96-06 BURMA PRESS SUMMARY From the Rangoon "The New Light of Myanmar" Compiled for the Burma Studies Group by Hugh C. MacDougall Published by the Center for East Asian and Pacific Studies, University of Illinois Volume X, No. 6, June 1996 Table of Contents POLITICAL Slogans 2 Political Articles 2 Bangladesh Refugees 9 Special Refresher Courses 9 National Races 9 NLD Delegates Released 9 Pyithu Hluttaw Representatives Resign 9 Mass Rallies against Subversion 10 "People's Desire" Signs 12 DIPLOMATIC Diplomatic Calls 12 Diplomatic Briefings 12 New Myanmar Ambassadors 13 New Ambassadors to Myanmar 13 New Myanmar Embassies Opened 13 Military Attaches on Tour 13 INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION Joint Workshops & Seminars 13 Social and Economic Cooperation 13 Donations from Abroad 14 FOREIGN VISITORS Business Visitors 14 Religious Visitors 16 Media Visitors 16 Laotian Delegations 16 Chinese Provincial Delegations 16 Afghan Minister 17 Chinese Public Affairs Minister 17 Thai Industry Minister 17 Indian Defence College 17 Thai Cultural Delegation 17 MYANMAR DELEGATIONS Study Delegations 17 Delegations to Meetings 17 Religious Delegations 18 Business Delegations 18 Delegations Return 18 GOVERNMENT Anti-Subversion Law 19 Insurance Business Law 20 Message on Narcotics 20 MILITARY Enemy Attacks 22 Surrenders by Armed Group Members 22 ECONOMIC Economic Articles 22 Trade Fairs and Exhibitions 22 Project Inaugurations 22 Business Openings 23 Advertisements 23 Agreements with Foreign Firms 24 Banking 24 Tourism 25 Fisheries 25 Roads 25 Agriculture 25 UNOCAL Interview 25 Rainfall in Yangon 26 HEALTH Health Articles 27 SPORTS Myanmar Teams and Delegations 27 Foreign Teams, Coaches, etc. 27 CULTURAL Cultural and Scientific Articles 27 Religion 27 Publications 27 Computers 28 Education 28 Squatters 28 Myanma Cooking 28 Writers & Journalists 28 MISCELLANEOUS Sunday and Holiday Supplements 29 Anti-Narcotics Activities 30 Obituaries 30 Earthquake 30 ------------------------------------------- HIGHLIGHTS -- Law against Disturbances and Oppositions [GOVERNMENT] -- Release of NLD Representatives-elect after questioning [POLITICAL] -- Resignation of a number of Pyithu Hluttaw representative-elect. [POLITICAL] -- Continued mass rallies against subversion [POLITICAL] ------------------------------------------- -- Continued denunciations of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and warnings that continued subversion will not be tolerated. [POLITICAL-Political Articles.] -- Death of James L. Nichols [MISCELLANEOUS-Obituaries] -- Interview on forced labour with Unocal Chairman Roger Beach. [ECONOMIC] -- Opening of resident Embassies in Brasilia and Pretoria. [DIPLOMATIC] -- Message on Narcotics. [GOVERNMENT] ------------------------------------------- POLITICAL Slogans The bottom of each front page continues to bear the slogan: Emergence of the State Constitution is the duty of all citizens of Myanmar Naing-Ngan The top of each back page has since May 30, 1996 had a new boxed-in "slogan": People's Desire * Oppose those relying on external elements, acting as stooges, holding negative views. * Oppose those trying to jeopardize stability of the State and progress of the nation. * Oppose foreign nations interfering in internal affairs of the State. * Crush all internal and external destructive elements as the common enemy. Religious Slogans: Since August 1991, each issue has included a changing Pali religious slogan at the top of each front page: June 1-30: Asevana ca balanam, not to associate with the foolish; this is the way to auspiciousness. The Twelve Objectives: Since July 6, 1995, each issue of NLM has listed the Four Political, Four Economic, and Four Social Objectives of the State Law and Order Restoration Council, generally on the front page [for texts, see January 1996 issue]. Political Articles [Including, as appropriate, editorials] June 1: Going too far, by Sithu Nyein Aye. [Four cardinal virtues of Byamaso Taya are metta, karuna, mudita, and upekkha. "However deep and profound they are to us, they may not be so for those who have forsaken their lineage and origin, having a high opinion only of foreigners and taking them as their spouses." Westerners may understand metta and karuna, but they and those surrounding Daw Suu Kyi, cannot understand mudita...." Daw Suu Kyi does not understand what has been happening in Myanmar, while she "was going about around the world, enjoying peace and tranquillity." "That the moves of Daw Suu Kyi and cohorts, devoid of kindness and consideration, are going too far, everybody has come to see." June 1-5,29-30: Let's tell the truth, by Myo Chit. [Cont. (3) Relations between Tatmadaw and the AFPFL; when the federal problem could not be solved in 1962, the Tatmadaw established the Burma Socialist Programme Party and a new constitution. In 1988 it came in again. (4) The British used military force in Myanmar to maintain law and order; when they agreed to independence, they did not "recklessly hand over the country to any person. They drew up basic principles, elected and organized qualified persons who could take over the responsibilities and they systematically made the handover...." Just as the British allowed "some organizations to take part in administrative machinery to look after their special interests," now the Tatmadaw should "be given a role to cooperate, assist and carry out national politics." [(5) Denunciation of the "boo-yo" ("person who thinks highly of Europeans and tries to emulate them"). There were three categories of "so-called returnees from England" in the old days: (i) sailors or workers who learned nothing of Western culture, and knew nothing of their own, and returned "after spending, exhausting themselves and enjoying themselves;" (ii) people who didn't know about Myanmar culture because they had gone to missionary schools, loved and aped English culture, and on return "dressed themselves like Europeans, ate and spoke like them;" (iii) laudable returnees who knew their own culture, studied that of the West, and are able to compare both -- they are free from "Boo-yo" disease "and are able to serve national interests with ardent patriotism." Gandhi and Nehru were examples in India; U Chit Hlaing and Dr. Ba Han were examples in Myanmar. This kind of returnee "will never betray the nation and will never become stooges and puppets of others." [(6) The "puppet princess" has not inherited her ancestors' patriotism; her temperament is one of perverse obstinacy. She was educated at missionary schools, went to India at 15 to grow up at the race course with "children of Indian officials and diplomats." At Oxford she was taken care of by Lord Gorebooth, among British high society. So we learn from the wife of a Westerner, "Dora alias Daw Than Aye." Her Oxford years were those of the sex revolution and the hippies, and "would remain unforgettable to the puppet doll." Then she went to work at the UN in New York, staying with Dora alias Daw Than Aye, and married a foreigner, when "the daughter of an Arzani should have contemplated racial denigration." Now she "has lost her Myanmar blood and psyche," becoming "so badly inflicted [sic] by the 'boo-yo' malady that she got to the stage of declaring she had nothing to do with Myanmar." [(7) Anyone seeking public positions must be scrutinized and investigated, and held abide by all laws and regulations. The "Puppet Princess" has pure national and loyal blood, but everybody knows "she is married to a foreigner and blood-related to one." You cannot separate the actions of husband and wife. "Will the wife not let her husband know in the least matter that are connected with the affairs of the State? The husband had been from the beginning, the leader and guide in education and intellectual pursuits. It is definite that in the new situation also his advice and help will be sought for and accepted." The Government treated the Puppet Princess with loving kindness and affection as a real daughter, but it was not reciprocated. She denounces everything the Nawata does. But look how for 100 years the British "sucked the blood and oppressed like robbers and thieves." So far as security goes, the Puppet Princess "can not be trusted in the least." The CIA wouldn't have to spend any money, because "they already have that person, who can enter the country legally through the gate which is open and will pry open and get for them state secrets on Myanmar's internal affairs. The point that needs pondering is the problem that the affairs of the State, which are to be kept secret and discreet, will seep out from the channel of the Puppet Princess. He no longer needs to write the scripts for pulling the string from afar; he can give constant instructions pouring sweet tete-a-tete into receptive ears while sharing the marital bed...." [(8) Since BBC insists on using Burma instead of Myanmar, I will use EBC (English Broadcasting Corporation) instead of BBC, and Leik instead of British, and Kan instead of American. EBC reported that "organs of the Myanmar Government had been writing articles attacking the Puppet Princess' marital affairs." What I have intended to tell Myanmar's youth is that the Puppet Princess' "nationalism has been drained after she chose to embrace a Leik who is of the stock of Myanmar's enemy"; that "she has become related to and sided with the Leik-Kan who had been destroying Myanmar's interests...."; and "she lacks knowledge of Myanmar politics and spirit". "These are not personal attacks on anyone, and this is not the voice of the Government, and I am not an employee of any government department, but expressing my personal opinion which is to tell the truth." (9) "I would like to urge all to be mindful of the fact that State secrets and national security will be in great danger if such an axe-handle of the alien who will become a fifth-columnist is elected as a leaders.... The person who is leading those destroying national interest, inciting riot and attempting to destabilize the country is Bogyoke Aung San's own beloved daughter. And those following her instructions under her leadership are found to be the two eldest adopted sons of the Tatmadaw founded by Bogyoke Aung San. O! What an irony of fate!" Aung San Suu Kyi's son played at one of her meetings: "The scene showed the images that should the puppet become the Head of State, mixed culture and customs would be brought in by her family whenever ceremonies and receptions of political or social significance were held. If one thinks lightly about it, it just an ordinary event. However, it really entails grave danger. It is more dangerous than today's ceaseless penetration of the Western music and fashion in films, radio and television. Myo Chit is telling the truth for all to consider the potentials for the spread of 'Boo-yo' disease gaining a foothold starting with younger son Kim's style and elder son Alexander's fashion et., etc. with the fame and prominence of their mother."] June 1: Go back if you stink of slavery! by Tekkatho Myat Thu. [Despite the UN Charter, the West bloc uses "human rights" as an excuse to grab power; it invented neo-colonialism. Now it is clear that the West "wish to install puppets whom they can manipulate for their wellbeing. ...they have come to meddle in Myanmar for influencing her as the globo-cop. Rallies show that Myanmar people not willing to go back to 1988 or to neo-colonialism. "I would like to tell stooges, lackeys and traitors to the race to go back if they stink of slavery."] June 4: Very sorry--in the tawgyy, by Byatti. [Just as the Burma Communist Party accepted the foreign advice of the Indian Communist Party; so the National League for Democracy has accepted "a masterminding writing of American tout Gene Sharp" called "From dictatorship to democracy." Daw Suu Kyi attracts crowds because those "who had nothing to do and indulged in easy uncaring living" like crowds; similarly, "Foreigner guests who have integrity would not do such a thing as to get into this corner and that corner in a soily way, tarrying and bearing with tiresomeness for no reason at all." It is a "grave danger" if a registered political party tries to write a Constitution: "If a single party writes the Constitution to its own liking and exerts pressure and coercion to jeopardize the political stability, it is only left to designate that party an unlawful association." If so,... "the existing government would have to take action to the extent of its sovereign powers against founders, members and controllers of that unlawful association" as was done with the Burma Communist Party. One cannot say "wait" or "sorry" in such a situation. "One has probably heard of the expression 'very sorry -- in the tawgyi'."] June 4: Editorial: Peace, or pieces? ["The masses attending the rallies have consistently denounced the atrocities of subversives and their alien cohorts, and expressed their firm support for the positive action recorded by the Government.... The people's desire thus expressed puts on notice all who might harbour traitorous intentions, for they will not be tolerated. What is being put together is peace, not to shred the Union into fragmented pieces."] June 6: Inborn historical duty, by A faculty member. [King Thalun fought off the Portuguese invaders, and people were happy. "It is inborn duty of the Tatmadaw, the people and the State to conquer the imperialists for the second time as in King Thalun's period."] June 6: Editorial: Heed the voice of reason. ["The masses have been congregating and making their voices heard loud and clear for the subversives and those interfering in our internal affairs that tragedy would befall the nation if they do not stop their dangerous acts. Confrontation is a very dangerous game which can only be counter-productive. The vast majority of us cannot allow what happened in 1988 to happen ever again. The true Myanmar character is against such violence, such negation. Once is enough. Subversives must heed the voice of reason -- the voice of the mammoth rallies. This is the voice of the motherland."] June 7: Not satisfied dear love, let's begin from start, by Byatti. ["An illegal woman leader who is using the name of the National League for Democracy and misusing the party now wants to draw up the State Constitution by a single party according to its own wishes...." If it continues, its acts "will affect the path laid down by the State." If the NLD leaders "continue to depend on foreign countries and fail to realize that they are wrong," the NLD "will automatically get into the same {illegal} category as that of NNPP, DAB and NCGUB. If it gets into that situation, it is bound to become an unlawful association without fail." Then is members "will no longer be called in for questioning at the guest houses...and treated as guests of honour.... They will only hear the cries of birds and crows and the whistle of the train at life's university in Insein Jail and eat according to pattern and write treatise on the four weird acts...."] May 7: Those utterly untrustworthy, by Tekkatho Myat Thu. [American and British mass media are controlled by capitalists with neocolonial designs. They are infiltrated by the CIA, which is better than diplomatic cover. BBC and VOA are controlled by their Governments, and "appoint those who do not want or oppose their own governments...." Journalists claim that the people support Daw Suu Kyi, even though they haven't spoken to anybody, and don't even know that she is married to a foreigner. Foreign media are "utterly untrustworthy.... May one and all come out of the overshadowing influences of CIA, colonialists and the media of the West bankrupt in integrity."] June 7: Editorial. National interests come first. ["Entire nation must resolutely crush elements instigating disturbances and undermining stability of the State. People must crush power-crazy destructionists with national vigilance to prevent recurrence of 1988 disturbances.... It must here again be repeated that no one can deny the correctness of Our Three Main National Causes, for doing so would amount to turning against the people. National interest comes first. Always."] June 8: Go back! Don't try! Go back!, by Myat Min Han (Bogale). [Saying: "Committing dacoity at the river ferry point taking cover of the shade of a phothudaw (a white robed acolyte of a holy one)." "Phothudaw is one who is pure of mind with integrity, and one who is 'committing dacoity at the river ferry point taking cover of the phothudaw' is Mrs. Michael Aris alias Daw Aung San Suu Kyi...." She "has breached the discipline of the race and its culture and customs. How can there be patriotism when she had not, with patriotic spirit, upheld the principle of preserving one's own race and lineage?" Mrs. Michael Aris organized the NLD, obeyed "United States Ambassador to United Nations Medeline Albright [sic] and American Representative Solarz, as cued by BBC, VOA and AIR broadcasting services." She demanded handing over power to the NLD; she demanded an interim government; NLD representatives walked out of the National Convention; she instigates by calling on other countries not to trade with Myanmar, visit Myanmar, have any relations with Myanmar, make investments in Myanmar, or drink Pepsi. "If only our national leader could hear such destructive words, he would turn in his grave." "So go back (expeditiously) and smilingly to Oxford where her household nat is, without going on trying to foment disturbance in the country in devious way. Just go back, I would implore."] June 8: Editorial: Violators beware. ["Suffice it to say that the law {against disturbances and oppositions} will be strictly applied to the deserving. Violators beware."] June 9: Covering up the front to reveal the back, an act of the indecent, by Byatti. [Comment on quote from "Bilatpyan Than" that "Suu" is a good Myanma cultural example: "It is a bogus stroke of the pen in a rotten, ragged and low manner to describe as 'worth being put on record by Myanma cultural standards' a person who can make a foreigner her spouse, held a tea party and had photos taken on an anniversary of the day her father was assassinated, and enjoys Western cuisine and speaks a language of the West with a grin and who is busy with concoctions being unable to inhibit her desire to write ratus yearning for the West."] June 10: Time to stop Madi meddler and company, by U Pyay Kyaw. ["Now drunkards, pick-pockets and thieves who are harassing the public are sought, arrested and given punishment. If so, should the roguish Madi and followers of NLD, who are committing major offences and collaborating with outside powers to cause disintegration of the nation, be given a special right? Should they any longer be ignored like this? It is 'not enjoyable to breach law'. Their deeds may jeopardize the wellbeing of the nation and people. Should such outlandish, roguish, traitorous elements under foreign influence be merely watched? It is time to take the voices of people at mass rallies to denouncing destructionism into consideration. It is time to take legal action against the roguish Madi and followers of the NLD."] June 10: Editorial: Public indignation. ["There is great public indignation over what subversives are trying to do."] June 12: Democracy is not power, by Kaythari. ["Ma Suu" contrasted with Benazir Bhutto, who made a point of marrying a Pakistani who would stay away from politics. Influence on "Ma Suu" of the BBC. On June 7 the BBC said that although the lectures at Daw Aung Suu Kyi's house on Saturday and Sunday evenings have been banned, she "will continue to hold public lectures and give instructions to disobey orders and to oppose the law.... {Ma Suu} should abandon the existing ways of her being under foreign influence to cause disintegration of the State and to return peacefully to her family in London...."] June 13: I've got to tell you, Daw Suu Kyi, by Htun Myint (Shwe Hintha) Supreme Court Advocate. [The Government has proceeded very prudently; "if the government were the military government of 1962, nobody would have dared to move. Once detained, on had to spend a long time in jail .... Just because of that, don't think the government is afraid.... My appraisal of the present situation is that it is not yet possible to have a democracy without control and supervision...." Democracy can come only with stability. "I've got to tell you, Daw Suu Kyi. I've got to tell you."] June 13: Editorial: Remove subversives with people's force. ["People feel unhappy to see evil schemes of internal traitors and destructive elements under the influence of alien powers to destroy the country and to mar its stability. The mass rallies...are proof of people's unity and desire to ostracize, oppose and remove the subversives."] June 14: Indonesia, ASEAN do not want to isolate Myanmar. [Excerpts from a news item in the June 12 Indonesia Times, quoting Foreign Minister Ali Alatas as opposing the isolation of Myanmar. He denied a report that he was going to Myanmar, representing ASEAN, to convey concern about the conflict between SLORC and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. US Special Envoys William Brown and Stanley Roth were visiting Indonesia.] June 14: West simplistic on Myanmar, says Singapore's Elder Statesman Lee Kuan Yew. [Reuters article, datelined Singapore, June 8, quoting Lee Kuan Yew as opposing sanctions on Burma, and that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi would have difficulty governing even if she received power. "If I were Aung San Suu Kyi I think I'd rather be behind a fence and be a symbol than after two or three years be found impotent Lee said."] June 15: US calls for Asian solution to Myanmar standoff. [A Manila datelined AFP report in the June 2 Indonesian Observer says US Special Envoys, retired Ambassador William Brown and Stanley Roth of the US Institute for Peace, met with Philippine President Fidel Ramos and called for an "Asian solution" to the Myanmar military crackdown; the six-nation tour includes Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand, as well as Indonesia and the Philippines. Julius Caesar Parrenas of the Manila Institute for International and Strategic Studies told AFP that "I do not think the aggressive approach that the United States is taking is going to be very effective.... ASEAN is doing the sensible thing;" by engaging the Myanmar leadership it strengthens "the middle class constituency in Myanmar."] June 15: Burma: Aung San Suu Kyi better off as a symbol, by Chua Mui Hoong, Wang Hui Ling, and Loong Ching Ching. [June 9 article in the Straits Times of Singapore, again reporting statement by Lee Kuan Yew that she is better off as a symbol than actually running the country. If America squeezes Burma "until it topples" and it "collapses like Bosnia," it shouldn't just walk away from it; is America prepared to "go ahead and hold that country in one piece, not have it broken to five, six pieces, and restore it"? Only if that is the case would Lee support pressure--he says he told Steve Solarz when he was in Congress.] June 15-16: Time to know real shape of Nobel Prize, by Reporter Thet Shay. [(1) Norway, which issues the Nobel Peace Prize, "encouraged and assisted the American CIA in carrying out tasks to bully and have influence over the world. They began to misuse the right even to select Nobel peace prizes at the bidding of the CIA...." Nobel prizes in science and literature went largely to defectors from the Communist bloc; in 1977 the CIA controlled Amnesty International won the Peace Prize. In 1982 the Pope made a secret agreement with Reagan to disintegrate the Soviet Union with CIA aid; backing the illegal acts of Lech Walesa [sic], who has since been defeated by a communist in an election. The CIA exaggerated "an ordinary gathering of people at the Tiananamen Square in Beijing," faking stories of destruction and killings, "to be demonstrations held to make a demand for democracy." In 1989 the West Bloc had the peace prize awarded to the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan monk who fled China in 1957. [(2) Gorbachev won the 1960 [sic] Nobel Peace Prize for not stopping secession, and in 1991 "the Soviet Union disintegrated into 15 Union Republics." Ma Suu Kyi did nothing to stop disturbances in 1988, and "became more and more merrier when there were more disturbances." After she got the $1 million Nobel Peace Prize in 1991, she "came under the influence of Western democracy." Why didn't Nehru and Bogyoke Aung San get Peace Prizes--because "they opposed the colonialists." In 1973 the Peace Prize was jointly presented to Henry Kissinger and Le Duc Tho, who declined it as "the prize was jointly presented to the oppressor and the oppressed." "Serving her own self-interest is top priority for Ma Suu Kyi and the interests of her sons Michael Aris and her sons Alexander and Kim is second. As Ma Suu Kyi has never placed any goodwill or attachment toward the people of Myanmar, it is small wonder that today she is collaborating with the West to bring destruction to Myanmar Naing-Ngan. Ma Suu Kyi, who is merely a destructionist, is urged to go back the way, she had come."] June 16: Editorial: See the bright side. [What the handful of axe-handles and minions of foreign saboteurs are doing is downright dirty. They must heed public abhorrence and quit their tactics unworthy of being identified with this great Union. They and their cohorts must come to terms with reality and realize the futility of their acts."] June 17: Myanmar does not have to suffer economic distress, political disarray because of internal and external destructionists, by Shwe La Win. ["When we speak of... destructionists, everybody around here knows who we are talking about and what we are talking about.... The patriotic citizenry will never accept the obstruction of stability, peace and progress of the State and will never allow the incitement to riot and attempts to create disturbances in the country to succeed."] June 17: "To kinsmen abroad" (To kinsmen of BBC), by Shwe Gon Win. [Poem: last two stanzas read: "Let me remind you also this, do not try to fabricate bits put on air to destroy your home. "Despite loyalty and respect, in your lords you have, Disgust is what I have for you."] June 18: Ill will is evident when a spanner is thrown into the works, by Kyaw Thura. [Entrepreneurs meeting denouncing Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, who is "spreading lies saying Myanmar is not safe to travel in.... All the rest of us must join those at the rallies in denouncing those at home and abroad who are up to dirty tricks. Down with traitorous minions of neo-colonialists."] June 18: Alerting the household members again, by Shwe Gon Win (with acknowledgement to patriotic poet Aye Myo Kyi). [Poem about household members "born and bred in this house" who are really traitors.] June 19: Editorial: No recurrence of turbulence. ["The people of the nation cannot afford their constructive endeavours of several years worth billions of kyats to be destroyed in a matter of days. Hence, the people of the Union including entrepreneurs must oppose and crush all the destructive elements for the sake of sustained progress in all sectors."] June 20: West told to mind it own business. [Wire service item quoting Malaysian Foreign Minister Abdullah Badawi that it is only ASEAN's business whether Burma is admitted. "It is not a matter for others to decide."] June 20: Prisoner of Nobel Prize, by Maung Thway Thant. [History of Democracy from Athens to today. American capitalism is trying to coerce other nations. Jim Jones in Guyana had fled the CIA, and was "tracked down and killed by American armed units led by the CIA," and investigating congressmen were assassinated. America abuses the terms democracy and human rights. Everyone who gets the Nobel Peace prize becomes a prisoner of the West Bloc: Gorbachev, Desmond Tutu, Aung San Suu Kyi. She should "study the nature of genuine democracy of Myanmar society," and then go back to London." June 22: Of the same stature? Or deserving? by Pe Kan Kaung. [Western media have been comparing "Pe Kan Kaung's gyeedaw" with Nelson Mandela. But while Mandela suffered, and has admitted his errors. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's life compared. "One gyeedaw who has been saying all the time she loves Myanmar so much, has not been a good mother giving birth to true-blooded Myanmars, as evidenced by the two royal sons of mixed blood." Now, "she has been doggedly opposing the State and marring political stability so much so it was despicable." "Is she of the same stature as Nelson Mandela? Does she deserve Nobel Peace Prize? Try answering bravely."] June 23: On a Sunday under azure sky ..., by Byatti. [A band leaders was late to a wedding at the Inya Lake Hotel because he got caught in the traffic jam on University Avenue where people gather to hear Daw Aung San Suu Kyi on Saturday and Sunday. "Using both sides of the road, they are causing a public nuisance. It is not for any cause of democracy. One way or another, they organize from behind the fence a group of inexperienced, unemployed and hilarious persons and their attempt for political gain is pestering the public mentally and physically.... They should confine this gathering to their compound where they can do whatever they like--wearing broad-brimmed bamboo hats or wearing the nether garment like a robe...." All kinds of people are bothered by "the pester of the hilarious gangsters...."] June 25: Who are directing Suu Kyi? by Maung Hmat Khauk. [In 1988 she was directed by Congressman Solarz and by unscrupulous diplomats. She has tried to influence Amnesty International. "Aung San Suu Kyi is also having to follow instructions sent via husband Michael Aris and two sons--instructions from higher masters ...." She met with US Ambassador to the UN Madeleine Albright. "She has also been receiving instructions from diplomats, foreign correspondents, Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) disguises as correspondents for long. It is certain that she is a representative of foreign-dominated elements carrying out the dictates of the mentors from the West with unreasoning dedication."] June 26: Editorial: Brand destructionists common enemy. ["At this juncture, all must draw a clear line between construction and destruction, oppose, denounce and crush destructionists, branding every one of them the common enemy."] June 27: An honouring welcome saying "sadhu", by Maung Pwint Lin. ["The realm of party politics is an admixture of good and bad.... When isms and parties become too diverse, the people often find it difficult to choose. And many times they make wrong choices." Bad party actions and elections "could often lead to use of force and killing," as seen in Myanmar and elsewhere. "Suu Kyi, who is chanting democracy...is in practice striving for NLD one party power rule and Suu Kyi dictatorship .... That the people are disgusted with Suu Kyi and neo-colonialists abroad manipulating her is being demonstrated by the people's desire as expressed by the mass rallies. The Myanmars also know that democracy is being mouthed by neo-colonialists is only to control, bully and dominate Myanmar Naing-Ngan. New July law against "Disturbances and Oppositions" cited; many NLD representative-elect are resigning on various pretexts. "As for those who see light in time and break free from being betrayers of national interests...I guarantee the mass of the people will say 'sadhu' three times and I heartily hail them, welcome them, thank them and honour them.] June 27: Editorial: Don't push the nation back to 1988 disturbances. ["The entire citizens will never allow the destructionists to push the country back to chaotic situation of 1988."] June 28: Daughter unlike grandfather will bring destruction to country, by Maung Wunthanu. [Mrs. Michael Aris contrasted with Poet U Min Yaung, grandfather of Bogyoke Aung San, who was beheaded by the British for resisting colonialism.] June 29: Editorial: Be vigilant against destructionists. ["All must be vigilant against destructionists, internal traitors and self-seekers turning a blind eye to the constructive efforts, speaking ill of the Government and attempting to destabilize the situation."] June 30: Myanmar from the foreign businessman's point of view. [Reprinted from the June 26 issue of the Bangkok Manager's Daily. Interview with Joe Pang of Victoria Garment Manufacturing Co. of Hong Kong, who opened a factory in Myanmar in 1989, and hired 700 people aged 18-25 (200 of the college graduates who had never held a job). Took six months to train them, but soon employment was increased to 1,000. Four of six ex-pats were replace with locals after three years. As for "low labour costs," Joe Pang responded that "We have to go with the system--as a new supplier we have to be competitive.... But I take care of the workers, and they are happy." There is a clinic at each factory, and pay and bonuses are increasing. He complained that some clients, such as Liz Claiborne and Eddie Bauer, had left, regretfully, because of pressure from human rights groups, eroding his customer base by 50%. So he went to Germany, France, and Japan and took orders at cost; now has 3,500 employees. Still, he lost money in 1995, but had a reserve fund from previous profits; expects improvements in future. As to public relations, "What can we do when the newspapers in Thailand won't print letters from our embassy answering the false accusations?" As to Aung San Suu Kyi's appeals against investment, "I totally disagree. I think she's wrong to try to shut the door.... I am not angry at her, and I'm least angry at the Americans. At heart, they are the greatest people, they don't want to see other people suffer. But I'm very angry that people paint such a bad picture and try to turn the world against this country." Myanmar wants to move towards a market economy "and with money coming in they'll be able to do a better job. If just five or 10 big American companies came in, it would be good for everybody." Power construction, which Myanmar badly needs, would be a prime area. But if sanctions are passed (by America) "it will be very difficult for us. US companies are 55 percent of our business.... Our industry all together--all eleven foreign and joint venture companies-- employs about 40,000 people here, but we probably support 250,000 people.... Our people have money to spend, and the whole economy is picking up because they have jobs. And that is something that, I think, is helping Myanmar."] Bangladesh Refugees [No reports of returning refugees during the month.] Special Refresher Courses June 1: SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt addressed the conclusion of Special Refresher Course No. 2 for Officials of Development Affairs Department. Highlighted excerpts, noted by NLM [in addition to more extensive coverage] were: "* Nation-building endeavours of the State Law and Order Restoration Council qualify the touchstone test as they are coupled with right policy, firm conviction and genuine goodwill. * Despite instigation, interference and movement of internal traitors, the Government has achieved development on the political, economic and social paths. * A group of pessimists, stooges of the imperialists, look forward to grabbing power through shortcut. * The Government will clear all impediments, in accordance with the wishes of the people. * Master from outside make Myanmar's internal affairs appear to be concerned with the entire world." * People who do not wish to face the nightmare as in 1988 are holding mass rallies to support national building endeavours and denounce subversion. SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt cited the opinions put forward during the current series of mass rallies: "to oppose internal pessimist traitors relying on outside power, to oppose elements undermining stability, pace and progress in the nation, to oppose nations interfering in the internal affairs, to crush internal and external destructionists as common enemies." He said that the SLORC "will clear all impediments, in accordance with the wishes of the people." (NLM 6/2) June 15: SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt addressed the conclusion of Special Refresher Course No. 21 for Basic Education Teachers, saying that "The Government cannot accept a situation in which the good conditions...are being destroyed by some subversives.... When the Government takes preventive actions, the destructionists have a habit of instigating the youths to break the law so as to put the blame on the Government, he said, calling on the teachers to remind their pupils of the dangers of the destructionists."] National Races May 31: Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Lt-Gen. Maung Thint met with national races leader U Ta Kale [U Takleh] and party. (NLM 6/1) // June 7: He called on SLORC Secretary-2 Lt-Gen. Tin Oo. (NLM 6/8) June 23: SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt and several Cabinet Ministers received national leaders U Za Khun Ting Ring (Kachin State Special Region 1), U Takleh (Shan State), U Sanda (Kayah State Special Region 2), and U Than Soe Naing (Kayah State Special Region 3). (NLM 6/24) NLD Delegates Released May 31 [full text]: "NLD delegates return home. In the time efforts are being made for emergence of a stable, modern and developed nation, it was learnt that the National League for Democracy under the influence of foreign countries planned to organize a mass meeting from 26 to 29 May 1996 to destroy the nation's peace and stability already maintained. Therefore, some delegates who were to attend the meeting were called in for questioning so as to safeguard in good time peace and stability from being disturbed. "Today, authorities have sent the delegates called in for questioning home right to the doors from the guest houses where they were being accommodated." (NLM 6/1) Pyithu Hluttaw Representatives Resign June 7: Multiparty Democracy General Election Commission Announcements Nos. 1261, 1262, 1263, and 1264, of June 7 permit four National League for Democracy Pyithu Hluttaw Representatives-elect to resign, under Section ll(e) of the Pyithu Hluttaw Election Law, as follows: U Yu Gan (Kunyangon) -- "on health grounds." U Hla Saw Oo (PyinOoLwin-1) -- "on health grounds." U Chit Khin (Mabein) -- "as he has already resigned from the posts of NLD as Mabein Township Organizer and party member and, in addition, as he no longer wishes to perform party politics." Dr. Aung Bo (Shwebo-1) -- "as he has already resigned from the post of NLD executive member of Kyaukmyaung Village, Shwebo Township, and in addition, as he no longer wishes to perform party politics." (NLM 6/8) June 9: Multiparty Democracy General Election Commission Announcement No. 1265 of June 9 permits Dr. Sit Tin (Ngaputaw-2) to resign as Pyithu Hluttaw Representative-elect "on health grounds, and in addition, as he no longer wishes to do party politics." (NLM 6/10) June 11: Multiparty Democracy General Election Commission Announcements Nos. 1266, 1267 of June 11 permit two National League for Democracy Pyithu Hluttaw representatives-elect to resign: U Sein Maung (Nahtogyi-2) "as he no longer wishes to perform party duties." U Han Tha Myint (Butalin-1) "as he has already resigned from the National League for Democracy and in addition, he no longer wishes to perform party politics and want to do own personal affairs." (NLM 6/ 12) June 12: Multiparty Democracy General Election Commission Announcement No. 1268 of June 12 permits National League for Democracy Pyithu Hluttaw representative-elect U Tint Lwin (Pyinmana-1) to resign "as he has already resigned from the post of NLD as Secretary of Pyinmana Township." (NLM 6/13) June 13: Multiparty Democracy General Election Commission Announcements Nos. 1269, 1270 of June 13 permit two National League for Democracy Pyithu Hluttaw representatives-elect to resign: U Tint Lwin (Minhla-1) "on health grounds." U Nay Oo (Lanmadaw) "as he no longer wishes to perform party politics." (NLM 6/ 4) June 16: Multiparty Democracy General Election Commission Announcement No. 1271 of June 16 permits National League for Democracy Pyithu Hluttaw representative-elect U Myo Myint (Myittha-2) to resign "as he no longer wishes to do party politics." (NLM 6/17) June 21: Multiparty Democracy General Election Commission Announcement No. 1271 of June 21 permits National League for Democracy Pyithu Hluttaw representative-elect U Aung Khin (Wuntho) to resign "as he has already resigned from the National League for Democracy and in addition, he no longer wishes to perform party politics." (NLM 6/22) June 24: Multiparty Democracy General Election Commission Announcement No. 1273 of June 24 permits National League for Democracy Pyithu Hluttaw representative-elect U Soe Maung (Phyu-2) to resign "on health grounds." (NLM 6/25) Mass Rallies against Subversion May 31: 73,000 people from Myitkyina and Waingmaw Townships rallied May 29 in Myitkyina [Kachin] to support SLORC nation-building and denounce subversives. There were speeches by local officials, unanimously carried motions of support for the State Law and Order Restoration Council, and chanting of slogans "denouncing those instigating disturbances, jeopardizing stability of the State, hindering national progress, traitors willing to rely on outside powers and outside elements interfering in internal affairs." (NLM 6/1) May 31: 48,000 people from Shwebo District [Sagaing] rallied against subversion. (NLM 6/1) June 1: 33,000 people from Hinthada District [Ayeyawady] rallied May 30 against subversion. (NLM 6/2) June 1: 45,000 people from Dawei [Tavoy] District [Taninthayi] rallied against subversion. (NLM 6/2) June 1: 21,000 people from Kalay Township [Sagaing] rallied May 30 against subversion. (NLM 6/2) June 2: 52,000 people from Mawlamyine District [Mon] rallied May 31 against subversion. (NLM 6/3) June 2: 33,500 people from Meiktila District [Mandalay] rallied May 30 against subversion. (NLM 6/3) June 3: 15,000 people from Tachilek Township [Shan] rallied June 2 against subversion. (NLM 6/4) June 3: 35,000 people from Maubin District [Ayeyawady] rallied May 31 against subversion. (NLM 6/3) June 3: 56,000 people from Thaton District [Mon] rallied June 1 against subversion. (NLM 6/4) June 4: 53,500 people from Hp-an District [Kayin] rallied June 2 against subversion. (NLM 6/5) June 4: 61,000 people from Lashio District [Shan] rallied June 1 against subversion. (NLM 6/5) June 4: 46,000 people from Bhamo, Momauk, and Mansi Townships rallied in Bhamo May 31 against subversion. (NLM 6/ 6) June 5: 30,000 people from Taunggyi District [Shan] rallied against subversion. (NLM 6/6) June 5: 40,000 people from Loikaw District [Kayah} rallied June 2 against subversion. (NLM 6/6) June 6: 30,000 people from Sittway [Rakhine] rallied June 3 against subversion. (NLM 6/7) June 6: 22,700 people from Kawthoung District [Taninthayi] rallied June 2 against subversion. (NLM 6/7) June 7: 20,000 people from Kengtung District [Eastern Shan State] rallied June 4 against subversion. (NLM 6/8) June 7: 58,000 peoples from Pathein District [Taninthayi] rallied June 4 against subversion. (NLM 6/8) June 8: 41,900 people from Pakokku District [Mandalay] rallied June 2 against subversion. (NLM 6/9) June 8: 35,000 people from Myeik District [Taninthayi] rallied June 1 against subversion. (NLM 6/9) June 8: 32,000 people from Mohnyin Township [Kachin] rallied May 31 against subversion. (NLM 6/9) June 9: 47,270 people in Kyaukme District [Shan State North] rallied June 3 against subversion. (NLM 6/10) June 10: 37,000 people in Pyay District [Bago] rallied June 3 against subversion. (NLM 6/11) June 11: 35,000 people in Gangaw Township [Magway] rallied June 1 against subversion. (NLM 6/12) June 12: 25,000 people in Shwegu Township [Kachin] rallied June 2 against subversion. (NLM 6/13) June 12: 31,000 people in Pyapon District [Ayeyawady] rallied June 2 against subversion. (NLM 6/13) June 13: 15,000 people from Haka Township [Chin] rallied June 3 against subversion. (NLM 6/14) June 14: 12,500 people from Putao and Machambaw Townships [Kachin] rallied June 3 against subversion. (NLM 6/15) June 15: 10,000 entrepreneurs attended a mass meeting at the National Gymnasium-1 in Thuwunna, Yangon, and "unanimously affirmed the commitment for greater national economic development and denounced any destructionists impeding such development. Present were representatives of Myanmar Women's Entrepreneurial Association, Myanmar Rice Millers Association, Myanmar Fishery Entrepreneurs Association, Myanmar Printers and Publishers Association, Myanmar Timber Merchants Association, Myanmar Rice Wholesalers Association, Myanmar Industrial Producers Association, Myanmar Industrial Entrepreneurs Association, Myanmar Construction Entrepreneurs Association, Myanmar Rice and Edible Oil Millers Association, Myanmar Offshore Trawler Owners Association, Myanmar Beans and Sesamum Merchants Association, and Myanmar Artists and Artisans Asiayone. (NLM 6/16) June 16: 56,000 people from Thayawady, Letpadan, Monyo, Minhla, Okpo, Zigon, Nattalin, and Gyobingauk Townships rallied June 4 in Thayawady against subversion. (NLM 6/17) June 17: 32,000 people from Muse District [Northern Shan State] rallied June 5 against subversion. (NLM 6/18) June 18: 35,000 people from Mogaung Township [Kachin] rallied June 4 against subversion. (NLM 6/19) June 19: 58,000 people from Sagaing District [Sagaing] rallied June 6 against subversion. (NLM 6/20) June 20: 30,000 people from Thandwe, Taungup, and Gwa Townships [Rakine] rallied June 6 in Thandwe against subversion. (NLM 6/21) June 21: 43,000 people from Toungoo District [Bago] rallied June 6 against subversion. (NLM 6/22) June 22: 38,000 people from Myaungmya District [Ayeyawady] rallied June 7 against subversion. (NLM 6/23) June 23: 55,000 people from Thayet District [Magway] rallied June 9 against subversion. (NLM 6/24) June 24: 6,000 entrepreneurs from Upper Myanmar held a mass meeting against subversion at Mandalay City Hall. (NLM 6/25) June 25: 40,000 people from Myingyan District [Mandalay] rallied June 12 against subversion. (NLM 6/26) June 27: 12,420 people from Hkamti Township [Sagaing] rallied against subversion. (NLM 6/28) ""People's Desire" Signs June 9: 38,600 people attended the erection of four People's Desire posters [i.e., bearing "People's Desire" slogans, as printed in each issue of NLM -- see above under SLOGANS] in Yangon Division. (NLM 6/10) June 12: 40,000 people on June 11 attended the unveiling of two People's Desire posters in Pathein [Ayeyawady]. (NLM 6/13) June 14: 11,500 people attended the unveiling of a People's Desire poster in Maubin [Ayeyawady]. (NLM 6/15) June 15: 49,058 people on June 13 attended the unveiling of four People's Desire posters in Myitkyina [Kachin]. (NLM 6/16) June 16: 37,500 people on June 15 attended the unveiling of three People's Desire posters in Mandalay. 75,000 people attended the unveiling of three posters in Bago. 24,000 on June 14 attended the unveiling of two posters in Bhamo. (NLM 6/ June 17: 5,000 people on June 15 attended the unveiling of a People's Desire poster in Kalay [Sagaing]. 14,000 on June 13 attended in Pyapon [Ayeyawady] 8,500 on June 16 attended in Myawady [Kayin]. (NLM 6/18) June 18: 20,000 people on June 17 attended the unveiling of a People's Desire poster in Thayawady [Bago]. 15,400 people attended in Mogaung [Kachin]. 15,000 attended in Toungoo [Bago]. (NLM 6/19) June 19: 20,000 people on June 13 attended the unveiling of a People's Desire poster in Hinthada [Ayeyawady]. 11,500 attended June 12 in Sagaing. 27,900 attended June 17 in Pyay [Bago]. 22,000 on June 14 attended the unveiling of three posters in the Myanmar and Mon languages in Mawlamyine [Mon]. 11,300 attended in Katha Township [Yangon]. (NLM 6/20) June 20: 14,800 people attended unveiling of a People's Desire poster in Mohnyin [Kachin]. (NLM 6/21) June 21: 5,484 people attended unveiling of a People's Desire poster in Phaungpyin [Sagaing]. 10,000 attended in NyaungU [Mandalay]. (NLM 6/22) June 22: 24,000 people attended unveiling of a People's Desire poster in PyinOoLwin [Mandalay]. 22,800 attended four poster raising in Lashio [Shan] on June 17. 11,123 attended June 17 in Shwegu Township [Kachin]. (NLM 6/23) June 23: 6,000 people on June 22 attended unveiling of a People's Desire poster in Kengtung [Shan]. 12,000 attended June 22 in Pa-an [Kayin]. (NLM 6/24) June 27: 25,000 people on June 25 attended a poster unveiling in Sittway [Rakhine]. (NLM 6/28) June 28: 20,000 people on June 23 attended a poster unveiling in Kyaukphyu [Rakhine]. 12,000 attended June 26 in Kawkareik [Kayin]. 7,000 attended June 26 in Taunggyi [Shan]. 9,839 attended June 23 in Ye [Mon]. 15,270 attended June 21 in Kyaukse [Mandalay]. 15,000 attended in Meiktila [Mandalay]. (NLM 6/29) DIPLOMATIC Diplomatic Calls [The following calls were paid on Burmese officials by foreign Embassy or UN officials accredited to Burma. Details of the meetings are rarely reported. Ambassadors generally accompany foreign visitors from their countries on official calls, and their presence is generally not noticed in this Summary. Newly arrived and departing Ambassadors generally make the rounds of Cabinet Ministers and other leading officials.] June 4: UNICEF Resident Representative Steven H. Umemoto called on Minister for Information Maj-Gen. Aye Kyaw. (NLM 6/5) June 21: UNICEF Resident Representative Steven H. Umemoto, who has completed his tour of duty, called on Minister for Health U Saw Tun. (NLM 6/22) June 24: Korean Ambassador Kyung Bo Choi called on Minister for Trade Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi. Israeli Ambassador Mordechay Karni, who has completed his tour of duty, called on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel, and on Deputy Prime Minister Lt-Gen. Tin Tun. (NLM 6/25) June 25: The Israeli Ambassador called on Minister for Communications, Posts & Telegraphs U Soe Tha. Japanese Ambassador Yoichi Yamaguchi called on Minister for Hotels and Tourism Lt-Gen. Kyaw Ba. (NLM 6/26) June 27: Chinese Ambassador Mrs. Chen Baoliu called on Minister for Culture U Aung San. (NLM 6/28) Diplomatic Briefings June 10: Chinese Cultural Counsellor Lin Chaozhong briefed the press on Chinese cultural activities. (NLM 6/11) June 11: Deputy UNICEF Resident Representative Mr. T. Sinnshaw gave a press conference on UNICEF's 1996 Progress of Nations Report. (NLM 6/12) New Myanmar Ambassadors June 14: Ambassador to South Africa U Hla Myint Oo left for Pretoria. (NLM 6/15) New Ambassadors to Myanmar June 20: Ambassador Satchi Shumshere J.B. Rana presented credentials to SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe as new Ambassador of Nepal to Myanmar. (NLM 6/ 21) New Myanmar Embassies Opened June 3: A Myanmar Embassy was opened June 4 [sic] in Brasilia, Brazil, and will have a resident Ambassador. At present, Minister-Counsellor U Tint Deir is serving as Charge d'Affaires a.i. Myanmar and Brazil established diplomatic relations on Sept. 1, 1982, but this is the first Myanmar Embassy in South America. The Brazilian Ambassador in Thailand is concurrently accredited to Myanmar. (NLM 6/4) June 3: A Myanmar Embassy was opened June 4 [sic] in Pretoria, South Africa, and will have a resident Ambassador. At present, Counsellor U Hla Pe Than is serving as Charge d'Affaires a.i. Myanmar and South Africa established diplomatic relations on Apr. 20, 1995, and this will be the first Myanmar Embassy in southern Africa. (NLM 6/4) Military Attaches on Tour June 7: Military Attaches in Myanmar, headed by Dean of Military Attaches Sr. Col. Wu Huachang of China, escorted by the Head of Department under the Office of Strategic Studies, visited Kengtung and Tachilek on June 5-6, where they were briefed and taken to sites relating to anti-drug activities and local development. (NLM 6/8) INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION Joint Workshops & Seminars June 7: A Workshop on AFTA and APEC: Planning Issues for Myanmar's Eventual Membership, cosponsored by the Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development and Hans Seidel Foundation was held at the Medical Research Department, and was addressed by Minister Abel and a representative of Hans Seidel Foundation. 58 people attended. Dr. Ahmed M. Khalid of Singapore National University read a paper on Myanmar's Membership to AFTA & APEC: Issues Involved in Economic Diplomacy; Dr. Habibullah K. Han spoke on Economic Planning and Industrial Policies in the APEC Region: Lessons for Myanmar; Dr. Zhang Zhaoyong spoke on AFTA & APEC: Policy Implications for Myanmar Economy; and Dr. Jose Lelis Tongzon spoke on ASEAN Free Trade Agreement and its Implications for Myanmar. (NLM 6/8) June 17: Mr. Koya Haruhara, an expert on export promotion from ESCAP, lectured at a Seminar on BOO and BOT Related Investments. (NLM 6/18) June 18: The SGS Myanmar Seminar on Governmental Services Provided by a Third Party, co-sponsored by the Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development and SGS Group, represented by Area Chief Executive Mr. B.A. Segerblom. Also attending was General Manager U Kyaw Tin of SGS (Myanmar) Ltd. Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel spoke. (NLM 6/19) June 19: A Leadership Course for Myanmar Women, co-sponsored by Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association (MMCWA), UNICEF, and the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) opened, and was addressed by MMCWA President Daw Kyu Kyu Swe, WAGGGS Chairperson Ms. Amelita Dayrit Go, and UNICEF Representative Mr. Philip Wan. (NLM 6/20) // June 20: A Workshop on Team Building cosponsored by MMCWA and WAGGGS opened. (NLM 6/21) June 20: A Seminar on Investment Promotion for SMEs, led by Mr. Koya Haruhara of ESCAP, opened; 50 officials are attending. (NLM 6/21) June 23: A 3-day Seminar on Risk Management and Marine Claims, co-sponsored by Myanmar Insurance and Tokio Marine and Fire Insurance Co. Ltd. opened, with 55 participants. (NLM 6/25) June 24: An Oracle Technical Seminar, co-sponsored by the Central Statistical Organization, Oracle Computer Software Corporation, and Myanmar Computer Company, opened with an address by Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel. Managing Director Mr. Mark C. Israelson of Oracle Corporation (Thailand) explained the software programs. (NLM 6/25) Social and Economic Cooperation May 31: Special Envoy Ryotaro Sugi of UNESCO, represented by Mr. Ichiro Egi, donated K 1 million and livestock to the Training School for Orphan Girls. He also gave an ambulance worth 3 million to the Myanmar Medical Association. (NLM 6/1) June 4: The World Health Organization presented dental equipment worth K 2.1 million to the Institute of Dental Medicine. (NLM 6/5) June 6: The 13th session of the Centre for Integrated Rural Development in Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP) Technical Committee Meeting opened, attended by SLORC Secretary-2 Lt-Gen. Tin Oo, and was addressed by Minister for Agriculture Lt-Gen. Myint Aung. Representatives are present from Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Iran, and Afghanistan. CIRDAP was founded in 1979 with headquarters in Dhaka; Myanmar became its 12th member in 1995. Other speakers included CIRDAP Director Dr. Somporn Hanpongpandh, Dr. Rajendra Lal Singh Suwal of Nepal, and Rector Dr. Khaw Than of the Institute of Agriculture at Yezin. Deputy Minister for Agriculture U Tin Hlaing was elected Chairman. (NLM 6/7) // June 8: Dr. Somporn Hanpongpandh hosted a dinner. The participants visited the Shwedagon Pagoda, Defence Services Museum, and Myanma Gems Museum, and shopped at the Bogyoke Aung San Market. In the Afternoon they visited the Myapadetha Agricultural Museum. (NLM 6/9) Donations from Abroad [We report here donations apparently from foreign sources, except for those incidental to visits reported elsewhere. We do not normally report the numerous articles on Burmese donations to government, religious, and social organizations and charities.] June 3: Managing Director Mr. Reginald C.L. Van of Kelly International Corp. Ltd. donated $8,000 May 31 for renovation of Bagan pagodas. (NLM 6/4) June 17: Managing Director Mr. Tae Chul Shin of Myanmar Daewoo Ltd. and Managing Director Mr. Chaung Hun Kim of Myanmar Daewoo Electronics Co. Ltd. donated 250 track suits worth K 250,000 to the Sports and Physical Education Department. (NLM 6/ 18) June 21: Mrs. Svetlana Nazarova, wife of the Russian Ambassador, donated K 40,000 to the South Okkalapa Women and Children's Hospital. (NLM 6/22) FOREIGN VISITORS [Although we rarely note the fact, foreign visitors calling on Myanmar officials are often accompanied by their Ambassadors. -- HCMacD.] Business Visitors [May include Governmental delegations with predominantly commercial aims. Delegations are often accompanied on their calls by their country's Ambassador or other diplomatic personnel in Yangon.] May 31: President Mr. Tomiichi Akiyama of Sumitomo Corp. and party called on Chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin, on SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt, and on Minister for Industry 1 Lt-Gen. Sein Aung. (NLM 6/1) May 31: Managing Director Mr. T Shin of Myanmar Daewoo Ltd. made a presentation on Daewoo heavy equipment. (NLM 6/1) June 1: President Mr. Halpin Ho of Ho Group, Thailand, and other economic entrepreneurs called on Minister for Trade Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi. (NLM 6/2) June 3: Adviser Mr. Lee Sang Yul of Taehan Textiles Group of Korea called on Chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin. (NLM 6/4) June 3: President Mr. Eizo Takeyama of Toyota Tsusho Corporation called on Chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin. (NLM 6/4) June 3: Project Manager Mr. Michael Rowley of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group and party called on Minister for Hotels and Tourism Lt-Gen. Kyaw Ba, to discuss construction of the 100-room Mandarin Oriental Bagan Hotel. (NLM 6/4) June 4: Executive Vice-President Mr. Chung-il Chung of Hyundai Corp. of Korea and a delegation of Government Officials and Businessmen called on Chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin. (NLM 6/5) June 6: Chairman Mr. Sadakane Doi and party of Daiwa Securities Col. Ltd. called on Chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin, and on SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt. (NLM 6/7) June 7: Retiring President Dr. William P. Doyle and new President Mr. Robert A. Solberg of Texaco Oil Company (Middle East/Far East) of the United States and party called on SLORC Vice-Chairman Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Gen. Maung Aye, and on Minister for Energy U Khin Maung Thein. (NLM 6/8) June 9: Asia Marketing Manager Mr. Philip S.H. Yeo of Demeyere Belgium Co. Ltd. demonstrated its steel kitchen utensils. (NLM 6/10) June 11: Managing Director General M. Michel Roussin and party of SAE International of France called on Minister for Hotels and Tourism Lt-Gen. Kyaw Ba, and on Chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin. (NLM 6/ 12) June 11: Chairman Mr. Owen Kelly of Mandalay Mining Co. NL of Australia called on mines, to discuss investment in the Nammatu Mine of No. 1 Mining Enterprise. (NLM 6/12) // June 12: He called on Chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin. (NLM 6/13) June 11: Managing Director Mr. Ekachai of Satien Stainless Steel Co. Ltd. of Thailand gave a demonstration of Zebra Brand household stainless steel products, while appointing Peninsula Enterprise Ltd. (Myanmar) as sole distributor in Myanmar. "Bogus products of Zebra brand are seen in the markets." (NLM 6/12) June 11: Chairman Premchai Karnasuta of Italian-Thai Development Public Co. Ltd., and Chairman Dr. Adisac Bodharamik of Jasmine International Group called on Chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin. (NLM 6/12) June 12: A Russian Economic Mission led by Mr. Prikhodko of Rosvoorouzhenre Co. called on Minister for Industry-2 Maj-Gen. Kyaw Than. (NLM 6/13) June 12: Chairman Mr. Li Shuming and party of Carrie Enterprises Ltd. of China called on Chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin. (NLM 6/13) June 13: Managing Director Mr. Rolf-Eberhard van Buren of J.V. Control Ltd. of Thailand called on Chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin. (NLM 6/ 14) June 14: Chairman Mr. Chali Sophonpanich of Ticon Hotel Holding Co. and party called on Chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin. (NLM 6/15) June 17: Managing Director Mr. Low Peng Kit of Mount Sinai Medical Laboratories Pte. Ltd. of Singapore, and a 14-member delegation of the Trade Development Bank, called on Minister at the Deputy Prime Minister's Office Secretary of the Myanma Investment Committee Brig-Gen. Maung Maung. (NLM 6/18) // June 18: They met with officials of the Ministry of Cooperatives. (NLM 6/19) June 17: Dato Seri Syed Nahar Shahabuddin and party of Malaysia Asiavest Consolidated Sdn Bhd called on Minister for Trade Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi. (NLM 6/18) June 17: President Mr. B.A. Segerblom and party of Societe Generale de Surveillance Group called on Minister for Trade Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi, and on Minister at the Deputy Prime Minister's Office Secretary of the Myanma Investment Committee Brig-Gen. Maung Maung. (NLM 6/18) June 17: President Mr. P.K. Dutt and party of the Bengal Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BCCI) called on Minister at the Deputy Prime Minister's Office Secretary of the Myanma Investment Committee Brig-Gen. Maung Maung, and on Minister for Industry 1 Lt-Gen. Sein Aung. (NLM 6/18) // Jan. 18: He called on Minister for Trade Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi. (NLM 6/19) June 17: Managing Director Mr. Dato Danny Tan of Berjaya Group Berhad, accompanied by Malaysian Military Attache Lt-Col. H.J. Shahrir Bin Hashim, called Minister at the Deputy Prime Minister's Office Secretary of the Myanma Investment Committee Brig-Gen. Maung Maung. (NLM 6/18) June 19: Director Mr. Takami Kagawa of Itochu Machinery Corp. of Japan called on Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win. (NLM 6/20) June 19: Managing Director Mr. Raj Kumar of Khetan Co. Ltd. called on Minister for Trade Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi; donated K 500,000 to the Myanmar Karuna Federation. (NLM 6/20) June 20: Dr. B.K. Sinha of the Consortium Group of Canada called on Minister at the Deputy Prime Minister's Office Secretary of the Myanma Investment Committee Brig-Gen. Maung Maung. (NLM 6/21) June 20: Managing Director Mr. K. Sotomatsu of Ricoh Co. Ltd. of Japan called on Minister for Cooperatives U Than Aung to discuss appointment of Tasco Trading and Services Cooperative Society as sold distributor. (NLM 6/21) June 20: President Mr. Robert J. Thomas of American International Group (AIG) South-East Asia Division called on Chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin. (NLM 6/21) June 21: Mr. Dan Jester of United Communication International Myanmar Co. Inc. explained the Galaxy Inmarsat C/GPS System "for safety of trawlers at high seas and satellite communication systems." (NLM 6/22) June 21: President Mr. B.K. Sinha of Al Baraka Investment Ltd. called on Chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin. (NLM 6/22) June 21: Vice-President Mr. Takahiko Yasuda and party of Dai Nippon Construction Corp. called on Chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin. (NLM 6/22) June 25: Managing Director M. Gerald Auriault and party of Guyomarch Nutrition Animale of France called on Minister for Trade Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi to discuss animal feed and medicines. (NLM 6/26) June 25: Mr. Anek Boonnoon and party of CP Group of Companies, Thailand, called on Minister for Trade Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi to discuss poultry breeding. (NLM 6/26) June 27: President and CEO Mr. Eul Young Lee and party of Shin Ho Paper Co. Ltd. of Bangkok called on Minister for Trade Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi. (NLM 6/28) June 27: Radionavigation Manager Mr. Pierre Barrere of Topnav-CGG Radiopositioning Division of Singapore called on Minister for Trade Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi to discuss navigation equipment in trawlers and taxis. (NLM 6/28) June 27: Commercial Director Mr. Stephen I. Fifer of Caterpillar (Asia), joined by Country Manager of Myanmar Tractors and Trading Co. Ltd., gave a press conference on Caterpillar equipment and service facilities. (NLM 6/28) June 27: Regional Director Mr. B.D. Ko of Lucky GoldStar Group called on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel to discuss gas-powered turbines. (NLM 6/28) June 27: Myanmar KT Trading Co. Ltd., a joint venture between Win Family Industry and Trading Co. of Myanmar and KT Technology Sdn Bhd of Malaysia, demonstrated Banking Software and Computer Hardware. Present were directors U Win Myint, Daw Khin Than Hla, and Mr. Lee Hoke Chai. (NLM 6/28) June 28: Chairman Mr. Albert H.K. Hong and party of Sinmardev International Pte. Ltd. called on SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt. (NLM 6/29) [see also under Agreements] Religious Visitors June 27: Thirteen Thai monks and four lay persons led by Rector Sayadaw Amara Medhacarya of Chulalongkorn University left for home after studying Pariyatti in Myanmar. (NLM 6/28) Media Visitors May 31: Department Head Mr. Shunsuke Moriyama and party of Fuji TV Network, based in Bangkok, called on Minister for Hotels and Tourism Lt-Gen. Kyaw Ba. (NLM 6/1) June 24: Correspondents Mr. Yoshiharu Fujiwara and Mr. Ikuo Anai of Yomiuri Shimbun called on National Convention Convening Commission Chairman of the National Convention Convening Work Committee U Aung Toe and members. (NLM 6/25) // June 26: They were received by Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel. (NLM 6/27) Laotian Delegations June 1: The Laotian Armed Forces Cultural Troupe led by Col. Sayhone called on Director Brig-Gen. Aung Thein of Public Relations and Psychological Warfare, and in the evening entertained the public at the National Theatre. (NLM 6/2) // June 3: The Troupe was received by Central Command Commander Brig-Gen. Ye Myint in Mandalay. (NLM 6/4) // June 4: Brig-Gen. Aung Thein hosted a dinner for the troupe in Yangon. (NLM 6/5) // June 5: The troupe departed for home. (NLM 6/6) Chinese Provincial Delegations June 1: Deputy Mayor of Kunming Ms. Lin Shuang Shuang called on Yangon Mayor U Ko Lay. (NLM 6/2) June 6: Yunnan Province Adviser Mr. Gao Yan and party called on SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe. (NLM 6/7) // June 9: At the invitation of Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw, he toured Bagan-NyaungU and Mandalay on June 7-9, returning to Yangon. He then visited the Yangon-Thanlyin Bridge, and the Myanma Gems Museum. (NLM 6/10) // June 10: He called on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel, before departing for home. (NLM 6/11) Afghan Minister June 10: Afghan Minister of Rural Resettlement and Development Mr. S.M.E. Gouhary (in Yangon for the CIRDAP meeting) called on Minister for Agriculture Lt-Gen. Myint Aung. (NLM 6/11) Chinese Public Affairs Minister June 12: Chinese Minister of Public Affairs Mr. Doje Cering arrived at the invitation of Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen. Soe Myint, on whom he called in the afternoon. (NLM 6/13) // June 16: From June 14-16 he visited Bagan and Mandalay; on his return to Yangon he visited the Myanma Gems Museum and Mart, and Bogyoke Aung San Market. (NLM 6/17) // June 17: He called on SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt, prior to leaving for home. (NLM 6/18) Thai Industry Minister June 17: A 35-member industrial delegation headed by Thai Minister of Industry Mr. Chaiwat Sinsuwong arrived for a three-day visit. It includes department heads of the Petroleum Authority of Thailand (PTT) and PTT Exploration and Production Public Co. Ltd. The delegation was met by Minister for Energy U Khin Maung Thein, and called on SLORC Vice-Chairman Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Gen. Maung Aye. (NLM 6/ 18) // June 18: Accompanied by Minister for Energy U Khin Maung Thein, the delegation "inspected base camp of Yadana Natural Gas Project and axis to lay a gas pipe through Dawei region (Kanbauk, Kaleinaung, and Nateingdaing), Taninthayi Division...." The delegation then returned to Yangon. (NLM 6/19) Indian Defence College June 24: A 22-member study group of trainees led by Rear-Adm. S.S. Byce of the Indian National Defence College arrived, and visited the National Defence College. He called on Chief of Armed Forces Training Maj-Gen. Saw Lwin. (NLM 6/25) // June 28: The trainees departed. (NLM 6/29) Thai Cultural Delegation June 27: A cultural delegation led by Director-General Mr. Surapong Jayanama of the Thai Foreign Ministry Information Department arrived, and called on Vice-President of Myanmar National Olympic Committee Vice-Adjutant-General Brig-Gen. Than Tun to discuss sports. (NLM 6/28) // June 28: The delegation departed. (NLM 6/29) MYANMAR DELEGATIONS Study Delegations June 1: Principal U Maung Maung Khaing of the University of Culture left for two weeks in Japan, sponsored by the Japan Foundation, to study cultural affairs. (NLM 6/2) June 10: Editor U Myint Aung Tun of Myanma New Agency (External) left June 9 for Korea for a week-long study tour of economic development. (NLM 6/11) June 29: Staff Officer Daw Tin Tin Yi of the Civil Service Selection and Training Board left for Malaysia to attend a six-week Course on Human Resource Management. (NLM 6/30). Delegations to Meetings June 1: A delegation led by Director-General U Tun Shwe of the Labour Department left for Geneva to attend the 83rd Conference of the International Labour Organization on June 4-20. He was accompanied by Chairman U Khin Maung Yi of the Myanmar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, General Manager U Aye Mu of Myanma Railways, and Director U Htin Aung of the Labour Department. (NLM 6/2) // June 10: Minister for Labour Maj-Gen. Saw Lwin left for Geneva to attend the session; he was accompanied by his PSO Capt. Aung Naing. Also advising the delegation, from the Myanmar UN Mission in Geneva, are Minister-Counsellor U Denzil Abel, Counsul [sic] U Lin Myaing, Second Secretaries U Tun On, U Kyaw Tin, and U Aung Ba Kyu, and Third Secretary Daw L. Nang Ti San. (NLM 6/11) // June 13: The Minister addressed the International Labour Conference [full text in NLM]. (NLM 6/14) // June 20: The Minister returned. (NLM 6/21) // June 25: The rest of the delegation returned. (NLM 6/26) June 13: Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw left for Laos to attend the June 14-15 Second Meeting of the Myanmar-Lao Joint Commission for Boundary Cooperation in Vientiane. He was accompanied by his PSO U Zaw Myint Oo. On June 12, Director-General U Khin Maung Win of the Political Department, Principal Dr. Soe Win of the Institute of Foreign Languages, Director Lt-Col Thet Shay of the Ministry of Trade, and Deputy Director U Aung than of the Ministry of Forestry left in advance to attend the Senior Officials Meeting of the Joint Commission. After the meeting, the Foreign Minister will go to Malaysia to attend the Ministerial Meeting of ASEAN Mekong Riparian States Cooperation in Kuala Lumpur from June 17-18. (NLM 6/14) June 18: A delegation led by South-East Commander Maj-Gen. Ket Sein left for Thailand to attend the 13th Meeting of the Myanmar-Thailand Joint Boundary Commission. He was accompanied by Eastern Commander Maj-Gen. Tin Htut. (NLM 6/19) // June 22: The delegation returned. (NLM 6/ 23) June 20: A 3-member delegation led by Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win left for Jakarta to attend the June 22-25 Indonesian Air Show. Other members are Director-General U Tin Aye of the Department of Civil Aviation, Managing Director Lt-Col. Aung Nyunt of Myanma Airlines, and PSO Maj. Maung Maung Htwe. (NLM 6/21) // Jan. 28: The delegation returned. (NLM 6/29) // June 29: On June 22, the Minster made a courtesy call on Indonesian President Dr. Soeharto, and also met with Minister of Transport Dr. Haryanto and Minister of Technology and Research Dr. Jusuf Habibie. He also met his "visiting counterpart" Mr. Akbar Corkan of Iran on June 25. He met 12 Myanmar trainees at the Civil Aviation Academy Curug Tangerang in Jakarta, and studied the Sukarno-Hatta International Airport extension, and port extension works. (NLM 6/30) Religious Delegations June 3: Managing Director U Khin Maung Oo of Myanma Department Stores left June 2 for India and Nepal for discussion "on the requirements for Buddha Gaya tours to be conducted by the Ministry of Trade." (NLM 6/4) Business Delegations June 10: Officials of Myanma Agricultural Products Trading left for Bangkok to inspect rice mill equipment imported from Rice Engineering Supply Co. Ltd. of Thailand, intended for a 250-ton capacity mill in Letpadan Township. They were General Manager U Tun Yi, Division Engineers U Myint Than and U Ohn Kyaing, Technicians U Than Tun and U Than Win, and Deputy Project Director U Myint Win. (NLM 6/11) June 26: A four-member delegation from the Yangon City Development Committee headed by Head of Environment and Sanitation Department U Zaw Win left for Kunming to inspect vehicles ordered by YCDC. (NLM 6/27) Delegations Return [Return to Yangon of delegations which had left in previous months, or whose departure had not been noticed in NLD] May 31: The delegation led by Minister for Health Vice-Adm. Than Nyunt returned from the May 20-25 session of the World Health Organization in Geneva; on their way to Geneva the delegation visited Bhutan from May 12-16. (NLM 6/1) June 8: The delegation led by Deputy Minister for Education Dr. Than Nyunt returned from the June 3-7 Policy Workshop on Capacity Building in Educational Planning and Management, held in Bangkok. He was accompanied by Director U Saw Lwin of the Higher Education Department, Prof. Dr. Thet Lwin of the Institute of Economics, and Deputy Director (Planning) U Tun Hla of the Basic Education Department. (NLM 6/9) June 8: The delegation headed by Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel attended the Forum on Investment Opportunities in Private Sector sponsored by ADB and KFW of Germany in Frankfurt on May 31 under the Mekong river region economic cooperation programme. 350 German businessmen attended. Speeches were made by the Mekong region participants, including Brig-Gen. Abel. The Brussels forum on June 4 was attended by 200 Belgian businessmen. (NLM 6/9) June 11: The delegation led by Minister for Forestry Lt-Gen. Chit Swe on a Goodwill Visit to China and the Philippines returned. In Beijing on May 30 it called on Chinese Forestry Minister Mr. Xu Youfang, and visited the Beijing University of Forestry. On May 31 it visited the Great Wall, called on Chinese Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Jiang Chunyun. In Shanghai on June 1, it studied a private firm using Myanmar 'Padauk,' and tourist sights. After visiting a factory making machine parts for wood-based industry, it flew to Shenzhen. On June 3 it visited the Xian Hu Botanical Gardens and other sights in Shenzhen. It went on to Hong Kong June 4; continuing to Manila on June 5. It called on Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources Mr. Victor O. Ramos and paid a courtesy call on Philippines President Mr. Fidel V. Ramos. It then flew to Cebu to visit a match factory, and rattan and wood furniture factories. Senator Ponce Enrile hosted a dinner. The delegation called on the President and Vice-President of the Asian Development Bank, and visited Puerto Princesa beach resort on Palawun Island, for a program of ecotourism. They also visited El Nido and Pangulacian. On June 9 the delegation returned to Manila, and left for Singapore; returning to Yangon June 11. (NLM 6/12) June 12: The delegation to China led by Managing Director U Than Maung of Printing and Publishing Enterprise returned. (NLM 6/13) GOVERNMENT Anti-Subversion Law June 7: State Law and Order Restoration Council Law No. 5/96 of June 7, The Law Protecting the Peaceful and Systematic Transfer of State Responsibility and the Successful Performance of the Functions of the National Convention against Disturbances and Oppositions [full text]: The Tatmadaw has protected the interests of the State and the people whenever disturbances which undermine national unity in the State and Sovereignty of the State occur. Likewise from the time it took over the responsibility of the State after making a timely prevention of the dangers which could cause the destruction of the State, the State Law and Order Restoration Council (Tatmadaw) has established stability of the State, community peace and tranquillity, prevalence of law and order and national reconsolidation. It has also laid down the foundations with a view to the development of a genuine multi-party democracy system and the peaceful and systematic transfer of the responsibility of the State. The State Law and Order Restoration Council together with the people is striving its utmost to build a peaceful and modern developed State, after laying down the political objectives, economic objectives and social objectives. At the same time, in order to draft a firm and enduring Constitution, the State Law and Order Restoration Council formed the National Convention Convening Commission and assigned responsibility to lay down the fundamental principles and the detailed principles to be based upon and is successfully convening the National Convention with an extensive participation of representatives from the entire State. However, it is found that people who are against the development and progress of the State with reliance on external elements are conducting acts which undermine the stability of the State, community peace and tranquillity, prevalence of law and order and national reconsolidation. Furthermore, it is also found that disturbance of the functions of the National Convention and acts such as incitement, delivering speeches, making oral and written statements and disseminating in various ways to belittle the National Convention and to make the people misunderstand are being conducted. Such acts amount to obstruction, disturbance and oppression to the development of a genuine multi-party democracy system and the peaceful and systematic transfer of the responsibility of the State. Consequently, as it has become necessary to prevent the obstruction, disturbance and opposition to the peaceful and systematic transfer of responsibility of the State, successful performance of the functions of the National Convention, building of a peaceful and modern development State, the State Law and Order Restoration Council hereby enacts the following Law:-- Chapter I Title and Definition 1. This Law shall be called The Law Protecting the Peaceful and Systematic Transfer of State Responsibility and the Successful Performance of the Functions of the National Convention against Disturbances and Oppositions. 2. The following expressions contained in this Law shall have the meanings given hereunder:-- (a) "National Convention" means the National Convention being convened by the National Convention Convening Commission formed by the State Law and Order Restoration Council under Order No. 13/92 Dated 2 October, 1992; (b) "Functions of the National Convention" means the functions being carried out by the National Convention. (c) "Organization" means an organization and its subordinate organizations formed with the participation of a large number of persons. This expression also includes a political party registered in accordance with the Political Parties Registration Law. Chapter II Prohibitions 3. No one and no organization shall violate either directly or indirectly any of the following prohibitions:-- (a) inciting, demonstrating, delivering speeches, making oral or written statements and disseminating in order to undermine the stability of the State, community peace and tranquillity and prevalence of law and order; (b) inciting, delivering speeches, making oral or written statements and disseminating in order to undermine national reconsolidation; (c) disturbing, destroying, obstructing, inciting, delivering speeches, making oral or written statements and disseminating in order to undermine, belittle and make people misunderstand the functions being carried out by the National Convention for the emergence of a firm and enduring Constitution; (d) carrying out the functions of the National Convention or drafting and disseminating the Constitution of the State without lawful authorization; (e) attempting or abetting the violation of any of the prohibitions. Chapter III Penalties 4. Whoever violates any prohibition contained in section 3 shall, on conviction be punished with imprisonment for a term of a minimum of (5) years to a maximum of (20) years and may also be liable to fine. 5. If any organization or any person on the arrangement or abetment of any organization violates any prohibition contained in section 3, such organization may be-- (a) suspended for a period to be specified; (b) abolished; or (c) declared as an unlawful association under the Unlawful Associations' Law. 6. All funds and property of an organization against which action is taken under section 5 may also be confiscated. Chapter IV Miscellaneous 7. In prosecuting under section 3 of this Law prior sanction of the Government shall be obtained. 8. Action taken under sections 5 and 6 of this Law shall be carried out by the Ministry of Home Affairs with the consent of the Government shall be obtained. 8. Action taken under sections 5 and 6 of this Law shall be carried out by the Ministry of Home Affairs with the consent of the Government. 9. Such orders and directives as may be required under this Law shall be issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs with the approval of the Government. (Sd.) Than Shwe Senior General Chairman The State Law and Order Restoration Council (NLM 6/8) Insurance Business Law June 24: State Law and Order Restoration Council Law No. 6/96 of June 24, the Insurance Business Law [full text in NLM] establishes an Insurance Business Supervisory Board under the Ministry of Finance and Revenue, with the function of approving licences applications by insurers, insurance agents, and insurance brokers; establishing paid-up capital requirements, establishing criteria for evaluating assets and liabilities, establishing investment limits, setting fees, etc., allowing insurance not accepted in Myanmar to be effected abroad, establishing a contingency fund for life assurance policyholders, etc. The rules will apply to: Life Assurance; Fire Insurance; Comprehensive Motor Insurance; Cash-in-transit Insurance; Cash-in-safe Insurance; Fidelity Insurance; etc. (NLM 6/25) Message on Narcotics June 26: Chairman of the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control Minister for Home Affairs Lt-Gen. Mya Thin issued the following Message on the occasion of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking [full text}: Today is the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. It is nine years since Myanmar began its active participation and movement at the central, state and division, district and township levels in observing the day every year. The motto adopted by the United Nations this year is "The Economic and Social Impact of Drug Abuse and Control". It is subtle and profound to deal with drug abuse, a socio-economic problem, which necessitates participation from all fronts and multilateral drive to raise the momentum of combat. Of 1,134 drug addicts, registered for treatment as of 1995 in Myanmar, 995 (87.4 per cent) were students and young adults, aged 16 to 40, including highly intelligent ones. It was found in the same year for drug abuse and illicit trafficking, 4,733 (83.16 per cent) were at middle ages, between 16 and 40, the most productive stage in labour. Hence, it is essentially important for the addiction, an ill habit, not to spread to students, future of the nation. Looming large behind the addiction are socio-economic problems such as deterioration of ability, moral turpitude, terrorism, crimes etc. threatening not only the addict's family but also the entire mankind including community and the environment. Worse than these ill consequences is the spread of AIDS among intravenous drug users, which has become the greatest of concerns for the remaining persons. In Myanmar, four social objectives have been laid down and in accordance with one of them "uplift of health, fitness and education standards of the entire nation", morale and morality of the students are being heightened by holding the National Sports Festivals and Student Sports Festivals. Despite effective, severe punishments meted out to deter peddlers of illicit drugs, large profits from this illicit trade is pushing them to risks. Hence, a body on confiscation of money and property related to drug offences has been formed and movable and immovable property in addition to cash are scrutinized and confiscated under judgements passed by the courts concerned in accordance with the 1993 Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law. The value of drug-related property confiscated since 1993, when the law was promulgated, has amounted to K 30.598 million and the value of property pending court hearings is K 15.659 million. While impetus has been given to law enforcement sector for effective control, balanced endeavours have been made in supply reduction and demand reduction. Realizing and accepting the genuine goodwill of the Government, 15 internal insurgent groups, who had existed along side the history of narcotic drugs in Myanmar, have returned to the legal fold and are now participating in the services for development of their regions joining hands with the Government. In the same way, the MTA group led by U Khun Sa has unconditionally surrendered their arms to the Tatmadaw, realizing the goodwill of the Government and the scourge of narcotic drugs. All nations which see objectively that such positive measures taken by the Government have borne vivid fruits for the entire mankind will welcome the endeavours. All will witness endeavours of the leaders of local national races who are striving to reduce cultivation of opium poppy within targeted years all along the border areas including Kachin, Kokang and Wa regions and eastern Shan State by designating "poppy free zones". The Government spent K 3,895.15 million and US$ 300 on the development services, under multilateral development programmes, and augmentation of substitute incomes in these areas from 1989 to the end of May this year. It is hereby put on record that Myanmar is much grateful to the United Nations International Drug Control Programme (UNDCP) and the Japanese Government for their assistance in these programmes. In demand reduction, new methods of public-based treatment and rehabilitation have been adopted and it is found that people have actively come to participate. There are still projects for further undertaking. I would like to intimate those who, ignoring Myanmar's endeavours in constant pessimism, say that they do not recognize Myanmar endeavours. Whichever nations or people may or may not recognize our nation's anti-drug activities, sustained efforts will be made with our own strength as a national duty with a humanitarian outlook to combat "Narcotic drug--menace to mankind". Hence, I hereby send this message wishing cooperation of every national of Myanmar in preventing and combating the threat of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. ### Minister for Home Affairs Lt-Gen. Mya Thin also spoke at the Institute of Nursing, outlining Government policies on narcotics. He said there are two strategies, and three tasks (supply reduction, demand reduction, law enforcement). In treatment, Myanmar has moved from conventional to community-based treatment in Myitkyina, Muse, and Mongyang Townships. It is working with China, Laos, Thailand, India, and Bangladesh. Anti-narcotics Day was celebrated all around the country. (NLM 6/26) MILITARY Enemy Attacks June 9: A Kayin insurgent mine exploded June 5 on the road between Khwethay and Mahtaw in Papun Township [Kayin], killing one worker and wounding five. [photos] (NLM 6/10) June 11: A KNU mine wounded a villager near Methaung Village on June 3. (NLM 6/1 2) June 17: A KNU mine wounded a villager in Phayataung on June 11, near Shwegyin. (NLM 6/18) June 19: Ten Kayin terrorists fired on a pickup truck and motorcycle June 12 near Alebode, between Kawkareik and Myawady, killing two women and wounding two other people. They also stole K 10,000. (NLM 6/20) Surrenders by Armed Group Members June 13: From May 1-18, 20 members of the Kayin and ABSDF armed groups returned to the legal fold [names and details]. (NLM 6/14) June 13: Thet Lin, member of the Burmese Association in Japan and the financial charge of Burmese Youth Volunteers Association returned to the legal fold June 10 at the Myanmar Embassy in Tokyo; he had left Myanmar in 1989. "Thet Lin began to understand that BAIJ and BYVA are just evil groups tarnishing the image of the race and the nation...." He dropped out of the organizations in 1993; has begged forgiveness and returned home. (NLM 6/14) June 23: 15 members of the National Unity Party of Arakan (NUPA) returned to the legal fold June 16 in Paletwa Township [names and details]. (NLM 6/24) June 24: Three members of the ABSDF returned to the legal fold May 28 in Myeik [names and details]. (NLM 6/25) June 29: From May 19-31, 13 members of various armed groups returned to the legal fold [names and details], bringing the month's total to 33. (NLM 6/30) ECONOMIC Economic Articles June 24-26: Braving the rain, the wind and the sun, by Chan Mya Aung. [(1)-(3) Visit to areas where the Tatmadaw is building railroads.] Trade Fairs and Exhibitions June 7: Between June 2-10, 1996 [sic] 500,000 people visited the Myanma Industrial Exhibition 96, and machinery sales were over K 30 million and US$ 2.5 million, greater than expected. (NLM 6/8) June 11: The 3rd Myanmar Building Materials, Construction Machinery & Hardware Exposition '96 opened at Tatmadaw Hall, and was addressed by SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt. Organizers are Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development, Ministry of Hotels and Tourism, Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings Ltd., and Applied Investments (Asia) Pte. Ltd. of Singapore, the latter represented by Managing Director Mr. Koh Kim Seng. 67 companies and 1091 branches from 18 countries are exhibiting. The Exposition will last until June 14. (NLM 6/12) June 14: UE Grand Fair 1996 opened at the Strand Hotel, with displays of office equipment and computers organized by Office Automation Division and UE Computer Division of by UE Myanmar Pte. Ltd., represented by Executive Director Mr. Stephen Huem Yin Mun. Also present were Divisional Manager Mr. Eric Tan of Gestetner Pte. Co. Ltd., Vice-President Mr. Hideaki Takayama of Epson Electronics (Thailand) Ltd., and Divisional Manager Mr. Francis Au Seng Huat. Gifts of equipment were made to the Ministry of Trade. Minister for Trade Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi opened the exhibit. (NLM 6/ 15) // June 16: The Fair concluded; 2,310 people entered the Super Typing Contest, with Maung Zeyar Min winning 500 FECs as first prize, and Ma Yin Yin Moe winning 250 FECs as runner up. (NLM 6/17) Project Inaugurations June 4: The 27 mile Banyin-Pyamon section of the Shwenyaung-Namhsan railway was inaugurated by SLORC Secretary-2 Lt-Gen. Tin Oo. (NLM 6/5) June 12: The 148 mile Loilem-Panketu-Hsipaw Union Road in Shan State was inaugurated June 10 by Minister for Construction Maj-Gen. Saw Tun. (NLM 6/13) June 14: A four-storey Central Women's Hospital Annex was inaugurated ib Minye Kyaw Swa Street, Lanmadaw Township, Yangon, by Chairman of the National Health Committee SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt. (NLM 6/15) Business Openings May 31: The Yangon Shanghai International Centre will open June 1. It is a joint investment of Kunming International Economic and Technical Cooperation Company, Shanghai Jing An Industrial and Commerce United Development Company Ltd. and Shanghai Rail Road Economic Development Exploration Co. Women's cosmetics, etc., are on the ground floor; men's Western suits and goods and stationery on the first floor; electric appliances, art, and hardware on the second floor. 140 categories and nearly 10,000 commodities, mostly from Shanghai, being sold. Except for "experienced high-ranking personnel and managers," the nearly 400 staff and managers are Myanmars. Vice-Mayor Mr. Hua Jianmin and Vice-Mayor Ms. Zheng Shuang Shuang will be present. Company Chairman of the Board Mr. Zhang Yushi and General Manager Mr. Li Qingsu met with the press to discuss the opening. (NLM 6/1) // June 1: The opening was attended by State Law and Order Restoration Council as Chairman of the Leading Committee for Bilateral Economic Cooperation between Myanmar and China, and other officials. (NLM 6/2) June 4: TTAS Co. Ltd. of Myanmar, and Toyota Tsusho Corp. of Japan, the latter represented by Chairman Mr. Eizo Takeyama and Director Mr. Masaaki Fukuhara, opened the Toyota salesroom at 87-A Kaba Aye Pagoda Road in Yangon, in the presence of Minister for Industry-2 Maj-Gen. Kyaw Than and others. (NLM 6/5) June 4: SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt attended the opening of the "international level Mingala advanced cinema" in the City Central Plaza. It will begin regular showings June 7, with Ye Zaya Maw Zaya, a Myanmar comedy directed by Maung Wunna starring Dwe, Zin Waing, and Myo Thanda Tun. Entrance is K 100 for dress circle, K 75 for back stalls, and K 50 for front stalls. Five showings daily: 9.30 am, 12.20 pm, 3.30 pm, 6.30 pm, and 9.30 pm. Advance bookings can be made a week ahead. (NLM 6/5) June 7: The Myanmar Securities Exchange Centre Co. Ltd. opened at 21-25 Sule Pagoda Road, at the Myanma Economic Bank (head office). It is a joint venture between Myanma Economic Bank and Daiwa Securities Co. Ltd., "and is the first to deal in securities, underwriting businesses, brokerage, stock exchange, advisory services for investment and assistance to transform private company into public company." Present were Minister for Finance and Revenue Brig-Gen. Win Tin, Chairman Mr. Sadakane Doi of Daiwa Securities, President Mr. Eiichiro Okumoto of Daiwa Institute of Research, Ltd., etc. (NLM 6/8) June 17: Uni-Asia Motors Ltd. opened a Honda sales and service centre at 30A Pyay Road, addressed by Minister for Trade Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi. Present were Chairman Mr. Shafiq Ur Rahman of Uni Asia Motors and Senior Managing Director Mr. T. Kanazawa of Honda Trading Corp. (Japan). (NLM 6/18) June 23: The six-storey, 119 room Olympic Hotel opened on U Wisara Road. It is a joint venture with Sakura Trade Centre Hotel Cherry Group, which contributed K 100 million, while the Government did the construction. (NLM 6/24) June 25: Myawady Travels and Tours Co. Ltd. of the Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings on June 24 launched helicopter service between Mandalay, Mogok, and Muse. "It aims at easy access for the regions where transport is difficult and business is good." Flights will be extended to Longkhin and Phakant regions, and to Kyaiktiyo, Ngapali, and Chaungtha beaches. (NLM 6/26) Advertisements June 2: One-third page ad for Philips electronics. June 3-4: Full page ad celebrating June 4 opening of Toyota sales and service (TTAS Co., Ltd.) on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road. June 4,16: Full page ad for Philips. June 5,11: One-third page ad for Canon computer printers. June 14: Half-page ad for UE Myanmar Grand Fair '96 (Computers and office equipment). June 23-24: 2 page ad with "List of candidates who have won admission to Cooperative Colleges throughout States and Divisions." [names in Myanmar]. ------------------------------------------- For New Business Ideas For Current Visual Information Watch MYANMAR MONITOR Business News Video Monthly The only colourful source of pictorial information about all business activities in Myanmar. Reported by Eleanor Wedderburn & Edited by GD For home delivery Tel: 287889, 248012, 248050, Fax 284981, 249706 Distributed by AV MEDIA. Now on Sale at: Summit P.V., Inya Lake, Baiyoke, MTT Counter, Airport, Duty Free, Central Hotel, Inwa Book Store, and regular stores (NLM 6/22,24-25) ------------------------------------------- Min Kyaw Min's English for Everyday Use Series No 8 on air Series No 8 in the weekly bilingual radio talk show by Min Kyaw Min's Family is now on the air. Featuring things Myanmar in English, the series went on the air on 2 January 1993. Series No 8 emphasizes spoken English, designed for both learners and teachers. Language enthusiasts may tune in to Myanmar Service broadcasts Saturday and Mondays between 6"45 and 7:00 pm. (NLM 6/22) ------------------------------------------- Agreements with Foreign Firms June 6: The Myanmar Port Authority, represented by Managing Director U Tin Oo and Sinmardev International Pte. Ltd. of Singapore, represented by General Manager Mr. Tan Kok Cheng, signed a joint-venture agreement to incorporate MPA-SMD Port Ltd., "to complete the construction of two general cargo wharves with its associated facilities in two year's time." June 14: Myanma Posts and Telecommunications, represented by Managing Director U Htay Aung, and Telrad Telecommunication and Electronic Industries Ltd. (TTEL) of Israel, represented by Executive Vice-President Mr. Dorain Gilon, signed a contract to supply four digital electronic auto-phone exchanges, with a total of 5,000 lines in Yangon, Mandalay, Mawlamyine, and Pathein. (NLM 6/15) June 18: Myanmar Posts and Telecommunications, represented by Managing Director U Htay Aung and Siemens AG of Germany, represented by Manager Mr. Norbert Muhrer signed an agreement for two 4,000 line modern digital electronic auto telephone exchanges in Yangon and Sittway, as well as a fibre optic cable and transmission system. (NLM 6/19) June 21: Myanmar Hotels and Tourism Services, represented by Managing Director U Soe Thein, and Myanmar Thiripyitsaya Sakura Co. Ltd. of Exe Design Co. Ltd. of Japan, represented by Chairman Mr. H. Hasegawa and Managing Director Mr. Hitoshi Tani, for upgrading the 68-room Thiripyitsaya Hotel in Bagan and building a new 150 room addition, which will make it a four-star hotel. (NLM 6/22) June 26: The Agricultural Planning Department, represented by Director-General Dr. Mya Maung, and Myanmar-Singapore Plantation Pte. Ltd., represented by Director Mr. S. Chandra Das, signed a Memorandum of Understanding on agriculture. (NLM 6/27) June 28: The Human Settlement and Housing Development Department, represented by Director-General U Arnt Kyaw and Sinmardev International Pte. Ltd. of Singapore, represented by Chairman Mr. Albert Hong, signed a contract to jointly build the 12.3 acre Thanlyin-Kyauktan Industrial Zone 1 Project. Sinmardev will invest $166 million and DHSHD will provide the land. "As permission is granted to those willing to invest for the established mills and factories and in the plots of the zone, there will be about 100,000 new jobs and, the value of industrial production will reach $2 million," said Minister for Construction Maj-Gen. Saw Tun, noting that "industrialists and entrepreneurs of Singapore are interested...for it is to be established in a large area close to the port." Also speaking were Mr. Hong, and the Chairman and Managing Director of RSP Architects Planners and Engineers Pte. Ltd. of Singapore. (NLM 6/29) June 29: Myanmar Universal Bank Ltd., represented by Chairman U Sein Tun, and Myanmar Daewoo Motors Co. Ltd., represented by Managing Director Mr. J.W. Park, signed a Hire Purchase Practising Contract for Daewoo cars. (NLM 6/30) Banking June 4: The Ten percent deduction on Foreign Exchange Certificates deposited in banks is revoked, beginning June 1. (NLM 6/5) June 5: Beginning June 6, Foreign Currency Exchange account books will be distributed free to those who have opened FE accounts; previously, a fee was charged. (NLM 6/6) June 21: Effective June 1, local banks may pay interest on foreign currency deposits held in six-month fixed deposits of $1,000 or more. The rate will be based on the Singapore Inter-bank Offered Rate (SIBOR). (NLM 6/22) June 23: The non-profit Tun Foundation Bank donated K 6.5 million to outstanding students, as well as making gifts for hospitals and other charities. (NLM 6/23) Tourism June 4: Imported saloon taxis will be issued embossed number plates, numbered from Kagyi-Kagyi 1001 to 4000. Owners must acquired the embossed plates between June 10-30. [Last month, these special tourist taxis were ordered to display roof signs saying "TAXI" -- HCMacD] (NLM 6/5) June 24: Tourists visiting Myanmar: 1989-90: 5,000 1990-91: 8,960 1991-92: 8,000 plus 1992-93: 26,607 1993-94: 62,547 1994-95: 91,853 1995-96: 137,320 By 1998-99, over 500,000 are expected. Deputy Minister for Hotels and Tourism Brig-Gen. Tin Aye said licenses have been issued to 491 tour operators; 385 hotels, motels, and guest houses; 1,344 passenger transport services; and 1,598 tourist guides. (NLM 6/25) Fisheries June 8: At a Seminar on Recent Technology of Backyard Hatcheries and Farming (Shrimp and Prawn), sponsored by the Fisheries Department, Minister for Livestock Breeding & Fisheries U Aung Thaung said that Myanmar has 1,760 miles of coastline and 82,000 square miles of offshore shallow areas; it also has 1.3 million square miles [sic] of mangroves in the delta area. Myanmar has a sustainable yield of 1.05 million tons of marine products, but is only achieving 60% of that. Eventually Myanmar will produce 120,000 tons of prawns from 120,000 acres of ponds, at one ton per acre; if breeding time is doubled, production will be 240,000 tons. (NLM 6/9) Roads June 9: Sectors were assigned for the Mandalay-Lashio-Muse Union Road on June 8. Asia World Co. (Director: U Tun Myint Naing) will build the 102 Lashio-Muse section within three years at a cost of K 820 million and $27 million. Diamond Palace Co. (Director: Daw Nwe Nwe Tha) will build the Nawnghkio-Lashio section for K 4,410 million. (NLM 6/10) June 26: SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt and other officials attended the opening of the construction camp for upgrading the 114-mile Kengtung-Mongpyin-Tarkaw road. Officials, USDA members, 6,500 local people, and Tatmadawmen who will work on the road attended. (NLM 6/27) Agriculture June 15: 1,000 engines and gear-box sets for Leya-12 power tillers arrived from China. Another 1,500 sets will arrive soon. (NLM 6/16) June 28: The 12-HP tillers, produced since January with Chinese engines and gear-boxes, are selling well, and are "capable of ploughing, harrowing, harvesting, pumping and transport. No. 1 Factory in Yangon produces 30 per day, and No. 2 Factory in Kyaukse 20. So far, 1,493 have been distributed around the country. Another 1,500 engines will arrive in July. (NLM 6/29) UNOCAL Interview June 21 [full text]: Unocal proud to be part of gas pipeline project. CEO brushes off allegations against positive example. Mr. Roger Beach, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Unocal Corporation of the United States, was interviewed in a Hong Kong-Los Angeles hook-up by CNN's Patricia Chew on Unocal's involvement in the Thai-Myanmar natural gas pipeline project. The following are his impressions:-- Chew: Earlier this week, in this segment, we spoke with Father Joseph Lamar, about charges of human rights abuses in the construction of a natural gas pipeline in Burma. The charges were made in a new report by two human rights groups. They allege that the Burmese military is using forced labour to guard the pipeline project and subjecting workers to rape, torture and executions. Roger Beach is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Unocal Corporation, one of the two companies building the pipeline. I spoke with him earlier and asked him for his response to the report. Beach: We've been accused of a lot of different things that absolutely are not true. We have absolutely no forced labour on this project in Myanmar and there have not been any villages moved since the inception of the project in 1992, and, as a matter of fact, I am very proud to be a part of Unocal and Unocal being a part of this project. It's the ultimate in constructive engagement in terms of helping the people. 20,000 people along the pipeline in 13 villages. We're really having a positive impact on their lives. It's great to see it. I was there in April and toured the whole pipeline route, talked to the villagers. We're providing school buildings for them. We're providing health clinics. We've renovated a hospital. We have economic projects that they've elected to be involved in, for instance agricultural, prawn projects, shrimp farm--just innumerable ways we're improving their lot, life, and so it is a very positive example of constructive engagement. Chew: Father Joseph Lamar on our show earlier this week did say that there was no evidence of forced labour on the Unocal project in Burma but he did say and I believe the allegations of the report are that forced labour is used by the military which is protecting the project. Is that correct? Beach: Well, Patricia, the porters and people who support the military from their perspective that have anything to do with our project are being paid. We have a very sophisticated audit programme whether they're working for Total which is the operator of the project or whether they're working for the military. We pay them all. And we ensure everyone that's working get paid. It's not a problem. Chew: Your President has admitted there is forced labour in Burma. How difficult is it to ensure that the labour that you are using albeit paid is not unwilling labour? Beach: Well, Patricia, what we do there, we've established what we call communication committees in each one of the villages. And these villages are a mixture of several different cultures--the Karen, Mon, the Burman are all involved in the villages, and these communication committees provide leads, for people who want to work on the project. And they voluntarily come forward. They also show up at our base camp and ask for a job. So no one is working against their volition. Chew: It seems such a different scenario than that painted by that report and previous reports by not only groups like the Amnesty International but also the US State Department. How do you account for their allegations that forced labour and human rights abuses are on your contract? Beach: All I can say, Patricia, is that I've been there. I've seen it. We document everything, we're going to great extremes, to ensure that everyone is voluntarily working that wants to, and that everyone who works gets paid. I can't explain to you why there's all those allegations that had to do with our project. It just is not true. You know, Patricia, let me just say that we've been involved in constructive engagement for 30 years in the South-East Asia. We've seen Indonesia and Thailand and the Philippines grow in terms of both economic, wealth and social, and positive social improvements. And that's what's going to happen in Myanmar. It's not going to happen overnight but being involved internally using the constructive engagement policy that all the other ASEAN countries adhere to and many European countries. And, by the way, the latest visit by the administration out there reconfirms that the administration in the United States supports constructive engagement. So, you know, it's working and it's the way it should work. (NLM 6/22) Rainfall in Yangon Rainfall, in inches, at Yangon's three weather stations of Yangon Airport (YA), Kaba-Aye (KA), and Central Yangon (CY) was: YA KA CY 1987 97.01 100.98 95.43 1988 99.17 100.00 107.76 1989 96.22 100.59 102.76 1990 118.35 109.92 122.84 1991 91.81 83.78 96.65 1992 81.34 96.02 95.98 1993 82.64 111.18 95.12 1994 120.16 120.94 117.36 1995 104.84 100.47 98.27 1996 as of June 1 16.10 19.69 16.65 June 15 23.93 28.30 25.00 June 30 37.80 41.46 40.24 HEALTH Health Articles June 4: Share the merits for the good work, by Hla Tun (Twantay). [Foundation, on May 30, of the Myanmar Karuna Foundation, which "has established free clinics for the low income earners in the country," funded by donations. "Low-income earners and the poor are allowed to receive treatment at Karuna Clinics. Fee for medical examination is K 5 and treatment is free without any charges for medicines. It is targeted to spend K 3,000 for a clinic per day to give treatment to 150 patients. Respective ward authorities have to systematically scrutinize the poor and low income earners who will be permitted to the clinics." There are clinics at present in Yangon and Mandalay Divisions, and plans are "under way to open at oil fields and mines." "I wish the foundation open more and more clinics and a success in a long run."] SPORTS Myanmar Teams and Delegations June 20: A 14-member women's rowing team, led by Daw Nanda Hmun, left for Singapore to take part in the June 22-23 Traditional Regatta. (NLM 6/21) // June 22: Myanmar men won the Penang Eden Challenge Trophy, and the TYT Challenge Trophy. The team will also take part in the June 22-23 World Invitational Traditional Regatta in Singapore. (NLM 6/23) // June 25: The women won third place at Singapore. The team returned to Myanmar. (NLM 6/26) June 25: The National Football Team left to participate the Asian Cup Group 3 qualifier in Bangkok (June 27-July 1) and Singapore (July 4-9), led by Myanmar Football Federation Executive, Director U Shwin Maung of the Immigration and Manpower Department. The team includes U Soe Myint of Yangon City Development Committee as manager, U Myo Win Nyunt as coach, and 18 footballers. (NLM 6/26) Foreign Teams, Coaches, etc. June 1: The Badminton Coach Course, directed by Mr. Francis Cheea of Malaysia and sponsored by the International Olympic Committee, ended. (NLM 6/2) June 14: Vice-Chairman Mr. Paul Chua of the World Body Building Federation (and General Secretary of the Asian Body Building Federation) arrived to discuss the upcoming Second South-East Asian Body Building Championship to be held in Yangon on Dec. 5-9, 1996. He was welcomed by Patron Mayor U Ko Lay and President U Kyaw Win of the Myanmar Body Building and Physical Culture Federation. (NLM 6/15) // June 19: He departed. (NLM 6/20) CULTURAL Cultural and Scientific Articles June 17: Laung, Naing, Hsin, Sint, Maung Bo Ba Tha, by Nan Myint Maung. [Decision by SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt to have restored King Thayawady's Kuthodaw brick pavilion at the Shwedagon Pagoda, even though it is collapsing, "which will be a reminder to preserve and promote cultural and national heritage." However, colonialists' angels and "flying man" statues on the pavilion are to be removed. {Title of article is from the phrase: Laung, Naung, Hsin, Sint, Maung, Bo, Ba, Tha, Pu, Min, and Thi" a mnemonic to remember the list of Konbaung Dynasty Kings.}]] Religion There were regular reports of donations and volunteering of labour for the Tooth Relic Pagodas under construction in Yangon and Mandalay, as well as for renovation of the Shwedagon and other major pagodas. Reports continued of donations for Bagan Pagoda Restoration, with continued daily publication of the official Advertisements requesting donations under the "adopt a Bagan Pagoda" program, and offering for sale prints of a Buddha image. As of June 30, the contributions totalled K 78,335,000, plus $8,000 and 1,000 FECs. June 6: The Young Men's Christian Association celebrated its 102nd birthday, and was addressed by Minister for Religious Affairs Lt-Gen. Myo Nyunt. Present were Election Commission member Saya Chai, YMCA Chairman Archbishop Andrei U Mya Han, General-Secretary U Tha Nyan, and others. (NLM 6/7) June 19: The Buddha's Tooth Relic from China will visit Myanmar again in December, 1996, for 90 days, and will be kept in Yangon and Mandalay for public obeisance. (NLM 6/20) Publications June 19: Selected Monthly Economic Indicators for January and February, published by the Central Statistics Organization, are available. (NLM 6/20) June 25: Ad for Myanmar Perspectives, Vol. III of June 1996 now on sale. "Works of Dr. Khin Maung Nyunt, U San Lwin, U Htin Gyi, U Win Pe, U Thaw Kaung, Daw Kyi Kyi Hla, Dr. Tun Shin and Zaw Gyi. A rich account of how Myanmar won the international French tourism Gulliver Award, traditional Buddhist Kason Festival, how wild elephants on the rampage were captured and trained, a travelogue on visit to the Kachin State, Myanmar FEC and special significance of the 'Gangaw Flower'.'" Available at the Innwa Bookshop or PO Box 846. (NLM 6/25) Computers Articles continued throughout the month concerning the installation of computers, often donated, at high schools around the country. Education June 3: Basic Education High, Middle, and Primary Schools opened for the 1996-97 school year throughout the country. "Text books, exercise books and stationery are being made readily available at schools...at prescribed prices. The pupils attended their classes in peace as texts, exercise books and stationery are being sold systematically to them." Nationwide, there are 915 high schools, 2,091 middle schools, and 35,844 primary schools, with over seven million students. In Yangon Division there are 156 high schools, 230 middle schools, and 2,198 primary schools, with over 900,000 students. (NLM 6/4) June 4: 636 children of Yangon Division police force members were given a total of K 251,500 as stipends for the 1996-97 school year: K 500 for university, K 400 for high school, K 350 for middle school, and K 300 for primary school. (NLM 6/5) June 9: 2,734 children of Tatmadaw members were given a total of K 616,000 and stationery as stipends for the 1996-97 school year. 43 children of railway service personnel were given a total stipend of K 215,000 at the Passenger and Freight Coach Workshop in Myitnge, Amarapura Township. (NLM 6/10) June 15: 934 children (418 Head Office; 516 Insein Jail) of Prisons Department personnel were given a total stipend of K 471,000 for the 1996-97 school year. Children of employees of Defence Services General Hospital were given a total stipend of K 120,000. (NLM 6/16) June 22: 238 children of employees at Taungzun Quarry Project Camp were on June 20 given a total stipend of K 115,700 for the 1996-97 school year. College students will get K 1,500, University of Distance Education students K 1,000, high school students K 800, middle school students K 500, and primary school students K 300 each. (NLM 6/23) Squatters June 18: Noting the establishment of Dagon Myothit, Hlinethaya, Shwepyitha, and Shwepaukkan new towns near Yangon, and priority settlement of public servants, SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt said the government was "providing the basic needs of the people." "However, he said, there still exist squatters in Yangon, the capital. As dwellings have been illegally set up on State-owned land, access was difficult in such wards and unhygienic during monsoon, and the threat of fires was grave in summer, he said. Hence, he said, the DHSHD [Department of Human Settlement and Housing Development], Yangon City Development Committee and private construction companies are implementing modern housing projects aimed at sending people in huts to apartments.... The plan to resettle squatters in apartment buildings is carried out with the supervision of the government.... The government, he said, is taking measures to remove squatters or trespassers and provide new homes for them and spoke of the need for the authorities concerned to make sure there emerges no more instances of trespassing ...." (NLM 6/19) Myanma Cooking June 21: Deputy Minister for Hotels and Tourism Brig-Gen. Tin Aye addressed the Conclusion of Cookery Course No. 1/96 for Myanma Refreshments and Dishes at the Myanma Hotels and Tourism Services. 35 trainees attended the 8-week course, which will enable cooks "to prepare Myanmar national food," as well as encouraging a "market for Myanmar national food to gain popularity in the international market.". (NLM 6/22) Writers & Journalists June 29: The biennial meeting of the Central Executive Committee of the Myanmar Writers and Journalists Association began at the Institute of Nursing, and was addressed by SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt. Officers are: Chairman U Myo Thant (Maung Hsu Shin); Vice-Chairman U Hla Myaing (Ko Hsaung); Secretary U Win Pe (Monywa Win Pe); Joint Secretary Daw Mya Mya Than (Ma Hnin Phway). The Secretary-1 "underscored the need for correct outlook and conviction to be able to discharge the national duty perfectly, noting that learned persons must be more mature in differentiating the right and the wrong than the ordinary people." He noted that "The MWJA is currently formed in 144 townships with over 3,500 members..., pointing out that if all members produce novels, articles and poems and other works in different genres harmoniously, they will become a dependable, united national force." Citing the danger that "dark, contaminated fumes" may "roll in," he "called on the literati to help prevent spread of the kind of literature which may poison the mind of the people and tarnish the nation's image." (NLM 6/30) MISCELLANEOUS Sunday and Holiday Supplements June 2,9,16,23,30: For over a year, each weekly Sunday Supplement has listed "Our Three Main National Causes," two lists of "Special Projects," and "Slogans" for the National Convention [for texts see issue of January 1996]. It has now added the "People's Desire" slogans contained in each daily issue. June 2,9,16,23,30: Towards a modern nation through all-round development, by Warazein. [Cont. Endeavours of the Ministry of Labour. (ii) Human Resources Projects. (iii) Factory inspection and safety, social security board. (iv) Freight handling worker regulations, savings, trade disputes. Endeavours of the Ministry of Information. (i) Radio and television; Information and public relations. (ii) Production, courses, border development, USDA.] June 2: GEC helps promote health care, by Ahtet Minhla Nyunt Aung. [Cont. (2) Opening of a Government Employees Cooperatives Society clinic in Yangon South District.] -- Summer training course beneficial to youths, by Maung Kyee Maung. [Computer training, using Apple computers.] -- Green and pleasant Minbu region, by Maung Nyein Aye. [Tree planting in upper Myanmar.] June 9: Shwe Beikmandaw at Thanlyin Kyaik Hmawwun Pagoda, by Ahtet Minhla Nyunt Aung. [May 14 visit to pagoda by SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt.] -- For better transportation in coastal regions, by Aung Htun Thein. [Contract for 550 ton coastal liners.] -- Myanma Gonyee co-op souvenir shop in Pyinmana, by Khin Maung Than. [New coop store.] June 16: Tatmadawmen help build railroads, by Ahtet Minhla Nyunt Aung. [The Pyay-Aunglan-Taungdwingyi-Kyaukpadaung-Bagan railroad is being built entirely by the Tatmadaw's Nos. 33, 44, and 66 Light Infantry Divisions.] -- History golden royal throne "Thihathana Palin", by Manuktha Kyaw Win. [King Thibaw's lion throne taken to India in 1902; returned to Myanmar in 1948. It was moved to the new National Museum on June 7, 1995, and "is the only remaining one of the eight types of thrones of the Myanmar monarchy," and is a replica of King Mindon's throne that was made in 1856-57 to be kept in the Hluttaw.] -- Summer paddy thriving well in Duya village, by Kyaw Kyaw. [Progress in Hinthada Township {Ayeyawady}.] -- Success achieved through innovations, by Sein Shwe Hlaing. [Dental chair, constructed in Myanmar by Dr. Maung Maung Lwin for K 600,000 and of international standard.] June 23: Beach villages to become beautiful, by Hmawwun Win Myat. [Beach improvement at Zweba Kondan village, Kyauktan [Yangon]. (NLM 6/24) -- Our Earth, Our Habitat, Our Home, by Ahtet Minhla Nyunt Aung. [World Environment Day.] -- Yuzana Garden Hotel in Yangon City, by Theimin Htut. [Converted 1921 building, which has become a four-star luxury hotel.] June 30: GEC clinic contributory to public health, by Ahtet Minhla Nyunt Aung. [Clinic in Shwepyitha Township, Yangon.] -- Off-shore gas exploration in Myanmar, by Pyay Thein Myint. [There are 5.7 trillion cubic feet of natural gas in the Yadana Gas Field, and 1.2 trillion feet in the Yetagon Gas Field.] -- Asphalt road on Myittha River bank, by Dr. Thet Lwin. [New road in Matupi Township, Chin State.] -- Yayboke Creek reservoir to benefit people, by Reporter Nyunt Swe. [In Yamethin District, Mandalay Division.] Anti-Narcotics Activities June 11: 1.6 kilos of heroin were seized on June 4 in Lashio. (NLM 6/12) June 13: 322 bottles of Phensedyl were seized May 30 in Mandalay. (NLM 6/14) June 13: Minister for Home Affairs Lt-Gen. Mya Thin stated that "Leaders of the national races have proposed eradication of opium poppy cultivation in Kokang region within six years and in Wa region within ten years as the local leaders and residents have come to hate armed terrorism and opium cultivation." (NLM 6/14) June 19: 0.2 kilo of heroin and 6.7 kilos of opium were seized May 30 in Mansi [Kachin]. (NLM 6/20) June 27: During 1995-96, the Tatmadaw, police, and local authorities destroyed 2,081 acres of opium poppy in Kachin State, 16 acres in Chin State, 1 acre in Rakhine State, and 2,690 acres in Shan State, for a total of 4,788 acres. (NLM 6/28) Obituaries [English language obituaries only; there are obituaries in Burmese as well.] June 1: Daw Tin Kyi, wife of U Lao Tee Swee, died in Yangon, aged 78. (NLM 6/3) June 4: Thiripyanchi Colonel L. Khun Nawng (Rtd), Naing Ngant Gonyi (First Class), Ex-Member of State Council, Ex-Principal of Defence Services Academy, husband of Daw Lahtaw Wala Nang Seng, died in Parami Yeiktha, aged 90. [Christian] (NLM 6/5) June 9: Mariam Bi Bi Moosa Azam, widow of Haji Ebrahim Mohammad Esoof, died in Tamwe, aged 81. [Muslim] (NLM 6/12) June 12: Mr. A.J. Edwards (Ex MEIS), husband of the late Ann Mary, died in Yangon, aged 78. [Christian] (NLM 6/14) June 16: Maung Than Htut, son of U Thet Win and Daw Carrie Thet Win, died, aged 29. [Christian] (NLM 6/17) June 18: Actor U Myint Aung, 1932-1996, died. He took part in some 200 films from 1952 to after 1965. "Due to his age and health, he retired from the film world and became an indigenous medical practitioner." (NLM article 6/19) June 22: James Leander Nichols (Leo), husband of Felicity-Anne, died, aged 65. [Christian] June 24: U Ko Ko Gyi, Advocate, died in Yangon, aged 67. (NLM 6/27) Earthquake June 18: An earthquake of strong intensity (6.9 Richter) was recorded at 18:02:26 local time, with epicentre 2,271 miles SE of Yangon. (NLM 6/19) ----- SUBSCRIPTIONS & RENEWALS ATT: Burma Press Summary Center for East Asian & Pacific Studies University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign 230 International Studies Building 910 South Fifth Street Champaign, IL 61820 Tel: (217) 333-7273. Fax: (217) 244-5729 Annual Subscriptions: Individuals - US$50.00 Libraries & other Institutions - US$60.00 Add Postal surcharge for air delivery to: Canada - US$18.00 Europe - US$37.00 Asia - US$47.00 [additional charge for US$ check drawn on a foreign bank - $5.00] NOTE: Checks should be payable to: University of Illinois, with "Burma Press Summary" annotated on check. Correspondence concerning subscriptions, missing issues, etc., should be sent to the Center for East Asian and Pacific Studies in Champaign, Illinois EDITORIAL CORRESPONDENCE Editorial correspondence, and requests for full texts of articles, should be sent to: Hugh C. MacDougall Glimmerglass Cottage 8 Lake Street Cooperstown, NY 13326-1016 Burma Press Summary No. 112, June 1996