96-07 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. 7, July 1996 Table of Contents POLITICAL Slogans 2 Political Articles 2 Reprinted Foreign Articles 7 Economic Forum 9 Special Refresher Courses 11 National Races 11 Mass Meeting 11 "People's Desire" Signs 11 Pyithu Hluttaw Resignations 12 Bomb in Yangon 12 Police 12 News Briefings Reestablished 12 DIPLOMATIC Diplomatic Calls 13 New Myanmar Ambassadors 14 New Ambassadors to Myanmar 14 ASEAN 14 INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION Joint Workshops & Seminars 15 Border Cooperation 15 Donations from Abroad 15 FOREIGN VISITORS International Agency Visitors 16 Business Visitors 16 Religious Visitors 18 Media Visitors 19 Chinese Provincial Delegations 19 Russian Officials 19 Malaysian Transport Minister 19 Thai Official Delegations 19 Japanese Politicians 19 Lao Delegation 19 MYANMAR DELEGATIONS Study Delegations 19 Delegations to Meetings 20 Religious Delegations 20 Business Delegations 20 Attorney-General to China 20 Yangon Delegation to Kunming 20 Delegations Return 21 MYANMAR GAZETTE Probationary Appointments 21 Appointments 21 GOVERNMENT Insurance Board Named 21 Traditional Drug Law 21 Television and Video Law 21 MILITARY Surrenders by Armed Group Members 22 Address to Officers 22 ECONOMIC Economic Articles 23 Project Inaugurations 23 Business Openings 24 Advertisements 24 Agreements with Foreign Firms 24 Banking 25 Tourism 25 Transport 26 Gems 26 Aviation 26 Wildlife Company 26 New 100 Kyat Note 26 Run on MMB Bank 27 Fish Fraud 27 Rainfall in Yangon 27 HEALTH Health Articles 28 Blood Needed 28 Population 28 Magnetic Resonance 28 SPORTS Myanmar Teams and Delegations 28 Foreign Teams, Coaches, etc. 28 Holes-in-One 28 CULTURAL Cultural and Scientific Articles 28 Religion 28 Publications 29 Computers 29 Education 29 Antiquities 29 Foundations and Trust Funds 29 MISCELLANEOUS Sunday and Holiday Supplements 30 Crime 31 Anti-Narcotics Activities 31 Obituaries 31 Marriage 32 Chef Wins Award 32 Earthquake 32 Floods 32 High-rise Fire Protection 32 Plane Accident in Myeik 33 ------------------------------------------- HIGHLIGHTS -- Myanmar admitted by ASEAN as an Observer [DIPLOMATIC] -- Continued attacks on Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. [POLITICAL-Political Articles] -- Small explosion in front of American Embassy. [POLITICAL] -- Continued NLD resignations from the Pyithu Hluttaw. [POLITICAL] -- Call by Sangha for Monastic Schools at middle-school level. [CULTURAL] -- Complaints by foreign businessmen about Western attempts to enforce sanctions [POLITICAL-Economic Forum] -- Information Committee reconstituted; to give monthly press briefings. [POLITICAL] -- Reacting to a run on the Myanmar May Flower Bank, Finance Minister discussed interest rates, inflation, currency, and customs rates. [ECONOMIC] -- Television and Video Law licences TV sets and videocassette recorders, censors all videotapes, and regulates video businesses. [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: July 1-31: 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] July 3: Myanmar writers and journalists are ever faithful to the national cause, by Min Kyaw Min. [Review of speech of SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt to the Myanmar Writers and Journalists Association.] July 6-7: Cat with lost appetite and myna with broken wing, by Pe Kan Kaung. [(1) 1948-1953 Let Ya-Freeman Agreement on British military aid to the Tatmadaw: "it was clear that the British military mission, the government in power and some politicians who were yearning for the West were purposely stomping on the Tatmadaw which was striving to put down internal insurgency for perpetuation of sovereignty." [(2) Necessity for stability. How BCP fomented insurgencies. Today, "it is the Gyidaw and her followers who are opposing the government, organizing the proselytes, to instigated disturbances which the people do not accept. The act of Western nations which contact direct with Daw Ket Ket Lan (Mrs. Virago), the so-called general secretary of NLD...is tantamount to blatantly meddling in the internal affairs of the nation. Knowing that she can no longer rely on the inside, the Gyidaw continues to remain a fool without feeling any shame or fright. She openly said that if necessary, she would rely on outside elements. She has gone that far. She already has two sons through such reliance.... The problem that the West bloc media indicate is only a problem of spotlighting or reverberating shouts by power-crazy axe-handles in opposition to the government. Think it is rather like a cat that has lost its appetite and a myna with a broken wing. It is certain that the bird will become the cat's food."] July 6: 'Htami' grabbing contest between the BCP and the West bloc, by Yebaw Then Shay. [Burma Communist Party and the West bloc are collaborating to topple the State Law and Order Restoration Council (Nawata); The CIA backs Aung San Suu Kyi, and when the Nawata is toppled, it will kick out the BCP. "Myanmar nationals have come to see that Aung San Suu Kyi is blatantly assisting the West bloc to enable it to destroy Myanmar with a cunning bid.... The fact that Aung San Suu Kyi is a real axe-handle, or traitor, has become vivid."] July 6: Editorial: Win public faith and trust. ["In the public eye, it is easy to the PPF as a whole as being bad just because of a few who fall short of expectation.... These days when the MPF is regarded as an auxiliary force always ready to come to the service of the people, any act wrong [sic] mars what the public would like to see of them.... In their smart uniforms, either in traffic white-tunics or in sand-khaki, in their smart salutes, policemen are very visible. Few as they may be, quite a lot can be said about scenes unbecoming of law-enforcement personnel. However, they will not be mentioned, for the many who are good cannot be flogged just because of the handful that may be judged bad.... We are hopeful the Minister's exhortation will be heeded, in full."] July 7: The befitting name is Dollar Suu Boo, by Sein Gyittu. ["Calling just Daw Suu an not putting the sir name [sic] is because she is not entitled to use her father's name. Daw Suu is not a full name but a short name. Her full name should be nicknamed Dollar Suu Boo (Dollar Piggybank) as she is shovelling up the dollars as much as she can and saving them by coming under foreign influence and being a puppet of neo-colonialists. The only name befitting her beginning from today is Daw Suu (alias) Dollar Suu Boo."] July 9: Those who die go to cemetery, by Byatti. ["I noticed that in the manual on refined method of attacking without using violence by White wizard of democracy Gene Sharp, there is one provision given as 'honouring the dead'. I have heard that this provision was effectively used and implemented by the founding mother of our party, the spouse of a White man, the West Maidawgyi.... ["An Anglo-Myanmar by the name of James Leander Nichols was found guilty under Section 6(1) of the Burma Wireless Act of 1933 and was sentenced to a jail term of three years. During the period this bad-hat Anglo was serving his sentence the foreign broadcasting services and journals shouted out in an alarming manner. It is not without reason that this person was given the title of a bad-hat. This person is said to have helped over 40 good Myanmar damsels to get jobs abroad after promising them different kinds of incentives. It is said that he seduced 80 per cent of these girls and a not very famous artiste of strange name also got involved in this. Moreover, when the spouse of a Myanmar woman who was given a special privilege came to Myanmar, he was given a special treat led by this bad-hat and was taken to a big whore-house in Thingangyun and entertained. That is why he was given the honourable title of bad-hat. ["In reality this bad-hat is no ordinary person. He is the person who had arranged a car for the Maidawgyi the founding mother of our party.... All the expenses at the Maidawgyi's house...was the responsibility of the bad-hat.... ["Whether it is due to his misfortune or his ill-fate, it is not known, this bad-hat died suddenly while serving his sentence, on 22-6-96.... There appeared writings and broadcasts which exaggerated the death as caused by torture and to be assumed to be so...." Long discussion of how Nichols was allowed special food and given good treatment; how he took ill suddenly and was given immediate medical treatment, and was then taken to Yangon General Hospital; how he died while being examined by a doctor, who gave a death certificate. A funeral was arranged and attended by his relatives. The autopsy attributed the death to cardiac disease. "It is seen that there was none who treated him harshly. No one can prevent death when a person meets his fate." The "West Maidawgyi" arranged a Buddhist ceremony at Nichols' home, attended by some Nordic diplomats. "This stunt by West Maidawgyi is quite obvious that she is not serious about the religious belief.... She invited the Buddhist monks through trickery.... ["As there is a saying that a person became wealthy starting with a dead rat, the person who wants to make political gain out of a corpse is really foolish."] July 10: Time they realized, by Thanlyet. [Dialogue between "Thanlyet" and "U Myo Chit." Who pulled Daw Suu Kyi "onto the stage during the 8-8-88 disturbances. Those who masterminded to incite a situation to cause disintegration of the Tatmadaw, destabilize and see everything done by it from the negative angle were the Communist group and the Leik-Kan CIA.... When the Leik {Ingaleik = 'English'--HCMacD.} had to flee the Kan {Ameyikan = 'American'} resorted to all sorts of means to gain a foothold in Myanmar.... It approached Myanmar government through organs such as ECA, TCA, Ford Foundation, Asia Foundation and so on. A group like a medical missionary team like Seagrave's tried to establish a base in Myanmar's north. Most overtly, the CIA supported the KMT Nationalist Chinese and established a foothold in eastern Myanmar. Drug trafficking was then given its origin in the so-called Golden Triangle area. The Myanmar Tatmadaw in defence against danger stopped the acts of the Kan and put an end to all that. The Kan, too, was bitter about it.... ["Than Lyet: What is your opinion on how they can maintain cordial relations with Myanmar?.... U Myo Chit: Acts endangering the nation with the pretext of human rights must be stopped.... If we are to discuss matters of mutual benefit, it will be necessary to close the soap-opera on University Avenue and at the same time, the puppet princess and the director who manipulates from behind the scene should be withdrawn from the Myanmar stage. Instead, they should be made to play a role on an appropriate higher stage, for instance like the United Nations...."] July 11: Hnitpya Tazaung and the head of a shrimp, by Nan Myint Maung. [How the British trashed the Shwedagon Pagoda; as did the 1988 "democracy rioters." Now the Trustees are cleaning up the mess.] July 12: Myanmar foreign policy respected by the world, by Tekkatho Myat Thu. [Adherence to Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence, and those of the Non- Aligned Movement established at the 1955 Bandung Conference. In 1988, the State Law and Order Restoration Council announced that Myanmar would not change its foreign policy. "No matter how much those from outside the country talk big and fire empty Thingyan guns, we are convinced that our Myanmar foreign policy will triumph over their unprincipled ones."] July 13: CIA's meddling footwork on Myanmar soil, by Maung Pho Hmat. [Activities of CIA in Myanmar, including support for KMT, "CIA agent journalist like U Law Yone;" Dr. Seagrave of the Namhkam mission; Ford Foundation; "Sayagyi Luce" whose assertion that Myanmar started from Kyaukse, not Tabaung, "was an attempt at breaking the backbone of the history of Myanmar and an attempt to degrade the history of the Myanmars," and who sought instigated Mons to demand more territory than they deserved; "Saya Furnival" who gathered intelligence on Myanmar's economy; Ford Foundation which sought to extend the Yangon-Mandalay highway so it could be used to land military aircraft; CIA still at it.] July 15: Will merits be shared only when democracy is obtained? by Byatti. [The "democracy actor mixed blood bad-hat" {Nichols} was not an honorary consul, unless such can exist without being appointed. "Actually, it was obvious that the Myanmar Government had not recognized the pink-nosed bad-hat as an envoy." Detailed results of autopsy, showing that Nichols died naturally. How Nichols got special treatment in prison. Real prisoners "were so healthy that they could be said to thrive well with prison. The bad-hat must have died because of destiny, as a retribution. He knew he had a disease. He took medicines, brought in or given at prison. Yet, he was reckless with food and lazy and sought luxury so it was not strange that he met his fate thus...."] July 17: How some see us as we really are, by Soe Myint. [Foreign businessmen who know Myanmar realities speak at the Visit Myanmar Year and Economic Development Forum--{see below under Economic Forum}] July 18: The unforgettable 19th July, by Bo Daewa. [Memories of the assassination of Bogyoke Aung San on July 19, 1947. "There is another reason why we can never forget 19th July. Aung San Suu Kyi...came back to Myanmar.... We became greatly disconsolated. It is because we came to learn that she had fallen in love and married a long-nosed Englishman Michael Aris and even given birth to two sons. As soon as I learnt this I burst out into uncontrollable rage. She had smeared her own father's face black and had no regard to the honour of own race and honour of own father, a Myanmar leader.... When I saw the picture of Aung San Suu Kyi laying a wreath at the tomb of Bogyoke Aung San, my thoughts began to wander -- If her father, Bogyoke Aung San should become alive again and rise from his tomb and see his daughter, what would he do. I thought of the things I would do if I was in his place. Would he slap his daughter's face left and right like the Japanese do or would he take out the automatic from his holster and empty the bullets into her .... He would simply admonish her like true Myanmar people do and spit on her face and make her become shameful...."] July 19: Wish all will see the truth, by Phyo Aung. [Impropriety of comparing a genuine hero like Nelson Mandela with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, whose career is summarized at length.] July 19: Editorial: Endorsement. [Re speech by Joe Peng {see below}. Garment manufacturers boycotted by the West. "It was Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the NLD behind the mischief. They would rather let their fellow citizens suffer when they should be encouraging foreigners to do business here. They played into the hands of the foreign destructionists and obstructionists so well that instead of the entrepreneurs getting more orders, they were having them cut. Does it please the NLD and its leader, Daw Suu Kyi, to make the job holders jobless?.... The West threatens us with sanctions just because it cannot succeed in its machinations to wrest power for Daw Suu Kyi and the NLD."] July 20: Bogyoke's anti-colonialist spirit, by Maung Hmat Kyauk. [Recital of Bogyoke Aung San's anti-colonialist statements. "However, Aung San Suu Kyi, daughter of Bogyoke Aung San, had her blood mixed with that of an Englishman and gave birth to two half-castes.... In reality, Suu Kyi has been in the English arms. Holding her spouse, the Englishman, in high esteem, she is now here as a fifth columnist.... There are old fifth columnists on both sides of Suu Kyi. Behind her, there are NLDs, medium or small fifth columnists who think there is no one except Suu Kyi whom they can rely upon.... I solemnly say that I am determined not to fall under the yoke of colonialists with whom Bogyoke was disgusted."] July 20: About Narga Saddan and wilayat returnees who turn against one's own, by Nan Myint Maung. [Plans for historic statues at the National Museum. How King Thibaw's Royal White Elephant (narga saddan) was killed (by neglect at the zoo) by the foreigners. Dastardly treatment of Thibaw and his family in their Indian exile. According to historian Dr. Khin Maung Nyunt, "The first royal daughter, Hteik Su Myat Paya Gyi, though of royalty who had the placenta washed on a gold platter, fell into marriage with the gate keeper at Ratna Giri {where Thibaw was interned} and had to become a kala's wife. Talk about forcing one into the caste of slaves is not for nothing. To think of it, what really happened, is most heartrending." When some cultural objects looted by the British were returned after Myanmar's independence, they described as "wilayat {Hindi for British} returned." "Another kind of kind of wilayat returnees were those who went to that country for some reason and came back, those who prefixed wilayat pyan (returnee) to their names, thinking too highly of it, and became known as wilayat pyan (Bilatpyan) so and so." Said an engineer, "Of all those bilatpyans, the worst are modern-day bilatpyans. They are the ones who at some flattering and cajoling, turn against motherland and Myanmar." How vicious and ruthless the British were. "But there are Myanmar women who want to have the very Britishers as their husbands .... Don't think there would be no women who would want as their husbands those very White Faces who enslaved their race and enjoyed being called thakingyis (big masters)...."] July 21: "Is it Thakin blood or slave's blood", by Byatti. [Betraying her heritage, Daw Suu Kyi has become a slave by wedding a foreigner. "Now after giving birth to two sons of mixed blood, the fragrance of chocolate is now oozing from her blood," thus ending the honorable line of her father and grandfather. This has "left a deep scar in the hearts of the people of Myanmar and made them feel very hurt.... It's time now to ponder over whether she, the wife of an Englishman, is entitled to be called Aung San Suu Kyi. Bogyoke Aung San was born with Thakin blood. She has a mixture of slave blood in her for life and has a slave share and her name should be changed to Mrs. Michael Aris as befitting her. If someone asks here if she is of Thakin blood or slave blood. It is sure she will wave."] July 21-31: What is Aung San Suu Kyi? Whither goest she? by Pe Kan Kaung. [(1) Financial problems of Myanmar before 1988; black markets; holding of currency by insurgents; demonetization of K 75, K 35, and K 25 notes in 1987. [(2) The "then government's" efforts on behalf of the people were stymied by corruption, leading to incitement of the people by "internal political opportunists." The then government, though led by a single party, was not a dictatorship; "it was an administration with democracy practiced in the party." Now, however, "so-called political leaders themselves who are claiming to lead the State, utterly blacking out" the efforts of the previous government, shout that "'One-party dictatorship which has no democracy has successfully been brought down by the 1988 uprising launched by the entire people.'" But the transition did not come from any uprising, it came from the statement of the Chairman of the Burma Socialist Programme Party on July 23, 1988, when he called a referendum on whether to have a multi-party system. [(3) Events of March 1988; the "tea house" riot and its investigation. (4) U Aung Gyi's role in 1988 disturbances. (5) U Aung Gyi and disorder in the schools and Universities in 1988. (6) More on 1988 disturbances and their foreign instigators; including use made of "the personal hatred for U Sein Lwin who had at that time taken up the duties as President...." (7) More on 1988 disturbances. (8) Cost of disturbances, between Aug. 8-14, 1988--Demonstrators: 144 dead, 336 wounded, 2,965 detained; Security units: 17 dead, 14 wounded. K 16.7 million of Ministerial property destroyed. Aug. 19 statement by U Aye Ko, and establishment of 11-member Public Opinion Assessment Commission under U Tin Aung Hein. (9) Continued account of 1988 disturbances; formation of U Nu's Democracy and Peace Party on Aug. 29. (10) U Nu's demand for an interim government; Sept. 11 meeting of the Pyithu Hluttaw. (11) Election Commission; appeal by U Aung Gyi, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, and Thura U Tin Oo; intrusions by the US Navy.] July 23: It's so ludicrous, by Bo Daewa. [Memorial wreath-laying at Bogyoke Aung San's tomb, by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in 1989, and her inviting Sangha members to her house afterwards, attended by US and British diplomats. Now she smuggles out a video tape "asking Myanmar be punished by imposing economic sanction which would then enable her party to gain power and establish democracy."] July 25: Hailing Myanmar's admission as observer in ASEAN, by Soe Myint. ["We would like to laud the stand of ASEAN and its members and heartily hail Myanmar's admission to ASEAN as an observer, looking forward to the day we will become a full member of ASEAN."] July 25: If you want any news, come and get it, by Min Kyaw Min. [The Visit Myanmar Year & Myanmar Development Forum sponsored by the Myanmar Chamber of Commerce and Industry was "a resounding success" and "what newsmen like." Foreign journalists present "had a field day getting answers for what they had all along wanted to know," from officials and entrepreneurs. Many of the same source persons "will in future be available on a regular basis," and the reconstituted State Law and Order Restoration Council Information Committee "will be meeting the Press on the 1st of every month.... Subjects for discussion will be designated in advance so that the various groups of experts on a particular subject...can be assembled within short notice .... Those who desire satellite uplink will be assisted.... Any newsman can write what he likes.... Let's not talk about the past when there were complaints about the scarcity of persons one might quote, get an authoritative account from. So, my message to fellow journalists is 'Welcome on board'."] July 28: Poem: Myanmar psyche, by Shwe Nyar Thar [full text]: * Bearing no animosity towards the white-skinned * nor hostility towards the brown-skinned * nor differentiation as to the dark-skinned * nor enmity towards persons of different faiths or features, * the Myanmars are cordial and sincere, dispensing loving kindness with mutual love and respect, to all as brothers and sisters. * Despite all this, with strength they will fight back Though only one is left, even if with wounds, all the enemies, old or young, dark or white, if they come with a bid dishonest to meddle in the affairs of the nation to be carried out in the ways suited to the land, the history, the geography and the race, the language and the Sasana. July 29-30: Ten nations, one voice and victory ahead, by Tekkatho Tin Kha. [Survey of relations between Myanmar and ASEAN members, culminating in Myanmar's acceptance as an Observer member.] July 31: Breaking of laws ought not to be neglected, by Reporter Thet Shay. [(1) By CIA, including US Ambassador Burton Levin (citation from 1968 East German "Who's Who in CIA" publication), who was US Ambassador during the 1988 disturbances. If everyone violating the law in 1988 were tried, there wouldn't be enough jails in the country to hold them. In Yangon alone, over 60 people were beheaded. "Power-crazy people" caused the 1988 disturbances "in order that the democratic interim government would gain power.... The deeds carried out by them according to the bidding of the BCP and CIA amount to being the acts of national traitors."] Reprinted Foreign Articles Although it has done so on occasion before, The New Light of Myanmar has this month taken to reprinting foreign news articles praising the Myanmar Government (or criticizing its critics) on a more frequent basis, often with a photocopy of all or part of the original beside the reprint. For this reason, we are separating such articles from the Political Articles originating in Myanmar. July 4-5: Japan--Grow Up! by M.S. Dobbs-Higginson. [Article reprinted from the June 2 Sankei Shimbun, July 3 Japan Times, and in the Straits Times. (1) Myanmar had admired Japan despite World War II. "The Myanmar people are disappointed in Japan's siding with the US's policy and now not wholeheartedly offering aid and other assistance to Myanmar." Most Asian countries don't want Japanese aid, because of World War II and economic imperialism; Myanmar is different. Japan has better relations with China than the US has. "Fortunately, thanks to the efforts of Japan's recent ambassadors to Myanmar they are at least assisting the Japanese government in taking a more balance position and in providing at least some aid. Fortunately also, the Japanese business community being pragmatic and long-term oriented, is taking a very realistic and positive approach towards the current military government...." What with crime and bad race relations, "it would appear that the US is, comparatively speaking, in a much worse condition than Myanmar...." Why doesn't America clean up at home? "So why is it that the US government has this bizarre, hypocritically negative position on Myanmar?" [(2) "It is much easier, more fun and risk-free to take a righteous position when the other party can't fight back," so instead of taking on China or Vietnam, "for everyone in the US, Myanmar is a soft, risk-free, human rights target, which irrespective of the facts, people from all walks of life, from politicians to students, can abuse with a great sense of both righteousness and that they are making a positive contribution. Nothing could be further from the truth." Their meddling is "in fact causing considerable damage and materially delaying the economic, and thus societal, development of the country." Ridiculous comparisons of Myanmar and South Africa. A positive US approach would be better, and "hopefully, the American business community will oblige the government to take a more rational and balanced approach...." Finally, with "the West's and Japan's general obsession with Suu Kyi as the elected saviour of the Myanmar people from the evil military government. What nonsense!" She has no qualifications to govern, and "is arrogant, stubborn, opinionated and often irrational because she is woefully ignorant of the facts...." Her comparison of labor in Myanmar with the World War II Burma-Thailand 'Death Railway' is absurd and insulting to Japan. In recent situation, "the current government did not employ any brutal measures but merely detained some 250 plus members of the NLD party, most of whom have already now been released." The government even "allowed Suu Kyi and her followers to hold this meeting at her house without any restraint ...." with foreign observers permitted. But "the NLD was only able to attract a paltry 5,000-8,000 crowd!" To sum up, "why should Japan almost invariably follow the US government's Asian foreign policy signals.... Surely, it is now time for Japan to grow up.... Japan could also gain a unique and special relationship with Myanmar, which could serve both parties, and Asia, constructively in the years ahead." "Mr. S. Dobbs-Higginson is author of 'Asia-Pacific, its Role in the New World Order'. He is a former chairman of Merril-Lynch, Asia Pacific Region."] July 16: The US is Becoming a Global Nag. [Article from Geneva, Switzerland Business Week of July 1, 1996. [Criticism of Helms-Burton legislation on Cuba.] July 18: Policy on Myanmar defended. [Article from July 16 Jakarta Post, citing Indonesian Foreign Minister Ali Alatas' defence of ASEAN's "policy of constructive engagement with Myanmar." "'We knew that there were some problems in the country, but we thought that the best way was not through--as some Western countries proposed--the application of economic sanctions or by isolating Myanmar again,' he said. ASEAN states have remained silent as Yangon in May cracked down on pro-democracy supporters led by Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi.... Myanmar will be welcomed as an observer to ASEAN later this week, and is expected to become a full-fledged member within a few years." Alatas confirmed that ASEAN heads of state had received a letter from Aung San Suu Kyi, but would not comment. (NLM 7/18) July 21: ASEAN honours Myanmar. [AP wire service article datelined Jakarta. ASEAN "honoured Myanmar's military regime on Saturday as a family friend, an esteemed guest and future member." "Basically human rights values (in Myanmar) are like those in most Asian countries: food, clothing and shelter," the Jakarta Post quoted Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw as saying. "Faced with blanket opposition from ASEAN states, Christopher and other Western officials have backed away from earlier threats of economic and other sanctions against Myanmar." (NLM 7/ 22) July 23: Democracy Isn't Perfect, Not Even in America, by Richard Reeves. [Article reprinted from the July 5 International Herald Tribune, criticizing US for, among other things, arrogance in "saving people whether they want to be saved or not." Now, "too many majorities in new democracies believe that they have won it all, including the right and power to crush minorities in the name of election results.... Americans overrate the nature of democracy .... It may be the best of all possible political worlds but it grows differently on different soils. Americans did it one way, not perfectly at all. Other peoples have to find their own ways to better lives."] July 24: Dialogue, not sanctions. [Editorial from the July 16 Asia Times of Bangkok. United States or the European Union have a perfect right to pursue sanctions against Myanmar to compel a dialogue with democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, and even to "raise them in dialogue with ASEAN. But we reject the attempt to put implied economic pressure on ASEAN to impel it to change its longstanding strategy of...economic and diplomatic engagement."] July 25: French oil firm denies being main backer of Myanmar Junta. [Reprint of article from July 22 Strait Times of Singapore. Total director Mr. Daniel Valot told Le Monde that he was "'very surprised'" by accusations made by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, that Total "had become the main support for the Myanmar military system run by the State Law and Order Restoration Council." He said that the Myanmar Government got not gain from the billion-dollar natural gas project, and by the time revenues began in 2001-2002 "he did not know which hue of political regime would be in power." Total had been criticized for its operations in South Africa, but "'today, everyone is delighted that we are present in Nelson Mandela's country.'" He said Total was the subject of a "'persistent and malicious campaign,'" citing Danish and Dutch groups that had never even contacted Total. "On Thursday, Danish life insurance firm Kommunernes Pensionforsikring sold its stake in Total over a threatened boycott."] July 26: British business marches slowly back on the Road to Mandalay, by Joanna Pitman. [Article reprinted from the May 14 London Times. British investment coming back into Burma, often via France, British Virgin Islands, or Bermuda; "Premier Oil has invested $20 million.... Rothmans has a cigarette factory. The recently refurbished Strand Hotel in Rangoon and other key tourist hotels...are under British ownership via Hong Kong." According to "one British businessman in Rangoon," "'The Burmese were so cut off from the rest of the world ...that they didn't notice the decline of British industry. In their eyes today, British is still best, and we should take advantage of this while we can.'" Japanese and other foreign investment noted. "Judging by the foreign advertising pyrotechnics, however, that line the road into Rangoon from the airport, the international Coca Cola culture has already arrived."] July 26: Burmese Dissident Urges Western Sanctions to Oust Military. [Article from New York Times International, datelined Brussels, July 18. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi smuggled out of Burma a videotape saying "'What we want are the kind of sanctions that will make it quite clear that economic change in Burma is not possible without political change.'" In Strasbourg, the European Parliament have passed a non-binding resolution calling for an end to trade, tourism and investment with Myanmar. Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi differentiated between Asian investment, which is mostly in tourism and retailing which "'of course, are only related to the very privileged groups,'" while Western investment "would be in the basic projects that Myanmar needs if it is to grow economically." Carlsburg and Heineken breweries have announced an end to business dealings with Burma. Denmark has taken the lead, since the death in prison on June 22 of its "honorary consul" James Leander Nichols. The US has also expressed concern. But ASEAN Secretary-General has said "The West and the media are going on a witch hunt." Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi said she would attend the Government ceremony marking the anniversary of her father's assassination on July 19.] {Note: The brief coverage of Arzani Day in NLM said only that "Families of the Arzanis laid wreaths at the respective places and then shared merits."--HCMacD.} July 28: New effort would void US sanctions on Burma. [AFP wire service story of July 23, concerning draft US legislation to "derail tough new sanctions on Burma while still pressing for change," to nullify a measure by Senator Mitch McConnell to ban US aid or investment in Myanmar. "Compromise language proposed by {Senators} {J. Bennett} Johnston and {Don} Nickles, and co-sponsored by five senators...would maintain a ban on International Monetary Fund and World Bank loans to Burma."] July 28: Milder Burmese Sanctions. [Item from July 26 New York Times that the Senate had adopted a measure "that would tone down economic sanctions against Myanmar...." The measure, introduced by Republican Senator William Cohen of Maine, was supported by the Clinton Administration.] July 29: Total shrugs off Burma's politics, by David Owen. [Article from July 23 London Financial Times. Defence of Total's Burmese activities made by Managing Director Mr. Daniel Valot. Analysts' concerns about Total's shares, even though it is "one of the better exploration and production profiles kicking around" is more that they are full valued than "worries about adverse political developments."] July 31: ASEAN demonstrates rising clout, confidence, by Akira Fujino. [Article reprinted from July 27 Yomiuri Shimbun, Japan. [According to Malaysian Foreign Minister, "'The West did not criticize our constructive commitment policy toward Myanmar,'" and "his comment well describes the mood of the {ASEAN} meeting."] Economic Forum July 16: The Visit Myanmar Year and Economic Development Forum, sponsored by the Myanmar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, was held at the International Business Centre. Vice-President U Hla Myint Thein of the Myanmar Chamber of Commerce and Industry gave a general survey of the economic scene. Then four foreign businessmen doing business in Myanmar gave talks [full texts in NLM]: Joe Peng Joe Peng, CEO of Victoria Garment Manufacturing Group. First came to Myanmar from Hong Kong in 1985, and started Yangon Garment Manufacturing Co. Ltd. in 1990. Branched out, and established Yangon Knitwear Manufacturing Co. Ltd. in 1992; Yangon Sportswear Co. Ltd. in 1994; and Myanmar Knitwear Manufacturing Co. Ltd. in 1995. Had to train workers from scratch. In 1994-95, the Group exported $32 million of garments to America; but then pressure groups relying on BBC began to push for boycotts of Myanmar goods, threatening companies like Liz Claibourne, Eddie Bauer, and Macy's -- they refused all his offers to come and see for themselves the conditions of Myanmar workers. Eddie Bauer's Vice-President did visit Myanmar three times, and checked everything out, and found conditions good: but, he said, "Joe, we got a lot of pressure back home. If we keep on staying here they will picket all our stores and we don't need that kind of problem." Peng fought off these efforts, seeking contracts in Europe and Japan, because he wants to support his 3,500 employees. In the last six months, he got contracts in America worth $14 million, but a few weeks later "a fax came in and said due to a possible sanction toward Myanmar, I am sorry to inform you that although your price and quality and everything is right we have to cancel the order." Cuba is an example of a country whose people have been made to suffer because of US trade sanctions. "Do these people really feel that if they sanction the country today, tomorrow democracy will come? If they sanction a country for ten years and still there is no democracy, the 47 million population here will be suffering in hell.... I don't believe that out of poverty, hunger, democracy will come out.... " When Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was released, he called Larry Doss of Seattle to ask "can you leave us alone now?" He was told "We should only stop if Daw Aung San Suu Kyi tells us to stop." "I do believe Daw Aung San Suu Kyi loves this country. I do admire her courage to stand up for what she believes. But I don't agree with the fact that she believes that by inviting foreign countries to boycott this country will be able to encourage democracy in the country...." [See also under Political Articles, in the June issue of BPS] Bernard Pe-Win Bernard Pe-Win is a Myanmar-born Britisher, and Chairman of Myanmar Investment Holdings. He returned to Myanmar in 1989, after being for 21 years with American Express and later in Hong Kong; he also has Malaysian interests. Myanmar has opened up, as the centrally-planned command economy has been replaced by a decentralized market-driven system. "The before and after snapshots of Yangon and in other large towns already show a dramatic increase in the number of new buildings, cars, shops, consumer items and choice; a common indicator of economic activity and growth. there is even a feeling of greater freedom and mobility of people in the country." So much has changed from a few years ago. Sustainable development requires lending, bilateral and multilateral, and the West will need to reconsider their present position to make this possible. "Isolation rarely works. On the contrary, it increases polarization. It leads to more suffering among people, especially those who are unable to help themselves. Better education, health and welfare of the masses are prerequisites to building a sound and just society." Problems include the overshadowing of the government's positive actions by "negative and unbalanced reporting in the West;" further infrastructure needs; lack of offshore bank lending and export guarantees, and high debt financing costs; denial by World Bank, IMF, and ADB of financing, for political reasons, which Myanmar--unlike China--does not have the leverage to counter; a mere 1,000 MW of power, which is greatly inadequate; continued gap between official and market rates of exchange; perceived risks by investors; improving, but still real, red tape and bureaucracy. "Countries, especially in the West should realize that their continued efforts to 'punish' the government will be counter productive." Bambang Sulistyo Mr. Bambang Sulistyo is Managing Director of Bursa Myanmar Tobacco Co. Ltd. of Indonesia, since 1994 producing Sampoerna cigarettes for export and local consumption. The factory in Thanlyin Township employes 500 people and has an installed capacity of 30,000 master cases per month. Problems include limited port facilities in Yangon, low power supply, etc., but should not discourage investors. Indonesia took 30 years to reach its present development stage; Myanmar could achieve the same success in less than 20. Sukhdeep Singh Mr. Sukhdeep Singh, an Austrian citizen born in Tibet, is Managing Director of Myanmar Hotels International. He described the benefits of the Myanmar Foreign Investment Law of November 1988. Hotel investment has been on terms of 30-year "build, operate, and transfer" base, with an option of 3 5-year extensions; rental at 3-5% of gross revenue; 100% private owned or joint ventures; land use premium "payable but negotiable." Following 11 hotel groups are "in operation or in the process of establishing operation": Accor; New World Hotels; Amanresorts; Renaissance; Mandarin Oriental; Shangri-La; Baiyoke; Central Group; Sedona Hotels International; Hilton; Eastern Oriental. Tourism has grown from 26,000 in 1992-93 to 250,000 in 1995-96. There are 49 international flights to Yangon per week, with an annual capacity of 400,000 seats; All Nippon Airways, Royal Brunei, and Condor are to start service this year. Domestically, Yangon International Air will begin soon and add to the capacity of Air Mandalay. Visit Myanmar Year will begin Nov. 18. Myanmar has great tourist potential: a 2,800 km. coastline with pristine beaches; 50% forests; rich culture and history -- "a timeless land of ancient temples"; friendly people "naturally suited to work in the hospitality industry"; competitive labor costs. Tourism has "one of the highest potentials for rapid growth." (NLM 7/17) Special Refresher Courses July 1: SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt addressed the opening of Special Refresher Course No. 2 for Myanmar Red Cross Society Executives. "Today, there are still enticements to discard national interest under the facade of 'international' and so-called international religious and social organizations are assisting the group opposing the State, interfering in internal affairs, he said. He stressed the need for MRCS to cooperate only with the international Red Cross organizations which have pure goodwill and protect the Red Cross against being misused by the unscrupulous organizations." (NLM 7/1) July 15: SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt addressed the opening of Special Refresher Course No. 22 for Basic Education Teachers. He said that "All will notice that the axe-handles relying on foreign elements and attempting to put the nation under foreign influence are criticizing measures taken for preserving traditions as retrogression and education system being developed based on national outlook as sub-standard. In fact, he said, revitalization and revival of traditions is truly in need ...."] National Races July 2: SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt met with national leader U Pau Yu Chan and members U Li Kyon and U San Malu of Northern Shan State Special Region 2. (NLM 7/3) July 4: Wa national leader U Pau Yu Chan and party called on Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Lt-Gen. Maung Thint. (NLM 7/5) July 22: Wa national leader U Pau Yu Chan called on Minister for Livestock Breeding & Fisheries U Aung Thaung. (NLM 7/23) Mass Meeting July 26: 10,000 members of Myanmar social organizations held a public meeting at the National Indoor Stadium-1, and vowed "to protect stability of the State, economic and social progress together with the public." Participating organizations included the Myanmar Medical Association, Dental Surgeons Association, Engineers Association, Red Cross Society, Sports and Physical Education Committee, Maternal and Child Welfare Association, Anti-Narcotic Drugs Association, Construction Contractors Association, Writers and Journalists Association, Women's Entrepreneurial Association, Assistant Health Officers Association, Young Men's Christian Association, All Private Bus Lines Control Committee, Yangon Division Union Solidarity and Development Association, Mingala Mindaing, Mingalay May, and Thiri May Associations, Thabin, Motion Picture and Music Asiayones, and members of Auxiliary Fire Brigades. Speakers included Chairperson Prof. Daw Kyu Kyu Swe of Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association; Dr. Mya Law Sein of Myanmar Women's Sports Federation; U Thaung of Myanmar Nurses Association; and Daw Khin Kyin Lay of Myanmar Red Cross Society. They denounced "people overshadowed by alien cultures," etc. and called for vigilance against destructionists. (NLM 7/27) ""People's Desire" Signs June 30: 34,000 people attended the unveiling of two "People's Desire" posters in Dawei [Taninthayi]. (NLM 7/1) July 1: 23,700 attended on June 23 in Maungtaw [Rakhine]. 28,000 attended on June 30 in Pyinmana [Mandalay]. (NLM 7/2) July 2: 11,300 attended on June 29 in Tatkon [Mandalay]. (NLM 7/3) July 3: 11,869 attended on June 29 in Pyawbwe [Mandalay]. 10,000 attended June 25 in Buthidaung [Rakhine]. 45,000 attended June 25 in Pakokku [Magway]. July 8: 3,000 attended on July 1 in Momauk [Kachin]. (NLM 7/9) July 9: 8,000 attended on July 6 in Kawthoung [Taninthayi]. 11,000 attended on July 4 in Wetlet [Sagaing]. (NLM 7/10] July 12: 1,300 attended on June 17 in Mawlaik [Sagaing]. (NLM 7/13) July 14: 5,000 attended on July 12 in Thayetchaung [Taninthayi]. (NLM 7/15) July 22: 4.500 attended on July 16 in Yebyu Township [Taninthayi]. (NLM 7/23) July 23: A poster was erected June 26 in Tabayin, Shwebo District [Sagaing]. (NLM 7/ 24) July 24: 5,000 attended on July 24 in Hlegu Township [Yangon]. Pyithu Hluttaw Resignations July 1: Multiparty Democracy General Election Commission Announcements Nos. 1274, 1275 of July 1, permit two National League for Democracy Pyithu Hluttaw representative-elects to resign: Dr. Kyin Thein (Yay-2) "as he no longer wishes to do party politics." U Sai Aung Than (Hsipaw-2) "as he has already resigned as a member and organizer of the National League for Democracy and he no longer wishes to perform party politics." (NLM 7/2) July 5: Multiparty Democracy General Election Commission Announcement No. 1277 of July 5 permits National League for Democracy Pyithu Hluttaw representative-elect U Than Maung (Thaton-2) to resign "due to aging and on health grounds." Note: No sign of Announcement No. 1276 -- HCMacD. (NLM 7/6) July 9: Multiparty Democracy General Election Commission Announcement No. 1278 of July 9 permits National League for Democracy Pyithu Hluttaw representative-elect U Khin Maung Than (Thayet) to resign "due to aging and on health grounds and he no longer wishes to perform party politics." (NLM 7/10) July 18: Multiparty Democracy General Election Commission Announcement No. 1279 of July 18 permits National League for Democracy Pyithu Hluttaw representative-elect U Kyee Maung (Kyunhla) to resign "on health grounds." (NLM 7/19) Bomb in Yangon July 3 [full text]: Bomb goes off under People's Desire opposite the US Embassy. Pessimist destructionists, bent on marring stability and peace in the country and hindering positive developments, caused an explosion under a People's Desire poster in English in a bid to scare the public today. The bomb planted by unscrupulous destructionists exploded under the poster at Maha Bandoola Park on Merchant Street, opposite US Embassy, at about 2 pm today, causing a three-inch hold in the brick base of the park fence. No casualties were reported. Authorities, in cooperation with the people, are searching for the culprits. (NLM 7/4) Police July 5: Speaking to Course No. 5/96 on Myanmar Police Force Maintenance of Discipline Law, Minister for Home Affairs Lt-Gen. Mya Thin emphasized that "police officers will win trust and reliance of people if they are judges or leaders who, free from corrupt practices and self-seeking, are able to pass right decisions only seeing the wellbeing of the nation and the unit...." (NLM 7/6) News Briefings Reestablished July 22: The State Law and Order Restoration Council Information Committee has been reorganized, with Minister for Information Maj-Gen. Aye Kyaw as its leader. It will "release news on developments and changes in the country, economy and investments from time to time" and "will carry out news briefings on a regular monthly basis." (NLM 7/23) July 23: Editorial: For easier access. [After the advent of the State Law and Order Restoration Council, "There were regular Friday noon news briefings when local correspondents and others who happened to be visiting could attend and seek answers they were looking for, or file reports based on what the Government could release. In the absence of such briefings or proper sourcing, journalists wander around, getting whatever they could, forming opinion on whatever is told them by those they could easily meet.... Fair enough if these me in the write business [sic] or the TV people reported what they saw without the kind of bias that would have them slant the stories. Often, the situation was different. To allow both local correspondents and foreign correspondents to get a fair share of what they might file about Myanmar's political, social, economic and other developments, the State Law and Order Restoration Council has reconstituted the Information Committee to help newsmen by providing easier access and has made arrangements to revive the Press briefings .... It is the State Law and Order Restoration Council's bid to help those who would like the world to see the true side of the coin, not only the side Myanmar-bashers want others to see. Our journalist friends will then be able to write more objectively, in accord with tenets."] 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.] July 2: Turkish Ambassador Kemal Ozcan Davaz, called on Minister for Culture U Aung San, and on Minister for Hotels and Tourism Lt-Gen. Kyaw Ba, and on Minister for Forestry Lt-Gen. Chit Swe. Nepalese Ambassador Satchi Shumshere J.B. Rana called on Minister for Culture U Aung San. Bangladeshi Ambassador Brig. Chowdhury Khalequzzaman (Retd) calls on Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt. (NLM 7/3) July 3: Egyptian Ambassador Abdel Rahim Ismail Shalaby called on Minister for Agriculture Lt-Gen. Myint Aung. Thai Ambassador Poksak Nilubol called on Minister for Livestock Breeding & Fisheries U Aung Thaung. Japanese Ambassador Yoichi Yamaguchi called on Minister for Culture U Aung San. WHO Resident Representative Dr. Klaus Wagner called on Minister for Health U Saw Tun. Singapore Ambassador Calvin Eu Mun Hoo called on SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt. Nepalese Ambassador Satchi Shumshere J.B. Rana called on Minister for Industry 1 Lt-Gen. Sein Aung. (NLM 7/4) July 4: Turkish Ambassador Kemal Ozcan Davaz called on Minister for Industry 1 Lt-Gen. Sein Aung, and on Minister for Trade Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi. Philippine Ambassador Mrs. Sonia C. Brady called on Minister for Labour Maj-Gen. Saw Lwin. (NLM 7/5) July 5: Singapore Ambassador Calvin Eu Mun Hoo called on Minister for Livestock Breeding & Fisheries U Aung Thaung. Thai Ambassador Poksak Nilubol called on Minister for Health U Saw Tun. (NLM 7/6) July 8: Malaysian Ambassador Dato Abdul Wahab bin Harun called on Minister for Rail Transportation U Win Sein. Nepalese Ambassador Satchi Shumshere J.B. Rana called on Minister for Hotels and Tourism Lt-Gen. Kyaw Ba. (NLM 7/9) July 9: Japanese Ambassador Yoichi Yamaguchi called on Minister for Livestock Breeding & Fisheries U Aung Thaung. (NLM 7/10) July 10: Nepalese Ambassador Satchi Shumshere J.B. Rana called on Minister for Industry-2 Maj-Gen. Kyaw Than. French Ambassador Bernard Pottier called on Minister for Health U Saw Tun. (NLM 7/11) July 11: FAO Resident Representative Prem Nath called on Minister for Agriculture Lt-Gen. Myint Aung. Nepalese Ambassador Satchi Shumshere J.B. Rana called on Minister for Religious Affairs Lt-Gen. Myo Nyunt. (NLM 7/12) July 12: Singapore Ambassador Calvin Eu Mun Hoo called on Minister for Labour Maj-Gen. Saw Lwin, and on Chairman Lt-Gen. Phone Myint of the State Law and Order Restoration Council Security and Management Committee. Korean Ambassador Kyung Bo Choi, called on Minister for Health U Saw Tun, and on Minister for Culture U Aung San. Japanese Ambassador Yoichi Yamaguchi called on Minister for Health U Saw Tun, and on Minister for Labour Maj-Gen. Saw Lwin. (NLM 7/13) July 15: Nepalese Ambassador Satchi Shumshere J.B. Rana called on Minister for Health U Saw Tun, and on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel. Chinese Ambassador Mrs. Chen Baoliu called on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel. (NLM 7/16) July 18: United States Military Attache Lt-Col. Steven D. Rients, who has completed his tour of duty, and incoming Military Attache (Air) Lt-Col. Probyn Thompson III, called on Commander-in-Chief (Air) Lt-Gen. Tin Ngwe. (NLM 7/19) July 22: FAO Resident Representative Prem Nath called Minister for Forestry Lt-Gen. Chit Swe. Nepalese Ambassador Satchi Shumshere J.B. Rana called on Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win. Korean Ambassador Kyung Bo Choi called on Minister for Labour Maj-Gen. Saw Lwin. Sri Lankan Ambassador K.B. Fernando called on Minister for Culture U Aung San. (NLM 7/23) July 26: Sri Lankan Ambassador K.B. Fernando called on Minister for Labour Maj-Gen. Saw Lwin. (NLM 7/27) July 29: Indonesian Ambassador Maj-Gen. (Police) A. Poerwanto Lenggono called on Deputy Prime Minister Lt-Gen. Tin Tun. (NLM 7/30) New Myanmar Ambassadors July 4: U Hla Myint presented credentials June 27 in Pretoria to President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela as new Myanmar Ambassador to South Africa. (NLM 7/4) July 4: U Thein Han presented credentials June 24 in Phnom Penh to National Assembly President Samdech Chea Sim as new Myanmar Ambassador to Cambodia. (NLM 7/ 4) July 7: U Tun Ngwe, Myanmar Ambassador to Germany, left for his post. (NLM 7/ 8) July 29: U Kyar Nyo Chit Pe, Myanmar Ambassador to Brazil, left for his post. (NLM 7/30) New Ambassadors to Myanmar July 2: Mr. Kemal Ozcan Davaz presented credentials to SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe as new Turkish Ambassador to Myanmar. (NLM 7/3) July 2: Mr. Prem Nath presented letters of appointment to Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw as new FAO Resident Representative to Myanmar. (NLM 7/3) July 16: Myanmar has approved the appointment of Dr. Ioan Voicu as new Romanian Ambassador to Myanmar. He was born on March 5, 1939 in Fundata, Romania, and graduated in Political Sciences in 1968 from the Graduate Institute of International Studies of Geneva University. He joined the Foreign Service in 1962 and has served in various capacities, most recently from 1988-1993 as a member of the United Nations Administrative Tribunal. He is concurrently accredited to Thailand, and is resident in Bangkok. He his married with one son. (NLM 7/17) July 17: Maj-Gen. (Police) A. Poerwanto Lenggono presented credentials to SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe as new Indonesian Ambassador to Myanmar. (NLM 7/18) ASEAN July 18: A delegation led by Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw left to attend the 29th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting in Jakarta, beginning July 20. He was accompanied by Director-General U Khin Maung Win of the Political Department, Director U Nyan Linn, and Assistant Director U Min Lwin. Also attending the meeting are Ambassador U Nyi Nyi Than to Indonesia, Ambassador U Pe Thein Tin to Pakistan, Ambassador U Wynn Lwin to India, Ambassador U Kyaw Myint to Singapore, and Ambassador U San Thein to the Philippines. (NLM 7/19) July 20: Myanmar was admitted by ASEAN as an Observer; the ceremony took place at 11:30 am on July 20, presided over by Indonesian Foreign Ministry Mr. Ali Alatas. Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw "reiterated Myanmar's commitment to the ideals and objectives of ASEAN," and thank its members for their unanimous support of Myanmar. (NLM 7/21) July 25: Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw and his delegation arrived home from the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting in Jakarta. On July 20 the Myanmar delegation attended the meeting, and was welcomed as an observer by Indonesia. Chairman Mr. Ali Alatas (Indonesian Foreign Minister) said that Myanmar had made considerable progress in fully integrating itself with ASEAN, notably by signing the Treaty on the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon Free Zone, and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia. Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw expressed his gratification, and "reaffirmed Myanmar's commitment to the ideals and objectives of ASEAN," and said it "was taking systematic and step by step approach for closer cooperation with ASEAN." On July 21, Myanmar co-chaired the ASEAN-Myanmar Consultative Meeting attended by all ASEAN members. On July 22, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw held a press conference with 70 journalists. On July 23 he attended the 3rd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), attended by ASEAN foreign ministers, Laos, Cambodia, Papua-New Guinea, Myanmar, the USA, China, India, Japan, Korea, Russia, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the European Union, at which he "explained the recent developments taking place in Myanmar." Later he and the other Ministers called on Indonesian President Soeharto, and he met twice with Indonesian Foreign Minister Ali Alatis. He also had cordial discussions with the Foreign Ministers of Vietnam, Singapore, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the European Union Chairman (Irish Foreign Minister), as well as with ASEAN Secretary-General Dato Ajit Singh. (NLM 7/ 26) INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION Joint Workshops & Seminars July 1: The 5-day Country Level Training Workshop for Senior Officials on Freight Forwarding, co-sponsored by the Ministry of Transport and ESCAP, with assistance from the Government of France, opened, and was addressed by Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win. Also present were French Ambassador M. Bernard Pottier and Economist Mr. Lie Siao Sing of ESCAP. (NLM 7/2) July 8: A Management System for Today Seminar was held, co-sponsored by the Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development and Compact (Business System Australia), represented by Executive Director Mr. Allen Pyrah. 67 officials, including Minister at the Prime Minister's Office U Than Shwe, attended. (NLM 7/9) July 9: A two-day Workshop on Environmental Law, co-sponsored by the National Commission for Environmental Affairs and the United Nations Environmental Programme opened. Present were NCEA President Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyunt Swe, UNEP Regional Environmental Law Programme Chief Mr. Lal Kurukulaseriya and others. (NLM 7/10) // July 10: The Workshop concluded. (NLM 7/11) July 13: A two-day Workshop on Public Cooperation in Clean Water Availability, Environmental Sanitation, and Self Hygiene, co-sponsored by UNICEF, opened in Thandwe {Sandoway} [Rakhine]. (NLM 7/14) July 15: A Workshop on Training of Trainers in Development of Physical Health, co-sponsored by Sports and Physical Education Department, the Ministry of Health, and WHO, opened. WHO Resident Representative Public Health Administrator Dr. A.R. Soernono was present. (NLM 7/16) // July 21: The workshop concluded. (NLM 7/22) July 18: A two-day Research Seminar on Myanmar National Level Health Policy opened at the Planning and Statistics Department, with officials, representatives of UN agencies, and "scholars of Indonesia, Thailand, Sri Lanka and Nepal and guests." (NLM 7/19) July 22: Bank Draft and Foreign Currency Services Courses, jointly conducted by the Central Bank of Myanmar and Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank Corp., represented by local representative Mr. Henery H.G. Tan. 50 people are taking part. (NLM 7/23) July 30: A Computer Data Communication Seminar, co-sponsored by Myanma Data Comms Co. and Computer Protocol Co. of Malaysia, represented by Managing Director Mr. M Yong, was held with the cooperation of Myanma Posts and Telecommunications. Mr. Yong and MDC Managing Director U Tin Win Aung later signed an "agreement based on computer data communication X-25 system to be installed in Myanmar in near future." (NLM 7/31) Border Cooperation July 20: The National Narcotics Control Commission (NNCC) of China, represented by Mr. Wang Qing Rong of NNCC and Mr.Dong Jia Lui of UPNCC of Yunnan; the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control of Myanmar represented by Joint Secretary Police Col. Ngwe Soe Tun; and UNDCP, represented by Mr. Vincent McClean and Mr. Richard Dickens, met in Shweli, Yunnan Province, China, on July 26, and "discussed exchange of information on prevention of trafficking across the Myanmar-China border, communications and eradication and controlling of narcotics." (NLM 7/21) July 30: An 8-member delegation headed by Director of Asian Affairs Mr. Suvidhya Simaskul of the Thai Foreign Ministry arrived for a meeting on "designating points of entry on Myanmar-Thai border." (NLM 7/ 31) 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.] July 2: Mr. Ramnat and party of Pritsons Myanmar Ltd. donated K 500,000, and promised a further monthly donation of K 100,000, to the Myanmar Karuna Foundation for one clinic. "Myanmar Karuna Foundation is making arrangements for opening Karuna clinics in Yangon, Mandalay and nationwide. Those wishing to donate case and kind for MKF may dial 286720, 283583 or 289352. (NLM 7/3) July 3: Chinese Ambassador Ms. Chen Baoliu donated 20 sewing machines to the Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association. (NLM 7/4) July 4: Chairman Mr. Toshi Sugano and Director Mr. Tonu Sugano of Shinno Co. Ltd. presented office automation equipment worth K 300 million, and Hata Kasetsu Kogyo Corp. (Lions Club) presented 200 bicycles worth K 1 million, to the Yangon City Development Committee. (NLM 7/5) July 4: Sales and Marketing Manager Ms. Kerina Lee and Mr. M.K. Chong of GC Pharmaceutical (S) Co. Ltd., Singapore, donated 100 bottles of Nutrisol S 5% worth $1,200 to the No. 2 Military Hospital. (NLM 7/5) July 5: Work Manager Mr. Lewis Y.W. Leung of Myanmar Hwa Fuh International Ltd. donated five sewing machines worth $5,000 to the Technical, Agricultural and Vocational Education Department. (NLM 7/6) July 5: Priestess Jakden of Ohara Temple in Kyoto and National Network Co. Ltd. jointly presented two fire engines to Kalay and Kalaywa Townships. (NLM 7/6) July 9: Mrs. Katie Sampoerna, wife of President-Director of Bursa Tobacco Corp. of Indonesia [see below under Business Visitors] donated K 50 million to the Myanmar Education Committee. Together with her husband, she donated a new 1-storey building worth K 10 million to the Training School for Girls at 49 Malikha Street, Mayangon Township, Yangon. (NLM 7/10) July 11: Okura Co. Ltd. of Japan donated $10,000 to the Myanmar Olympic Committee. (NLM 7/12) July 12: Resident Representative U Tun Win-Daw Patsy of Berdikari RC Ltd. of Indonesia donated K 1 million to the Myanmar Karuna Foundation. (NLM 7/13) July 15: The Seuang Bo Kong Kyung Buddhist Association of Korea donated $2,000 to the State Pariyatti Sasana Tekkatho. (NLM 7/16) July 17: Director Mr. Apinya Phunrat of WWF Consolidated Product Pte. Ltd., Singapore, and party donated $10,000 to the Myanmar Karuna Foundation. (NLM 7/18) July 21: Mr. Lee Chung Yung of Taiwan donated K 400,000 and Mr. Lo Wen Lin and Mr. Fang Gin Shain donated 210 mattresses worth K 20,000, to the Yangon General Hospital. (NLM 7/22) July 22: Lt-Gen. Mongkol Bunserm (Retd) and Madame Wacharee Bunserm of Bangkok donated K 1.2 million and medicines worth K 75,000 to Myanmar Karuna Foundation. (NLM 7/23) July 22: The Asian Ladies Friendship Society of Japan donated 650,000 to the Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association. (NLM 7/23) July 23: Managing Director Mr. Kwok Kian Hai of Kuok Oil and Grains Pte. Ltd. of Singapore donated K 10 million to the Myanmar Karuna Foundation. (NLM 7/24) July 24: LG Electronics Inc. of Korea donated 3 GoldStar computers and a laser printer worth $4,500 to the Ministry of Education. (NLM 7/25) July 24: Mr. Viroj Tanasansopin and party of Oryza Co. Ltd. of Thailand donated K 1 million to the Myanmar Karuna Foundation. (NLM 7/25) FOREIGN VISITORS [Although we rarely note the fact, foreign visitors calling on Myanmar officials are often accompanied by their Ambassadors. -- HCMacD.] International Agency Visitors July 29: United Nations Assistant Secretary-General Dr. Nay Htun (Assistant Administrator of UNDP and Director of the Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific) called on SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt, Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel, and on Minister for Forestry Lt-Gen. Chit Swe, to discuss a SE Asian regional workshop on conservation of bio-diversity and other UNDP projects. (NLM 7/30) 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.] July 1: Senator Mr. Heherson J. Alvarez, Head of JBH Trading Partners Asia Traders of the Philippines and party called on Chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin. (NLM 7/2) // July 2: He called on Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win, and on Minister for Forestry Lt-Gen. Chit Swe. (NLM 7/3) // July 3: He called on Minister for Trade Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi. (NLM 7/4) July 2: A Chinese economic delegation headed by Director Mr. Ma Xing Yuan of Committee of Ning Bo of China called on Chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin. (NLM 7/3) // July 3: It called on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel. (NLM 7/4) July 2: President Mr. T. Singh of the Federation of Thai Industries of Kanchanaburi Province called on Chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin, on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel, and on Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win to discuss a deep sea port and industrial zone at Dawei. (NLM 7/3) July 2: Mr. Edmund D. Bryant and party of the British Electrotechnical and Allied Manufacturers Association (BEAMA) of Britain called on Chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin, and on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel. (NLM 7/3) July 3: General Manager Mr. Mathias Starke of ABB German Export Marketing, Mannheim, called on Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win to discuss airport construction and Thilawa, Kyaukphyu, and Dawei port projects, on Chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin, and on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel. (NLM 7/4) // July 4: He called on Minister for Energy U Khin Maung Thein. (NLM 7/5) July 4: Vice-Chairman Mr. Teruo Hotta of the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Adviser of Itochu Corporation, and party, called on Minister for Trade Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi, on Minister for Industry 1 Lt-Gen. Sein Aung, on Yangon Mayor U Ko Lay, and on Minister for Industry 1 Lt-Gen. Sein Aung. (NLM 7/5) July 4: President Mrs. Panita Tanthien and Mr. Srinarong Poonpipat of Atina Time Square Ltd. of Thailand called on Minister for Mines Lt-Gen. Kyaw Min to discuss Blocks 1 and 11 "to be undertaken by Atina Time Square." (NLM 7/5) July 5: Regional Manager Mr. Gerd Willhoeft of Mercedes-Benz Asia Pte. Ltd. called on Minister for Trade Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi. (NLM 7/6) July 8: General Manager Mr. Hong Ling Bai of Shanghai International Centre (Yangon) hosted a dinner for Myanmar journalists. (NLM 7/9) July 9: President-Director Mr. Putera Sampoerna and party of Bursa Tobacco Co. of Indonesia called on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel. (NLM 7/10) // July 10: Chairman Mr. Putera Sampoerna and party of PT HM Sampoerna Co., Indonesia, called on SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt. (NLM 7/11) July 9: Chairman Mr. Owen Kelly of Mandalay Mining Co. NL of Australia called on Minister for Mines Lt-Gen. Kyaw Min [see also below under Agreements]. (NLM 7/10) July 9: Vice-President Mr. Carmel Dahan of Koor Trade Ltd. of Israel and party called on Deputy Prime Minister Lt-Gen. Tin Tun. (NLM 7/10) July 10: Vice-Chairman Mr. Gianlugi Trevisani of Trevi Group of Italy, and General Manager Mr. R. Cordella of Soilmec, SPA, called on Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Lt-Gen. Maung Thint to discuss "large scale construction and irrigation networks," and "pipes, and heavy machines used in construction and for water and oil rigs," respectively. (NLM 7/ 11) July 11: A delegation from Marubeni Corporation led by Mr. T. Yasuraoka called on officials of the Yangon City Development Committee. (NLM 7/12) July 11: Vice-President Mr. Samit Roy and party of Apple Computer Co. called on SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt. (NLM 7/12) July 11: Chairman Mr. Thomas G. Finck of Triton Energy Ltd. of US and party called on Minister for Energy U Khin Maung Thein, to discuss offshore oil and gas, and on Chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin. (NLM 7/12) // July 12: He called on SLORC Vice-Chairman Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Gen. Maung Aye. (NLM 7/13) July 12: President of Media of Medias Public Co. Ltd. Mr. Kosit Suvinijit called on Minister for Cooperatives U Than Aung, and on Minister for Hotels and Tourism Lt-Gen. Kyaw Ba. (NLM 7/13) July 13: Senior Consultant Mr. Volker F.J. Binder of Anita International Ltd. of Austria called on Minister for Cooperatives U Than Aung to discuss women's garment production and export; he donated K 100,000 to the Myanmar Lacquerware Institute at Bagan. (NLM 7/14) July 15: General Manager Mr. Lin Wei Qing and party of Dadonghai Tourism Centre Holding Co. Ltd. of Hainan, China, called on Minister at the Prime Minister's Office Brig-Gen. Lun Maung. (NLM 7/16) July 15: Senior Project Manager Mr. K. Shimizi of Itochu Corp. of Japan and party called on Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win to discuss the Kyaukphyu Deep-Sea Port Project. (NLM 7/16) July 15: Executive Vice-President Mr. Asghar Mehdi of PT Prima Comexindo called on Minister for Trade Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi. (NLM 7/16) July 15: Vice-Chairman Dr. Johan Kremers of the Rodamco Group of the Netherlands called on Chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin. (NLM 7/16) July 16: A delegation led by Vice-President Mr. Sig Rameseyer of Caterpillar Inc. called on Chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin. (NLM 7/17) July 16: Regional Representative Mr. Gerd Udo Hauser and party of Daimler Benz AG of Germany called on Minister for Hotels and Tourism Lt-Gen. Kyaw Ba. (NLM 7/17) July 16: A delegation led by Senior Vice-President Mr. Osamu Nagahata of All Nippon Airways Co. Ltd. called on Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win. (NLM 7/17) July 17: General Siri Thiwaphan (Retd) and President Mr. Sompong Suwan of Suwan Industry Co. Ltd. of Thailand called on Chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin to discuss zinc and other mineral investment. (NLM 7/18) July 18: A Japanese Economic Mission headed by Managing Director Mr. Akio Tenmei of Fuji Bank called on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel. (NLM 7/19) July 18: Managing Director Mr. Patrick MacLeod of Abercrombie and Kent (A&K) Tourism Co. of the US called on Minister for Hotels and Tourism Lt-Gen. Kyaw Ba, to discuss joint operations with New Horizons Tourism Services. A&K sent over 5,000 tourists to China last year, spending $8-10,000 each. (NLM 7/19) July 22: Exploration Director Mr. Malcolm Brown and party of British Gas Company called on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel. (NLM 7/23) July 23: Indonesian businessmen led by Mr. Johnethan [sic] Sampoerna of Sampoerna Group and Director Mr. Jim Rohwer of CS First Boston Ltd. called on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel. (NLM 7/24) July 23: Consultant Mr. Kensuke Shimura of Sanwa Research Institute Corp. of Japan called on Chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin to discuss Mekong Delta region development. (NLM 7/ 24) July 24: Executive Director Mr. Kenneth Gaw of Pioneer Industries International Holding Ltd. of Hong Kong called on Minister for Trade Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi. (NLM 7/25) July 25: Executive Director Je-Il Yang and party of LG International Corporation of Korea called on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel. (NLM 7/26) July 25: Asia Region General Manager Mr. Nobuhiro Takahashi and party of Itochu Corp. called on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen. Abel. (NLM 7/26) // July 26: He called on Chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Adm. Maung Maung Khin. (NLM 7/27) July 26: President Mr. Yoshiyasu Nao and party of Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) of Thailand called on Minister at the Deputy Prime Minister's Office Secretary of the Myanma Investment Committee Brig-Gen. Maung Maung. (NLM 7/27) Religious Visitors July 7: Bhaddanta Ottama, aged 86, vassa 66, Sayadaw of Wiweika Yama Kyaungtaik of Wanka, Thailand, arrived in pilgrimage with three monks and four devotees. (NLM 7/8) // July 8: He visited Bago. (NLM 7/9) // July 9: He toured Yangon. (NLM 7/10) // July 10: SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt paid obeisance to him. The Sayadaw presented four gold sheets worth K 232,000 to gild the Shwedagon Pagoda, and K 306,000 for building a glass-mosaic post on the southern stairway. (NLM 7/11) \\ July 11: He flew to Bagan on July 10, visited pagodas there and in Mandalay and Mawlamyine, and returned to Yangon. (NLM 7/12) // July 12: He departed. (NLM 7/13) July 28: Sayadaw Agga Maha Saddanma Jotikadaja U Naninda of Bodh Gaya Myanmar Monastery in India, "currently here for religious affairs," departed. (NLM 7/29) Media Visitors July 17: Foreign correspondents of Asia Times, Financial Times, Far Eastern Economic Review, Yomiuri Shimbun, NKH, and Fuji TV, led by Managing Director U Kyaw Nyein of Myanmar Oil and Gas Enterprise and accompanied by Total Myanmar Exploration and Production Operations Manager Mr. J Ragot visited the Kanbauk Base Camp in Yebyu Township, Taninthayi, and were briefed on the Yadana gas project. (NLM 7/ 18) July 18: Film Director and Adviser Mr. Koji Chino of Japan, accompanied by Executive Producer Mr. Masayuki Kuzu and Producer Mr. Kiu Takabatake, met with Minister for Information Maj-Gen. Aye Kyaw to discuss Thway, a film to promote Myanmar-Japan relations. (NLM 7/19) July 23: Deputy Editor Mr. Makito Chashi of Nihon Keizai Shimbun Daily called on Minister for Hotels and Tourism Lt-Gen. Kyaw Ba. He had visited Yangon, Bagan, and Mandalay, and will write a feature on Myanmar. (NLM 7/24) Chinese Provincial Delegations July 3: A goodwill delegation from Yunnan Province headed by Party Secretary Mr. Zhang Pan Dao of Lu Si County of China called on Minister for Trade Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi to discuss border trade, and on Minister for Health U Saw Tun. (NLM 7/4) Russian Officials July 9: A 5-member delegation from the Russian Federation Council headed by Deputy Chairman Mr. Vassily N. Likhachev arrived. (NLM 7/10) // July 10: The delegation called on SLORC Secretary-2 Lt-Gen. Tin Oo, on Minister for Forestry Lt-Gen. Chit Swe, on Minister for Agriculture Lt-Gen. Myint Aung, and on Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw. (NLM 7/11) \\ July 11: It called on Minister for Industry-2 Maj-Gen. Kyaw Than. (NLM 7/12) // July 12: The delegation called on SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt, and then departed. (NLM 7/13) Malaysian Transport Minister July 11: A delegation led by Malaysian Minister of Transport Dato Seri Dr. Ling Liong Sik called on SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt, and on Deputy Prime Minister Lt-Gen. Tin Tun. The Minister hosted a dinner for Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win. (NLM 7/12) // The delegation departed. (NLM 7/13) Thai Official Delegations July 15: Assistant Director-General of Foreign Trade of Thailand Mr. Pathom Panichy Anusont called on Minister at the Deputy Prime Minister's Office Secretary of the Myanma Investment Committee Brig-Gen. Maung Maung. (NLM 7/16) July 17: Assistant Director-General Mr. Prathom Parijayanusondhi of the Thai Department of Foreign Trade and delegation called on Minister for Trade Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi. [probably same man as above] (NLM 7/ 18) July 24: A delegation led by Deputy Permanent Secretary Mr. Alai Ingawanij of the Prime Minister's Office of Thailand arrived, and called on Deputy Minister for Information U Thein Sein. (NLM 7/25) // July 26: Deputy Minister for Information U Thein Sein hosted a dinner. (NLM 7/27) Japanese Politicians July 16: A delegation led by Director-General for Foreign, Agriculture, Forestry and Livestock Breeding Affairs Mr. Tomomitsu Iwakura of the Policy Research Council of the Liberal Democratic Party of Japan called on Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Lt-Gen. Maung Thint to discuss poppy-substitute crops. (NLM 7/17) // July 17: The delegation called on Minister for Agriculture Lt-Gen. Myint Aung. Its head was accompanied by Prof. Mr. Akio Ujihara of Shinshu University, and by Officer of First South-East Asia Division Mr. Hisanaga Tomioka of the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. (NLM 7/19) Lao Delegation July 22: A Lao delegation led by Vice-Mayor of Vientiane Dr. Phouthong Seng Akhom arrived, at the invitation of Yangon Mayor U Ko Lay. Other members are Director of Vientiane Municipal [sic] Mr. Laeko, Deputy Directors Mr. Lab Chanthabouly and Mr. Chanphen Sinouvong, and seven others. (NLM 7/23) // July 23: The delegation called on Yangon Mayor U Ko Lay. (NLM 7/23) // July 29: The delegation departed, after touring Yangon, Mandalay, PyinOoLwin, and Bagan. (NLM 7/30) MYANMAR DELEGATIONS Study Delegations July 13: A women's delegation led by Deputy Director U Kyaw Hlaing of the Department of Cooperatives and Director Daw Khin Aye Mu of Mingalamay Women's Cooperative Society left for China at the invitation of the International Trade Promotion Council of Chongqing Province. (NLM 7/14) July 24: A delegation led by Director-General U Kyi Lwin of Myanma Television and Radio Department left on a study tour of China, Hong Kong, and Thailand. He was accompanied by Staff Officers Daw Khin Myo Win, U Han Myint, Daw Than Than Maw, and technician U Steven Sein Nyunt. (NLM 7/25) Delegations to Meetings June 30: After leaving the Indonesian Air Show '96, Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win visited Singapore, where he met with Minister for Communication Mr. Ma Bo Tan, and, on June 27, visited Jardine Star Line Shipping and Myanma Five Star Line. Director-General U Tin Aye of the Civil Aviation Department attended the opening of the Singapore Centre Aviation Control radar unit on June 27. (NLM 7/1) July 21: Director-General U Kyaw Aye of the Attorney-General's Office left July 20 for Thailand to attend a July 22-23 Meeting on Intellectual Property in Developing Countries in Asia in Phuket. (NLM 7/11) July 22: Joint-Secretary Daw Mya Mya Than (Ma Hnin Phway) of the Myanmar Writers and Journalists Association (Executive Editor of Sarpay Beikman) left for Beijing to attend the July 23-25 Asia-Pacific Regional Development Forum. (NLM 7/23) July 27: Eight students, supervised by Headmistress Daw Malar Myint of Meiktila High School 1, left to attend the Eighth Get-together of Students and Youths of Asia and the Pacific Region, in Fukuoka, Japan. Also, 7th grader Ma Khin Mya Mya Kyaw of Sittway, accompanied by her father U Kyaw Thein, left for Japan to receive a prize in the Asian Children's Contest. (NLM 7/28) July 28: A 6-member energy delegation led by Minister for Energy U Khin Maung Thein left for Malaysia to attend the Asia Oil and Gas Conference & Exhibition 1996. (NLM 7/29) Religious Delegations July 12: The Ministry of Trade will organize a pilgrimage in September to Lord Buddha's birthplace in Lumbini, Nepal, Bodh Gaya where he attained Enlightenment, Magadawun (Sarnath) where he preached his first sermon, Kuthinayon (Kusinagar) where he attained Nibbana, and Rajagir, Nalanda, Pattana, Vesali, and Savutthi. (NLM 7/13) July 15: A Myanmar Buddhist delegation led by Joint Secretary Sayadaw of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Kesara, and Rector Sayadaw of the State Pariyatti Sasana Tekkatho (Yangon) left for Japan to attend the consecration of an ordination hall at Taiyo Village, Kashima, Ibaragi Prefecture. Members are Bago Kyakhatwaing Sayadaw Bhaddanta Jotipala, Bago Myoma Kyaung Sayadaw Bhaddanta Gandhama, Amarapura Maha Gandhayon Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kundalabhivamsa, Lecturer Sayadaw of the State Sasana Tekkatho (Yangon) Bhaddanta Nanuttara, Japanese Sayadaw Ashin Dhammasara, two nuns and six disciples. (NLM 7/ 15) July 24: A Myanmar Buddhist delegation led by Minister for Religious Affairs Lt-Gen. Myo Nyunt left for China. Members are Director-General U Arnt Maung and Assistant Director U Tint Wai of the Religious Affairs Department, Adviser to the Ministry U Maung Maung Lay, Director U Thein Swe of the Department for Promotion and Propagation of the Sasana, Maj. Than Kyaing of the Ministry of Defence, Secretary U Tin Hlaing of the Yangon East District Union Solidarity and Development Association, and the Minister's PSO Capt. Tint Kyaw. (NLM 7/25) Business Delegations July 17: Director-General Dr. Than Htaik and party of Cottage Industries Department left for Japan at the invitation of Organization for Industrial Spiritual and Cultural Advancement (OISCA) of Japan. They will sign a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the Myanmar lacquerware industry, and study the Japanese lacquerware industry. (NLM 7/18) Attorney-General to China July 3: A goodwill delegation headed by Attorney-General U Tha Tun left for China. It includes Director U San Maung and Deputy Director U Maung Maung Hla of the Attorney-General's Office, Mandalay Law Officer U Han Shein, Shan State (North) Joint Law Officer U Tin Thein Maung, and PSO U Win Myint. (NLM 7/4) // July 12: The delegation returned. (NLM 7/13) Yangon Delegation to Kunming July 24: A delegation headed by Vice-Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Vice-Mayor Col. Maung Pa of Yangon left for Kunming at the invitation of its Vice-Mayor. With him are YCDC member Col. Thaung Wai and Deputy Head of the Budget and Accounts Department Daw Win May. (NLM 7/25) Delegations Return [Return to Yangon of delegations which had left in previous months, or whose departure had not been noticed in NLD] July 4: The delegation led by Minister for Industry-2 Maj-Gen. Kyaw Than returned from China. (NLM 7/5) // July 10: Chronicle of the delegation's visit, which included automobile and truck production and assembly plants in many cities in China between June 19-29. On June 30, it flew to Bangkok, and again visited vehicle factories in Bangkok and Chiangmai, returning to Yangon on July 3. (NLM 7/11) July 22: The tourism delegation led by Deputy Minister for Hotels and Tourism Brig-Gen. Tin Aye returned from the International Conference on Implementation of Ecotourism Planning in Bangkok. (NLM 7/23) MYANMAR GAZETTE Probationary Appointments The State Law and Order Restoration Council has appointed, on probation: July 3: U Aye Kyaw, Vice-Principal, to be Principal, Central Transport and Communications Training School. (NLM 7/4) July 24: Dr. U Nyunt Lwin, Pro-Rector, to be Rector, Magway University, Higher Education Department, Ministry of Education. Dr. U C. Khaing Min, Principal, School of Health Science for Basic Health Workers, to be Rector, Institute of Primary Health, Ministry of Health. (NLM 7/25) Appointments The State Law and Order Restoration Council has appointed: July 3: U Maung Maung Naing, Principal, Central Transport and Communications Training School, to be Managing Director, Road Transport, Ministry of Transport. (NLM 7/4) July 24: U Win Maung, Principal, Shwebo College, to be Principal, Pathein Degree College, Higher Education Department, Ministry of Education. (NLM 7/25) GOVERNMENT Insurance Board Named July 1: Ministry of Finance and Revenue Notification No. 113/96 of July 1, Formation of the Insurance Business Supervisory Board, establishes the Board provided for in the Insurance Business Law adopted in June 1996, as follows: Chairman: U Ba Tun, Managing Director, Myanmar Naing-Ngan Insurance Members: U Win Naing, Director, Central Bank of Myanmar; U Nyi Nyi, Director, Attorney-General's Office; U Tin Aung, Director, Auditor-General's Office; Dr. Tun Shin, Deputy Director-General, Directorate of Investments and Companies; U Kyaw Myint, Insurance Mathematician. Secretary: U Maung Maung Thein, Deputy General Manager (General Insurance), Myanmar Insurance. (NLM 7/9) Traditional Drug Law July 25: State Law and Order Restoration Council Law No. 7/96 of July 25, the Traditional Drug Law [full text in NLM], regulates "local concoctions" used for the treatment of human or animal health or longevity "in accordance with any one of the four nayas of traditional medicine, namely Desana naya, Bethitsa naya, Netkhata vedanaya, and Vissadara naya." Experts and other qualified persons shall be attached to the Myanmar Food and Drug Board of Authority, which will establish policies for registration of traditional drugs, test them, establish licencing qualifications for their manufacture, and regulate labelling and quality control. It will encourage study of traditional drugs, determine those "unfit for use", protect traditional pharmaceutical raw materials from extinction, disseminate information on their collection, production, storage and preservation, establish supervisory committees at State/Division, District, and Township levels, etc. Procedures are established for registering traditional drugs, and obtaining licences for their manufacture. Prohibitions, penalties (up to K 30,000 and 3 years imprisonment), and appeals are provided for. (NLM 7/26) Television and Video Law July 29: State Law and Order Restoration Council Law No. 8/96 of July 29, The Television and Video Law, has the following objectives: "(a) to modernize and uplift the standard of video business; (b) to cause the emergence of video tapes which will be beneficial for the all-round development of the State and the preservation of Myanmar cultural heritage; (c) to cause emergence of video tapes which will contribute towards national solidarity and dynamism of patriotic spirit; (d) to prohibit and ban decadent video tapes which will undermine Myanmar culture and Myanmar tradition; and (e) to control and prevent malpractices which are caused through video business." (Ch. II, Section 3) Any person "who holds and uses a television set or a video cassette recorder" must obtain a licence within 30 days from a post office; and renew it upon expiry, according to terms established by the Ministry of Communications, Posts and Telegraphs. (Ch. III, Section 7) Anyone wishing to possess a "satellite television receiver" must comply with licensing, possession, transfer, and other directives issued by the Ministry. (Chapter III, Section 8) Anyone wishing to operate a video business (production, taping, editing, copying, distribution, hiring, or exhibiting of video tapes) must apply for a Video Business Licence from the State or Divisional Video Business Supervisory Committee, which will scrutinize the applicant, and charge such fees, etc., as are determined by the Ministry of Information; the holder must comply with conditions determined by the Myanmar Motion Picture Enterprise. (Chapter IV, Sections 9-15) The Ministry of Information will establish a Video Business Supervisory Control Committee under the Chairmanship of the Managing Director of the Myanmar Motion Picture Enterprise, and State/Division Committees, which will issue licences and may fine violators from K 5,000-50,000. (Chapters V & VI) The Ministry of Information will establish a Video Censor Board, under the same Chairmanship, to examine and approve "Myanmar Video tapes produced and submitted or video tapes which have been imported or brought from a foreign country." It may permit their exhibition "to the public or for a family show;" prohibit and seize or destroy them; permit their exhibition after making excision, amendment or erasure of non-suitable portions; and issue a video censor certificate after payment of a prescribed fee. (Chapter VII) Appeals may be made to the Ministry of Information. Penalties: Anyone other than a governmental entity operating a television transmission business without permission shall be jailed for up to five years, and related property confiscated. Other infractions may result in fines up to K 100,000 and imprisonment up to three years. (Chapters VIII & IX) Embassies and UN agencies must submit video tapes to the Video Censor Board, which may either authorize their showing, require their editing, or restrict their showing to "a reserve audience within the premises" of a foreign mission, etc. (Chapter X, Section 37) The Board may examine video tapes submitted by the Customs Department. Exports: It may advise whether a "video tape which is to be sent or carried to a foreign country should be permitted to do so," and excise, amend, or erase non-suitable portions of video tapes to be exported "for commercial purpose." (Chapter X, Section 38) Exempted from regulation is "videotaping related to family affair; hiring or exhibiting such videotape free of charge [sic]; and videotaping a motion picture which has a censor certificate to exhibit free of charge. (Chapter X, Section 42) The Television and Video Law (No. 12 of 1985) is repealed. (NLM 7/30) MILITARY Surrenders by Armed Group Members July 15: Two members of the ABSDF returned to the legal fold in Myeik on May 31 [names and details]. (NLM 7/16) July 21: Fourteen members of the Mong Tai Army (of Khun Sa) returned to the legal fold in Tachilek Township on July 19, bringing their weapons. A total of 14,506 MTA members have turned themselves in since January. (NLM 7/22) July 24: From June 1-15, 16 members of various armed groups returned to the legal fold [names and details]. (NLM 7/25) July 29: From June 16-30, 29 members of various armed groups returned to the legal fold [names and details], bringing the month's total to 45. (NLM 7/30) Address to Officers July 26: SLORC Vice-Chairman Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Gen. Maung Aye addressed the graduates of the 94th Intake of the Tatmadaw (Army) Officers Training School. He "said some internal destructionist forces have come to rely on external elements they no longer win support of the people, adding they hold beliefs counter to the desires of 45 million people. The General said that under the pretext of democracy and human rights, they are creating conditions to cause economic sanctions imposed on the country and to hinder visits of tourists and inflow of investments and thus they are marring noble aims of the Government. "He added some destructive forces have resorted to various means to destabilize the nation and are hoping for the involvement of external elements to be able to seize opportunity to grab power. Now, he said the people have made their desires known-- 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; and crush all internal and external destructive elements as the common enemy. "He said the people have come to explicitly oppose destructionists who rely on external elements, and the cadets are to help people fulfil their desires and noted that there must be a strong Tatmadaw to be able to carry out these duties...." (NLM 7/27) ECONOMIC Economic Articles July 7: Pansodan Railway Overpass is a response to traffic overflow of economic boom, by Win Naing. ["Commuters trying to reach their offices and other workplaces these days must leave their homes early to beat the morning rush-hour traffic.... The traffic jams and other related woes faced by the morning motorists are repeated in the evenings, much worse for everybody must get home in much more of a hurry. Bigger and better buses..., new taxis including the diesel-powered and thousands of other vehicles have been added to Yangon's streets.... According to statistics, approximately 20,966 cars pass Theinbyu Overpass and 29,667 Sule Overpass from 7.30 am to 7.30 pm daily." Hence the building of the 1,733 foot Pansodan Overpass, with a four lane motor road and 16 feet of pedestrian sidewalks. "Yangon population and number of automobiles are increasing day by day. There were only 102,526 automobiles five years ago and now there are 176,779."] Project Inaugurations June 30: The Shwepyi-3 Dam in Bago Township was inaugurated by SLORC Secretary-2 Lt-Gen. Tin Oo. It cost K 34 million and will irrigate 1,250 acres. (NLM 7/1) July 1: Patron for Life of the Myanmar Karuna Foundation Minister for Trade Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi inspected the Foundation's new office at 504/506 Merchant Street. (NLM 7/2) July 2: A K 1.7 million TV relay station began telecasting from Mongpyin [Shan] on June 7. (NLM 7/3) July 6: The Pansodan Railway Overpass in Yangon was inaugurated on Upper Pansodan Street by SLORC Secretary-2 Lt-Gen. Tin Oo, which "will mean smoother flow of rush-hour traffic." (NLM 7/7) July 7: A second batch of six vessels out of 30, valued at $40 million, bought from Yunnan Machinery Import and Export Corporation, arrived July 3. They include two 35-metre ferries, one 44.5-metre double-decker, and three 38-metre cargo vessels. (NLM 7/8) July 10: The Myanmar Karuna Foundation opened two clinics in Mandalay, with an address by Patron for Life Minister for Trade Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi. Annual cost for a clinic is K 1.5 million. He accepted donations of K 2.45 million. Nine clinics have been opened in Yangon suburbs "as a first step to offer free medical service to the poor," and three more are scheduled there. (NLM 7/11) July 13: A K 4.1 million TV relay station began telecasting in Myawady Township on June 28. (NLM 7/14) July 14: A new Heho International Airport Terminal [serving Taunggyi] was inaugurated by SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt. (NLM 7/15) July 15: The Htanzalok Dam in Monywa Township was inaugurated July 14 by SLORC Secretary-2 Lt-Gen. Tin Oo; it will irrigate 2,000 acres in Monywa District. (NLM 7/16) July 17: The Zichaung Hydel Power Station was inaugurated July 16 in Kalay. (NLM 7/18) July 18: The K 40 million Kamakyi Modern Housing Project and the K 100 million Aung Yadana Modern Housing Project on Thanthuma Street, Thingangyun Township, Yangon, a joint undertaking of the Department of Human Settlement and Housing Development Department, Myanma May Flower Trading Co. Ltd., and Chinsu-Myanmar Co. Ltd. are completed and were handed over to the DSHDD. Still to come is the Nawade Garden Housing Project on 214 acres near the Hlinethaya Economic Zone, which will cost K 4 billion and include 1,500 houses of economic, medium, and luxury varieties, as well as supporting commercial infrastructure, to be completed by 2000. (NLM 7/19) July 20: A K 2.7 million TV relay station was inaugurated July 18 in Kya-in-Sekkyi [Kayin]. (NLM 7/21) July 24: A Mingaladon-Pansodan commuter bus service, run by the Yangon Division Union Solidarity and Development Association and Yaungchi Co. Ltd. with 10 buses, was launched. (NLM 7/25) Business Openings July 20: The Royal Princess Sea Food Restaurant opened at 235 Pyay Road, Sangyaung Township, Yangon. (NLM 7/21) July 30: Yandayar Trading Co. Ltd. opened a showroom at 30 B, University Ave., Yangon. Present were Director Mr. Hiroshi Ozaki of Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd., General Manager Mr. Hirokazu Hashimoto of Kinsho-Mataichi Corp. of Japan, and Managing Director U Myint Soe. It will sell bulbs, fluorescent lamps, chandeliers, switches and other electric appliances. (NLM 7/31) Advertisements July 18: Triple-page page ad for the Myanmar Gems Centre project. [See below under Agreements] July 26: Full-page ad for Compaq. "In the next four weeks, managers will be free from worry, you'll have more flexibility, the life of your family will change and executives will have more time. Be prepared to have your life changed. COMPAQ. Has it Changed Your Life Yet?" July 27,29: Half-page ad for Myanmar Oriental Bank Ltd. (H.Q.) [text in Burmese] July 27: Half-page ad for Sanyo domestic appliances. July 17: Full-page ad for Philips [text in Burmese--probably winners of the Philips Euro Cup 96 contest.] July 30: Full-page ad for Compaq. "Announcing a computer so reliable, you'll never worry again."--the Compaq ProLiant 5000. Agreements with Foreign Firms July 3: Public Works, represented by Managing Director U Tint Swe, and China National Construction and Agricultural Machinery Import and Export Corp., represented by Vice-Chairman Mr. Jiang Zhao Rong, signed a contract to supply steel truss "at low price" for the Ayeyawady Bridge (Nyaungdon) project. (NLM 7/4) July 8: The Department of Geological Survey and Mineral Exploration signed an agreement with East Asia Gold Corp. of the US, represented by Chairman Mr. John B. Hite, "for mineral prospection, mineral exploration and feasibility study to develop gold and copper resources at Block Nos. 2 and 3 in Kachin State and Block No. 4 in northern Shan State." (NLM 7/9) July 10: Agreements on a feasibility study of lead and zinc in the Bawdwin and Namtu region, and an option to form a profit-sharing Joint Venture, and another on a feasibility study of mineral deposits in Mohochaung area in Namtu and Manton Townships, were signed between No. 1 Mining Enterprise, represented by Managing Director U Ko Ko, and Mandalay Mining Co. of Australia, represented by Chairman Mr. Owen A. Kelly. Further, an agreement on a feasibility study of mineral deposits in Block 6 in Thabeikkyin and Singu Townships [Mandalay] and Block 7 in Kyaukme and Nawnghkio Townships [Northern Shan] was signed between Mandalay Mining and the Geological Survey and Mineral Exploration Department, represented by Director-General U Soe Myint. Minister for Mines Lt-Gen. Kyaw Min spoke, commenting that the Bawdwin/Namtu lead and zinc deposits were well-known; that the Mohochaung Area had been studied by Mr. J.M.B. Seton and Huntings Technical Services of the UK and recommended for further study; and that Block 6 and 7 are within the lead-zinc-copper-silver metallogenic province, as supported by established mines such as Bawdwin and Yadanatheingi, and there are also reported occurrences of gold, iron, aluminium, and gypsum deposits. (NLM 7/11) July 12: No. 2 Mining Enterprise, represented by Managing Director U Tin Win, and Newmont Mineral Exploration BV of the United States, represented by Director Mr. John Dow, signed a contract for prospecting and producing gold in Kyaukpahto Areas A and B in Upper Myanmar. (NLM 7/ 13) July 18: Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings Ltd., represented by Managing Director Brig-Gen. Win Hlaing, and Kamayan Venture Pte. Ltd. of Singapore, represented by President and CEO Dato Rickie Tang, signed a joint venture contract for the building of the $50 million, 18-storey Myanmar Gems Centre. It will have 147 retail units, 47 units of office space, and 116 residential apartments, totalling 560,000 feet. Present were SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt and other officials. (NLM 7/19) July 18: Myanmar Posts and Telecommunications, represented by Managing Director U Htay Aung, Fujitsu Ltd., represented by General Manager Mr. Hiroaki Maeda, and The Daimaru Inc., represented by General Director Mr. Takuzo Sanagi signed an agreement on the installation of telecommunication systems: a digital microwave link between Mandalay and Myitkyina (with 24 stations at Myitkyina, Mogaung, Sahmaw, Hopang, Mohnyin, Mawhan, Inndaw, Nabar, Katha, Shwegu, Bhamo, Wuntho, Kawlin, Chatthin, Kanbalu, and YeU); a second link between Sagaing and Kalay (with 14 stations at Kalay, Falam, Haka, Gangaw, and Myaing); a 3,000 line auto-telephone exchange in Yangon; and a 1,000 line exchange in Magway. (NLM 7/19) July 23: The Department of Human Settlement and Housing Development, represented by Director-General U Arnt Kyaw, and Thuwunna Holdings Ltd. [evidently of Thailand], represented by President U Maung Aung Halpin Ho, signed a contract for the 23 acre Thuwunna New Business District in Thingangyun Township, Yangon. Thuwunna Holdings will pay US$ 4.7 million as a Land Use Premium; profit sharing will be paid "according to the ratio on the annual gross income." The project has three phases, to be completed in five years, and will include business and residential units and infrastructure. (NLM 7/24) July 27: Myanmar May Flower Trading Co. Ltd., represented by Chairman U Kyaw Win, and Material Handling Engineering Ltd. of Singapore, represented by Chairman Mr. Peter Boo Song Heng, signed a Memorandum of Understanding for economic cooperation in the assembly of TV sets, electronic appliances, washing machines, and motor vehicles, etc. (NLM 7/28) Banking June 30: Stories on June 22-23 concerned payment of interest on foreign currency deposits. Those who have foreign currency accounts at Myanma Foreign Trade Bank, Myanmar Investment and Commercial Bank, Myanma Industrial Development Bank, Myanma Livestock Breeding and Fisheries Development Bank, Myanma Citizens Bank, Cooperative Bank, Myawady Bank, Yangon City Bank, and Myanmar May Flower Bank, "are to communicate [to] respective banks if they wish to deposit $1,000 and above as fixed deposits for six months." (NLM 7/1) July 4: The Sibin Thayar Tay Bank Limited, for township development committees, was opened by Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Lt-Gen. Maung Thint at 5276-532 Merchant Street, Yangon. It is a non-public bank, and development committees "will become share-holders and they will have to allot shares to reach the targeted capital of K 1 billion. Meanwhile, the bank will also accept savings with relevant interest rate for the entrepreneurs dealing with the development committees and disburse short-, medium- and long-term loans in accord with banking procedures.... As it is arranged to operate the bank's services as in foreign banks, raw materials, machines and equipment needed for the committees will also be provided...." (NLM 7/5) // July 26: The Sibinthayayay Bank Ltd. began disbursing loans, as was explained by Managing Director Col. Than Aung. (NLM 7/27) July 6: SLORC Secretary-2 Lt-Gen. Tin Oo and others attended the inauguration of the Cooperative Farmers Bank Ltd. at No. 797 Maha Bandoola Street, Yangon, and the Cooperative Promoters Bank Ltd. at No. 290-301 Seikkantha Street, Yangon. (NLM 7/ 7) July 6: SLORC Secretary-2 Lt-Gen. Tin Oo addressed the first annual meeting of the Myanma Livestock Breeding and Fisheries Development Bank. Established Feb. 15, 1996, the bank is four months old; between Feb. 15-Mar. 31, K 529 million of shares were sold. The bank now has a monthly profit of K 15 million. (NLM 7/7) July 14: Myanmar Citizens Bank earned a net profit of K 35 million in 1995-96. (NLM 7/15) July 18: The Myanmar May Flower Bank Ltd. will initiate foreign exchange banking services on July 23. (NLM 7/19) // July 23: It did. (NLM 7/24) Tourism July 12: 43 Thai tourists led by Mrs. Siri Chavanaviraj of Ranong arrived in Yangon by special flight from Kawthoung for a three-day visit. (NLM 7/13) // July 14: The departed by air; the trip was co-sponsored by Myanma Hotels and Tourism Services and Andaman Club Co. (NLM 7/15) Transport There were numerous articles featuring roads and railroads being built by members of the Tatmadaw. Other frequent articles celebrated the reopening of repaved streets in Yangon. July 2: The 369-mile Yangon-Mandalay Expressway will be finished in three years. Construction has been divided between four companies: Miles 0-69 to Services International Co. Ltd. (69), represented by President U Maung Maung Swe-Tin; miles 69-137 to Naing Yadana Co. Ltd. (68), represented by Managing Director U Kyaw Zaw Win; miles 137-253 to Delta (Myanmar) International Group Ltd. (116), represented by Managing Director U Htin Aung; and miles 253-369 to Yuzana Co. Ltd. (116), represented by Chairman U Htay Myint. There will be a 24-foot wide motor way in each direction, separated by a 16-foot island; approach roads will also be built to Bago, Phyu, Toungoo, Yeni, Yamethin, Wundwin, Kume, and Kyaukse. (NLM 7/3) July 22: Agreements have been signed to upgrade the 204-mile Nawnghkio-Lashio-Muse road. Diamond Palace Co. will upgrade the 102-mile Nawnghkio-Lashio sector (miles 70-172), at a cost of K 4.41 billion. Asia World Co. will upgrade the 102-mile miles Lashio-Muse sector (miles 172-274) at a cost of K 820 million and $27 million. It will become a 38-foot wide two-lane highway, with a load capacity of 60 tons. New bridges will be built as needed. (NLM 7/23) July 23: Six boats from the Yunnan Machinery Import Export Corporation of China were handed over to the Inland Water Transport department, under a second contract to build 30 boats worth $40 million with interest-free loans. Under the contract, 23 will be built in China and 7 in Myanmar; 12 boats have arrived. (NLM 7/24) Gems July 3: Raw jade will be sold by competitive bidding in an interim sale at the Myanmar Gems Emporium; the reserve price of 750 lots is $5,943,400. 103 foreign and 27 local merchants have arrived. (NLM 7/4) // July 4: 121 foreign merchants from three countries, and 31 local merchants, inspected the jade. (NLM 7/5) .. July 5: 222 lots were sold for K 8.7 million ($1.4 million) on the final day of the sale; gems, etc., sold at fixed prices brought K 184,100 ($31,235). Interims sales have brought in the following amounts: Dec. 1993 $407,435; July 1994 $919,260; Dec. 1994 $1,150,000; July 1995 $1,750,000; Dec. 1995 $1,880,000; and July 1996 $1,470,000. (NLM 7/6) July 26: Myanma Gems Enterprise will sell 206 jade lots, with a floor price of K 79 million, on July 28. (NLM 7/27) // July 27: 200 dealers are present. (NLM 7/28) // July 28: 77 lots brought K 73 million; 285 jade merchants attended. (NLM 7/29) Aviation July 4: All Nippon Airways Co. Ltd. (ANA) will begin direct Osaka-Yangon service beginning July 16, with flights on Tuesday and Sunday, using a 204-passenger Boeing 767ER, announced Yangon Branch General Manager Mr. Mikio Saito and party, calling on Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win. (NLM 7/5) // July 17: Service began. (NLM 7/18) July 5: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) will begin Karachi-Yangon-Bangkok service July 6, weekly (outbound on Saturday; return on Monday), using a 234-seat Airbus A-300, announced Pakistani Ambassador Abbas H. Mirza, calling on Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win. (NLM 7/6) // July 6: The inaugural flight arrived, and was welcomed by Deputy Minister for Transport U Sann Wai. (NLM 7/7) // July 9: The Yangon-Karachi flight was inaugurated. (NLM 7/10) Wildlife Company July 8: The Forest Department, represented by Director-General U Kyaw Tint, and Maymyo Import/Export Co. Ltd., represented by Managing Director U Kyaing, signed a joint venture agreement establishing Search Myanmar Co. to operate a wildlife park and leisure activities in Hlawga Park. Minister for Forestry Lt-Gen. Chit Swe described Myanmar's riches in wild fauna. (NLM 7/9) New 100 Kyat Note July 15: A new 100-kyat note will be issued July 17 by the Central Bank of Myanmar with a "window type security thread," substituted for the normal security thread. "The colour of the Security Thread is silver. On the obverse side, the Security Thread exposes its 5mm segments over the surface of the note and its segments of 6mm are fully submerged in the note. The inscription 'SPW' is microprinted all along the Security Thread. The Security Thread is visible only on the obverse side, but not on the reverse side." Other features of the note are identical with those of the Lion Note issued on Mar. 27, 1994, which continue to be legal tender currency. [photos] (NLM 7/16) Run on MMB Bank July 23: Minister for Finance and Revenue Brig-Gen. Win Tin, speaking at the opening of an International Banking Department at Myanmar May Flower Bank, commented on a recent "run" on the bank started by subversive rumors. Rumors were started that some private banks would be liquidated "due to shortage of money." On July 15, it was said that Myanmar May Flower Bank was to be liquidated; that its directors had quit; that Chairman U Kyaw Win had fled to Singapore; that foreign customers had suspended business. The Central Bank of Myanmar had investigated and found that MMB was "financially strong and operating as usual" and that U Kyaw Win had gone to Singapore to buy ATM materials--he returned July 17. However, on July 15 deposits were K 72 million vs. withdrawals of K 80 million; on July 16 K 75 million vs. K 81 million; on July 17 K 65 million vs. K 85 million; and on July 18 K 61 million vs. K 98 million. Some customers told investigators that "they came to withdraw money because they had been instigated to withdraw their money from the bank immediately." The Minister "said he believed the rumours were invented by destructive elements out of jealousy and to cause destruction to the entire private banking world." Reviewing the banking scene, the Minister said the Central Bank of Myanmar had increased bank interest from 11% to 12.5% on Jan. 1, 1995, and to 15% on Apr. 1, 1996. As a result, public savings have risen 40% annually. Inflation fell from 30% in 1993-94 to 18% at present, and will be brought down further. New standard currency notes are being introduced "for public convenience and security," but "subversives with ill-will are spreading rumours concerning new currency notes...." Customs duties have recently been revised. "Previously, customs duties were high but the State suffered when values of imported goods were calculated based on official rate. On the other hand, he said, the items are sold based on the unofficial rate. To be in accord with the policy of market economy, he said, customs duties were cut down to one tenth and arrangements are made to evaluate imported items based on open market rates. It is not that it is calculated based on the rate of K 100 for one US dollar. The value of an imported item is calculated based on the actual price in the market, he said...." (NLM 7/24) Fish Fraud July 24: The Committee for Boosting Marine Production and the Committee for Boosting Fish and Meat Production and Controlling Commodity Prices met at the Fisheries Department. Minister for Trade Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi said "efforts are being made to boost fish and meat products to ensure local food sufficiency, to stabilize food prices and to earn foreign exchange. Measures are being taken to investigate misconduct of fishermen of some companies and to take action against them, he said. Systems such as conveying catch from trawlers with carrier vessels and fuelling trawlers at sea must be changed to stop further misconduct. Officials should give constant supervision in fixing days for trawlers and in recording arrivals and departures of trawlers and the amount of catch and fuel supplied to them to prevent further misconducts from occurring, he stated...." (NLM 7/25) 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 July 1 38.07 42.24 40.44 July 15 41.27 44.46 45.09 July 30 54.72 58.94 58.74 On July 26 there were 12.8 inches of rain in Maungdaw [Rakhine], breaking a 14-year record for July. HEALTH Health Articles July 11: World Population Day, by Thein Htut. ["Family planning is very beneficial to both mothers and children. Nowadays, four ways to save mothers and children -- to delay the first birth..., to space births by at least two years..., to avoid too many pregnancies, and to stop in time -- are gradually used more and more throughout the world...."] Blood Needed July 8: The Yangon General Hospital and other hospitals in Yangon need Type- A blood -- donors are requested to contact the Central Blood Bank. (NLM 7/9) Population July 11: Speaking on World Population Day, Minister for Immigration and Population Lt-Gen. Maung Hla said Myanmar had a population of 16 million in 1941 and 35.3 million in 1983. Now it is estimated at 45.5 million, increasing yearly by 800,000. AT this rate, it will be 68.5 million by 2020. In 1973 the urban population was 23.6%, which increased only to 24% in 1983--less than expected. But, "it is anticipated that the urban dwellers will be increasing." Base data on HIV/AIDS were collected in 1985; a National AIDS Committee was established in 1989, and blood screening begun. (NLM 7/ 12) Magnetic Resonance July 13: New Yangon General Hospital opened its Magnetic Resonance Image Unit, in the presence of National Health Committee Chairman SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt. (NLM 7/14) SPORTS Myanmar Teams and Delegations June 30: Vice-President of the Myanmar Olympic Committee Vice Adjutant-General Brig-Gen. Than Tun left for Indonesia to attend the 19th SEAG Federation Council Meeting in Jakarta, July 1-2. He was accompanied by Joint-Secretary Deputy Director U Khin Maung Lwin of Sports and Physical Education Department. (NLM 7/1) // July 6: He returned. (NLM 7/7) July 3: A karatedo team headed by President Police Col. Khin Maung Tun of the Myanmar Karatedo Federation left for Osaka to take part in the First World Collegiate Karatedo Championship on July 2-6. It includes President of the University/College Karatedo Subcommittee, Rector of Institute of Medicine 1 Dr. Mya Oo, team manager Myanmar Karuna Foundation executive U Ye Tun of Nino International Co. Ltd., coach U Htain Win Myint, medical officer Dr. Kyaw Kyaw Moe, and athletes Aung Zin Oo, Tin Moe Zaw, Ma Mi Mi Kyaw, Sanda Myo Aye, and Khin Sanda Aye. (NLM 7/4) July 16: President of Myanmar National Olympic Committee Minister at the Prime Minister's Office Brig-Gen. Lun Maung left for the United States to attend the 16th World Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia. He was accompanied by Secretary-General of the Myanma Olympic Committee Director of the Sports and Physical Education Department U Kyaw Mra. The Myanmar team led by Deputy Director-General Lt-Col. Thein Aung of Sports and Physical Education Department. The team includes Assistant Director of Sports and Physical Education Department U Bunny Tin Aung as team manager, and Maj. Myint Soe for shooting and Khin Khin Htwe and Myint Htay for track and field. (NLM 7/17) Foreign Teams, Coaches, etc. July 12: A coordination meeting was held on the Second South-East Asian Body Building Championships, which will be held in Myanmar on Dec. 5-9, 1996. (NLM 7/13) Holes-in-One July 8: Brig-Gen. Tin Tun scored an ace July 7 on the 154-yard No. 5 hole of the City Golf Resort. (NLM 7/9) July 18: U Ye Myint Pe scored an ace July 9 at 150 yards at the Mya Yeik Nyo Royal Hotel Golf Training Course; he was presented with a 14-inch colour TV. (NLM 7/19) CULTURAL Cultural and Scientific Articles July 15: The Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha from the People's Republic of China to be conveyed to the Union of Myanmar, by Ba Sein (Religious Affairs). [It will arrive in early December, 1996, and remain for 90 days.] July 30: The Fullmoon Day of Waso, by Lay Myint (YU). [Events in the life of the Buddha.] 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 Advertisement requesting donations under the "adopt a Bagan Pagoda" program. July 5: SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe inspected renovation of the Shwedagon Pagoda. SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt reported to him "on progress in renovation of southern stairway, decoration with genuine Myanmar traditional designs at places where colonial symbols were removed, public contributions toward renovation project, plans to remove alien symbols from religious buildings of the pagoda and to replace them with genuine Myanmar figures, rebuilding of eastern staircase, building of two lion statues, installation of two elevators, paving of columns of western stairway with glass mosaic, general renovation work being undertaken at the pagoda platform, Dhammazedi stone inscription and Dhammazedi Bell." (NLM 7/6) // July 16: Rebuilding of the southern staircase was completed. (NLM 7/17) Publications July 5: The Statistical Yearbook 1995 has been recently released by the Central Statistical Organization. For the first time, it is also available in a 3.5" HD IBM diskette. (NLM 7/6) Computers Articles continued throughout the month concerning the installation of computers, often donated, at high schools around the country. Education July 11: Speaking at the Fifth Plenary Meeting of the Fourth State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee, Chairman Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sobhita said: "The second point he would like to deal with was for pupils of the monastic education schools to be able to pursue middle school education. When the principles for monastic education were adopted, it was attended by the Director-General of Basic Education Department and officials, and as the Sayadaws assumed that they had the privilege to teach both primary and middle school levels, they did so energetically on self-reliance, he said. However, the Ministry of Education sent a notice to the monastic education schools dated 20 April 1996 saying the schools had the right to teach just at the primary level, from kindergarten to fourth standard, he said. The Sayadaw assumed that he saw no reason not to permit middle school education at the monastic education schools, for there are advantages--parents incur low expenses, children obtain basic Buddhist culture, etc." (NLM 7/12) July 23: SLORC Secretary-2 Lt-Gen. Tin Oo met with officials to "find means to overcome difficulties in distributing textbooks." Despite earlier meetings, he said, "he saw inadequacy in distribution of stationery, in the strength of teachers in schools and in provision of school furniture during his tours of States and Divisions, he noted. He had heard that parents faced financial difficulties as they had to pay admission fees and general fees when they sought admission of their children to schools, he said." (NLM 7/24) Antiquities July 18: Chairman of the Myanmar Cultural Heritage Revitalization and Preservation Central Committee SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt gave out cash awards totalling over K 1 million to "persons who presented ancient artifacts to the State." K 600,000 went to U Sein Win and Daw Hlaing of Bagan Myothit for their collections of "various kinds of bronze, silver, iron and stone Buddha images of Pyu, Bagan, Innwa and Konbaung eras, earthen pots, earthen pipes, wooden floral arabesques and sculptures, votive tables [sic], gold statue of thread size, palm-leaf manuscripts, beads, and ornamental ear-plugs. U Min Naing of Kyaikhto Township [Mon} to K 100,000 for a "Pyinsalawha Buddha image of Pyu era." Ko Hsan Win and others of Bagan got K 250,000 for "eight gold rings of Bagan era." Teacher U Myint of Wetlet Township [Sagaing] got K 120,000 for an "Andhagu stone Buddha image of Bagan era." (NLM 7/19) Foundations and Trust Funds There has been a proliferation of foundations and trust funds established for various worthy purposes, and receiving private contributions from both Myanmar individuals and companies and from foreign companies doing business in Myanmar. One example is the Myanmar Karuna Foundation, established in June with Minister for Trade Lt-Gen. Tun Kyi as Life Patron, to set up free medical clinics for the poor in big cities. July 18: Chairman U Htay Myint of the Yuzana Co. Ltd. established a K 15 million Yuzana Education and Research Development Trust Fund; he promised an additional K 15 million next year. "The fund is aimed at promoting the education sector, developing research and libraries and granting scholarship awards to outstanding students." SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt, as Chairman of the Myanmar Education Committee, gave him a certificate of honour. (NLM 7/19) July 18: Myanmar May Flower Bank, represented by Chairman U Kyaw Win, and Asia Wealth Bank and Olympic Construction Company, represented by Chairman U Aik Tun, set up an educational and research development trust fund, with donations of K 10 million each. SLORC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt gave them certificates of honour. (NLM 7/19) MISCELLANEOUS Sunday and Holiday Supplements July 7,14,21,28: 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. July 7,14,21,28: Towards a modern nation through all-round development, by Warazein. [Cont. Endeavours of the Ministry of Information. (iii) Printing and Publishing Enterprise. (iv) News and Periodicals Enterprise. Endeavours of the Ministry of Religious Affairs. (i) Religious titles (and increased cash provisions for rice rations to go with them). Scrutiny of religious literature as to whether "they are in line with Buddhism." Settlement of vinaya dhammakan disputes. (ii) Increased cash awards to successful candidates in the Dhammacariya examinations. Buddhist Culture Examination introduced: In the four years since 1992, 164,914 persons sat for the exams in 187 townships; 100,654 passed; 24,287 passed with distinction; and 7,430 passed in three subjects. Missionaries: Missionary centres have been increased from 76 to 252; missionary monks from 76 to 242; and lay missionaries from 31 to 726. donations for pagoda renovation and monks' funerals. Publications: in 1993-94, 400,000 books were sold for K 12.4 million. The Pali-Myanmar Dictionary is on volume 17, etc.] July 7: Opening a new chapter in banking history, by Ahtet Minhla Nyunt Aung. [Myanmar May Flower Bank, which has installed Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs).] -- Fast developing Gangaw Township, by Myint Thura. [In Magway Division.] -- Biggest ever Thaphanseik Dam under construction, by Tin Win Shwe. [In Shwebo District, Sagaing Division, on the Mu River; at a cost of K 5 billion, will be the biggest dam in Myanmar, irrigating 1 million acres and producing 172 kwh of power with three 10-megawatt generators.] July 14: Ayeyawady Bridge (Nyaungdon) for better transportation, by Sein She Hlaing. [The main bridge will be 6,163 feet long, with a 28-foot motor way and two 6-foot pedestrian walks. It will make possible more than one round trip daily between Yangon and Pathein.] -- Namlan region to be covered with sugarcane, by Pyin-Oo-Lwin Chit Swe. [Progress in Hsipaw Township.] -- Hsipaw-Pankaytu-Loilem highway, by Sai Tha Hlaing. [Restored after 19 years.] -- Mann Shwe Settaw Pagoda and wild life sanctuary, by Maung Thabawa. [Created in Minbu Township. Animals there include gaur, sambur, deer, barking deer, bear, jackals, leopard, and monkey. It is the only home of the golden deer. Although it was declared a sanctuary in 1940, it has only been protected since 1986 "with the storing of water in Mone and Mann Creeks and for preserving the rare species of golden deer and preventing them from becoming extinct." The area "can be sued for attracting foreign tourists to the region" and can be reached from Yangon in 9 hours.] July 21,24: Victories of the State, the people and the Tatmadaw, by Tekkatho Tin Kha. [(1) Irrigation in dry area. (2) {title changed to Victories of the State, the Tatmadaw and the people} The Zichaung Hydro-electric plant inaugurated July 16 in Kalay {Sagaing}.] [rare case of article continued from Sunday Supplement to a daily issue] July 21: Developing Namlan and Ponwo regions in Shan State, by Pyin-Oo-Lwin Chit Swe. [In Hsipaw Township.] -- Stepping up cultivation of monsoon paddy, by Tin Win Shwe. [In Sagaing Division.] -- Mongla Township developing fast, by Taungdwin Bo Thein. [New Mongla Hotel; other developments in Shan State (East) Special Region 6, headed by U Sai Lin.] July 28: Save water for boosting agriculture sector, by Pe Than. [New irrigation dams; people must follow regulations on canals and dam maintenance.] -- Sunn Myanmar Co-operative Society Limited, by Ahtet Minhla Nyunt Aung. [Opened a showroom on July 6 for handicrafts in Yangon.] -- Good prospects of agriculture in Dedaye, by Aung Zaw Myint. [Progress in Ayeyawady Division.] -- Upper parts of Myanmar to become lush and verdant, by My Win Thaik. ["People joke that those from the upper parts of Myanmar come from hell that is why they are not afraid of heat." Upper Myanmar turning green, what with irrigation, tree planting, and introduction of substitutes for firewood.] Crime July 2: The Hline Township Court on June 27 sentenced a reckless driver to two years in jail with labour; he had lost control and injured six passengers. (NLM 7/3) July 10: "Self-seekers are selling imitations of the above-mentioned brands ["Mandalay Rum, Old Brandy, Dry Gin, Malt Whisky, Army Rum, and Up country spirit (46.5), produced by Myanma Foodstuff Industries"].... They are found to be refilling the bottles with sub-standard liquor, using fake stoppers, making imitation brands, mixing with cheap liquor or colouring cheap country spirit to look like MFI liquor.... Imitation liquor can endanger the life. MFI announces that it will take drastic action against such bootleggers and those who sell it...." (NLM 7/11) July 28: Kamayut Township [Yangon] police on July 22 arrested a man who stole a taxi after "cutting the driver's throat with a straight razor." [No information on the fate of the driver!--HCMacD.] (NLM 7/29) Anti-Narcotics Activities July 2: 0.3 kilo of heroin was seized May 11 in the Nam Hsaung Lin region. (NLM 7/3) July 4: 1 kilo of heroin blocks was seized June 17 in Kyukok (Pangsai). (NLM 7/5) July 5: 840 gallons of chloroform used in refining drugs were seized May 27 in Muse Township. (NLM 7/6) July 14: 6.1 kilos of opium were seized June 14 in Hsipaw. (NLM 7/15) July 15: 3.8 kilos of raw opium were seized June 25 in Namhkam Township. (NLM 7/16) July 17: During June 1996, the Tatmadaw seized 1.6 kilos of heroin, 0.8 kilo of opium, and 50 gallons of acid. The police seized 7.7 kilos of heroin (114 cases), 70.7 kilos of opium (46 cases), 20.6 kilos of marijuana (43 cases), 255.9 litres of Phensedyl (13 cases), 10 gallons of acid (1 case), 3.9 litres of Corex (1 case), 0.5 kilo of opium residue (2 cases), 1.2 kilos of opium block, 0.04 kilo of dried opium (2 cases), 0.3 kilo of heavy opium solution, 0.001 kilo of opium liquid (1 cases), 50 gallons of lyzol, 50.1 litres of Mesadyl (8 cases), and 45 amphetamine tablets (7 cases). There were 147 cases of failure to register for treatment and 6 other drug-related cases. Customs seized 0.004 kilo of heroin (1 case). Police and customs took action against 541 persons in 392 drug-related cases. In the above, joint police-Tatmadaw action seized 6.6 kilos of heroin (7 cases), 20.1 kilos of opium (4 cases), and 1.5 litres of Phensedyl (1 case). (NLM 7/18) July 22: 2.4 kilos of heroin were seized near Bhamo [no date]. (NLM 7/23) July 24: 355 gallons of ether "used for producing heroin" were seized July 4 in Muse. Mandalay Railway Police seized 0.0003 kilo of heroin and 5 syringes on July 4. (NLM 7/25) July 26: 1.9 kilos of heroin were seized July 19 in Lashio. (NLM 7/27) Obituaries [English language obituaries only; there are obituaries in Burmese as well.] June 13: Mr. Frank Cornelius (a) U Pe Than Myint, formerly of CID, Insein, husband of Cheryl (nee) Boog, died in Perth, Australia, aged 62. (NLM 7/2) June 30: U Thein Maung (Htin Lin) (Shwebo), husband of Daw Khin Khin, died in Yangon, aged 79. (NLM 7/1) // July 2: Article outlining Htin Lin's writing career; he was born in Ye-U, Sagaing, on May 9, 1919, and was a civil servant before graduating from the University of Yangon in 1952; with a Masters in 1955. From 1955-61 he was Chief Editor of Ngwe Tar Yi Magazine and from 1961 he worked as an English-language tutor. From 1981-84 he was a translator-editor at the Pitaka Translation Society. He published four original works (novels, short stories, etc.) and 12 translations. In 1974 he won the National Literary Award for his translation of Kipling's The Jungle Book, and in 1991 the National Literary Award for his short story collection "On the way back from the farm." He is survived by widow Daw Khin Khin, five children, 16 grand-children, and a great-grand-child. (NLM article 7/2) July 2: U Taw (Magway), husband of Daw Khin Lay, father of...U Khin Mg Taw-Daw Kyu Kyu Taw (USA)...grandfather of Ma Tint Tint Khine-Mr. David Gilman (USA)... died in Yangon, aged 86. (NLM 7/3) July 5: Constance Margaret Samuels (nee Morris), No. 1, DSGH, wife of Victor, Ex Pan Am/Schlumberger, died in Yangon, aged 64. [Christian] (NLM 7/9) July 6: Sayadaw Bhaddanta Acikkhana, Padhana Nayaka of Saddhamma Sitagu, vassa 69, died in Yangon, aged 89. (NLM article 7/9) No date: Daw Khin Khin (Elizabeth), wife of the late Capt. A. Samuel, had a funeral service on July 11. [Christian] (NLM acknowledgement 7/12) July 7: Aisha Bi Bi, wife of SGH Doo, died in Yangon, "grandmother of 10." [Muslim] (NLM 7/12) July 12: Rev. Pe Thwin (Thanlyin Pe Thwin), husband of Daw Khin Aye Mu (Josephine), died in Thanlyin, aged 67. [Christian] (NLM 7/13,25) July 13: U Saw Thein Maung (Elmer Kadoe), died in Yangon, aged 84. [Christian] (NLM 7/15) July 20: U Antt Kyaw (Alwin Tun Tin), Director-General, Foreign Economic Relations Department, husband of Daw Tin Hla, died in Yangon, aged 56. (NLM 7/22) July 23: Richard Thompson (a) Mg Mg Aung, brother of Jennifer (Mark), Patricia (Peter) USA...husband of Naw No No (a) Noreen, died, aged 38. [Christian] (NLM 7/ 24) July 24: U Kyi Soe (a) Charles Kyi Maung, IMPD (Retired), died in Yangon, aged 45. (NLM 7/25) Marriage July 14: Dr. Hla Thein (a) Palani, son of Mr. & Mrs. S. Ratnam of Mawlamyine married Ma Su Su Hla (a) Sushila, daughter of U Min Han and Daw Aye Aye of Yangon, at the Arya Samaj Temple in Yangon. (NLM 7/ 24) Chef Wins Award July 1: Chef Supho Jensunthea of the Strand Hotel won the Bonlac Great Chef of Asia Award for Myanmar, following a dinner on June 28. Runners up were Chef Serge Rogodin from the (soon to be opened) Traders Hotel and Chef Gerard Seuvade of Aurora Hotel. The competition, sponsored by Bonlac Foods Ltd. of Australia, is open to chefs from China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. The winner will be flown to Singapore for a gala dinner at the Hyatt Regency Hotel this month, organized by the Singapore Tourist Promotion Board and American Express. (NLM 7/2) Earthquake July 27: An earthquake of slight intensity (Richter 4.4) was recorded at 15:16:45 local time, with epicentre 307 miles NW of Yangon. (NLM 7/28) Floods As is common at this time of year, there were towards the end of the month repeated flood warnings for the Ayeyawady, Bago, Sittaung, Chindwin, Shwegyin, Dokhtawady, and Thanlwin Rivers. There were extensive reports of flooding in Bangladesh and China. July 29: SLORC Vice-Chairman Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Gen. Maung Aye, on a tour of a variety of projects, "inspected the Tanai Bridge damaged during the flooding and erosion of the Tanai River." [photo caption: "General Maung Aye inspects site of bridge washed away by Tanai Creek flood."] High-rise Fire Protection July 23: Speaking at the Fire Services Department (FSD), Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen. Soe Myint stressed the need for fire prevention, including "installation of fire fighting equipment in readiness...at hotels, motels and guest houses." He noted recent serious high-rise fires in Philippines, Taiwan, Indonesia, and Korea, with many people killed. "The minister called for suggestions on making available emergency stairs, hoses and alarms in high rise buildings as fire prevention measures. He noted foreign investors give priority to fire prevention systems in their buildings and take appropriate measures in coordination with the FSD. He said there is less interest in introducing standard safety measures against fires at buildings owned by nationals. They ask for relaxations over the checks and suggestions of the FSD, he said. He asserted that every high-rise building will have to install without fail standard systems and equipment to prevent fire outbreaks. He said action may be taken against those who fail to follow the instructions [with] violators subject to fines or prison terms...." He called for additional training in high-rise fire fighting, and the need for modern equipment, including "fire engines with high ladders." In rural areas fire engines are often a long way from fires; villages should keep fire engines of their own, and there should be innovation in converting farm machinery to fire fighting. The total strength of Fire Brigade members in the country is over 2,500, and will be increased. (NLM 7/24) Plane Accident in Myeik July 24: A Myanmar Airways Fokker F-27 (XYAET) with 44 passengers overshot the newly-extended runway at Myeik [Taninthayi] and ran into a pile of earth, killing eight passengers and injuring 11 people. It had left Dawei at 9.15 am and "was caught in a cloud cover as it was about to land at 9.50 am and swayed in an air pocket." Parts of the cockpit section were damaged. (NLM 7/25) ----- 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. 113, July 1996