90-05 BURMA PRESS SUMMARY (from THE WORKING PEOPLE'S DAILY) Vol. IV, No. 5, May 1990 +-+-+-+-+ Table of Contents POLITICAL CRISIS Slogans 2 Political Articles (Excerpts) 2 Press Conferences 4 Teachers Briefed 8 Political Briefings by Military 8 Saboteurs Exposed 8 Gen. Saw Maung to State LORCs 9 Gen. Saw Maung to Military 9 Books for Sale 10 Martial Law Area Reduced 10 Reporting "Illegal Guests" 10 Post-Election Statement 10 ELECTIONS Election Procedures 11 One Constituency Suspended 12 Election Law Amendment 12 Journalists Arrive 12 Elections Held 12 Election Returns 12 Post-election Thanks 15 DIPLOMATIC Diplomatic Calls 15 Ambassador to Nepal 15 British Ambassador Arrives 15 Austrian Ambassador Arrives 15 Ambassador to France 15 Ambassador to Sri Lanka 15 INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION Workshops and Courses 15 Foreign Donations 15 OPEC Loan 16 FOREIGN VISITORS International Agency Missions 16 Chinese Cultural Delegation 16 Philippine Assistant Minister 16 Korean Survey Team 16 Soviet Chess Coach 16 Elephant Film Maker 16 Malaysian Health Team 16 Chinese Vice Minister 16 Japanese Aid Director 17 MYANMAR DELEGATIONS Economic Delegations 17 Trade Minister to Eastern Europe 17 Cultural Minister to China 17 Agriculture Minister Returns 18 Health Minister to Switzerland 18 Delegations Return 18 MYANMAR GAZETTE Probationary Appointments 18 Appointments Confirmed 18 Transfers 18 GOVERNMENT Workers Day Message 19 State/Division LORCs 19 Pesticide Law 20 Yangon Development Law 20 Car Light Rules 20 Public Service Medals 20 MILITARY Insurgent Attacks 20 Opium Seized from KIA 20 ECONOMIC Official Arts and Crafts Shop 20 Tax Amnesty 20 Myanmar GDP 21 Economic Articles 21 Satellite Town Construction 21 Joint Ventures 22 Construction Projects 23 Imports 23 Exports 23 Basic Commodities 23 Oil Refineries 24 Aviation Developments 24 Border Chamber of Commerce 24 Ships 24 Export Commodity Prices 24 Banking 24 Rainfall in Yangon 24 HEALTH AIDS 24 SPORTS Training Course 25 CULTURAL Literary Articles 25 Historical & Cultural Articles 25 Moral & Religious Articles 25 Religious Examinations 25 Township Literary Organizations 25 Thai Language Training 25 Satellite TV to Begin 25 MISCELLANEOUS Crime News 26 Obituaries 26 Narcotics Destroyed 27 Fire 28 Tornado Wrecks Train 28 SLORC Postage Stamp 28 +-+-+-+-+ WPD for May 29 not received. +-+-+-+-+ POLITICAL CRISIS Slogans The political slogans quoted in the November 1988 issue appeared in each issue of The Working People's Daily throughout the month, as did the "Noble Desire" slogan launched in February 1990. Since Apr. 7, 1989 the The Working People's Daily has run a different political slogan across the bottom of each front page: May 1: 1990 WORKERS DAY ANNIVERSARY May 2: Abide by the law for free and fair election May 3-5,21-23: If one promises to achieve the impossible and fails to live up to promises in practice, one is bound to meet downfall! May 6-8: Those who intend to lead the nation should not mislead the people. May 9-11: There is no nobler, worthier or greater duty than that of defending the independence of Myanmar Naing-Ngan so that it shall not be lost. May 12-15: The Tatmadaw is the People's Tatmadaw which is carrying out tasks to ensure the rule of law in the country. May 16-20,30: The Tatmadaw shall never betray the national cause. May 25-28: Beware that the Myanmar situation today is no longer that of 1947, 1962, 1974 or 1988; the situation now is that of 1990! May 31: Democracy and confrontation do not go together. Political Articles (Excerpts) Following the pattern begun in October 1988, each issue contains lengthy feature articles, translated from Burmese, designed to bolster government views and policies. We note them briefly, with excerpts of particularly significant portions, but can provide copies if needed: May 1: Myanmar Naing-Ngan and the world today, by Nyan Htet. [Cont. (2) East Europe is "wavering" under Western European influence, and "one wonders if the {USSR} itself is about to disintegrate." Tensions lead to superpower interference, and developed nation domination must be avoided. Myanmar politicians must "give top priority to national interests," and seek unity.] May 1: Don't misuse religions to cause disunity, by A Citizen. [Apr. 25, 1990, Bangkok Post headlined "Hundreds of Roman Catholic leaders in Yangon have been arrested. Hundreds of members of the Sangha in Yangon have been detained." Myanmar has religious freedom, though a former Prime Minister {U Nu-HCMacD.} "who acted like a dictator promulgated a law making Buddhism the State religion...." The Information Committee made clear that arrests have nothing to do with religion, but criminals are not tolerated "just because they are priests or monks or religious leaders."] May 2,4,8-9: Slanders by "six blind men", insurgents' ally Silverstein and insurgent Tin Maung Win, by Bo Thanmani. [Cont. (12) Myanmar Government provides truth through press conferences; Myanmar will not "accept nor tolerate" foreign interference and slanders; BBC forced to pay damages to a Welsh beach resort it libeled. (13) False news on BBC. British journalist executed for espionage in Iraq. (14) Bertil Lintner denounced, with facsimile of his 1987 letter to KIA Zau Shan. (15) CRDB Tin Maung Win's attitude towards elections is all wrong. "Insurgent ally Silverstein, insurgents' reporter Bertil Lintner and insurgent Tin Maung Win are shameless in their attacking and slandering Myanmar Naing-Ngan.... These three persons...are so lacking in feeling ashamed of themselves that what they have done is worse than what the Dhammapada says.... I would like to urge with cetana all the learned men ...who attended the conference...at Harvard University...not to go on groping about in the darkness of false news like the `six blind men who felt an elephant to know what kind of creature it was' but to strive to see things as they really are...."] May 2: Weeping in the dark, by Po Kan Kaung. [Cont. (2) Confessions of a student insurgent in Thailand.] May 3,7: The killing ground at the border, by Soe Hla Thin (Kungyangon). [Cont. (3) How drug companies tested dangerous drugs on students in insurgent camps. (4) A French woman doctor said (while eating grapes): "Since we are testing new medicines, there are bound to be some deaths, but it was not entirely because of the medicines that some died. Those who died were too weak .... Hundreds of thousands of people in...Asia have died in the economic and military test fields for the big capitalists of the western bloc. You must have known that very recently hundreds of innocent youths, students, girls and villagers were killed in the armed clashes between the Mons and the Kayins. Just before your arrival here over 40 Muslims were killed by the Mons.... Why are you getting irritated at the little `test field' and call this `Killing Ground'? There have been a few accidents. Please discard your pessimism."] May 3,6-8,11-12: "A house of our own" at Dagon new satellite town, by Tha Tun Wai. [(1) Government spending K 253 million on Dagon Myothit. Interviews with happy residents. (2) False VOA stories that new towns have malaria, and that water is bad. However, contractors now charging K100,000 for K34,000 houses, and K200,000 for K70,000 houses, allegedly because of rises in the price of building materials. (3-2 pts.) A resident says he does not yet have electricity but is otherwise satisfied. Statistics on Dagon new town. (4) Plans for schools and bridges. (5) In Dagon New Satellite Town, 19,583 houses are to be constructed. From Mar. 18 - Apr. 26, 142 were built and 5,190 were under construction. 6,989 families totalling 35,863 "have moved to the new houses both the northern and southern sectors of Dagon New Satellite Town." Of them, 4,253 are service personnel. In Shwe Pyi Thar, in the southern sector of Yangon, 6,493 households with 35,481 members have been allotted plots; 3,895 are service personnel. In Hlaing Thar Yar, in the western sector, 23,281 households with 113,369 members have been allotted plots; 1,433 are service personnel.] May 5-7,10,12-26 In solving the problem of internal peace by political means, by Ye Gaung Kyaw Swa. [(1) Four tasks of the SLORC. 32 political parties out of 93 have called for "solving the problem of insurgency through political means to achieve internal peace." Origins of KNU and BCP insurgencies. (2) KIA insurgency. Revolutionary Council's efforts at peace negotiations. (3-6) Texts of 3 Council letters in 1963. (7-10) Conduct of negotiations. Exchange of letters with the National Democratic Front. (11) 1963 Mass rally for peace.] May 8: "The air has been polluted" (Thitsa and Myitta discussions), by Byammahso. [VOA lie that Myanmar has been boycotted by foreign countries.] May 11,20: Khaw Khun Khrap, by Po Kan Kaung. [Story of jade smuggler Maung Maung Aye, who "lives in a small room next to the latrine of a White man [and talks] about democracy on a grand scale" in Bangkok.] May 15: Myanmar Naing-Ngan's effective drug control work, by Kyi Lin. [Review of anti-narcotics statistics.] May 23: My firm belief, by Thukhi Aung. [Praise for Government's impartial implementation of election rules.] May 23,25,27-28,30: Pleasant scene at..., by An Editor. [(1-2 pts) Shwepyitha: Visit by journalists to the new satellite town, and statistics {many photos}. (2-2 pts) Hlinethaya: Similar. (3-2 pts) Dagon new town: Similar.] May 25: If I speak out, it may amount to Aung Min's taking too much for granted, by Aung Min. [Cont. (16) Hkun Sa and drug trafficking; how can America arrest him when there is no extradition treaty?] May 27: Concealing treason, by Manizawta. [Shock that a candidate's son could be involved in treason.] May 27: A tribute to Senior General Saw Maung, the SLORC and the Tatmadaw, by A Friend. [Patriotism of Myanmar's leaders, despite the "barking dogs" of the VOA, BBC, and AIR.] Press Conferences May 4: At the 89th State LORC Press Conference, spokesmen said: -- Beginning Mar. 8, the Tatmadaw launched an attacd on the KNU U-Thu-Ta and Dagwin camps, held by 300 insurgents and used as timbers, cattle, and metal smuggling centers and for resupply of the KNU Nos. 2 and 3 brigades, began Mar. 8. The Forward No. 53 Myanmar Regiment marched from Papun along the Khawpoke-Dagwin road. On Mar. 11 it captured Point 2669 in a clash with 40 KNU, and captured Dagwin Mar. 12, seizing a saw mill, 24 tons of sawn timber, and 960 teak logs. On Mar. 17 it repelled a counterattack by 150 KNU at Point 1359; the same day it "contained" a camp at Point 1436 with 80 insurgents. There were 5 major battles and 5 skirmishes. 5 enemy bodies and one rifle were captured, and 9 Tatmadawmen died and 25 were wounded. On Mar. 8 the Forward No. 26 Myanmar Regiment marched along the Papun-Phanwepu-Phawta route and "contained" 100 insurgents on Mar. 12 at Point 2614. On Mar. 13 they attacked 100 insurgents at Point 2614 and reached to a point 75 yards from the insurgents, while also attacking the point from the rear. There were 5 major battles and 5 skirmishes; 30 Tatmadawmen died and 38 were wounded. On Mar. 22 troops from the Forward No. 1 Myanmar Regiment marched along the Papun-Taguindaing and then the Phanwepu-Phawta route; on Mar. 25 they clashed with 50 insurgents and captured one "dead." They continued and attacked 70 insurgents, capturing 3 "dead." They arrived at Point 2646 on Mar. 26 and clashed with 120 insurgents with mortars. The insurgents were "contained," and 10 insurgents were captured "dead." In a skirmish on Mar. 29, 3 were captured "dead." There were 8 major battles and 12 skirmishes; 17 insurgents were captured "dead." 13 Tatmadawmen were killed and 18 wounded. On Apr. 3, the Forward No. 80 Myanmar Regiment arrived at Point 2646 through Papun, Kyawpoke, and Mile Post No. 17, and intercepted insurgentrs near Thawlehta along the Thanlwin [Sittang] River supply route. From there it marched along Mayalkaloe chaung and arrived at Thawlehta toll gate on Apr. 7, where it clashed with 15 insurgents and captured 8 "dead." A group of 15 insurgents tried to escape in 5 powered boats, 2 of which were sunk drowning 8 insurgents. It then marched north and clashed with 30 insurgents at Point 2748 and with 40 at Point 1490, capturing the hills. It continued its march, arriving at U-Thu-Ta camp on Apr. 15, where it clashed with 100 insurgents. There were 4 major battles and 7 skirmishes, with 3 insurgents captured "dead." 3 Tatmadawmen were killed and 17 wounded. The number of insurgents grew to 450. On Apr. 25 1st Myanmar Regiment troops crushed 100 counterattacking insurgents at Point 1614. On May 1, the Point was captured. The same day the 80th M.R. attacked the new U-Thu-Ta camp, capturing it. The No. 1 M.R. captured Point 2646. Fleeing insurgents, numbering 250, arrived at Hpawhta/Bwado region on May 2. Altogether there were 22 major battles and 30 skirmishes. Tatmadaw losses were 52 killed (incl. 2 officers) and 158 wounded (incl. 8 officers). 71 enemy bodies were seized along with 5 weapons and installations [listed]. Mopping up operations against the U-Thu-Ta camp were launched May 16, and the camp captured, along with a large saw mill and much equipment and timber. [Maps.] -- Details were given of the attack on Bilin by 100 KNU insurgents led by Kyaw Hpa Lu, Mya Thein, and Myo Myint, while the ABSDF No. 209 battalion simultaneously attacked the Chinthay Hnakaung forest gate and the No. 8 M.R. camp at Hngetpyawdaw. Following several encounters with the Tatmadaw, the insurgents fled, leaving behind 2 bodies including that of Myint Oo of the No. 209 ABSDF battalion. Myanmar losses were 3 Tatmawmen and 1 civilian killed, 4 Tatmadawmen and 10 civilians and police wounded. 132 huts of the old Bilin market were burned. -- After examination by the authorities, claims by the private organization Amnesty International that "some villages in insurgent areas had to suffer owing to Tatmadaw operations," were found to "false on every occasion." On May 2 the BBC broadcast Amnesty International accusations of persecution and torture of political prisoners, including forcing them "to crawl on gravel and broken glasses" and use of beatings and electric shocks. On May 1, the BBC cited an Amnesty International accusation, based on Western diplomatic reports, of a beating of a prisoner with only 1 arm and no legs. These Western diplomatic reports were "not correct at all." Similarly, charges were made in the May 1 Bangkok Post that the SLORC Information Committee was "trying to undermine and hurt the prestige of the political parties." "We categorically declare that all the news items including the accusations made by Amnesty International are all totally false ones. They spread such false news because some diplomats, violating diplomatic code of ethics and conduct, want to interfere in the internal affairs of our nation." [Citation from Vienna Convention.] -- U Nu claimed to be Prime Minister "till the end of the world," according to Vol. 1, No. 1 of Byanmahso issued by the League for Democracy and Peace [No. 141]. "It should be asked whether the League for Democracy and Peace is supporting the parallel government of U Nu or not for it is using the term `prime minister till the end of the world'. The respective party should consider that whether [sic] it is infringing the law or not." -- "KNU insurgents have about 5,000 men in Kayin and Kayah States of South-East Command area and ABSDF insurgent group, whose members are scattered, is currently 1,200-strong." -- The question of compensation demanded by families for relatives slain by British troops in Taungtha [in 1942] is "a matter of higher policy." -- Nyan Htet in the Apr. 22 issue of Loktha Pyithu Nezin said that "There are many problems in Myanmar Naing-Ngan today; the problem of drawing up a constitution after the election and the problem of having to form a government by those who will have won the parliamentary elections held under the law of the adopted Constitution." Whether this amount to having to hold another election is "the view of the author." The SLORC "will not draft a new constitution. The matter of drafting up a new constitution rests with the candidates who win in the forthcoming election." -- Candidate Dr. Zaw Myint of the Union Nationals Democracy Party [No. 167] was arrested in Pazundaung for violating election rules and regulations, but released the next day. -- The reason the press never discusses the National Unity Party [No. 17 ex-BSPP] is that since it doesn't attack the Tatmadaw there is nothing to refute. Warnings have been given to the Ta-Sa-Nya, as to 50 other parties. (WPD 5/5) May 11: At the 90th State LORC Press Conference, spokesmen said: -- The new pesticide law [see below under Government] is designed to prevent environmental hazards, especially since under the open-door policy the production and distribution of pesticides has been permitted in the private sector. Rules concerning particular pesticides will be reviewed in the light of developing information. A registration board will consider the import and sale of pesticides, including prohibiting imports of those banned in other countries. US$ 2 million of pesticides are imported each year, and US$ 3 million will be imported this year. In 1988-89 600,000 pounds of 13 kinds of pesticides were imported in powder form and 30,000 pounds in liquid form. 50,000 litres of pesticides will be produced in Myanmar this year. The new law covers weed killers, and rodent poisons. -- "Every nation has a flag officially recognized. Every citizen is obliged to respectfully salute his or her State Flag at ceremonies in every nation.... Showing of disrespect of the State Flag is a matter for which action can be taken according to law...." Some political parties have been disrespectful to the flag, even saluting "other flags." This is improper. -- The election has been suspended in N'Jang Yang Township, which contains only 30 houses and is threatened by KIA insurgents. -- "Four significant [demolition] teams were arrested and there are some demolition squads which have already been arrested but we will not mention them because it is not an appropriate time to do so." Action has been taken against them. -- "The fixing of the date for holding the first Hluttaw meeting after the election will be co-ordinated by the candidates who will be elected." -- Publication rights of the Democractic Party for New Society [No. 18] "were revoked on 23-4-90 as it violated the rules and regulations." (WPD 5/12) May 18: At the 91st State LORC Press Conference, spokesmen said: -- The Government has refused the request by US Congressman Stephen Solarz to visit Myanmar May 27-28 to observe the election, and to meet with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. In his Sept. 4, 1988 visit, Congressman Solarz proposed suspension of the Constitution and disparaged Myanmar sovereignty by suggesting an interim government. He rejected U Tin Oo's information that a Tatmadaw takeover would be good. It would be inappropriate, and an interference in internal affairs, for Congressman Solarz to visit and meet with a restricted person. -- False rumours are being spread that "something will take place" May 18 or May 22, that people should stay home and store rice and other commodities, that service personnel will be paid early and given food supplies, that the NLD [National League for Democracy] and LDP [League for Democracy and Peace] will be declared unlawful, that visas will be suspended and foreign communications censored, that the plying of schooners between Yangon and Dawei/Kawthoung will be suspended, that rail and road links to Bago will be cut before the election, that shops will be shut, that electric lamp posts in Yangon will be destroyed and Yangon bus service suspended, that bus travel to Yangon will be cut, that the KNU will invade Yangon and cut transportation links to the south, that there will be disturbances in May 27, that food prices will rise, that diplomatic missions in Myanmar will be closed, that political prisoners will be released from Insein Jail, that political prisoners will be sent to jail, that ballot boxes used by soldiers at the front have been broken open and checked, that the new 1-kyat note has the "No. 1 figure" on the reverse "like the figure of a chair and made up of number eight figures" and that its watermark is of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and not Bogyoke Aung San and that the designer has been arrested [details of all these rumours spelled out]. The people are urged to "beware of these rumours." -- ABSDF Joint Treasurer Aung Hein was arrested at Kawthoung airport boarding a plane for Yangon [biographic details given]. ABSDF sabotage courses described. -- A false BBC report on May 4 said 30 Myanmars had been expelled from Thailand and put on board a boat at Rangong by Thai authorities, and that there were 40,000 Myanmar refugees in Thailand. The number was 68, not 30, and they turned back to Thailand rather than coming to Kawthoung. There are also reports that 6 persons with AIDS were expelled back to Myanmar. "Those who went abroad and returned to Myanmar Naing-Ngan with AIDS virus could cause a great loss to the nation and the people." -- U Tin Oo of the NLD, in a letter to Gen. Saw Maung on Jan. 17, 1990, claims that his alleged attacks on the Tatmadaw were in fact quotes from a Bogyoke Aung San speech, and says that he is "imbued with anti-imperialism." -- One candidate has failed to mention in his bio data that he was a member of the 1962 Revolutionary Council, and resigned after boycotting a Peasants Seminar in Hinthada District. In other countries, politicians have had to resign because of drunkeness (US) and "an affair with a Geisha girl" (Japan). -- BCP is spreading rumours to undermine the election. Magway District BCP administrator Thein Htike is said to have told people to vote for the Pa-Ma-Nya-Ta or the Thant-Shinn Pa-Hsa-Pa-La, and to "execute the Shwe/Nyein group and cremate them." Some parties are said to have had contacts with insurgents; if true, action will be taken. The KNU and KIA "are threatening people to vote for this and that parties." -- Parties should not order people to vote, or threaten dire happenings if they vote wrong. They should simply say "`Our party is in such a position. Vote for our party, please.' The usage `Please vote for' is humble and appealing and implies canvassing for vote." -- On May 9, Gen. Saw Maung issued Special Order 17/90 to the Tatmadaw. Six of its 11 points relate to voting, "and they will be made known to you now." Soldiers must (1) abide strictly by election rules and regulations; (2) vote freely for "one's choice of own free will"; (3) refrain from helping or favouring any party. Officers must (4) refrain from telling troops to favour any party; (5) guard against coercion by any individual or party; (6) not restrict troops' right to vote freely. These rules apply both to the Tatmadaw and the people's militia. -- Similar rules were issued May 16 to civil service personnel. -- Some actions have been taken against party personnel for violation of orders, as with 35 persons in Ayeyarwady Division. (WPD 5/18) May 25: At the 92nd State LORC Press Conference, spokesmen said: -- The Election Commission will begin announcing returns on Myanmar Radio beginning at 5 or 6 pm, May 27. Myanmar TV will begin coverage at 8 pm. Announcements will consist of the number of qualified voters, number of votes cast, valid votes cast, the number and percentage obtained by each candidate, and the name and party of the winner. -- If voting is disturbed at a polling booth, the Election Commission will decide whether to rerun the election, or announce a winner if 51% of qualified voters have already voted. -- Visas have been issued to 61 journalists from 32 news agencies, TV and radio stations; applicants such as Bertil Lintner have not been issued visas. Visas for those already arrived are valid for two weeks. -- Voting will be held in 485 of the 492 consitituencies. There are 2,296 party candidates and 87 independent candidates. As of today there are 2,649,227 voters in Yangon and 20,619,580 voters in the whole country. In no constituency is there only one candidate. Election rules reviewed. -- The full list of winners will take about three weeks, but results will be announced as issued by the Election Commission. (WPD 5/26) Teachers Briefed Apr. 30: State LORC Secretary (1) Maj-Gen. Khin Nyunt told education officials that: -- "There are some big nations whose diplomats are meddling in our internal affairs.... The news of destruction of narcotic drugs were probably blacked out...." Efforts are being made in border areas to provide crop substitutes for opium. -- "Some big nations are saying they feel sorry that the Myanmar government is not allowing Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, U Tin Oo and U Nu to stand for the election.... So they would like...the authorities to release the three personalities and other political detainees.... We are but judges who will make the election free and fair." -- The only condition on campaign speeches is that they "must not be slanderous to the Tatmadaw and the SLORC...." -- We "categorically deny" that we are backing the NUP [No. 17]. (WPD 5/1) Political Briefings by Military May 3: In further "clarifications" of State LORC Chairman Senior General Saw Maung's Armed Forces Day speech in March, Yangon Commander Maj-Gen. Myo Nyunt told a meeting of soldiers and their families that "a leader of a certain political party" threatened action against former Lanzin Party [BSPP] central committee members if his party came to power. "If so, it implies that action will be taken against even the heads of the Tatmadaw who were once central committee members according to the then adopted constitution." He told the soldiers that "You are required to elect the right candidates who will further consolidate national unity and protect and safeguard the independence and sovereignty." He urged them to ignore "bombastic campaign speeches." He said [foreign broadcasts] "are now again saying that people who are without homes of their own are being forced to the deep jungles over 100 miles away from Yangon and that we are violating human rights." However, "as you all know all the satellite towns are in the vicinity of Yangon with the exception of Aye Mya Tharyar in Daik-U which is less than 100 miles away from Yangon." (WPD 5/4) May 5: In the course of a lengthy speech to officials of Kayan, Thongwa, and Tanyin [Syriam] Townships [Yangon], State LORC Secretary (1) Maj-Gen. Khin Nyunt said inter alia that: "The Tatmadaw will always remain whatever government comes to power. There are indirect instigations by certain political parties to cause disintegration of the Tatmadaw. We will in now way allow the Tatmadaw to be disintegrated...." (WPD 5/6) May 16: Yangon Commander Maj-Gen. Myo Nyunt briefed troops on the historical BCP danger; vigilance is still needed. (WPD 5/17) May 17: Maj-Gen. Myo Nyunt reminded troops that election security by soldiers will be provided only when asked for, in a written agreement, by the candidates. (WPD 5/17) Saboteurs Exposed May 7: The National Intelligence Bureau arrested 8 members of the "Hawk" gang between Mar. 2-11, 1990, who had been organized by the KNU and the ABDSF insurgent organizations to "carry out demolition work and assassinate the leaders of the State...." [Names and photos] (WPD 5/8) May 10: The NIB arrested 10 members of the 14-member "Phoenix" gang between Mar. 15-22, 1990. Eight were released to their parents because "they had no contacts among themselves after they arrived back in the country." [Names and photos] (WPD 5/11) May 19: Hline Twp. [Yangon] police on May 18 found a cache with two M-72 "American Law" anti-tank launchers and 17 grenades in the compound of the Zeyawadi Monastery. (WPD 5/20) May 21: The NIB arrested 3 KNU/ ABSDF saboteurs on May 14-16, and arrested five others, planning to disrupt the elections. [Extensive photos, including 14 individuals, and maps.] (WPD 5/22) // May 23: Further extensive coverage of plotting. Expose of those who sent Chin youths to the Kyanphai camp in India for training; Thakin Khin Aung, U Htoo, U Tin Ohn, and U Thaung Tun of the League for Democracy and Peace involved. [Extensive photos, including photos of 13 individuals] (WPD 5/24) May 25: Further details of ABSDF plans to disrupt elections given; disrupters hid in house of Daw Cho Cho Kyaw Nyein, General Secretary of the Myanmar Naing-Ngan AFPFL (Main) Headquarters party. They were helped in sending letters by Soe Paing of the American Foreign Broadcasting Information Service (FBIS) in Bangkok, and given advice and financial aid by "an American named Mr Max Edinger in Bangkok." [Extensive photos.] (WPD 5/26) Gen. Saw Maung to State LORCs May 9: State LORC Chairman Senior General Saw Maung addressed the State/Division State LORC Chairmen [see list, below, under Government], making the following principal points: -- It is not true that nothing good was done in the past 26 years. For example, the Sangha was unified and purified, economic activities were taken over from foreigners, agricultural work was partially mechanized, mining was taken over from foreigners, schools and hospitals were established, hydroelectric power was generated, peasants were given the right to till the land. The 1974 Constitution was overwhelmingly approved by referendum. The "System of Correlation between Man and His Environment," the philosophy of BSPP, needs to be restudied. "If we talk about Myanmar history, such names as Bogyoke Aung San, the Thirty Comrades, U Nu, General Ne Win, General San Yu, Maj-Gen Sein Lwin and Dr Maung Maung are bound to be included." -- Danger that 1990 elections may be disrupted. Long discourse on BCP and UG [underground] elements. -- Discussion of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. "Originally, [she] had correct attitude towards Tatmadaw. It was found that what she said against (the Tatmadaw) in July has cancelled her earlier attitude.... [She] said that U Ne Win had killed students in former days, that General Saw Maung followed U Ne Win's policy, that SLORC is the stooge of U Ne Win... that democracy was threatened with the use of authority and weapons and that changes must be made so that military science is not used for killing people." -- The Democratic Alliance of Burma (DAB). List of its 15 "KNU-led" members, 7 "KIA-led" members, and others. Organizations tied to BCP, to KIA, to Rakine insurgents, etc., listed. -- How AFPFL fixed elections in past. Action against U Nu discussed and defended. -- Foreign radio treatment of election. -- Army is not linked to the National Unity Party (NUP). "The Lanzin Party no longer exists today." -- Discussion of "Interim Government" idea. -- The Army must remain neutral in the elections, allow all to vote, and not favor any party. (WPD 5/10) Gen. Saw Maung to Military May 10: In a speech to Command and Division Commanders, State LORC Chairman Senior General Saw Maung made the following principal points: -- Military leaders should know their history. -- "As our current aim is to hold the election as scheduled we cannot as yet concern ourselves with the Constitution.... A new Constitution can be drafted. An old Constitution can also be used after some amendments.... Among the 93 parties,... five...want to use the 1947 Constitution,...77 parties...want to draw up a new constitution and...11 parties...made no comments.... Whatever may be the case, the people will decide with their votes." -- "We are anxious about our debts of 4.6 million.... Attempts were made by telling lies to simple minded persons to make them oppose the government by showing the debts as an excuse. We do not want to say how much foreign exchange we have because it is confidential...." Debts after independence discussed. (WPD 5/11) Books for Sale May 10: Volumes 1 and 2 of "The Nationalities Issue and the 1947 Constitution" [in Burmese] by the Yangon University History Department are going on sale, at K15 per volume in hard cover and K40 in plastic cover [sic]. (WPD 5/11) Martial Law Area Reduced May 15: State LORC Martial Law Order No. 7/90 of May 15 ends martial law in 11 townships in North-West and Central Commands: Chin State: Tiddim, Falam, Hakha, Mindat; Magway Division: Myine; Sagaing Division: Shwebo, Kantbalu, Dazei, Kany; Mandalay Division: Nyaung-U, Pyawbwei. (WPD 5/16) May 18: State LORC Martial Law Order No. 8/90 of May 18 ends martial law in 6 townships in Southern Command: Bago Division: Thanatpin, Nyaunglebin, Kyaukkyi, Shwedaung, Thegon, Paungde. (WPD 5/19) May 19: State LORC Martial Law Order No. 9/90 of May 19 ends martial law in 20 townships in North-West and Southern Commands: Sagaing Division: Myinmu, Budalin, Ayadaw, Salingyi, Yinmabin, Pale, Dabayinn, Ye-U, Kalaywa, Tamu, Thathar; Magway Division: Yesagyo; Bago Division: Bago, Daik-U, Taungoo, Pyu, Pyay, Tharrawaddy, Zigon, Gyobingauk. (WPD 5/20) May 22: State LORC Martial Law Order No. 10/90 of May 22 ends martial law in 13 townships in Central Command: Mandalay Division: Patheingyee, Pyin Oo Lwin [Maymyo], Madayar, Sintgu, Thabeikkyinn, Kyauksei, Myittha, Sintgine. Magway Division: Yenangyoung, Taungdwingyi, Chauk, Minbu, Minhla. (WPD 5/23) May 24: State LORC Martial Law Order No. 11/90 of May 24 ends martial law in 16 townships in North-West and Central Commands: Sagaing Division: Sagaing, Monywa, Choung-U, Kalay; Magway Division: Pakhokku, Magway; Mandalay Division: Amarapura, Mogok, Meiktila, Thazi, Yamethin, Pyinmanaa, Tatkonn, Leiway, Myingyan, Kyaukpadoung. (WPD 5/25) May 26: State LORC Martial Law Order No. 12/90 of May 26 ends martial law in 26 townships in Yangon and Central Commands: Yangon Division: Insein, Mingaladon, Hlaing, Kamayut, Mayangon, Yankin, Kemmendine, Sanchaung, Ahlone, Dagon, Bahan, Tamwe, Mingala Taungnyunt, Lanmadaw, Latha, Pabedan, Kyauktada, Botataung, Pazundaung, Seikkan, Dallah, Seikkyi/Khanaungto; Mandalay Division: Mandalay North-East, Mandalay South-East, Mandalay South-West, Mandalay North-West. (WPD 5/27) Reporting "Illegal Guests" May 22: Yangon Division LORC Order No. 1 of May 22, notes recent cases arrested saboteurs, and promises action against those "who failed to report about such illegal guests who visit their homes." Those "who fail to report any treasonous intention or act of revolt," may also be imprisoned up to 7 years; those who abet "activities of unlawful association" are liable to 2-3 years imprisonment. Those who withhold information of "persons who commit crimes" are liable to 6 months imprisonment. "This Order has been issued again requiring that those concerned in the various townships are to report without failure about the persons who arrive as guests, strangers and persons who return after having disappeared." (WPD 5/23) Post-Election Statement May 30: In a post-election statement to SLORC members and senior officials, State LORC Chairman Senior General Saw Maung said [in part]: "If asked whether our duty is completed or not, the answer is `no'. Why? It is necessary to understand that we are responsible for the enforcement of the rule of law and ensuring regional peace and tranquillity until a government can be formed according to law. "Another thing is that we'll never let the emergence of political turmoil as in 1988. Regarding the government servants, I would like to make them understand that the political parties' win or loss over the election must not cause contradictions between government servants. Another important point is that we'll always be loyal to the three national causes--non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of national solidarity and perpetuation of sovereignty--in whatever situation and in whichever position we are. If the three national causes are adversely affected, we cannot ignore.... "This is what we have done to our four main tasks. And when they are finished, there are many tasks ahead for us to continue.... The most important task of holding the free and fair multi-party election has been accomplished. But there is one more thing. We will continue to implement the task of ensuring secure and smooth transportation. And this will be the same to the remaining two tasks.... I'm going to say one thing unequivocally and unambiguously. I can't let the emergence of political turmoil as in 1988...." (WPD 5/31) ELECTIONS Election Procedures May 2-3: Discussions on casting and counting of votes in general election by Commission Secretary. [Cont. A cross mark must be stamped on the ballot; in case of error, the ballot will be rejected. Ballot papers must also be signed by polling booth officer, to prevent fraud. The ballot box will be kept in public view to prevent tampering. Absentee ballots. Polling hours. Vote counting and announcement. Election will be free and fair.] May 2: Election Commission Announcement No. 393 of May 2 provides that there can be no more changes in ballot papers, as they have already been printed, even though some parties say "some Hluttaw candidates who represent them have been expelled." (WPD 5/3) May 11: Election Commission Directives Nos. 13/90 and 14/90 allow illiterate citizens to use a thumb print in lieu of signature, and require polling booth officials to keep chalk to mop up ink so that the ink stamps used to mark ballots do not "unintentionally" invalidate ballots. Each ink pad shall be inspected every 15 minutes. (WPD 5/12) May 15-16: In an Apr. 25 television interview, Elections Commission Secretary U Aye Maung made the following principal points: -- Every effort has been made to ensure a free and fair election in which voters can cast votes "freely and securely" and noone will know who voted for which party or candidate. -- The estimated number of eligible voters is 20.7 million. Voting is not compulsory as "some say." There will be one polling booth in every village-tract or ward with up to 5,000 voters (80% of the total), and an additional booth for each additional 5,000 voters, or 18,190 booths in all. Voting will take place in 486 of the 492 constituencies. -- Ballot papers will be used to prevent rigging of votes. Ballots have the Commission emblem, and a security thread, and will be signed by polling officers. Voters must know their serial numbers in the electoral roll; the rolls will be posted at the booths, and candidates have been invited to distribute invitation cards to vote showing voters' serial numbers. Voters must bring their registration cards (citizenship scrutiny cards, national registration cards, naturalized citizenship scrutiny cards, or associate citizenship scrutiny cards); if they are forgotten, the testimony of other voters present may be accepted by the polling officer. -- Voters will receive the ballots and sign a receipt. They will then enter any unoccupied voting room and mark their ballot secretly with a cross mark and ink pad provided. They then fold it and place it in a ballot box. (WPD 5/15) -- Unclear ballots will be rejected. The polls will be open from 6 am to 4 pm. Votes will be counted at the booths, in the presence of the candidates, their agents, and the public. Promulgation rules described. (WPD 5/16) May 15: State LORC Chairman Senior General Saw Maung met with the Election Commission to discuss the election, including "the activities of some organizations with the intention of undermining the election." (WPD 5/16) May 18: Constituency election results will be broadcast and published as soon as received and found to be complete by the Election Commission, beginning the night of May 27. (WPD 5/18) One Constituency Suspended May 10: Election Commission Announcement No. 395 of May 10 temporarily suspends the elections in N'Jang Yang Township, Kachin state, because "it has been found that condition does not permit to compile the electoral rolls and to cast ballots." (WPD 5/11) Election Law Amendment May 15: State LORC Law No. 12/90 of May 15, the Law Amending the Pyithu Hluttaw Election Law, adds 5 new constituencies (already announced) to represent the new satellite towns of Hlaing Tharyar, Shwe Pyitha, and Dagon Myothit, created since the original Election Law was promulgated. (WPD 5/16) Journalists Arrive May 25: 30 foreign journalists arrived May 24-25 to cover the May 27 elections, viz: CBS Television (4); Tokyo Broadcasting Station (TBS) (6); Asahi Shinbum (2); Yomiuri (1); Kyodo News Agency (1); ARD-German News Agency (3); Tempo Indonesia News Magazine (1); Toronto Globe (1); Christian Science Monitor (4); Mainichi (2); R.T.A. TV Channel 5, Thailand (2); Independent Television News (1); Reuters (1); Hokkaido Shinbum (1). The CBS TV team, led William Whitaker of the Tokyo branch, called on the Election Commission. (WPD 5/26) May 26: Seventeen more journalists arrived, from: Asiaweek Magazine (1); Japan (freelance) (1); ARD Television, West Germany (3); ABC Television, USA (3); AFP News Agency (1), Ji Ji Press (Japan) (1); AP News Agency (2); Bangkok Post (1); Fuji Television, Japan (1); Sankei Shimbun (1); NHK Television, Japan (2). A total of 47 journalists have arrived. Various of them met with the Election Commission. (WPD 5/27) May 29: A "strange foreigner," in Myanmar on a business visa, stayed in the Strand Hotel "eavesdropping or trying to get information out of the [journalism] professionals." He was subsequently heard being quoted on the BBC. "So, the authorities decided to call Myanmar Airways and book a reservation for Mr. Terence Lindsey Shanson for the 30 May flight out in order to save him additional expenses on his communications foray." (WPD 5/30) // May 30: He left. (WPD 5/31) Elections Held May 27: State LORC Chairman Senior General Saw Maung, his family, and all the State LORC members voted [photos]. The election was "held successfully in 310 townships throughout the country" [photos]. Foreign journalists covered the voting in Yangon. Polling stations were visited by Election Commission members. (WPD 5/28) Election Returns The following are Constituency election returns. WPD tables include eligible voters, votes cast, valid votes, votes and percentages for each candidate, and winner. We list them as follows: Constituency (State/Division) Voters; Votes Cast; Valid Votes; Number of candidates Name and Party (initials and No.), and votes and percent, of candidates with more than 10% of the valid votes, with winner listed first [U title omitted]: [Note: the PUO-55; YUO-56, and WUO-57 are allies of the NUP-17; they did not compete against each other in any constituency--HCMacD.] Seikkan (Yangon) 1,344; 1,103; 1,038; 5 cand. Daw San San (NLD-2) 615 59% Nyunt Lwin (WUO-57) 361 35% Latha (Yangon) 18,698; 14,035; 13,201; 7 cand. Kyi Myint (NLD-2) 11205 85% Cpt. Maung Maung (NUP-17) 1431 11% Pazundaung (Yangon) 25,379; 18,950; 17,777; 7 cand. Nai Nai (NLD-2) 14107 79% Hla Sein (NUP-17) 1875 11% Alon (Yangon) 32,337; 23,215; 21,562; 6 cand. Daw San San Win (NLD-2) 16503 77% Tun Hla Aung (NUP-17) 3766 17% (WPD 5/28) -- May 29 issue not received; contained ca. 28 returns -- Lanmadaw (Yangon) 25,140; 20,429; 19,371; 12 cand. Nay Oo (NLD-2) 15765 81% Lwin Naing (NUP-17) 2402 12% South Okkalapa (2) (Yangon) 66,534; 51,444; 48,321; 6 cand. Khin Maung Kyaw (NLD-2) 35395 73% Soe Lwin (NUP-17) 11012 23% South Okkalapa (1) (Yangon) 65,630; 52,479; 46,978; 10 cand. Thakin Soe Myint (NLD-2) 33959 72% Maung Maung Yi (NUP-17) 9828 21% Hmawby (1) (Yangon) 42,796; 33,693; 29,761; 6 cand. Soe Tin (NLD-2) 17451 59% San Ya (NUP-17) 9109 31% Hmawby (2) (Yangon) 42,811; 31,233; 27,273; 5 cand. Khin Maung Tun (NLD-2) 13856 51% Tha Kyaw (NUP-17) 11137 41% Dalla (Yangon) 36,813; 27,148; 24,289; 9 cand. Sein Win (NLD-2) 15417 63% Tin Win (NUP-17) 7520 31% Waw (1) (Bago) 43,148; 31,552; 27,589; 4 cand. Tin Shwe (NLD-2) 18618 67% Col. Tin Pe (NUP-17) 8331 30% Waw (2) (Bago) 42,986; 31,517; 27,552; 5 cand. Soe Thein (NLD-2) 20997 76% Daw Hla Than (NUP-17) 5296 19% Kyauktada (1) (Bago) 45,057; 33,352; 27,731; 7 cand. Hla Oo (NLD-2) 17236 62% Lt-Gen. Tun Yi (NLD-17) 7946 29% Kyauktada (2) (Bago) 45,063; 36,073; 31,020; 4 cand. Maung Maung Gyi (NLD-2) 19914 64% Tun Yi (NUP-17) 10454 34% Mingaladon (1) (Yangon) 45,129; 31,532; 28,806; 4 cand. Kyi Win (NLD-2) 14404 50% Aye Myint (NUP-17) 12569 44% Yawnghwe (1) (Shan) 30,342; 22,011; 18,631; 5 cand. Tun Hlaing (NLD-2) 11874 64% Kyaw Win (INO-192) 4010 22% Sai Thet Mon (NUP-17) 2382 13% Yawnghwe (2) (Shan) 10090; 7,216; 5,575; 5 cand. Ohn Maung (NLD-2) 2900 52% Aye Maung (INO-192) 1210 22% Aung Lin (NUP-17) 745 13% Pindaya (Shan) 29,848; 23,775; 19,980; 4 cand. Aung Than (NLD-2) 11062 55% Nyi Nyi (UDLD-158) 4172 21% Sao Nyunt Aung (NUP-17) 4123 21% Pinlaung (2) (Shan) 1,700; 1,464; 1,302; 3 cand. Sao tha Tint (DLNRSS-36) 937 72% Maung Ngai (NUP-17) 285 22% Hsihseng (Shan) 11,149; 7,096; 5,944; 4 cand. Sein Win (UPNO-85) 2110 36% Hsan Ku (NLD-2) 2070 35% Sao Nyein (DLNRSS-36) 1049 18% Saw Pru (NUP-17) 715 12% Pinlaung (1) (Shan) 7,917; 6,056; 4,716; 3 cand. Maung Gyi (UPNO-85) 2761 59% Daw Sao Mya Wati (DLNRSS-36) 1396 30% Khun Chit Tha (NUP-17) 559 12% Daik-U (1) (Bago) 49,393; 36,763; 32,571; 4 cand. Ye Htut (NLD-2) 24978 77% Lt-Col. Tin Myint (NUP-17)6349 19% Daik-U (2) (Bago) 48,453; 35,059; 29,729; 5 cand. Sein Tun (NLD-2) 20761 70% Ba Kyi (PUO-55) 7058 24% Taikkyi (1) (Yangon) 53,589; 45,378; 39,853; 7 cand. Hla Tun (NLD-2) 24596 62% Ohn Maung (NUP-17) 13028 33% Taikkyi (2) (Yangon) 59,143; 45,407; 36,544; 5 cand. Daw San May (NLD-2) 18966 52% Col. Aung Thein (NUP-17) 14082 39% Kawa (1) (Bago) 49,855; 39,549; 33,663; 5 cand. Dr. Myo Win (NLD-2) 22774 68% Lt-Col Aung Than (NUP-17) 9708 29% Kawa (2) (Bago) 49,198; 40,292; 34,562; 5 cand. Mya Lay (NLD-2) 23547 68% Saw Rainbow (NUP-17) 9578 28% Mingaladon (2) (Yangon) 42,019; 30,139; 28,201; 4 cand. Tin Tun Maung (NLD-2) 15537 55% Brig-Gen Hla Tun (NUP-17)10925 39% Pyapon (1) (Ayeyarwady) 48,498; 34,402; 31,528; 4 cand. Thaung tin (NLD-2) 19873 63% Kyaw Myint (NUP-17) 10843 34% Thongwe (1) (Yangon) 39,029; 31,415; 26,704; 4 cand. Lwin (NLD-2) 18189 68% Sein Maung (PUO-55) 7108 27% Thongwe (2) (Yangon) 39,275; 32,146; 27,136; 4 cand. Kyaw Myint (NLD-2) 18282 67% Han Tun (PUO-55) 7204 27% Seikkyi/Khanaungto (Yangon) 10,396; 8,633; 7,880; 5 cand. Sein Win (NLD-2) 4047 51% Col. Hla Myint (NUP-17) 3386 43% Htantabin (Yangon) 56,579; 45,619; 39,902; 5 cand. Tin Ko Ko (NLD-2) 26667 67% Lt-Col San Tun (PUO-55) 10929 27% Dagon Myothit (Yangon) 61,815; 38,581; 35,514; 8 cand. Tun Ohn (NLD-2) 21636 67% Aung Soe (YUO-56) 7429 23% (WPD 5/30) Nyaunglebin (1) (Bago) 51,201; 39,456; 34,441; 7 cand. Ohn Maung (NLD-2) 23518 68% Col. Aung Myint (NUP-17) 9358 27% Nyaunglebin (2) (Bago) 51,324; 34,674; 29,861; 4 cand. Tun Kywe (NLD-2) 20342 68% Ohn Kyaing (PUO-55) 7265 24% Shwekyin (Bago) 36,473; 27,987; 23,909; 5 cand. Soe Lwin (NLD-2) 17840 75% Kyaw Swa (NUP-17) 5010 21% Letbadann (1) (Bago) 50,985; 36,473; 30,649; 4 cand. Aung Myint (NLD-2) 22541 74% Nyunt Tin (PUO-55) 6297 21% Letpadann (2) (Bago) 50,304; 36,306; 29,062; 6 cand. Nyunt Aye (NLD-2) 19829 68% Hla Tun (NUP-17) 6397 22% Tuntay (1) [Twante] (Yangon) 60,713; 45,289; 39,125; 6 cand. Tha Saing (NLD-2) 24577 63% Saw Tun Sein (NUP-17) 12942 33% Tuntay (2) (Yangon) 61,442; 43,286; 35,930; 10 cand. Mya Hlaing (NLD-2) 20919 58% Comm. Thaung Tin (NUP-17)12308 34% Tanyin (1) [Syriam] (Yangon) 39,080; 32,113; 28,355; 6 cand. Win Naing (NLD-2) 18845 66% Han Shwe (NUP-17) 7528 27% Tanyin (2) (Yangon) 34,203; 27,527; 24,289; 4 cand. Than Win (NLD-2) 17893 74% Kyin Khaing (NUP-17) 5661 23% Mohnyin (1) (Kachin) 40,315; 30,685; 25,860; 3 cand. Kyaw Maung (NLD-2) 21641 84% Kyaw Aye (NUP-17) 3857 15% Mandalay South-West (1) (Mandalay) 42,680; 33,723; 32,313; 7 cand. Dr. Soe Lin (NLD-2) 26467 82% Mya Aung (WUO-57) 4525 14% Mandalay South-West (2) (Mandalay) 50,624; 38,667; 37,009; 6 cand. Thein Oo (NLD-2) 29741 80% Bo (NUP-17) 6065 16% Bago (1) (Bago) 103,481; 68,931; 61,219; 6 cand. Soe Win (NLD-2) 44280 72% Maj Tin Latt (NUP-17) 14918 24% Bago (2) (Bago) 106,431; 78,019; 71,588; 5 cand. Myat Hla (NLD-2) 53527 75% San Tin (NUP-17) 14179 20% Thanatpin (1) (Bago) 36,258; 27,609; 25,750; 5 cand. Aye Thein (NLD-2) 18847 73% Lt-Col Aung Myint (NUP-17)5536 21% Thanatpin (2) (Bago) 36,299; 26,987; 24,326; 5 cand. Htay Thein (NLD-2) 17390 71% Ohn (NUP-17) 4604 l9% Monyo (1) (Bago) 37,502; 24,214; 20,779; 4 cand. Hla Aung (NLD-2) 12210 59% Thein Myint (WUO-57) 7959 38% Monyo (2) (Bago) 38,988; 24,962; 21,843; 4 cand. Tun Shwe (NLD-2) 14223 65% Tun Shwe (NUP-17) 7051 32% Cocogyunn (Yangon) 664; 468; 432; 2 cand. Hla Than (NLD-2) 246 57% Aung Thein (NUP-17) 186 43% Kawhmu (Yangon) 59,815; 50,409; 44,879; 8 cand. Ba Swe (NLD-2) 24615 55% Ohn Thaung (NUP-17) 13692 31% (WPD 5/31) Post-election Thanks May 30: Election Commission Announcement No. 484 of May 30 thanks everybody for the successful holding of the multi-party democracy general election. (WPD 5/31) DIPLOMATIC Diplomatic Calls The following calls were paid on Burmese officials by foreign Embassy or UN officials accredited to Burma. Apr. 30: Thai Ambassador Surapong Posayanond on Minister for Home & Religious Affairs and for Information and for Culture Lt-Gen. Phone Myint. (WPD 5/1) May 3: Italian Ambassador Giorgio Bosco on Chief Justice U Aung Toe. (WPD 5/4) May 11: The Italian Ambassador on Attorney-General U Tha Tun. (WPD 5/12) May 22: Chinese Ambassador Cheng Ruisheng on Minister for Planning & Finance and for Trade Brig-Gen. Abel. (WPD 5/23) Ambassador to Nepal May 3: U Tin Kyaw Hlaing presented credentials to King Birendra as Myanmar Ambassador to Nepal on Apr. 26. (WPD 5/3) British Ambassador Arrives May 8: British Ambassador to Myanmar J.D.N. Hartland-Swann presented credentials to State LORC Chairman Senior General Saw Maung. (WPD 5/9) Austrian Ambassador Arrives May 9: Austrian Ambassador to Myanmar Dr. Peter Klein presented credentials to State LORC Chairman Senior General Saw Maung. (WPD 5/10) Ambassador to France May 11: U Saw Tun presented credentials May 9 to President Francois Mitterand as Myanmar Ambassador to France. (WPD 5/11) Ambassador to Sri Lanka May 11: U Shwe Zin presented credentials Apr. 20 to President Ranasinghe Premadasa as Myanmar Ambassador to Sri Lanka. (WPD 5/11) INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION Workshops and Courses Apr. 30: A workshop on Development of Health Learning Materials for Problem Based Learning/Teaching, jointly sponsored by the Department of Health Manpower and the WHO, opened at the Institute of Medicine (1), and will continue until May 3. (WPD 5/1) May 10: A technical seminar on Diesel and Hydraulic Pile Hammers was jointly sponsored by the Inspection and Agency Services, M/S TW Resources (Singapore), represented by Executive Partner Mr. Stephen Ng Tion Bee, and M/S BSP International Foundation Ltd. (UK), represented by Sales Manager Mr. Kevin Paul Lane. (WPD 5/11) May 15: The fourth advanced forestry personnel training course opened at the new Central Forestry Development Training Centre built under the JICA [Japanese] aid program, which was inaugurated by Minister for Livestock Breeding & Fisheries and for Agriculture & Forests Lt-Gen. Chit Swe, in the presence of Japanese diplomats and businessmen [listed]. (WPD 5/16) May 15: A national workshop on Promotion of Premium Rice through Varietal Selection and Product Development cosponsored by Myanma Agricultural Produce Trading and ZIN International of California, USA, was held. (WPD 5/16) Foreign Donations May 1: The Director of Union Farm Engineering Co., Ltd. of Thailand donated US $2,000 to the Shwedagon Pagoda on Apr. 12. (WPD 5/2) May 6: The eight escalators for the western staircase of the Shwedagon Pagoda arrived on the MV Mawlamyine. (WPD 5/7) // They were delivered to the site; Mr. Deanis Lee, Far Eastern Region Manager for O & K Company [that built the escalators in West Germany] presented a check for US$ 5,000. (WPD 5/8) May 10: Sanofi Company (France), based in Thailand, donated 5,000 francs of equipment to the No. 2 Military Hospital (500-bed) on May 7. (WPD 5/11) May 11: Sanofi Company donated a French portable dental unit to No. 2 Military Hospital on May 7. (WPD 5/12) May 23: Prof. Richard Ross of the Department of Art Studio, University of California, USA, donated 32 photographs of pagodas, etc., taken on a trip from Mar 20-28, 1990. They were distributed to the pagodas involved by State LORC Chairman Senior General Saw Maung. (WPD 5/24) OPEC Loan May 9: The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), represented by H.E. Osama Faquih, Chairman of the Government Board of the OPEC Fund for International Development and Deputy Minister of Finance of Saudi Arabia on May 4 signed an agreement in Vienna with Myanmar Ambassador U Nyi Nyi Than extending loans amounting to US$ 7.3 million. (WPD 5/9) FOREIGN VISITORS International Agency Missions Apr. 30: A World Bank Economic Mission headed by Mr. Baran Tuncer, Principal Economist, Country Operations Division, discussed "economic reforms and performances of Myanmar" with Minister for Planning & Finance and for Trade Brig-Gen. Abel. (WPD 5/1) May 4: Team leader of the FAO Asia and Pacific Forest Industries Development Project in Malaysia U Sein Maung Wint, currently in Myanmar, called on Minister for Livestock Breeding & Fisheries and for Agriculture & Forests Lt-Gen. Chit Swe. (WPD 5/5) Chinese Cultural Delegation Apr. 30: The Chinese cultural delegation headed by Deputy Minister of Culture Dr. Lin Deyou departed, after visiting cultural institutions in Mandalay and Sagaing. (WPD 5/1) Philippine Assistant Minister May 3: Philippine Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs Mme. Purificacion Valera-Quisumbing arrived on Apr. 28, and left May 3. She visited Mandalay and Bagan, and called on the Elections Commission and other officials. She "studied the cultures and social relations of the Myanmar Naing-Ngan with keen interest." (WPD 5/4) Korean Survey Team May 9: A Korean economic survey team visited Myanmar May 2-8 to discuss bilateral economic cooperation and aid to the communications and electrification sectors. (WPD 5/9) Soviet Chess Coach May 14: Soviet grandmaster K.A. Ossoul arrived in Yangon to conduct chess training courses in Yangon and Mandalay, under the bilateral cultural exchange program. The Yangon course will last two weeks, and be attended by 30 Myanmar players and 60 observers. (WPD 5/15) Elephant Film Maker May 17: Mr. Richard Gayer of James St. Productions, in Myanmar to make a movie on elephants, called on Minister for Livestock Breeding & Fisheries and for Agriculture & Forests Lt-Gen. Chit Swe. (WPD 5/17) Malaysian Health Team May 21: A 3-member delegation headed by Mr. Tan Sri Dr. Abdul Khalid of Malaya University called on Minister for Health and for Education and Chief Commanding Officer of the University Training Corps Col. Pe Thein. (WPD 5/22) Chinese Vice Minister May 23: Chinese Vice-Minister of Machine-Building and Electronics Industry Zhang Xuedong, who arrived with a delegation, called on Minister for Home & Religious Affairs and for Information and for Culture Lt-Gen. Phone Myint. (WPD 5/24) // May 24: He called on Minister for Transport & Communications and for Social Welfare and for Labour Lt-Gen. Tin Tun to discuss satellite communication techniques and telephone and cable links, including fibre-optics and laser communications. Minister Lt-Gen. Phone Myint hosted a dinner. (WPD 5/25) // May 27: The delegation returned from a visit to Thandwe [Sandoway] and Ngapali. (WPD 5/28) // May 29: The delegation returned from a visit to Mandalay. (WPD 5/30) // May 30: The delegation departed. (WPD 5/31) Japanese Aid Director May 29: Mr. Kenzo Oshima, Director of the Economic Co-operation Bureau, Japanese Foreign Ministry, called on Minister for Planning & Finance and for Trade Brig-Gen. Abel, and on Police Director-General Col. Thura Pe Aung. (WPD 5/30) MYANMAR DELEGATIONS Economic Delegations Apr. 30: Managing Director U Khin Maung Thein, Deputy Chief Engineer U Nyunt Hlaing, and Assistant Engineer U Bo Kyin of Myanma Electric Power Enterprise left for Japan at the invitation of the Merubeni Corp. of Japan "to study a new type of gas turbine." (WPD 5/1) May 6: A 5-man team headed by Deputy Director General of the Customs Department U Saw Ba Win left for Malaysia and Singapore on a 2-week study mission on customs functions. (WPD 5/7) May 7: Deputy Director Daw Theingi Tin and Computer Programmer Daw San San Lin of the Trade Department left for New Delhi to attend the May 8-9 Seminar on Software for Market Analysis and Restrictions to Trade. (WPD 5/8) May 12: General Manager (Administration) U Maung Ko of Myanma Agricultural Service left for China to attend a workshop on registration of pesticides at the expense of the FAO. // Project Director Dr. Tin Hla, Assistant Manager U Hla Maung, Project Manager U Ko Ko Latt of the Pyay [Prome] pumped water project, and Sagaing Deputy Divisional Manager U Htwe left for the Philippines and Indonesia to study irrigation for one month at UNDP expense. // A delegation headed by Director-General of the Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department U Than Tint, and including Head of the Foot and Mouth Disease Division U Khin Maung Sitt, left to attend the 58th Conference of the Office International des Epizooties in Paris from May 14-18. They will be joined by trainee U Aung Myint, already in France. (WPD 5/13) May 13: Assistant Manager U Hoke San of the Myanma Agriculture Service left for Korea to attend a course on the efficient utilization of water. // Township Managers U Than Tun of Taungdwingyi [Magway], U Kyaw Thaung of Myayde [Sagaing], and Daw Win Win of Ayedaw [Sagaing] left for the Philippines to attend a 3-month course on crop patterns. // Lecturer U Khaing Oo of the Department of Electrical Engineering, Yangon Institute of Technology, left for New Delhi to attend a 6-day Regional Training Course on Microprocessors. // Director U Aung Kyi and Deputy Director U Tin Maung Win of the Trade Department left for Thailand to attend the May 14-17 Meeting of Directors of National Trade Development and Promotion Agencies. (WPD 5/14) May 16: A delegation composed of Deputy General Manager U Min Han, Assistant General Manager U Sein Lwin, and Manager U Maung Maung Ohn of the Myanma Hotels and Tourism Services left on a 7-day study tour of Yunnan Province in China. (WPD 5/17) May 20: Director U Tun Sein of the Trade Department left for Seoul to attend the Training Course on Management of Export Promotion Strategy in Developing Countries from May 22-June 1. (WPD 5/21) Trade Minister to Eastern Europe May 1: A 7-member delegation led by Minister for Planning & Finance and for Trade Brig-Gen. Abel left on a visit to Czechoslovakia and Yugoslavia to discuss economic cooperation. (WPD 5/2) // May 15: The delegation returned. (WPD 5/16) Cultural Minister to China May 2: An 8-member delegation led by Minister for Home & Religious Affairs and for Information and for Culture Lt-Gen. Phone Myint left to visit China. Other members were Director-General of Cultural Institute Department Dr. Ye Tut, Head of Office of the Ministry of Information U Sein Win, Deputy Directors of the Fine Arts Department U Than Yi and U Thant Sin, Principal of Yangon State School of Fine Arts U Soe Tint, Director of Fine Arts Department U Tun Zaw (Secretary), and PSO to the Minister Maj. Myint Tun. (WPD 5/3) // May 12: The delegation returned. (WPD 5/13) Agriculture Minister Returns May 3: Minister for Livestock Breeding & Fisheries and for Agriculture & Forests Lt-Gen. Chit Swe returned from the 20th FAO Regional Conference for Asia and the Pacific held in Beijing. (WPD 5/4) Health Minister to Switzerland May 3: A 4-member delegation led by Minister for Health and for Education and Chief Commanding Officer of the University Training Corps Col. Pe Thein left to attend the 43rd World Health Organization Conference in Geneva, Switzerland. Other members are Director General of the Health Department Dr. Tin Oo, Director General of the Medical Research Department Dr. Daw May May Yi, Deputy Director Dr. Kan Tun, and the Minister's PSO. They will be joined by the Myanmar Permanent Representative in Geneva U Aung Thant and his Deputy U Win Mra. (WPD 5/4) // May 14: The delegation returned. (WPD 5/15) Delegations Return May 10: The delegation led by Myanma Agricultural Service Deputy General Manager U Tin Hsaung returned from a study of rubber, cashew, and oil palm cultivation in Thailand. (WPD 5/11) May 12: The delegation led by Printing and Publishing Enterprise Director U Saw Myint returned from its study of drug abuse control activities in Hong Kong, Thailand, and Malaysia, sponsored by the UN-Myanmar Drug Abuse Control Programme. The delegation led by Higher Education Department Director-General U Win Maung returned from a similar mission in the same countries. (WPD 5/13) MYANMAR GAZETTE Probationary Appointments The State LORC has appointed, on one-year probation: May 2: U Sum Lut Naw, Vice-Principal, to be Principal, Myitkyina Degree College. Dr. U Ko Lay, Professor/Dean of Anatomy Department, Institute of Medicine, Mandalay, to be Rector, Institute of Medicine (2), Yangon. (WPD 5/3) May 30: U Tin Maung, Director, Pension Department, to be Director-General, Pension Department, Ministry of Planning & Finance. (WPD 5/ 31) Appointments Confirmed The State LORC has confirmed, after probation: May 2: U Hlaing Myint San as Managing Director, Myanma Petrochemical Enterprise, Ministry of Energy. Col. Thura Po Aung (BC/8500) as Director-General, People's Police Force, Ministry of Home & Religious Affairs. U Tin Pe as Managing Director, Motion Picture Enterprise, Ministry of Information. U Han Tun as Managing Director, Myanma Fisheries Enterprise, Ministry of Livestock Breeding & Fisheries. U Maung Maung Bo as Director-General, Planning & Statistics Department, Ministry of Agriculture & Forests. U Ba Tun as Director-General, Pensions Department, Ministry of Planning & Finance. U Khin Thein as Director-General, Revenue Appellate Tribunal, Ministry of Planning & Finance. U Khin Maung as Managing Director, Medicines and Medical Equipment Trading, Ministry of Trade. (WPD 5/3) Transfers The State LORC has transferred and appointed: May 2: Dr. Kyaw Thein, Principal, Sittwe Degree College, to be Pro-Rector, Institute of Computer Science & Technology. U Kyaw Mya Thein, Principal, Myitkyina Degree College, to be Princi-pal, Sittwe Degree College. (WPD 5/ 3) May 30: U Ba Tun, Director-General, Pension Department, Ministry of Planning & Finance, to be Managing Director, Myanma Insurance. (WPD 5/ 31) GOVERNMENT Workers Day Message May 1: The following is the text of the 1990 Workers Day message issued by State LORC Chairman Senior General Saw Maung: To all the esteemed masses of the workers, May 1, 1990 is the Workers Day observed in honour of the mental and physical workers of the whole of the Union of Myanmar. I send this message, to the masses of workers greeting you with love and respect, on this auspicious day. Since the mental and physical workers are fulfilling the food, clothing and shelter as well as the social needs of all the people residing in the Union by the strength of their labour, it goes without saying that they are actually those of Myanmar society who primarily build up the State and serve the interests of the State. It is the workers who, by the strength of their mental and physical labour, turn raw materials into finished goods and who meet the various needs of the people such as transportation, education and health. The important role the workers play is prominent in any political, economic and social system. It is of paramount importance to ensure ever lasting unity among the workers so as to be able to successfully implement the constructive work and development tasks of the State. The political splits and clashes that took place during the previous multi-party parliamentary democracy system caused the disintegration of the unity of the workers. Drawing appropriate lessons from it, the workers must strive to be a united force to be able to give the best of their labour so as to ensure a brighter future for themselves and to bring about the development of the State. At a time like this when the State Law and Order Restoration Council is assuming the duties and responsibilities of the State, we find, to our great satisfaction and in their honour, the workers giving the best of their labour in the various aspects of nation building work being undertaken in the interests of the people. The efforts made by the workers especially in such tasks as constructing roads, bridges, parks and towns, in transportation work, in mining minerals and gems, in extracting timber, in drilling oil and in coastal and deep sea fishing work, are satisfactory and outstanding. It must be put on record that it is mainly because of the cetana, perseverance and zeal of the workers that the construction work during this period has been accomplished in a short period of time. In the forthcoming multi-party democracy general elections to be held throughout the nation, it is necessary for the workers to correctly study, appraise and vote, freely exercising their right, for the candidates who have the abilities to prevent disintegration of the Union, to prevent disintegration of national solidarity and to ensure the perpetuity of the sovereignty of the State. On this auspicious and significant Workers Day I emphatically urge the entire masses of workers to strive, with wisdom and diligence, to prevent disintegration of the unity of workers and to raise the momentum of work gained in carrying out national construction work, expecially the border areas development work for fellow workers being undertaken for the security and wellbeing of the people under the arrangements made by the State Law and Order Restoration Council. (WPD 5/1) State/Division LORCs May 9: The following Chairmen of State and Divisional State Law and Order Restoration Councils met to hear a speech [reported separately] by State LORC Chairman Senior General Saw Maung: Kachin State: Maj-Gen. Kyaw Ba Kayah State: Col. Maung Kyi Kayin State: Col. Myo Myint Chin State: Col. Hla Myint Kyaw Sagaing Division: Col. Than Tin Tanintharyi Division: Col. Tha Win Bago Division: Maj-Gen. Aye Thaung Magway Division: Col. Myint Wai Mandalay Division: Maj-Gen. Tun Kyi Mon State: Deputy Commander Col. Tin Aye [representing Maj-Gen. Nyan Linn]. Rakhine State: Maj-Gen. Mya Thinn Yangon Division: Maj-Gen. Myo Nyunt Shan State: Maj-Gen. Maung Aye Shan State (North): Col. Aung Myint Shan State (East): Col. Kyaw Win Ayeyarwady Division: Maj-Gen. Myint Aung (WPD 5/10) Pesticide Law May 11: State LORC Law No. 10/90 of May 11, the Pesticide Law, provides for the registration and controlled use of pesticides by the Myanma Agricultural Service [full text published]. (WPD 5/12) Yangon Development Law May 14: State LORC Law No. 11/90 of May 14, the City of Yangon Development Law, establishes a 7-15 member Yangon Development Committee to provide policy guidance and supervision to development of all sorts within the Yangon city limits, including the "establishment of new towns." It is authorized to establish the city limits, engage in public works financed with its own funds, apply foreign currency earned from leases to development projects, establish taxes and duties, borrow from the Government and foreign organizations, contact local and foreign organizations, and use the powers of the City of Yangon Municipal Act [full text published]. (WPD 5/15) Car Light Rules May 22: Effective Jun 1, 1990, the Yangon Traffic Rules Enforcement Committee will take action against motor vehicles without proper lights, or with improperly aimed headlights. (WPD 5/24) Public Service Medals May 25: Under State LORC Notification No. 29/90 of May 25, the Good Public Service Medal is awarded to 3,698 active and retired public servants [breakdown by Ministry]. (WPD 5/26) MILITARY Insurgent Attacks May 5: A KNU time bomb concealed in a box of soap killed 2 people and wounded 8 near the Myawady checkpoint. (WPD 5/6) May 11: A KNU time bomb planted at the Myaypho Bridge between Tharkayta and Yebon Ward in Myeik [Mergui, Tanintharyi Div.] seriously injured 3 children. (WPD 5/13) May 22: KNU insurgents on May 17 shot dead a farmer near Kyaungsu village, Kyaukkyi Township [Bago]. (WPD 5/24) May 23: 20 NMSP (Mon) insurgents fired on the Ye-Mawlamyine train near Taungbon station, wounding four crew and passengers. (WPD 5/24) May 27: A bomb in Thanbyuzayat wounded 11 men and 4 women. (WPD 5/28) Opium Seized from KIA May 15: A Tatmadaw column on Apr. 22-23 seized 46 viss of opium from a KIA hideouts in the Mongya and Mong Hawn areas. On Apr. 21, the Tatmadaw seized 21 viss of opium from suspicious persons near Loijei village, Kachin State. (WPD 5/16) ECONOMIC Official Arts and Crafts Shop May 1: The Myanma Arts and Crafts salesroom in Yangon's Bogyoke Market opened April 30. "Come and get the best of fine tapestry, wood and ivory carvings or lacquerwares. Sales vouchers for purchase in FE covers Customs formalities, which means you can take away the items on departure, without export permits.--Myanma Arts & Crafts. General Merchandise Trading." (WPD 5/1, and an advertisemenmt.) Tax Amnesty Apr. 29: Ministry of Planning & Finance Notification No. 53 of Apr. 29 extends the expiration period of "notification for Profit Tax relief" of Feb. 7 from Apr. 31 to May 15, 1990. (WPD 5/1) Apr. 30: Internal Revenue Department personnel were warned by Director General U Sein Lin to be careful "so that the tax payers who come to you to declare their income voluntarily might not think that they are being threatened by you to do so." So far, no complaints have been made. (WPD 5/1) May 6: From April 28-May 4, 11,363 persons declared K 1,781,140,000. Altogether, 23,291 persons have declared K 4,385,733,000. (WPD 5/7) May 13: As of May 11, 28,391 persons have declared K 5,189,930,000. (WPD 5/14) Myanmar GDP Apr. 30: According to the Asian Development Bank, Myanmar's GDP rose 3.4% in 1989, and will grow by 3.6% in 1990 and 3.8% in 1991. (WPD 5/1) Economic Articles May 2,9: A journey to study border areas development work, by Khin Maung Aye and That Tun Wai. [Cont. (8) Interview with No. 88 Light Infantry Division Commander Col. Thein Han, Chairman of the Shan State (East) Work Committee for Development of Border Areas and National Races. (9) Visit to Monghkat.] May 3: Letpadan Township One Hundred Ponds fish breeding co-op helps bring down prices of fish and meat, by Myint Lwin and Htwe Kyi. [Description of the co-op.] May 4-5: Peik Chin Hmyaung Cave, by Aung Nyunt. [Visit to cave in Pyin Oo Lwin (formerly Maymyo), Mandalay Division, which is being developed for visitors.] May 8,11,20-21: Rubber sets in a new era as white gold, by Soe Myint and Nyunt Aung. [Visit to Mayangon rubber estate and the Khamaik rubber nursery.] May 11: Rattan Preservation, by Htay Aung (Cottage Industries). [All about rattan.] May 13-14,16-18: SLORC's economic endeavours paving the way with flowers, by Duwun Kyai. [Cont. (4-4 pts) Myanma Gems Trading. Jade production in 1989-90 was 583,307 kilos, from three camps {listed}, against a target of only 150,000 kilos. Table of Gems Emporium jade sales from 1964-90. Location of the 12 active and planned jade mines. (5) Myama Pearls. Statistics from last 5 Gems Emporia.] May 13: Kawlin renovates main motor road on self-help basis, by Kyaw Sein and Aung Mya. [A 20-mile motor road in Khantha region, eastern section of Kawlin, "a vital link to Kyaukpahto special metal (2) gold refining plant."] May 14-15: Khauktaung Reservoir in Pyin Oo Lwin Township, by Aung Nyunt. [Visit to reservoir in Pyin Oo Lwin {Maymyo} Township, Mandalay.] May 17-18,22: More water flows in Taungtha Township, by Soe Myint. [Dam construction in Mandalay Division.] May 21: Paukkaung, a lovely town, by Ye Myint Pe. [Visit to a township in Bago Division.] May 24,26: New high-quality, high yield paddy strains prove popular with Ayeyarwady Div farmers, by Aung Nyunt. [Paddy statistics from the Division.] May 27: Ywahtaung Diesel Overhauling Workshop and Railway Technical Training School, by Myint Lwin. [Railway facilities near Sagaing.] May 28: All-round development at Kyunhla, by Soe Myint. [Development in a Sagaing township.] Satellite Town Construction May 1: 100 trucks of the Road Transport have been made available for transporting construction materials for service personnel building houses in Dagon Myothit. They may be rented for K 400 per trip for large trucks and K 300 for medium sized trucks. Construction groups wishing to rent the trucks must produce evidence of the service personnel concerned. (WPD 5/2) May 20: State LORC Secretary (1) Maj-Gen. Khin Nyunt escorted journalists to Shwepyitha, Hlaingthaya, and Dagon new satellite towns. They are only 14-15 miles from Yangon center, and have cost K 6201.19 lakhs. There is little crime. "All three satellite towns are good. Especially Shwepyitha is better for those who wish to live in peace since it is a peaceful place. Hlaingthaya Myothit is economically good.... Dagon Myothit is the town for resettlement of service personnel." (WPD 5/21) May 20: State LORC Secretary (2) Maj-Gen. Tin Oo visited Shepaukkan Myothit in North Okkalapa. 3,600 of 4,400 plots of land have been allotted, 3,400 feet of laterite roads have been built, 27 tube wells have been sunk, and a 6,000 gallon storage tank and 6 pumping stations constructed. Over 400 families are already living there. (WPD 5/21) May 22: The State has spent K 144 million on Hlinethaya, where 12,826 plots have been allotted; K 198 million on Shwepyitha, where 6,959 plots have been allotted; and K 276 million on Dagon new town, where 24,702 plots have been allotted. (WPD editorial 5/22) May 22: 200,000 imported corrugated iron sheets are to be sold in Dagon Myothit, at prices ranging from K 63.10 to K 102.20 depending on size. Roofing of houses is to be completed by May 26. (WPD 5/23) Throughout the month there were constant stories of official visits to, and expansion of facilities in, the new towns. Joint Ventures May 3: A Production Sharing Contract was signed between the Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise of the Ministry of Energy and Premier Petroleum Myanmar Ltd. (UK), represented by Chairman, Mr. Roland C. Shaw, for exploration and production of petroleum and natural gas in offshore Blocks M-13 and M-14, in the Tanintharyi area. Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise Managing Director U Aung Min noted that it had been 15 years since an offshore exploratory oil well had been drilled by a foreign company in Myanmar waters. (WPD 5/4) // May 4: Mr. Shaw was received by Minister for Livestock Breeding & Fisheries and for Agriculture & Forests Lt-Gen. Chit Swe and gave a dinner for Minister for Energy and for Mines Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin. (WPD 5/5) May 12: Joint Venture Corporation No. 3 opened a colour-film developing service at 554 Merchant St., Kyauktada Twp., Yangon; it will also sell cameras and film. Last December, JVC-3 opened a stationery shop at Bogyoke Market. (WPD 5/13) May 15: A joint venture contract creating the Myanmar Hotels International Co. Ltd., between the Myanmar Hotel and Tourism Services and Strand Hotels International Ltd. (CMS/Zecha Holdings Ltd.), based in Hong Kong and registered in British Virgin Islands. The new company will build a new 100-room wing for the Strand Hotel, and renovate the old portion "keeping its old colonial style." It will also renovate the Inya Lake Hotel and construct a new extension, and renovate the President Hotel. Directors of Strand Hotels International, Mr. Adrian Zecha, Mr. Bernard Pe Win, Architect Mr. J.J. Cowperthwaite, Mr. Akira Seko, Mr. Ng Eng Leong, and Mr. Alfred H. Pang called on Minister for Energy and for Mines and Acting Minister for Trade Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin (WPD 5/16) May 24: The Myanma Gem Enterprise signed the first contracts with private companies on joint-venture gem mining work. 237 plots are involved; MGE will sell the gems mined, with 48.6% of the foreign currency proceeds going to the private miners, who may open accounts in the Myanma Foreign Trade Bank. "This will eliminate smuggling out of gems from the country...." 11 local private mining groups were present. (WPD 5/25) May 30: Ministry of Trade Notification No. 10/90 of May 30 establishes the Myanmar Tokyo Maruichi International Ltd. joint venture between the Ministry of Trade, represented by the Managing Directors of the Restaurant and Beverage Enterprise, the Myanma Department Stores, and Myanma Export and Import Services, and Tokyo Maruichi Shoji Co., Ltd., represented by General Manager Yasushi Honda, Director Rinichiro Koiso, and Business Representative U Tin Soe, for the purpose of "setting up super markets, upgrading restaurants and to carry out general trading." Capital will be K 20 million, in 2,000 shares of K 10,000 each. The Government's share of l,000 shares will be divided 350-350-300 between the subscribing agencies; the private shares will be subscribed in foreign currency or in kind as agreed. (WPD 5/31) Construction Projects May 3: Minister for Transport & Communications and for Social Welfare and for Labour Lt-Gen. Tin Tun inspected air safety measures and the renovation of the Yangon International Airport terminal. The terminal, built to serve 50 passengers, is being expanded to serve over 200. Following discussions, the Minister said "The safety of air passengers is to be given top priority. All necessary arrangements are to be made for the passengers to rely upon Myanma Airways." The latest quarterly statement shows that Myanma Airways made a profit of K 2.78 million. (WPD 5/4) May 3: The foundation stone was laid for the new 6-storey office building of the Ministry of Home & Religious Affairs south of the bridge on Sethmu 1 main road in Yankin Twp. [Yangon]. (WPD 5/4) May 7: State LORC Secretary (1) Maj-Gen. Khin Nyunt attended the May 2 opening of the Monywa-Ye-U-Maha Myaing-Homalin "summer" motor road, which is 194 miles long and was built between 1986 and Feb. 1990; it will provide an alternative transport route to the Chindwin River. (WPD 5/8) May 19: A first consignment of 25 tons of equipment from the Degremont Co. of France arrived by Aeroflot, to replace 26-year old machinery at the Yegu [water] pump. The remainder will arrive at the end of the month. (WPD 5/20) May 22: A ceremony presided over by Yangon Commander Maj-Gen. Myo Nyunt and others marked the completion of the People's Square and People's Park Extension Work. (WPD 5/23) Imports May 5: 34 Leyland and 26 Renault buses arrived on the MV Sagaing as a second consignment of a total order of 100 Leyland buses from the Egged Israel Transport Society Ltd. of Israel, and 200 Renault buses from Setraco Co. of France. (WPD 5/5) May 6: The MV Mawlamyine brought 7,822 tons of imported items including paper, photographic supplies, condensed milk, and milk powder. (WPD 5/7) May 14: 65 freight cars (40 timber transport cars, 20 sawn timber cars, 5 brake vans) purchased from China were handed over to Myanma Railways. (WPD 5/15) May 24: Joint Venture Corp. 4 has imported 675 tons of palm oil and 80 cartons of insecticide through its export earnings. It has ordered 900 tons of palm oil from abroad for fiscal 1990-91. It has already imported 1,744 tons of palm oil [see also below, under Exports]. (WPD 5/25) Exports May 10: 20 tons of mangoes will be exported in 1990 to Joo Tat Hang Trading Pte. Ltd. of Singapore. 1 1/2 tons were already sent by air from Mandalay. (WPD 5/11) May 20: Registered exporters are reminded to apply for export licenses before letters of credit (L/Cs) are opened by enterprises abroad. (WPD 5/21) May 24: Joint Venture Corp. 4 has loaded 1,850 tons of pezin-ngon for export to India. It sold 5,212 tons during fiscal 1989-90 and will sell 4,000 tons of beans and pulses this month. It has contracts to export 21,740 tons of beans and pulses worth US$ 6,087,200, of which 5,212 has been shipped [see also above under Imports]. (WPD 5/25) May 25: Joint Venture Corp. No. 6 exported 500 tons of matpe worth UKS$ 57,000 to India on the MV Rehman. (WPD 5/26) Basic Commodities May 7: Nyaungyoe trawlers Nos. 4,5 and 6 of the Tatmadaw Commodities Supervision Committee arrived with 40,000 viss of fish. (WPD 5/8) May 10: Joint Venture Corp. No. 6 Trawler 007-T arrived with 25,000 viss of fish. Wholesale prices range from K 28-58 per viss. (WPD 5/11) Oil Refineries May 7: In a visit to the Tanyin [Syriam] refineries, Minister for Energy and for Mines Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin said "Although the refinery is operating in part [only], the situation is found to be satisfactory. The inability to operate in full is due to shortage of raw materials. Cent-per-cent operation is expected in future as we have introduced the joint ventures.... Oil production will also increase within one or two years." (WPD 5/8) Aviation Developments May 10: A filling station for aeroplanes was opened in Kawthoung on May 6, and serviced two Myanma Airways Fokker Friendship planes. (WPD 5/11) May 14: Direct charter flights from Thailand to Bagan, Mandalay, and Heho, under a Nov. 1989 agreement with the French Asia Voyages travel agency, began May 12 when 34 tourists arrived in Bagan. Regular service will begin July 28 with flights from Chiang Mai to Bagan and Mandalay. In November, service will be extended to Heho, Inlay, and Taunggyi. (WPD 5/15) Border Chamber of Commerce May 13: The Ministry of Trade licenced the Union of Myanmar Muse/ Namkham Border Chamber of Commerce, to establish friendly relations with similar organizations in China, promote a fair rate of exchange between the kyat and the yuan, cooperate in preventing trade in banned goods, protect poor traders, etc. The Chamber's office is at Chitkyiyay Road, Town Committee Office, Muse [Shan]. (WPD 5/14) Ships May 14: A 60-ton landing craft (Yay Kyant) for the Inland Water Transport and a 500-ton methanol tanker for the Myanma Petrochemical Enterprise, built by Myanmar Shipyards, were delivered. (WPD 5/15) Export Commodity Prices May 18: Commodity prices, FOB per metric ton, for April 1990 were: Rice Zeera Super 5%, 1990 US$280 Broken Rice Zeera Broken, A1 & Extra 165 Mixed, 1990 crop Beans Black Matpe, FQ, 1990 295 Black Matpe, SQ, 1990 470 Black Matpe, SQ, (C&F Sing) 515 Black Matpe, SQ, 1989 350 Butter Beans, FAQ, 1990 450 Toorwhole, FAQ, 1990 290 (WPD 5/20) Banking May 30: Arrangements have been made at various banks for immediate cashing of coded cheques, without taking out tokens. The system will be expanded to other areas. (WPD 5/31) Rainfall in Yangon Rainfall since January 1, 1990, in inches, at Yangon's three weather stations of Yangon Airport (YA), Kaba-Aye (KA), and Central Yangon (CY) was: As of YA KA CY May 1 2.24 2.44 2.56 May 15 2.36 2.48 3.39 May 31 19.29 14.17 22.13 HEALTH AIDS May 21: State LORC Secretary (1) Maj-Gen. Khin Nyunt attended a Seminar on AIDS at the Department of Medical Research, presided over by Technical Adviser Dr. Khin Maung Tin. He said afterwards that AIDS was very rare in Myanmar, and that "the most common AIDS patients... were drug dependents." (WPD 5/22) May 22: At the third meeting of the Myanmar National Health Committee, State LORC Secretary (1) Maj-Gen. Khin Nyunt said preventive measures "in keeping with the traditions and customs of the nation" should be taken against AIDS. Minister for Health and for Education and Chief Commanding Officer of the University Training Corps Col. Pe Thein said jobs should be created on the border to fight AIDS and narcotics abuse. Secretary of the Committee Dr. Aung Tun Thet called for an "extensive education programme against AIDS through TV and radio." (WPD 5/23) May 31: AIDS situation today, by Dr. Tin Tun Oo. [World AIDS statistics. "In the past, we never thought that our country would ever be touched by AIDS. It has now touched Myanmar Naing-Ngan but it is a person in whom the plasma antibody has been detected [and] is assumed to have contacted the disease. The said person is expected to eventually become a patient of AIDS. But before that happens he is also moving in society, as if he were a healthy man ...."] SPORTS Training Course May 7: A training course sponsored by the Myanmar Olympic Committee and the Olympic Council of Asia began at Saya San Hall in Yangon's Kyaikkasan Grounds. The 5-day course will be attended by 31 trainees and 60 observers. Lectures will be given by Course Directors Celso L. Dayrit (Philippines) and Paul Bugela (Malta) of the Olympic Council of Asia. (WPD 5/8) CULTURAL Literary Articles May 6,13,18,27: Myanmar Proverbs, by Dr. U Hla Pe. [Cont. (55-58)] May 6,13,18,27: 20th Century Myanmar Poets & Poems, by Htila Sitthu. [Cont. (28) Min Yu Wai's Ratna Poems. (29-30) Min Yu Wai's Ain Pyan Chain Poems. (31) Min Yu Wai's Yay Khat Chain Poems.] May 6,13,18,27: Nucleus of Myanmar Literature. [Cont. Sale U Ponnya {19th cent. poet}, by Chit Kyi Yay Kyi Nyunt. (42) U Ponnya's scintillating tay-tats. (43-45) U Ponnya's plays.] May 6,13,18,27: Short Stories. [(1) Ah-wain, by Htin Lin. (2-3) The Four Creatures, by Thandar Swe {1964}. (3-4) "What d'ye know of it, milord?", by Htin Lin. (3-4) A crimson rose, by Khin Aung Tin.] May 6,13,18,27: Poems on ancient Bagan, by Zawgyi, in Myanmar and English. [(4) Festival month at Shwezigon. (5-2 pts.) Echo at Tharapa Cave. (6) Physical Strength, Spiritual Power.] Historical & Cultural Articles May 1: Construction activities in Mandalay, by Khin Maung Gyi. [Cont. Other construction activities in Mandalay.] May 23-24: "Kaung Lay", by Swe Thant Ko. [Review of a modern stage play being produced at the Waziya Theatre. "Plays have been staged at the Waziya since last year with some interruptions and now a new play is on, paving the way for a brighter future for modern plays" in Myanmar.] Moral & Religious Articles May 6,13: `Mangala' an introduction, by Maung Arnt. [Cont. The Way to Auspiciousness. (37) Viraja mangala (To be clear of the dust of desire is auspicious). (38) Khema mingala (To be secure from all harm is auspicious).] Religious Examinations May 7: 45 persons were given certificates for passing the 42nd Tipitakadhara examinations, in the presence of State Sangha Maha Nayaka Chairman Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Bago Myoma Sayadaw Bhaddanta Indacara. To pass required a mark of 75 in the oral and written examinations. (WPD 5/7) Township Literary Organizations During the month the press reported the creation of numerous Township Literary and Journalist Organizations, and listed their officers. Thai Language Training May 16: The first Thai language proficiency course ended at the Institute of Foreign Languages, and 36 trainees who completed the 4-month course received certificates and Thai books. (WPD 5/17) Satellite TV to Begin May 25: Beginning May 27, Myanmar television programs will be beamed by Chinese Asiasat 1 satellite to border retransmission stations at Kengtung and Lashio, and in Chin and Kachin States. Further stations are being built at Hkamti and Myeik [Mergui]. Experimental programs have been being beamed to Kengtung, Lashio, Myitkyina, Bhamo, and Kale since May 20. (WPD 5/26) MISCELLANEOUS Crime News Names and addresses of culprits generally included. May 1: Sagaing police on Apr. 12 seized 11 kilos of raw opium worth K 166,635 in Monywa. Six people were arrested. (WPD 5/2) May 2: Shan State police on Apr. 13 seized 3.2 kilos of heroin worth K 1,165,536 in Lashio, and arrested 2 people. (WPD 5/3) May 5: Yangon police on Apr. 2 arrested 4 Che-hti bookies and seized K 11,450 in stakes. A con-man was arrested in Insein for cheating a monk out of K 500 on Apr. 29 by pretending to be a Tatmadawman and saying the monk's monastery was to be destroyed "because it was built on squatter area" and promising to "engage a car on the next day to carry things." Lashio [Shan] police on Apr. 9 seized 4.5 kilos of heroin at the checkpoint at the entrance to Lashio Township and arrested a man. (WPD 5/6) May 8: A woman pick-pocket was arrested May 2 in Tanyin [Syriam] Twp. [Yangon], with K 20,770 snatched from a woman's basket. (WPD 5/8) May 11: "Cases of car theft are rampant in the heart of Yangon City these days even in the most crowded places" said a column in the Loktha Pyithu Nezin. "The authorities concerned therefore have further notified the car owners to keep someone to look after their cars while it is parked, it is learnt." (WPD 5/12) May 11: Four officials of the Industrial Planning Department, Ministry of Industry 1, were sentenced on May 9 by Military Tribunal No. 1 to terms of 3 to 7 years for disguising themselves as Tatmadaw officers to obtain cigarettes and soap with forged military documents. (WPD 5/13) May 12: The Restaurant and Beverage Enterprise with police help raided illicit liquor shops in Yangon May 9-10, seizing 1576 bottles of illegal liquor worth K 89,481 and forged labels and bottle tops worth K 32,684. 9 people were booked. // Sagaing police seized 107 bottles of Phensedyl worth K 32,000 on Apr. 22, and 100 bottles worth K 15,000 on Apr. 27. Four persons were booked. (WPD 5/13) May 13: Sagaing police on May 12 seized 3.1 kilos of opium and .4 kilos of heroin worth K 162,972 in a timbers shop near Katha jetty, and arrested the owner. (WPD 5/14) May 19: Five suspected robbers were arrested with five homemade guns on May 12. They reportedly stole K 75,000 of gold and property in Tuntay Twp. [Yangon]. (WPD 5/20) May 19: Sagaing police seized 0.82 kilos of Chu-hna-kaung-gabalon brand heroin from ferry passengers arriving from Bhamo on May 5. (WPD 5/20) May 26: Yangon police on May 25 arrested 4 four-animal dice gambling bookies, with K 1,292,457 in stake money, and 5 gamblers. (WPD 5/27) May 26: Sagaing police and anti-drug squad members in Kale seized 50 bottles of phensedyl, worth K 7,500, on May 4; 107 worth K 16,050 on May 10; 100 worth K 27,000 on May 12; and 80 worth K 12,000 on May 16. Those involved were arrested. (WPD 5/27) May 30: Yankin Twp. Court sentenced Zaw Zaw Tun to 8 years imprisonment as a drug addict. A hypodermic syringe and traces of heroin were found in his house on Apr. 11, 1988, following a tipoff. (WPD 5/31) Obituaries Apr. 19: Paul Raphael (a) Tin Shwe, husband of Daw Tin Tin Nyunt, died in Mandalay, aged 32. (WPD 5/3) May 5: Rev. Fr. Charles Carrapiett, retired parish priest of St. Patrick's Church, Mawlamyaing, died in Mawlamyaing, aged 84. [Christian] (WPD 5/12) May 17: Naw Doris Zan, wife of Saw D. Zan, died in Yangon, aged 63. [Christian] (WPD 5/18) May 19: UPI-U Ba Thein, journalist, husband of Daw Nyunt Sein, died in Yangon, aged 92. (WPD 5/20) May 19: Chuni Gangooly, retired Government Advocate and Ex-General Manager of Jutha Maritime Co., Ltd., Thailand, died in Pyin-O0 Lwin (Maymyo). [Hindu] (WPD 5/21) May 27: U Thein Mg (a) C. Satyanamdan, Patron--All Burma Hindu Central Board, husband of Shyamala Devi, died in Yangon, aged 63. [Hindu] (WPD 5/28) Narcotics Destroyed Apr. 30: The "second exhibition on destruction of narcotics drugs" was held at the Aung-tha-bye Ye-yeiktha Hall, Kyaikwaing Pagoda Road, Mayangonn Twp. [Yangon], under the auspices of the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control and its Chairman, Minister for Home & Religious Affairs and for Information and for Culture Lt-Gen. Phone Myint. Present were Myanmar, international organization, and diplomatic dignitaries, including representatives of the US Drug Enforcement Administration (Mr. Angelo Saladino, Country Narcotics Attache, DEA), and press representatives including a visiting CBS TV team (led by Mr. William Thomas Whitaker). Joint Secretary of the Central Committee Ngwe Soe Tun, Director of the People's Police Force (Narcotics Department) reviewed the previous destruction of US$ 400,000,000 worth of narcotics on Feb. 13 at the same place. Between 1975-1988, over 130,000 acres of poppy fields had been manually destroyed, and aerial spraying between l985-86 and l987-88 had destroyed an additional 70,000 acres. This represented 910 tons of opium or 91 tons of heroin. Since the 1988 disturbances, the Tatmadaw has been "implementing the four main tasks to reconstruct the State. That's why, though major operations to destroy poppy plants, refineries...could not be launched, poppy fields have been destroyed by regional opportunities whenever situation permits us." In 1988-89, 100 acres of poppy fields and 300,000 marijuana plants were destroyed. The 5 Anti-narcotics Task Forces have been expanded to 14. Under operation Ye-min-aung, Phases I-IV, 170 kilos of heroin, 400 kilos of opium, 60 kilos of marijuana, and 2,300 litres of Phensedyl were seized. Also, the Police seized 97 kilos of heroin, 700 kilos of opium, 20,000 kilos of marijuana, and 2,000 kilos of Phensedyl between Sept. 18, 1988 and Apr. 23, 1990. The Army also seized 582 kilos of opium, 31 kilos of heroin, 4 kilos of marijuana, and 54 litres of Phensedyl. The meeting then proceeded to the destruction of [figures rounded off] 251 kilos of heroin, 10 kilos of opium oil, 17 kilos of liquid opium, 827 kilos of marijuana, and 5,293 litres of Phensedyl, with a street value of over US$ 503 million ("Heroin is calculated with the price of two million per kilogram.") Spectators were invited "to make on-the-spot tests on the seized narcotic drugs including heroin for their authenticity" and to ask questions. The drugs destroyed "were those sent through the Crime Squad after 1977," and a detailed list was shown. Heroin refining equipment and chemicals "came from India and Thailand, mostly from India." Asked about the US estimated figure of 2600 tons of opium grown in Myanmar (compared with 200 from Laos and 50 from Thailand), Foreign Ministry Political Department Director General U Ohn Gyaw said it was ridiculous, since it takes 1 acre to produce 4.5 kilos of raw opium. "It is practically and mathematically impossible. What US said if I may say is totally wrong.... During my last visit to New York [special UNGA drug session]...I called on congressman Charles Rangel.... He said `My God, I didn't get this information.' He didn't even know what we did on Feb. 13, 1990. Mind you, this Charles Rangel the Select Committee on Anti-Drug Measures of the House of Representatives. If [he] is not informed of what Myanmar as a country is doing, then the estimates of whatever or other sectors are doing cannot be correct.... [US funds, now cut off, are not significant.] We are quite confident that the poppy plants this year...will be very much less to your surprise and to the surprise of our three speculators." (WPD 5/1) Fire May 5: A fire in Ward 1 of Kamaryut Twp. [Yangon] burned 13 houses in 15 minutes, making 126 people from 24 households homeless and doing damage of K 1.2 million. (WPD 5/6) Tornado Wrecks Train May 16: The Kawlin-Mandalay local train was overturned by a tornado on May 15, killing 1 passenger and injuring 28 others. (WPD 5/17) SLORC Postage Stamp May 26: A new l kyat postage stamp, commemorating the State Law and Order Restoration Council, will be issued May 27, with first day covers available on that day. [Photo] (WPD 5/27) +-+-+-+-+ This issue is printed on recycled paper. +-+-+-+-+ TO SUBSCRIBE Write to Hugh C. MacDougall, 32 Elm Street, Cooperstown, NY 13326. Annual Subscriptions: Individuals - US$ 40.00 Institutions - US$ 50.00 Add Postal surcharge for - Canada - US$ 1.50 Foreign (surface) - US$ 2.00 Europe (air) - US$ 18.00 Asia (air) - US$ 23.00 [additional charge for US$ check on foreign bank - $5.00] NOTE: Checks should be payable to: Hugh C. MacDougall. Please indicate the issue with which you wish your subscription to begin (available from April 1987). ------- Also available: Party Lists (alphabetical and numerical, as of May 27 election) - $5.00 Saw Maung's Nov. 10 speech - $5.00 BCP 1988 Politburo Document - $5.00 [plus foreign postage surcharge]