reconciliation continues to deny tensions and suspicion between ethnic
nationality groups and the SPDC. However, there has been more emphasis on
relations between various ethnic nationality groups. Shan National League for
Democracy’s chairman, Khun Tun Oo, said, “We national groups intend to meet
frequently among ourselves to seek a common ground.”[139]
It is
often said that the SPDC has achieved cease-fires or “cooperation” with some
ethnic groups by “turning a blind eye” to their drug production and
trafficking. However, with the international pressure on Burma’s drug
production, Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt told groups such as the Wa, Kachin, Kokang, Shan and Palaung that
they will not get any more drug protection from Rangoon and ordered offices
closed in a few areas.[See Drugs] It is thought that many groups may just
relocate their drug productions, but if their production are permanently
closed, it could change the complicitory relationship
some have with the SPDC. The UWSA is known to disregard local authorities
saying, “If you need anything from us Wa, please ask Gen Khin Nyunt.” [140]
Groups like the United Wa State Army (UWSA) are in a precarious position
because as one border watcher said, “They have invested heavily in
SHAN
Both
In a blow
to
The
conflict with the Shans is likely to continue as the junta has put the infamous
drug lord Wei Hsueh-Kang in
charge of the military operation tasked to destroy the SSA strongholds on the
border.[149]
There are new light infantry battalions that have been set-up throughout
On June
19, the Shan Human Rights Foundation and Shan Women’s Action Network released “License
to Rape,” a report that received a lot of international attention, of 625
documented cases of rape against Shan women. [152]
[See Women]
KACHIN
Commander
in Chief Gen Maung Aye banned a meeting of the Kachin Baptist Church (KBC) that
had previously been approved by Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and their leadership
elections were rescheduled for December 2003. This action was greatly resented
as the KBC’s Reverend Saboi
Jum was a key player in facilitating the cease-fire
with Khin Nyunt.[153][See
Religion]
KAREN
The SPDC
has continued its distribution of “Path of Peace” leaflets in the Tham Hin refugee camp in
At
rallies that the SPDC began staging in May, the KNU, the SSA and
RAKHINE & ROHINGYA
While
On April
29, it was reported that over 200 rebels broke away from the Arakan Army and
surrendered to the SPDC.[161]
CHIN
The SPDC
is blaming the Chin National Army (CNO) for a landmine that exploded, seriously
hurting a 13 year-old girl. The
MON
Terms of
the cease-fire agreement with the New Mon State Party (NMSP) were violated in
April when the SPDC started bulldozing through cease-fire lands from Maraing to Che Daike to create roads, using porters, forced labor and extortion.[163]
The NMSP was also targeted for office closures to prevent alleged drug
trafficking, but the strategic location of office closures “conveniently”
disrupts the movement and organization of the NMSP.[164]
RELIGIOUS PERSECUTION
______________________________________________________________________
* Increasing R Stagnant * Deteriorating
For the
third year,
In May,
the Karen Human Rights Group published a report on “The Persecution of Muslims
in
Both
Muslims and Christians have to seek permission to celebrate religious holidays
and many children are forced to attend SPDC schools where only Buddhist
teachings are allowed. Overturning Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt’s approval, Gen Maung Aye
banned the April 4-6 meeting of the Kachin Baptist Church (KBC) that was
expected to draw over 100,000 people and forced them to reschedule their
leadership elections for December 2003. A KBC youth leader said it showed that
the cease-fire agreement has not benefited the people.[167]
Two Chin Christian Ministers, Rev. Htat
Gyi/That Ci and Pastor Lian
Za Dal alias Saya Tun Lin were arrested on April 5. It was known that
the junta was irritated that they “drew many Buddhists into the church.”[168]
HUMAN RIGHTS
______________________________________________________________________
* Improving R Stagnant * Deteriorating
The human
rights situation remains grim despite the SPDC’s announcement of “turning a new
page” with the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. On the day of her release, the
military attacked villages in Eu Tu
Klo,
EXTORTION
Reports
of extortion are often of large amounts. ERI stated, “The use of fees to extort
money continues to increase and now represents a serious threat to peoples’
live-lihoods.”[171]
In
FORCED LABOUR
Despite
the military’s agreement to an ILO liaison officer and the supposed
implementation of Order No. 1/99, forced labor
continues, with the majority of the reports coming from ethnic nationality
areas. In April
Some people are aware that forced labor is illegal, according to Order No. 1/99, but it seems
they are not aware of any method to file a violation. According to the ERI
report We Are Not Free To Work for
Ourselves, since the implementation of Order 1/99, there have been accounts
of the military pressuring people to give false testimony in order to
“document” that forced labor has stopped, threatening
people not to say that forced labor is still
occurring and using the term “ helper” instead of “forced labor.”
POLITICAL FREEDOMS
The NLD was allowed to re-open its 35th
office in
w
The
NLD has applied for the right to publish a party newspaper, but has not
received a response from the SPDC.[176]
w
After
relations spiraled down between the junta and
w
In
Jun, Mhyer Nat Maung Magazine was declared unfit for
publishing because it placed an advertisement ahead of the junta’s “three
national causes” page. Living Color Magazine was also
censored because it included an advertisement from MK Billiards, who refused to
donate snooker tables to a junta-owned association.[178]
w
·Journalists Without Frontiers ranked
w
In
April two prominent writers were placed under house arrest after the military
demolished their houses. U Win Pe, won
the National Literary Prize in 1964 and Daw San May, is an elected MP of the
NLD.[180]
[See Democracy for update on political
prisoners]
DEATH SENTENCES
In June, the junta closed the
On April 24, two of the 2002 PEN/Barbara
Goldsmith Freedom to Write Award were presented. They honored
Aung Myint, a poet serving 21 years for sending a
foreign press release and Tohti Tunyaz,
an ethnic Uighur historian and writer is serving 11
years for doing research in the People’s Republic of
ARBITrARY ARRESTS, FORCED
RELOCATION, VILLAGE DESTRUCTION
In
Privately
owned land in Maungdaw, Rathedaung
and
Without
giving a reason, residents of
UNCHR
In April,
the United Nations Commission on Human Rights adopted a resolution sponsored by
the European Union calling for the end of “institutionalized
human rights abuses” listed as: “forced relocation of civilians, use of forced labor, extra-judicial killings, torture, military
offensives against the ethnic minorities in Shan, Karen and Karenni States,
violations of all civil and political rights, including religious freedom and
equality for all.”[189]
INTERNATIONAL LABOUR
ORGANIZATION (ILO)
Mr. Leon
de Riedmatten was appointed as the interim liaison
officer and also serves as
Glenys Kinnock, a European Member of Parliament, sent at letter to
the WTO asking for a response to the ILO’s findings
of forced labor. The letter stated that, “Forced
labour is still widespread in
INTERNATIONAL ACTIONS
Crimes Against Humanity
On April
25th, a suit was filed in the Belgian National Courts against
members of the junta, Total/Fina/Elf SA, Thierry Desmarest and Herve Madeo, on behalf of 4 plaintiffs for “crimes against
humanity.” The list of crimes includes: “Massacre of peaceful demonstrators,
summary executions, arbitrary arrests, torture, forced relocations, unexplained
disappearances and the massive use of forced labor.”[194]
The suit was filed in conjunction with Justice for Human Rights in
U.S. Corporation on Trial
In June,
a
LEGALIZING ABUSE OF POWER
In June
the SPDC enacted a “Control Money Laundering Law,” which has some dangerous
clauses in it that could easily lead to “arbitrariness, torture and
illegalities.” It allows the Central Control Board, composed of SPDC ministers
and chiefs, to act as the prosecuting body. This law lists the right to search
and seizure without a warrant, does not provide any rights for those arrested
or detained, places the burden of proof on the offender and allows imprisonment
for an “unlimited period.”[198]
The Orwellian SPDC regime has signed several contracts with
Asian foreign firms for various communication programs. However, the one signed
with the company heavily invested in by UN Special Envoy Razali is particularly
concerning. IRIS Technologies is using
WOMEN
______________________________________________________________________
* Improving * Stagnant R Deteriorating
“Our women are rarely allowed to achieve
decision-making positions,” said Daw Aung San Suu Kyi on June 19, the sixth
annual “Women of Burma Day.”[200]
She also called for greater empowerment of women saying, women “must play a
vigorous and leading role paving the way to social, political and economic
changes in this country.”
Not only are women from
License to Rape
On June 19, Shan Human Rights Foundation (SHRF) and Shan Women’s Action
Network (SWAN) released a detailed and gruesome report entitled “License to
Rape.” The report “gives clear evidence that rape is officially condoned as a
weapon of war” against the civilian populations in
w
Rape
often involved extreme brutality like beating, mutilation and suffocation.
w
Some
bodies were deliberately displayed to local communities.
w
61%
were gang-raped.
w
173
cases were documented; only 1 perpetrator was punished.
w
Victims
who complained were often fined, detained, tortured or killed. [202]
Full report: www.shanland.org/shrf/License_to_Rape/license_to_rape.htm
Trafficking
While
trafficking is not limited to women, women are the greatest percentage of
victims. In the United States “Trafficking in Persons 2002” report, Burma was
again classified as being in violation of the Act’s minimum standards and not
making significant efforts to come into compliance.[203]
The report says, “In this modern form of slavery, known as ‘trafficking in
persons,’ traffickers use threats, intimidation and violence to force victims
to engage in sex acts or to labor under conditions
comparable to slavery.”[204]
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
______________________________________________________________________
R Improving * Stagnant * Deteriorating
The SPDC
creatively diverted international focus on real democratic development by the
release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, their battle with
“
When
asked if the SPDC is genuinely interested in political reform, Daw Aung San Suu
Kyi said, “I think we’ll tell you.”[206]
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi said the EU and US approaches were on the “right track”
and “have been very supportive of the movement for democracy.” She urged
countries to be “flexible but to be also quick” with actions because often
“speed is of the essence.”[207]
ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHEAST
ASIAN NATIONS (ASEAN)
With a new light being cast on the region by the “war
against terrorism,”
The EU
challenged ASEAN when Chris Patten, EU Commissioner for External Relations,
said relations between the EU and ASEAN have been “taken hostage” by their
“relationship or non-relationship” with Burma.[212]
The bonds of ASEAN are being tested as
EUROPEAN UNION (EU)
After
meetings with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and ethnic nationality representatives on
April 11, the EU urged member states to “strengthen economic sanctions and
consider an investment ban” on
UNITED STATES
President Bush renewed sanctions and said SPDC policies
are “hostile to US interests” and are an “extraordinary threat to the national
security and foreign policy of the
DCI Associates
On May 3,
the SPDC signed a one-year contract with a powerful and politically connected
CHINA
Predictably, diplomat Shen Yongxiang of China insisted that there had been “some
remarkable results” in Burma and criticized the information in the UNHCR
resolution [See Human Rights] as being “neither effective nor complete.”[220]
On April 5, China hosted a “Women’s Delegation” led by the Chinese National
People’s Congress, All-China Women’s Federation and Myanmar Maternal and Child
Welfare Association.[221]
Already
having access to key waterways surrounding Burma, China is further developing
other routes of access. China’s southern city of Kunming
will be connected to Mandalay by roads and airways. Yunnan Airways will be the
first international foreign airline with regular flights to Mandalay.[222]
China also benefited economically when Burma closed the border with Thailand as
Burma increased imports from China. China reportedly helped the junta install
their new Surface to Air Missile (SAM) defense
system.[223]
INDIA
India continued to improve relations with the junta to
boost economic development, calm border fighting and to counter-balance China’s
increasing domination and military presence since the SPDC provided China
access to key locations. China has 4 radar facilities along the Bay of Bengal
and Andaman Sea with rumored construction of naval
bases on the CoCo Islands and at Sittwe.[224]
However, In August 2001, it was reported that India was building its first 2
military bases on Andaman and Nicobar Islands.[225]
The Indian Consulate office in Mandalay, closed in 1979 for “activities
incompatible with Burma’s diplomatic nature,” will re-open and the Burmese
Consulate will re-open in Calcutta.[226]
Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee announced that India, Burma and Thailand are
developing a road to connect the countries on the northeastern
Indian border, which is expected to dramatically increase trade.[227]
The construction time is set at seven years, but Vajpayee
wants it done earlier and said that “no dearth of finance would come in the way
of development of India’s northeast.”[228]
India’s
northeast continues to be a hot bed for junta-backed militant groups such as
United National Liberation Front (UNLF), National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang (NSCN-K) and United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) and India is hoping this road will give the
junta some incentive to flush out these groups.[229]
On April 11, just days after Indian Foreign Minister,
Mr. Jaswan Singh met with SPDC officials, India
reopened an 11-year old hijacking case against Soe Myint that had been recommended for dismissal on
humanitarian grounds. The interrogation surrounded his journalism and Mizzima
information website which reports human rights abuses by Indian and Burmese
border security forces and the insurgencies on their common border.[230]
Unfortunately, it appears in this relationship India is allowing the SPDC to
hold the upper hand, eagerly legitimizing their
oppressive policies.
JAPAN
Quietly
continues to be one of the SPDC’s most generous donors. [See Aid Update]
Concerned about Burma’s reliance on China, Japan is intensive about promoting
economic development, under the guise of humanitarian aid.[231]
RUSSIA
The
Russian Government congratulated the SPDC for allowing its citizens to be “free
to participate in political life.” Russian Foreign Ministry hopes the SPDC
“will be duly appraised by the international community which would promote Myanmar's
advance along the road of democratic transformations.”[232] In addition to assisting with the
nuclear plant installation, a military source said Russia and China helped
install the SAM defense system.[233]
VIETNAM
From May
5-8, Vietnam President Tran Duc Luong
visited Burma, reportedly at the invitation of Sr-Gen
Than Shwe. His visit was conveniently planned to coincide with Daw Aung San Suu
Kyi’s release from house arrest.[234]
BANGLADESH
Foreign Secretary Shamsher Mobin Chowdhury met with Deputy
Foreign Minister Khan Maung Win on June 18 to discuss border trade, crime and
economic cooperation.[235]
There will be infrastructure construction in Bangladesh’s southeastern
Teknaf, which borders Burma, and a land port will be
opened in September as part of the preparation for “account trade.”[236]
EAST TIMOR
Sr-Gen Than
Shwe congratulated East Timor’s first president Xanana
Gusmao and then tried to block East Timor’s observer
status in ASEAN, probably because of East Timor’s solidarity with Daw Aung San
Suu Kyi. [237]
AUSTRALIA
Since May 2000, 151 people affiliated with the SPDC
have participated in Australian organized human rights workshops and two more
workshops are scheduled for July in Mandalay and Taunggyi.
Australia has also arranged for 2 judges to attend a 3-week training by the
International Development Law Institute.[238]
The Australian Government appeared to be protecting the SPDC when they insisted
on watering down the UNHCHR resolution on Burma condemning the lack of
progress. A European diplomat said Australia’s position “caused a lot of
surprise.”[239]
ECONOMy
______________________________________________________________________
* Improving * Stagnant R Deteriorating
For the
third year in a row the SPDC did not publish an annual review of Burma’s
economic, financial and social conditions. However, the grim reality of the
general’s gross mismanagement and greed is obvious from the deteriorating
social conditions inside Burma. The value of the kyat plummeted, inflation
persisted and escalating prices made basic commodities impossible for many to
obtain.
The Crisis
When the border closed, all trade
ceased between Burma and Thailand leaving Burma’s people in a shortage for many
commodities. The SPDC ordered businesses to buy more expensive imports from
China and combined with the shortage, prices inflated rapidly.[240]
Within 3 days, the price of cooking gas on the border jumped from 230baht to
400baht per 15kg.[241]
According to Tak border province’s Chamber of
Commerce, joint economic, industrial, farming, tourism, energy, infrastructure
and health projects all stopped, causing severe economic and social impacts.[242]
The generals, who are begging the international community for humanitarian aid,
did not appear to possess the will to address this economic crisis which was
largely caused by the SPDC closing the border points
The Kyat
The SPDC
lists the official exchange rate as 6kyat to US$1. However, conservative
estimates by the Far Eastern Economic Review, put the market exchange rate
between 750-950kyat to US$1. Other estimates marked the range as 720-1004kyat.
Consumer
confidence plays a large role in dictating the stability of the kyat. Consumer
confidence and the kyat value dropped when the SPDC cancelled foreign
import-export licenses, the “coup plot” trials began and with the border battle
with Thailand.
Although
not reflected in the graph, other sources reported the kyat rebounding to
nearly 720kyat to US$1 for a couple weeks surrounding Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s
release.
Cash surplus also weakened the value of the kyat. This happened when 20
foreign companies quickly traded in their kyat when they closed due to the
import-export license cancellation and the SPDC issuing large amounts of
government tenders. However, the SPDC’s general economic mismanagement such as
printing money not backed by foreign reserves in attempt to decrease the trade
deficit, are the root causes. In June, rumors spread
once again that the SPDC would withdraw Foreign Exchange Certificates (FEC’s) when they ordered the Ministry of Post and
Telecommunications to stop accepting FEC’s and only
accept kyat. Sen-Gen Than Shwe explained the action
was to reduce the exchange rate between the kyat and FEC’s,
but FEC’s would not be withdrawn.[243]
The border closing with Thailand was the immediate cause for the drastic
inflation of the kyat. However, this dire situation is based on long-term
mismanagement, extremely low foreign reserves and reliance on imports for basic
necessities.
Gold Rush
On May 7,
the state-run Central Bank of Myanmar announced that private banks must return
gold deposited by their customers to the Central Bank of Myanmar, within two
weeks. Bank loans are now harder to obtain, as prior to this banks would loan
up to 90% of the market value of gold deposits. Consequently, gold prices fell
over 20,000kyat per tical in less than a week.[244]
2001-2002 Fiscal Year
National
Planning and Economic Development Minister, U Soe
Tha, announced Burma’s growth was 10.5%.[245]
With only a few calculations to consult, this growth rate seems incredible.
Inflation continued at approximately 27%, tourists declined by 49% and exports
to Thailand decreased 32% from last year.[246]
According to figures from
Burma’s Central Statistical Organization, there were thirteen new foreign
direct investment (FDI) projects. They totaled US$57.43
million, a 70% reduction from 2000. [see Table 1] ASEAN governments and
businesses accounted for 56% of the investments, with Thailand investing the
most at US$25.75 million.[247]
FDI was in 5 sectors, but heavily concentrated in manufacturing and construction.
[see Table 2]
Table 2:
2001 FDI by Sectors
|
Sector |
US$ Millions |
Percent of Total |
|
Manufacturing |
27.93 |
49% |
|
Construction |
35% |
|
|
Hotels
& Tourism |
5.25 |
9% |
|
Oil &
Gas |
3.25 |
6% |
|
Mining |
0.5 |
1% |
Source: Xinhua
News Agency, 11 April 02
January-February 2002
Burma’s
Central Statistical Organization released select figures for January and
February 2002 in comparison to that same period in 2001. Imports reduced by
nearly 25% and exports reduced by 19%.[248]
Rice exports were reported to have increased by 222.5% but they did not provide
any figures to account for the 19% reduction in exports.[249]
The trade deficit was estimated at US$40 million, which is a 48% reduction from
that period last year.[250]
Investment
Investment
has been on a continual downhill slope, but that might have more to do with the
economy than the willingness of many of Burma’s Asian investors. When a South
Korean trade mission visited Burma in June, Governor Mr. Kim Hyuk Kyu said, “Labour costs are
still low in Myanmar; so I think it can attract foreign investors for that
reason alone.”[251]
Influential
Thai and Malaysian representatives, two ASEAN countries the international
community is hopeful can aid democratic change in Burma, revealed their
economic stake in Burma. The SPDC signed a US$12 million contract with Thai
companies, Shin Satellite and Bagan Cybertech. It is being financed through loans from Citibank
and BNP Paribas which are guaranteed by the US Export
Bank and France’s Coface Group of Finance. The
company will set up 5,000 satellite receiving stations and provide internet
access. Shin Satellite is affiliated with Shin Corporation which is controlled
by the multimillionaire family of Thailand’s Prime Minister Thaksin.
Many believe this business deal dictated Thaksin’s
inaction with the border battle.[252]
[See Thai-Burma]
UN
Special Envoy, Tan Sri Razali, is the chairman and 30% stockowner of IRIS
Technologies, a company that signed a contract with the SPDC for experimental
passports with biometric features.[253]
Implementation will start in August when 5000 passports will be given to select
government and business people. The SPDC’s use of the e-passports has raised
human rights concerns. [See Human Rights]
Pressure & Divestment
An
increasing number of consumers and shareholders are seriously concerned about
whether low wages and abusive working conditions exist in facilities patronized
by US companies; firms that do not sharethat concern
can risk damage to their corporate reputation and possible consumer backlash. ~ Institutional Shareholders Services, Inc
The US
branch of the Free Burma Coalition (FBC) has been successful in pressuring over
30 US companies to stop sourcing goods from Burma. This campaign began after a
loophole in US sanctions allowed US$470 million in apparel imports in the first
half of 2001.[254]
Between January and March 2002, apparel exports to the US decreased by 35%.[255]
Ross, a US based clothing store, was FBC’s latest
victory. Canada’s IHC Caland, a shipbuilding and
engineering company, announced they will not renew their contract with the
SPDC. This is a ridiculous statement as the contract does not expire for 13
years.[256]
Since 8
major investment companies warned against investing or trading with Burma, [See
previous report card “Rangoon Suspense” 1Dec 01 – 31 Mar 02] other major
companies and unions have teamed up as shareholders to pressure companies to
review their ties with Burma. Shareholder resolutions or other pressure was
filed on Canadian company Ivanhoe Mines Inc. and US companies, Marriott
International, Unocal and Amerada Hess.[257]
[See major participant listings[258]]
Marriott then ended its management contracts in Burma.
IMPORT/EXPOrt Bans
Giving
businesses another reason to leave Burma, General Kyaw Win announced,
“Beginning from the first of March this year, foreign companies particularly,
will not be allowed to import or export anything,” a policy that affected
approximately 100 companies. The SPDC claimed the move was to “give domestic
firms a competitive edge,” and probably also a move to conserve the minimal
foreign currency reserves. However, this action angered many investors,
especially from ASEAN countries.[259]
In June,
the junta outlawed cigarette and alcohol billboard advertisements in Rangoon.
The city is sure to lose revenue since cigarette and alcohol made up over 75%
of the ads.[260]
Watchdog – Keeping an eye
on the future
Technology
and communication deals appear to be a priority on the SPDC’s list. Contracts
were signed for e-passports embedded with personal information tracking
abilities and for 5,000 satellite receiving stations. In addition, the SPDC
took over the country’s first GSM network [See Military Threat] and on May 31,
reportedly signed a contract with South Korea’s information and
telecommunications sector for financial and technical assistance.[261]
Burma’s
annual gem emporium this year increased profits by 98.5% from 2001, generating
nearly US$21 million. The junta has encouraged private investment by reducing
their profit retention to 25% and is actively promoting business to Israel,
Singapore and Hong Kong. Burma’s raw gems are competitve
in quality and quantity, but its underdeveloped infrastructure for production
prevents them from being a major player in the international market.[262]
Expensive Lobbyist
The SPDC
cries poor, but in April the SPDC hired DCI Associates, a public relations firm
in the US, and will pay over US$500,000 for the first year of service. DCI
Associates was forward in saying they will focus on soliciting humanitarian and
anti-narcotics assistance from the US government. [See International Relations]
Aid Update
______________________________________________________________________
Burma has
been appointed to the program coordinating board of UNAIDS along with 22 other
nations and representatives from UN agencies. The 3-year term will start in
January 2003. UNAIDS spokesperson announced the agency had spent US$350,000 on
Burma activities in the last 2 years, with major contributions from the World
Health Organization, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the United
Nations Development Program (UNDP).
International Crisis Group
On 2
April 2002 the International Crisis Group (ICG) released Myanmar:: The Politics of Humanitarian Aid. The report ‘unequivocally’
said ‘yes’ to increased humanitarian assistance by effectively pushing the
political context of aid to one side. The ICG urged “working with the
government [SPDC] and through government institutions” in tackling issues such
as HIV/AIDS.[263]
There has
been strong reaction to the report among pro-democracy groups and other
concerned parties. It is urgent that political analysis informs the aid debate
so that premature and ill-designed aid does not undermine national
reconciliation and the talks, does not free up money for the SPDC to spend on
the military but ensures that humanitarian assistance reaches needy people
directly. Kraisak Choonhavan,
Thai Senate Foreign Affairs Committee Chairperson, clearly stated he did not
consider aid to be justified at the current time.[264]
“It is not a win-win exercise if the main facilitator of such aid is a central
government that is corrupt and incompetent,” said Maureen Aung-Thwin, of the Soros Foundation.[265]
The money move
Upon the
much-publicised release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the push for aid increased[266]
but Daw Aung San Suu Kyi stated that the National League for Democracy’s (NLD)
policy on sanctions remains unchanged. The SPDC is hoping that the release of
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, a few political prisoners, an anti-money laundering law [see Drugs] and a bit of drug burning is
enough to resume large scale humanitarian assistance. UN Special Envoy on
Myanmar Razali Ismail is among those calling for increased aid, along with some
aid agencies and governments such as Japan.[267]
The Asia
Development Bank (ADB) said Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s release was the first step
towards reconciliation and heightened the chances of the ADB resuming aid
(loans were withheld in 1986 and technical assistance in 1987). ADB Mekong
Department Director General, Raja M. Nag, said the Mekong department hopes to
prepare for resuming direct development lending. He further stated that he
expected new funding to be coordinated with other multilateral agencies such as
the World Bank and UNDP.[268]
Note: Any
World Bank aid would involve the flow of massive amounts of foreign exchange to
the regime. Numerous aid workers admit that aid agencies in Burma cannot absorb
such large increases in aid. There are real concerns about large increases in
aid benefiting the regime and extending their despotic rule. UNDP has been
widely criticized for its lack of accountability to the people of Burma and its
apathy towards the regime.
SANCTIONS REMAIN BUT
HIV/AIDS AID PLANNED
Both the
EU and US welcomed Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s release but said there would need to
be more concrete and irreversible political progress before sanction policies
and the EU common position (2002/310/CFSP) could be altered.[269]
However,
the EU and US have stated they will offer money for HIV/AIDS programs; 5 million
euros and US$1 million respectively. The US administration is working with
Congress to formulate plans to deliver assistance “through UN agencies or
independent NGOs that are not connected to the military regime.” The US
announcement followed a meeting between Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage and Razali.[270]
Japan
This has
retarded the movement for democracy, civil liberties and civil society in
Burma… We therefore strongly object [to] the decision of [the] Japanese government
and condemn the action.
~ NLD in Liberated Areas, speaking about the
ODA grant
for repairs to the Baluchaung hydropower plant[271]
The
controversial ODA grant of JPY628 million (US$4.9 million) to renovate Baluchaung hydropower plant (2) was given the go-ahead on
May 10. (Was this in response to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s release or lucky
coincidence?) The grant is considered to be a dangerous and premature reward to
the generals. In response to the opposition to this grant, the Japanese
government agreed to give the aid in 3 parts rather than in one transfer.
In April
a further JPY792 million (US$6.17 million) was granted for the upgrading of
medical equipment at 3 hospitals,[272]
and JPY 78 million (US$612,267) for primary schools, vocational training centers and medical supplies. Japan is the largest donor to
Burma, currently accounting for 60% of all foreign aid.[273]
Australia
Total aid
to Burma from Australia for the financial year 2002/2003, is estimated by the
Australian government to be AU$6.2 million (US$). The aid will finance projects
including a nutrition project targeting children, and a 3-week judicial
administration and reform training for 2 members of the Burmese judiciary.
Human rights workshops continue, with 2 planned for July in Mandalay and Taunggyi, Shan State.[274]
Australian
money will continue to go to refugees on the Thai-Burma border.
Canadian Business
Exclusive
Canadian décor business, K2 Trade, held a gallery and silent auction on 12-15
June donating raffle ticket sales (for an authentic hand-made ‘Burmese Colonial
Chair’ bought in Burma) towards a medical clinic for their “third-world”,
“foreign friends.” The structure of the clinic was built by a small Catholic
parish; Christ the King Church in Kalaw. K2 Trade is
also seeking medical supply donations. It was not reported how the money or
supplies will be given to the community.[275]
DISPLACEMENT
______________________________________________________________________
* Improving * Stagnant R Deteriorating
There has
been no evidence that the SPDC has reduced its human rights violations,
particularly in the ethnic nationality areas. So people continue to flee their
homes in search of safety, but it seems they might be running out of options.
Stringent rules on being granted asylum or refugee status make it difficult, at
best, for people to legally relocate to a safer location. Many neighboring countries are strictly enforcing rules and
possibly using displaced people as a bargaining chip with the SPDC.
REPATRIATION AND DEPORTATION
Thailand
U.N.
Commissioner for Refugees, Jahanshah Assadi, told Thailand that improving its relations with
Burma will help to repatriate over 400,000 “illegals”
and encouraged Thailand to provide education and training to assist the
workers.[276]
Thailand has repatriated over 2,400 undocumented migrants to a reception camp
in Myawaddy opened by the SPDC. Officials at the camp
do “necessary inquiries” and give mandatory screenings for HIV, malaria,
tuberculosis and sexually transmitted diseases before they can return to their
homes, although no provisions have been made for those without homes.[277]
It is disturbing that
there is no known overseeing body to ensure the safety of these people at the
hands of the junta.
Thailand
arrested and deported nine monks, mostly Mon, who were thought to be spying on
the ethnic rebel groups.[278]
This suspicion is not unreasonable as the junta has a record of exploiting
religion and religious figures to infiltrate the opposition movement.
Malaysia
Seventeen
Muslim Rohingya asylum seekers entered the UNHCR center
in Kuala Lumpur on June 17 and 18 with banners saying, “Please help us on
humanitarian considerations,” but they were handed over the Malaysian police on
June 25.[279]
The asylum seekers fear death if they return to Burma, but also fear Malaysia’s
new policy in which over 600,000 “illegal” workers will face jail time or
caning when their amnesty expires on July 31.[280]
The Malaysian Government received criticism from UNHCR because they often
deport people from Burma across the northern border into Thailand, leaving them
to fall prey to human traffickers. According to a report, “The Malaysian
Government has the option, but not an obligation, to respect the UNHCR refugee
status. However, the standing policy is not to recognize (refugees) because it
may jeopardize diplomatic relations.”[281]
MIGRANT WORKERS
Thailand
Over
200,000 migrant workers received medical treatment in Tak
Province in 2001, only one quarter were workers with permits. Under the UN
charter, Thailand is obliged to provide medical care, which reportedly cost
over nine million baht.[282]
Thailand is becoming a tougher place, even for those who possess legal papers,
as 737 migrant workers from Burma were not able to renew
their work permits and sent back to Burma. This is allowed under Thailand’s new
policy if they are carrying certain diseases such as, tuberculosis, syphilis
and HIV.[283]
Pakistan
Action
Aid Pakistan, along with Lawyers for Human Rights and Legal Aid, have opened a center to service migrant workers from Bengal and Burma in Korangi. The center, Aurzal, will provide free legal aid, some medical and
psychological services and education programs for adults and children.[284]
REFUGEES
Thailand
Thailand
vowed to repatriate 617 Shan refugees, who fled the border fighting in June,
after the SPDC completes its offense on the Shan
State Army, despite reports that SPDC and UWSA troops are killing villagers in
that area.[285]
United Nations Goodwill Ambassador and American actress, Angelina Jolie visited Tham Hin Camp on May 19. She pledged $100,000 to the camps and
donated an electricity generator.[286]
Bangladesh
Five Rohingyas, being held past their sentence length, were
released on May 2. They had been charged with illegal entry into the country
and in a breakthrough verdict, the high court ruled the government either to
grant them political asylum or arrange resettlement in a third country.[287]
On June
16th Bangladeshi Foreign Secretary, Shamsher
Mobin Chowdhury, met with
SPDC officials to plan the repatriation of the remaining 21,982 Rohingya
refugees by June 2003 and prevent more from entering Bangladesh.[288]
INTERNALLY DISPLACED
PEOPLE (IDPs)
On the
day of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s release, May 6, the villages in Eu Tu Klo in Karen State were
attacked by the SPDC, burning down homes and medical and educational
facilities.[289]
Approximately 500 people from Pau Kar Der IDP village and Kho Kay village fled to Thailand.
Jubilee Campaign
estimated that, “Altogether over 648,000 Karen, Karenni and Shan people have
been internally displaced inside Burma by the Burmese military. Many of them
are hiding in the jungle with no food or medicine and are killed on sight by
Burmese troops.” [290]
EDUCATION
______________________________________________________________________
* Improving R Stagnant * Deteriorating
After her
release Daw Aung San Suu Kyi said, “We are very concerned about education. We
are studying how to engage in education…activities.”[291]
Instead
of improving college courses on campuses, correspondence courses are now an
option for students with high marks applying to university. The exorbitant cost
of moving to attend university makes this the only viable option for many
students, however the quality of these courses is quite poor.[292]
This is a method the SPDC utilizes to separate civilian students and control
their access to education.
The SPDC
has put some effort into building some decent medical and engineering colleges,
but they are only open to armed forces family members.[293]
Although it hasn’t been announced who will be permitted to attend, South Korea
and SPDC built a “New Farmers’ Training Center” in
northern Mandalay. Short-term, long-term and graduate level training programs
are set to begin in October 2002.[294]
UNHCR
operating in Maungdaw, Arakan State, began
distributing rice to elderly members of their adult education program to
encourage continued participation. UNHCR and UNDP estimate 90% illiteracy in
the region, particularly amongst the Rohingya community. Rohingyas
are not allowed to appoint their own teachers and very few other Burmese will
accept appointments due to low pay and remote locations.[295]
CHRONOLOGY: 1 April ~ 30
June 2002
______________________________________________________________________
30
March Thai Army Intelligence said
“Golden Triangle” region preparing to increase heroin production. WkndAust, 30Mar
1 April SPDC
announced Ne Win’s 3 sons and son-in-law will be tried for high treason for
involvement in the “coup plot.” NLM, 1Apr
1 April China’s
Yunnan Airways international route opened in Mandalay with daily flights connecting Kunming
and Mandalay. Xinhua, 1Apr
2 April Reported
that Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt
reportedly told 5 ceasefire groups Wa, Kokang, Shan,
Kachin and Palaung they wouldn’t get protection from
SPDC for drug production and trafficking. SHAN, 2Apr
2 April Reported
that SPDC has plans for 3 border liaison offices at Myawaddy-Maesod, Tachilek-Mae Sai and Kawsawng –Ranong. SHAN, 2Apr
2 April Reported
that UN Commissioner for Refugees in Thailand, Jahanshah
Assadi, said better relations with Burma will hasten
repatriation. Xinhua, 2Apr
2 April Reported
Myanmar Gems Emporium revenue at $20 million, an increase of 98.5% over last
year. Xinhua, 2Apr
2 April International
Crisis Group released a report, “Myanmar: The Politics of Humanitarian Aid,”
which called for increased aid and to work with the SPDC. ICG, 2Apr
3 April SPDC
took over GSM mobile phone network, partly owned by Sandar
Win, and will sell handsets on Wa backed Sky-Link network. BKP, 3Apr
3 April It
was officially announced that foreign trading firms in Burma cannot renew
import-export licenses except for import of some construction and industrial
materials. AFP, 3Apr
3 April Kyat
informal exchange rate at 800 to US$. AFP, 3Apr
3 April SPDC
reported the Dean of the
Diplomatic Corps Ambassador of Laos Mr Ly Bounkham visited Wa regions from
1 to 3 April to look at opium-substitute undertakings. NLM, 4Apr
4 April Reported
that Gen Maung Aye banned a meeting and leadership election of the Kachin
Baptist Church. Elections rescheduled for Dec 2003. Irrawadddy,
4Apr
4 April Reported
that Mingalataungnyunt Township NLD office re-opened on March 31. DVB, 4 Apr
4 April China’s
National People’s Congress rep met a women's delegation from Burma led by Daw
Khin Win Shwe from Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association. Xinhua, 5Apr
5 April Burma
hosted the ASEAN Conference of Finance Ministers. AP, 5Apr
5 April EU
says ASEAN’s relation with Burma strained EU-ASEAN relations. APWorldstream, 5Apr
5 April Thailand
arrested and deported 9 illegal monks from Burma thought to be spying on armed
opposition groups. AFP, 6Apr
5 April External Affairs Ministers from India,
Burma and Thailand met to plan a road connecting the countries. Times of India,
5Apr & PTI, 5Apr
5 April SPDC
arrested 2 Chin Ministers, Rev. Htat Gyi/That Ci and Pastor Lian Za Dal alias Saya
Tun Lin CHRO, 10Apr
5 April Sai Wansai of SDU and Saw Zarkis of KNU met in Madrid with Mr Jorge Montealegre Burie, Deputy
Director for Southeast Asia Department for the EU to encourage renewed
sanctions. SHAN, 16Apr
6 April India-Myanmar
Burma -Thailand Ministerial Meeting on Transport Linkages took place in
Rangoon. NLM, 7Apr
8 April 7th
Mekong Forum, “Bridging the Mekong, branding the jewels” was hosted in Rangoon.
NLM, 9Apr
9 April Reported
that European MP, Glenys Kinnock,
asked WTO to respond about its relations with Burma in light of ILO decision.
Worldview, 9Apr
9 April Announced
that IHC Caland will not renew contract with Burma. Het Financieele Dagblad, 9Apr
9 April Announced
that illegal migrants from Burma in Thailand will be given involuntary HIV
tests and repatriated despite results. BBC, 9Apr
10 April Reported that Khin Nyunt said drug production, possession or
trafficking is illegal, punishable by life imprisonment or death. BKK, 10Apr
10 April Reported that artillery commands will be set up to control
armoured and artillery battalions in all 12 regional military commands. DVB,
10Apr
13
April Chinese Government arrested Liu Quan, a major Burmese drug trafficker. Reuters, 19Jun
13
April German parliamentarians met with
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. DPA, 14Apr
14
April India reopened an 11.5 year-old
case against Soe Myint for hijacking a Thai Airways plane. Investigation
focused on his current journalism. Hearing scheduled for 17 April. DowJones, 14Apr & BMA, 13Apr
14 April Yunnan Red Cross Aids Prevention and Education Office opened in Kunming. Funding from AusAid,
Hong Kong and Australia Salvation Army. SCMP, 17Apr
15
April U HLAING WIN, Deputy Minister for Social Welfare,
Relief and Resettlement of Myanmar spoke at the International Ageing Assembly
in Madrid, M2Presswire, 15Apr
15 April Reported that drug lord Wei Hsueh-kang was made deputy leader of UWSA. BKK, 15Apr
15 April Burma and India announced plans for the first joint oceanographic
study in the Andaman Sea. Business, 16Apr
17 April ICG report “Myanmar: The Politics of Humanitarian Aid,” said humanitarian
aid can’t wait for democracy. Int’lHerald, 17Apr
17 April Indian Prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee announced plans
for road construction connecting India, Burma and Thailand. PTI, 21Apr
18 April Reported that Ne Win’s son-in-law and 3 grandsons were moved to
Insein Prison and will be tried for high treason. AP, 18Apr
20 April Sen-Gen Than Shwe congratulated Mr Xanana Gusmao on being elected
first president of East Timor. Radio Myanmar, 20Apr
22 April The EU, Cyprus, Malta, EFTA Countries and European Economic Area
members renewed their common position on Burma. AFP, 9May
22 April UK’s association of trade unions, Trades Union Congress, lobbied
over 100UK pension funds to support US-based LongView
Collective Investment Fund shareholder resolution for Unocal. FT, 22Apr
22 April Japan announced it will provide 792m yen to Burma for medical
equipment in 3 Rangoon hospitals. Kyodo, 22Apr
22 April Kyat dropped 910kyat to US$1. APWorldstream,
22Apr
22 April Announced that US-based Gart Sports
stopped sourcing from Burma in February and cancelled a US$1 million order.
Denver, 22Apr
22 April Thai Narcotic Control Board said Red Wa creating a cheap ecstasy
pill. Nation, 22Apr
23-25 April Gen Maung Aye visited Thailand and met with
Prime Minister Thaksin and the King and Queen. WSJ,
22Apr
23-26April UN Special Envoy to Myanmar, Razali, made his
7th trip to Burma. DVB, 24Apr
23
April Razali met with Representatives of
Mon, Zomi, Karen and Arakanese political parties,
Kachin Independence Organization, Kachin Baptist Council. DVB, 24 Apr
24 April While
imprisoned, Aung Myint & Tohti
Tunyaz received the 2002 PEN/Barbara Goldsmith
Freedom to Write Awards. Pen News, 11Apr
24 April Kyat hit all-time low at 1004kyat to US$1. AFP, 24Apr
24
April Razali met separately with Lt-Gen
Khin Nyunt, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, SNLD, SSA, SSNA and employees of international economic enterprises. DVB, 24Apr
25
April Razali scheduled to meet with NLD Central Executive Committee and
possibly Sen-Gen Than Shwe. DVB, 24Apr
26 April Razali was expected to have another meeting with Daw Aung San Suu
Kyi. DVB, 24Apr
26
April Razali met with Sr-Gen Than Shwe, General Maung Aye and Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt. BKK, 2May
24
April Reported that 49 US Congressmen
submitted a letter to Sr-Gen Than Shwe for the
release of Min Ko Naing and all political prisoners. BMA, 24Apr
24
April International Confederation of Free Trade Unions &
European Trade Union Confederation condemned EU for not increasing sanctions
against the SPDC. ICFTU & ETUC, 24Apr
25
April Razali said there will be a “new
development coming soon” surrounding the dialogue process. AP, 25Apr
25
April Reported that ABSDF, DPNS and NDD
sent a letter to Razali urging concrete developments from the talks. Kao Wao, 25Apr
25
April UNHCHR called for the release of
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and faster developments in reconciliation and democratization. Sydney Morning, 27Apr
25
April Crimes against humanity suit filed
in Belgian Court against individual SPDC members and international corporations
by 4 people from Burma and Justice for Human Rights in Burma. Total/Fina/Elf
SA, Thierry Desmarest and Herve
Madeo Mizzima, 7May
25
April All SPDC military commands
reported to have about 40 pieces of Chinese heavy artillery. DVB, 25Apr
26
April East Timor FM Reported that SPDC
is trying to block East Timor from receiving observer status in ASEAN. SCMP,
26pr
28
April Reported that French Ananda
coffee company made Burma’s largest offer order of 36 tonnes of Myanmar Farms
Enterprise beans from Shan State at a national record US$1,600 per tonne. AFP,
28Apr
28 April Reported that 2,400 illegal migrants in Thailand were repatriated
to an SPDC reception camp in Burma and given involuntary HIV tests. AFP, 28Apr
29
April 200 breakaway rebels from the
Arakan Army reportedly surrendered to SPDC. Kaladan,
2May
April Announced that Marriott International will
terminate its business in Burma. IRRC, April
1
May Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and U Lwin had
a meeting with SPDC officials. Reuters, 1May
1
May US activists put pressure on Amerada
Hess to withdraw its 25%
stake in British Premier Oil. BMA, 1May
2 May NLD in Rangoon said Daw Aung San Suu Kyi will
be released within a few days. Kyodo, 2May
2
May SPDC granted visas to dozens of
foreign journalists. SCMP, 2May
2
May 5 Rohingya’s
released from jail in Bangladesh. The high court ordered them to be resettled
to a third country or granted political asylum. ANA, 3May
2
May SPDC officials attended the China-Myanmar
Junior Officials Meeting on Narcotic Drug Control. RMyanmar,
14Jun
3
May SPDC signed a contract with DCI
Associates, a powerful and politically connected US lobby firm.
3
May Reporters Without Borders declared
Burma the world’s largest prison for journalists. RWB, 3May
3
May Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees International
Union and AFL-CIO pressured Marriott International to adopt a workplace code of
conduct based on ILO standards. HERE, 3May
3
May SPDC stopped granting visas to foreign
journalists. WashPost, 3May
3
May Reported that there are 10 new SPDC
battalions stationed in the Eastern Region Command (Taunggyi) and the
Golden Triangle Region. SHAN, 3May
3 May Reported
that the Global Fund to Fight AIDS will give Thailand US$133 million to fund a
5-year program. Xinhua, 3May
3
May 5 NLD political prisoners were
released: Cho Lay, Than
Tun, Aung Myint, Myint Swe, and Hla Win. SCMP, 4May
3 May Legal
proceedings began for the trials surrounding the coup plot. There will be 2 tribunals,
consisting of 3 charges each. RMyanmar, 3May
3 May Reported that a 15-year Opium Cultivation Control Project in Shan
State began in April 2002. TVMyanmar, 3May
3 May SPDC
denied that opium production would increase due to the war in Afghanistan. TVMyanmar, 3May
3 May Reported
that there are 116 light infantry SPDC battalions in Shan State in comparison
to 40 battalions in 1998. SHAN, 3May
4 May 40,000
people from Burma given involuntary health tests to renew their work permits
between March and May. 737 with communicable diseases or HIV will be deported
to Burma. AP, 4May
5-8
May Vietnamese President Tran Duc
Luong visited Burma by invitation of Sr-Gen Than Shwe. Xinhua, 2May
5
May Ambassador to the US, Linn Myaing,
said Daw Aung San Suu Kyi would be released on 6 May. AP, 5May
5 May SPDC
released its official statement about Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s release to the
international community. AFP, 5May
6 May Daw
Aung San Suu Kyi released from 19 months of house arrest and held a press
conference at the NLD HQ. Kyodo, 6May
6 May Burma’s
state-run papers blacked-out Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s release. AP, 7May
6 May Daw Aung San Suu Kyi announced the confidence building stage of the
“talks” was completed. AFP, 6May
6 May Announced
that IRIS Technologies, of which Razali is the chairman and a stockholder,
signed a deal for e-passports 2 weeks ago with the SPDC. Razali was questioned
for conflict of interest and violation of UN employee rules. Int’lHerald, 6May
6 May SPDC
troops attacked villages in Eu Tu
Klo, Karen State. CSW, 8May
6 May According
to US State Department, Burma is eligible for sanctions for serious violations
of religious liberty. WashTimes, 7May
7 May Razali’s
business deal determined not to be in violation of his contract with the UN.
AP, 7May
7 May Razali
said if his business dealings were a conflict of interest, he would resign from
his company and as the UN Special Envoy to Myanmar. Int’lHerald,
7May
7 May AFL-CIO,
ICEM and CalPERS urged US oil company, Unocal,
shareholders to support 2 resolutions sponsored by LongView
Collective Investment Fund of the Amalgamated Bank, the Paper,
Allied-Industrial, Chemical and Energy Workers International Union, Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, etc ICEM, 7May
7 May Daw
Aung San Suu Kyi lamented the slow release of political prisoners and said
their release was critical in political terms. Age, 7May
8 May UNICEF
called for increased aid to Burma. AFP, 8May
8 May CSW Hong Kong and CSW Australia’s
reported that their fact-finding mission to Karen and Karenni States near the Thai-Burma border
and found little change in human rights abuses. CSW, 8May
9 May Reported
that Jubilee Campaign estimates 648,000 Karen, Karenni and Shan people have
been internally displaced by SPDC. SHAN, 9May
9 May ADB
said they want to build up their knowledge base of Burma as soon as possible. DowJones, 9May
9 May Reported
that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi said, “Sanctions send a strong political and economic
message.” AFP, 9May
9 May 1st
UN Regional Task Force on Mobility and HIV Vulnerability Reduction held in
Rangoon.
10 May Japan
announced a grant US$4.9 million to the SPDC to renovate the Balachaung Hydropower Plant. WSJ, 15May
13-17 May Col
Kyaw Thein attended anti-narcotics meetings with US
agencies including the State Department and White House. AP, 8May
13 May Daw
Aung San Suu Kyi called for the start reconciliation talks with SPDC. Reuters,
13May
14 May 9
NLD political prisoners released. They are: Zaw Win, Kyaw Nyein,
Chan I Ila, Kyin Swan Khan,
Paw Tun, Khin Maung Yin, Sein Hlaing, Phone Myint and Aung Soe.
14 May NLD-LA
objects to the US$4.9 million from the Japanese Government for the Baluchaung Power Plant. NLD-LA, 14May
14 May Reported
that the US Drug Enforcement Agency supports engagement with SPDC to combat
drugs. Reuters, 14May
14 May Reported
that Razali will meet with US officials in regards to his role as UN Special
Envoy to Myanmar. AFP, 14May
14
May Reported that Gen Maung Aye gave
Thailand permission to lead an offense against UWSA’s drug production during his visit in April. SHAN,
14May
15 May 5
ethnic nationality groups, organized under SNLD, made a call to be included in
reconciliation talks. AFP, 15May
15 May Reported
the SPDC recently created a Border Discipline Control Department to reduce
border trade corruption. Mizzima, 15May
15 May A
General in the Thai Third Army Region said the military drills near the
Thai-Burma border were preparation for a battle against UWSA. Reuters, 15May
15 May US
said it would provide HIV/AIDS assistance to Burma. Reuters, 15May
15 May Russian
Government announced its assistance to the SPDC to build a nuclear reactor and center for nuclear studies. Dow Jones, 15May
15 May Reported
that Thailand’s Shin Satellite Corp, affiliated with Thailand’s Prime Minister Thaksin, signed a contract with SPDC to provide satellite
receiving stations. Nation, 16May
16 May US
renews sanctions on Burma. WhiteHouse, 16May
16 May Daw
Aung San Suu Kyi briefed by representatives of U.N. Development Program, the
U.N. Children's Fund, the World Food Program, the U.N. International Drug
Control Program and the World Health Organization. AP, 16May
17 May Daw
Aung San Suu Kyi’s first trip outside central Rangoon to an NLD office in
Rangoon’s northern suburb of Shwepyitha. CNN, 17May
19 May SPDC
reported handing over Chinese heroin trafficker, Liu Quan,
to China’s Police. Reuters, 19May
19 May UN
Goodwill Ambassador and US actress, Angelina Jolie
visited Tham Hin refugee
camp in Thailand and donated US$100,000. BKK, 20May
19 May SPDC
Col Tin Hlaing attended the Ministerial Meeting on
Terrorism in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. NCGUB, 20May
20-22 May SPDC
officials attended the 9th Annual Sub-Regional Drug Control Meeting
of senior officials in Beijing. ChinaDaily, 21May
20 May Thailand
and SPDC exchanged protest notes after Thai troops and UWSA exchanged fire.
BKK, 21May
20 May SPDC
accused Thailand of supplying weapons to and firing in support of SSA. BKK,
21May
20 May Reported
that SSA seized 8 UWSA strongholds, some being major drug factories. BKK, 21
May
20 May Unocal
Shareholders meeting. Shareholder resolutions voted on. ICEM, 7May
20 May Ne
Win’s 3 grandsons and son-in-law’s trial on charges for high treason for the
coup plot, began in a Rangoon court. BBC, 20May
20 May NCGUB
condemned Col Tin Hlaing for saying “there are no
political prisoners” in Burma at a ministerial meeting on terrorism in
Malaysia. NCGUB, 20May
21 May Reported
that DCI Associates will first focus on soliciting HIV/AID and anti-narcotics
assistance. WashPost, 31May
21 May DCI
Associates announced SPDC will launch an alternative crop heroin program,
“Project Hell Flower,” in Shan State. AFP, 21May
21 May KNU
representative said 7 Karen villages were destroyed and 15 villagers killed in
May. CSM, 21May
21 May ASEAN
countries agreed to align security forces and anti-terrorism laws. SCMP, 21May
21
May Reported that Lawyers for Human Rights and Legal Aid and
Action Aid Pakistan opened a service center
open to Burmese migrants in Korangi, Pakistan. Karachi, 21May
21
May SPDC denied giving Thailand permission to lead an offense against narcotic traffickers. BBC, 22May
21 May Reported
that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi called for unity among Burmese working for democracy.
Irrawaddy, 21May
21 May Reported
that the NLD requested permission to publish a party news bulletin. Irrawaddy,
21May
21 May Reported
that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi said humanitarian aid has to be accountable and
transparent. Irrawaddy, 21May
22 May SPDC
closed 4 main border checkpoints with Thailand for an indefinite period and
warned Thailand further actions would be taken if the border spat was not
resolved. AFP, 22May
22 May Reported
that Burma produces 50-60% of world’s opium, according to UN International
Narcotics Control Board. Xinhua, 22May
23 May Thai
Defense Minister Chavalit
ordered an end to the military training near the Thai-Burma border. BKK, 24May
26 May Reported
that Mr. Leon de Riedmatten was appointed the ILO
Interim Liaison Officer in Burma. MyanTimes, 20-26May
29 May Reported
that Thailand labeled drug trafficking as a national
security threat. CSM, 29May
29 May SPDC
banned publishing article about Thailand or using Thai advertisements. Mizzima,
29May
31 May Reported
that India and Burma will re-open consulate offices in Mandalay and Calcutta
respectively. AFP, 31May
May Karen Human Rights Group published the
report, “The Persecution of Muslims in Burma” KHRG, May
3 June Reported
that the SPDC outlawed cigarette and alcohol billboards in Rangoon. CNAsia, 3Jun
4 June Reported
that Australia’s Government will give AU$6.2 million in aid to Burma for
2002/2003. Mizzima, 4Jun
6 June Reported
that US State Department “Trafficking in Persons 2002” report found Burma to be
in violation of the acts minimum standards. AFP, 6Jun
13 June Reported
that the SPDC denied Daw Aung San Suu Kyi access to INGO’s
in hosted in SPDC buildings, cancelled a meeting she had with a Japanese NGO.
BBC, 13Jun
14 June Daw
Aung San Suu Kyi’s first trip outside of Rangoon to a Buddhist Shrine in Karen
State. BBC, 13Jun
15 June Reported
that the SPDC and Russian Government negotiating a nuclear reactor sale to the
junta. Mizzima, 15May
15
June Reported that Malaysian Government
said it’s not obligated to accept UNHCR refugees. Malaysiakini,
15Jun
16 June The
SSA called on UN to mediate peace talks between the SSA and SPDC. Nation, 17Jun
17-18
June 17 Rohingya asylum-seekers entered
the UNHCR center in Kuala Lumpur. AFP, 18Jun
17
June SPDC initiated an anti-money
laundering law. NCGUB, 21May
18
June Over 100 students at SPDC military
schools were sentenced to death, imprisoned or detained for lodging complaints
about their treatment. Irrawaddy, 18Jun
18
June Bangladeshi Foreign Secretary met
with SPDC to plan repatriation for 21,982 remaining Rohingya refugees by June
2003. Narinjara, 4Jun
18
June Reported that the US court in Los
Angeles, CA denied a motion to dismiss a lawsuit against US oil corporation,
Unocal. AsiaTimes, 18Jun
18
June Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt declined an
invitation to attend the Asian Cooperation Dialogue Meeting in Thailand. BKK,
18Jun
19
June 6th Annual Women of
Burma Day
19
June SHRF and SWAN released “License to
Rape” report, documenting 625 cases of rape against Shan women by SPDC
officials. AWSJ, 26Jun
23
June Daw Aung San Suu Kyi began a 10 day
trip to Mandalay. Australian, 23Jun
25
June 17 Rohingya asylum-seekers turned
over to Malaysian authorities. AFP, 25Jun
27
June UNDCP representative to Burma
reported a 40% reduction in Burma’s opium production. Australian, 27Jun
28
June Reported that Thailand plans to
repatriate 617 Shan who fled from recent fighting. BKK, 28Jun
June EarthRights International released a report on forced labor, “We Are Not Free to Work for Ourselves.” ERI, Jun
1
July SSA said drug lord Wei Hsueh-Kang was put in charge
of military operations to destroy SSA border posts. BKK, 2Jul
1
July Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister Chavalit ordered the arrest of any ethnic group leader
illegally in Thailand. BKK, 2Jul