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The BurmaNet News, March 29, 1997
- Subject: The BurmaNet News, March 29, 1997
- From: strider@xxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Sat, 29 Mar 1997 06:32:00
------------------------ BurmaNet ------------------------
"Appropriate Information Technologies, Practical Strategies"
----------------------------------------------------------
The BurmaNet News: March 29, 1997
Issue #679
Noted in Passing:
"What we would like to propose...is that we have a second collection taken
in church services or keep part of the donations to Buddhist temples
frequented by Burmese and the proceeds be given to the Thai police. They can
come, collect the money and leave the Burmese refugees to pray in peace."
A Burmese regular worshipper ( The Nation-Letter to the Editor)
HEADLINES:
==========
NCGUB STATEMENT: 52ND ANNIVERSARY OF RESISTANCE DAY
NATION: SLORC AND DEMOCRATS IN DIVIDED CELEBRATIONS
THE NATION: BURMESE MONKS PROTEST INNOCENCE
THE NATION: RANGOON PLAYS THE MUSLIM CARD
BKK POST: HASHIMOTO RAISES CONCERN ON BURMA
THE NATION: KEEPING THE SUNDAY UNHOLY FOR BURMESE
SCMP: MILITARY ON COURSE TO MATCH SIZE OF VIETNAM'S
INDEPENDENT REPORT:BURMESE DEMOCRATS SEEK SUPPORT
BKK POST: SLORC'S RECORD CATCHES UP WITH IT
THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR: NEWS BRIEFS
ANNOUNCEMENT: SEMINAR ON BURMA
--------------------------------------------------------------------
NCGUB STATEMENT: 52ND ANNIVERSARY OF RESISTANCE DAY
March 28, 1997
STATEMENT IN CONNECTION WITH THE 52TH ANNIVERSARY OF RESISTANCE DAY
This is the 52th aniversery when the peoples of Burma resisted the fascist
Japanese who brutally ruled Burma.
Today is the day when the whole Burmese peoples unitedly resisted and
repulsed the Japanese fascists who were many times stronger --- a day which
had originally been designated as Resistance Day. However, towards the
middle of the Fifties, the facist Burmese military, with a view to nurturing
militrism, started referring the day also as Armed Forces
Day. Following Ne Win's military coup in 1962 Resistance Day was all
together dropped and the name Armed Forces Day alone way shamelessly used .
If the Burmese generals wanted a separate day, December 26, 1941 -- the day
the Burma Army was formed -- should be designated as the Armed Forces Day.
The fact that 27th March is designated as Armed Forces Day is meant to dim
the people's role in their struggle against the Japanese fascists and to
exaggerate and glorify the role of the Ne Win's private
merceary army . In other words, the Ne Win's Army had shamelessly robbed
the Burmese peoples of the honor of the revolution and the revolution itself.
Through sheer lies and fabrication the Ne Win Army has been projecting to
the Burmese peoples and to the world as a whole that it has selflessly and
unflaggingly working and sacrificing their lives for the good and freedom
of the people. Currently, the fascist military is convening their
so-called national convention in which it openly asserted itself as the only
force that can take the rein of the government and manage the future
politics of Burma. This claim explicitly implies that all the executive,
judicial and legislative powers will be vested in the armed forces. This
contradicts the democratic principle which allows power to derive from
the people. It also demonstrates to the world that the Ne Win military has
substituted this democratic principle with their belief that political
power comes out of the muzzles of guns.
The SLORC military clique, in implementing its chauvinistic design is
brazenly engaging in a war of extermination against the ethnic nationalities
. It is monopolising the national treasury. It is using the army and the
intellegance apparatus to keep the country under its control.
SLORC, in fact, is utilising all fascist means to suppress and rule the
country.
For the possible riddance of the fascist SLORC military who are running
the country without any rule of law, we the National Coalition Government of
the Union of Burma urge the peoples of Burma to unitedly band together and
wage a second war of resistance until SLORC's military fascism is completely
removed from the Burmese soil.
-
National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma
**********************************
NATION: SLORC AND DEMOCRATS IN DIVIDED CELEBRATIONS
March 28, 1997
AP
RANGOON - As thousands of soldiers paraded before generals for Burma's 52nd
Armed Forces Day yesterday, the head of the government called on the army to
annihilate opponents of military rule.
Helicopters circled above, while nearly 5,000 troops from the army, air
force and navy were draped with jasmine garlands by young women as they
marched past the regime's top generals, foreign diplomats, ethnic leaders
and World War II veterans.
Only invited guests were allowed into Resistance Park for Armed Forces Day,
which celebrates the start of the struggle against Japan, which occupied
Burma from 1942 to 1945. The country was previously a colony of Great
Britain, which afterward granted it independence in 1948. A period of
turbulent democracy ended with a military coup in 1962. The army has ruled
ever since.
The regime frequently refers to Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi,
who leads the country's embattled democracy movement, as a traitor, and
Western countries as neo-colonialists bent on dominating Burma, which the
military government has renamed Myanmar.
"It is our duty to annihilate the subversive elements," Than Shwe, the
65-year-old chairman of the military government, said in his speech to the
troops.
Suu Kyi's father, Gen Aung San, led the resistance against Japan, after
having been their ally in an effort to end British rule.
After the war, he resigned from the army to lead Burma towards independence
as head of a civilian government, but was assassinated by political rivals
in 1947.
Suu Kyi held her own holiday celebration for 600 guests at her lakeside
compound.
Suu Kyi bestowed certificates of honour on 13 members of her political
party, the National League for Democracy, who participated in the resistance
movement. Certificates were awarded to three others who could not attend.
Among those receiving honours were the party's chairman, former Gen Aung
Shwe, and the party's vice chairman, former defence minister and Gen Tin Oo
and former Col Kyi Maung.
Unlike the regime's top generals, all of them had fought alongside Suu
Kyi's father. Kyi Maung resigned from the army after its 1962 coup, and Tin
Oo was eventually jailed for allegedly trying to topple the military regime.
Some historians say his real crime was refusing to order his troops to fire
upon peaceful civilian protesters.
In her speech Suu Kyi said: "Honouring those who had participated in the
independence struggle is in fact honouring the revolutionary spirit, which
is the spirit to achieve necessary change." (TN)
*******************************************************
THE NATION: BURMESE MONKS PROTEST INNOCENCE
March 28, 1997
AFP
Rangoon - Mosques and Muslim property have come under further attack in
Burma as Buddhist monks in the capital protested they had been made
scapegoats in religious unrest, informed sources said yesterday.
Tensions appeared to be receding in Rangoon, but unrest had broken out in
Prome, 80 kilometres to the north, where three mosques and Muslim property
were attacked on Tuesday and on Wednesday, witnesses said.
Monks at one Rangoon monastery which was prominent in pro-democracy
demonstrations against military rule in 1988 have been complaining to
security forces posted to monitor their movements, witnesses said.
They believe that outsiders have been donning holy robes and stirring up
trouble for which the monks are being blamed.
Some 17 mosques and Muslim houses have been stoned or ransacked in the
Burmese capital since the weekend, after unrest spread from the northern
city of Mandalay.
The attacks started two weeks ago with the attempted rape of a Buddhist
girl by a Muslim man.
According to latest information, 11 mosques have been attacked in Mandalay,
where a night curfew remains in place in seven townships and some shops have
been told by authorities to close.
One witness said a group of Muslims at a mosque southeast of Rangoon had
fended off an attack by Buddhist monks by firing at them with sling shots.
Four Muslim youths were taken away by police after the incident, he said.
There were also unconfirmed reports that 16 monks had been arrested in a
Rangoon suburb, but details were not immediately available.
In a bid to contain religious tensions, the All Mandalay Islamic
Organisation has appealed for Muslims to remain clam and avoid confrontation.
In a statement issued March 18 and received yesterday, it requested Muslims
to refrain from spreading rumours, shouting militant slogans from mosques
and congregating in groups.
If a mob approached a mosque, it should be reported to the local
authorities, said the statement. "We request that you resolve any issue
delicately, relative to your own neighbourhood, and abide by all laws
promulgated by the government," it added.
The Muslim man who allegedly assaulted the Buddhist girl in Mandalay,
sparking the unrest, was reported to have been seriously injured in an
attack on his family's home on March 16.
Local authorities refused to come to their assistance when monks and ward
officials staged the attack, the man's elder brother wrote in a letter to
the National Islamic Elders League of Upper Burma.
A quantity of gold and 650,000 kyats (Bt 105,560 at market rates) were
stolen, while the house and a car were destroyed.
The letter alleged the dispute over the assault - for which the man faces
criminal charges - had been resolved soon after it happened at the start of
March. (TN)
*******************************************************
THE NATION: RANGOON PLAYS THE MUSLIM CARD
March 28, 1997
Widespread antipathy towards Muslims makes them an easy scapegoat when the
government is feeling particularly unloved, Aung Zaw writes.
Twelve days after monks in Mandalay went on the rampage, setting off
attacks on Muslim property and protest by their robed brethren across Burma,
the clergy and military met face to face in temples to celebrate Armed
Forces Day.
Government-controlled television repeatedly showed the powerful generals
offering food and other items to abbots at several monasteries.
In one incident, young monks could be seen sitting behind the doors and
huge throne of their abbot. They couldn't see the generals, who are in
accordance with Burmese Buddhist traditions, performed, daga, who make
donation to Buddha and the monks., The unease and worry on the faces and in
the eyes of the young monks was obvious. Unconfirmed reports say more than
100 monks have been detained and forced to
disrobe in the last two weeks.
Monasteries remain surrounded by soldiers.
"Monks are not allowed to go out they won't let the monks march on Armed
Forces Day", a Rangoon resident said.
The Slorc or the State Law and Order Restoration Council, said that last
week's rioting was politically motivated and a ploy to embarrass the junta's
increasing ties with three Muslims countries in Asean. But the question
remains: Who started it?
On Saturday about 15 monks in Ahlone township in Rangoon walked to a nearby
mosque, went in and destroyed it. The group, joined by young monks from
another monastery, then marched to a second mosque inside the Ahlone
Forestry Department compound. The Muslims inside the Mosque run away before
the monks arrived.
The next day about 50 monks at Bargaya Road in Rangoon followed by soldiers
and riot police went to another mosque, chanting: "We don't want Muslims"
and throwing stones at the mosque. The authorities did not intervene.
Interestingly, sources said one mosque in downtown of Rangoon attacked by
the angry monks was frequented by Rangoon-based Indonesian embassy officials.
Lt Gen Myo Nyunt, Burma's religious minister went to meet local Muslims
leaders and reportedly said: "Let them [monks] destroy it - don't resist
them, the army will compensate you for everything."
A young monk in Rangoon did not deny that they were involved. "Yes! we do
have a plan to protest against this brutal regime. Our target is Slorc." So
why attack mosques and Muslims? "The Muslims are victims of Suharto's
visit," noted one resident in Rangoon.
Indonesia's President Suharto visited Burma recently and strongly backed
Burma's admission to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Besides
Suharto, Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir gave his full backing to Slorc's
application to become a member of the regional grouping.
Not surprisingly, the two leaders support did not get well with many
pro-democracy monks and Burmese dissidents. "There is a growing anti-Muslim
feeling," said one. "The two Kala countries are supporting the fascist
regime," muttered one dissident in Rangoon. Kala basically means Indian or
white foreigner - it is widely considered a term of abuse.
The trouble started in Mandalay, Burma's second capital. Young monks
ransacked mosques and destroyed shops and houses owned by Muslims. Korans
were torn up and scattered along the city's main streets. Troops were
eventually sent in and a curfew imposed.
The riot, officials said, was triggered by report that a Buddhist girl was
molested by Muslims. But that wasn't the only issue that sent monks onto the
streets. The news, in fact, was created by Slorc itself, dissidents charged.
"The rape case happened a few weeks ago and we all sorted out," says one
local resident.
An original protest was planned for March 13, which is Burma's unofficial
human rights day, but Slorc learned of the plan and arrested the monks. Thus
demonstrations began on March 15, and the Slorc immediately circulated the
rape story. "So what happened was that the Muslims were used as a tool,"
says Moe Thee Zun former student leader.
It wasn't the first time, however. Prior to the 1988 uprising the then Gen
Ne Win government stirred up anti-Muslim feelings in major cities to divert
the public's attention.
Fanning such emotions is not difficult because of widespread prejudice
against Muslims in Burma.
Long before the rape case, the Mandalay monks had planned a separate
anti-government demonstration for March. They held several secret meetings
in October and November last year. In December about 60 monks attended a
meeting at a secret place where they formed a monks union.
U Khay Mar Sarya, leader of the All Burma Young Monks Union [ABYMU] said
original demonstration was planned to protest against human rights abuses by
the government. "About 16 monks have died in prison - some have taken to
front line and killed", he said.
"We [Slorc and monks] are enemies - we will never ever forget how our monks
were killed and tortured," said U Khay Mar Sarya. Since 1988, a dozen
well-respected abbots and senior monks have been arrested and received heavy
prison terms. They were forced to disrobe while in prison. About 100 monks
are still believed to be under detention.
The authorities learned quickly of the underground monk union and the young
monks' activities. On Feb 22 the Slorc officials and monks from the Mandalay
Sangha Committee held a meeting in Mandalay palace.
At the meeting, the senior monks and abbots were asked to control young
monks and make sure that no disturbances occurred. Following this, a number
of monks who had been planning local demonstrations were taken in for
interrogation.
In Rangoon, monks have also been busy distributing anti-Slorc leaflets and
attending Aung San Suu Kyi's weekend gatherings. When students in Rangoon
staged a peaceful protest in December monks in Mandalay attempted to join
them but were stopped by authorities. Last month, five monks traveling from
Mandalay to Moulmein to organise demonstrations were arrested at Thaton.
Since Gen Ne Win came into power in 1962 monks who have played a major role
in nationalist movements have been severely oppressed.
Opposition figures say there were other contributing factors to the rioting
in addition to the planned protest.
"Prior to the news being spread about the rape case, there have been
reports about Slorc's systematic looting pagoda treasures at several temples
in upper Burma and about the breaking open of the famous Maha Myat Muni
Buddha's statue in Mandalay to search for the legendary ruby - the Padamya
Myetshin - which supposedly brings war victories to those who opposed it,"
the self-proclaimed Government in Exile said in a statement.
"Buddhists have already been angered by these reports and it was indeed
fortunate for the generals that a report about the rape was very
conveniently spread around."
Shortly after the riot the junta started to spread a rumour the opposition
party had sent "phoney monks" to create disturbances. But the National
League for Democracy said it had nothing to do with the riot.
"We know destructive elements in and out of Burma are trying to create
instability," said a Slorc general. A Slorc spokesman also said the
government will protect the Muslim community. But that doesn't mean anything
to the Muslim community in Burma.
The Muslim in Burma have been discriminated against for many years.
Ironically, the junta itself has been leading an anti-Muslim campaign for
years.
"Whenever governments in Burma are in a tight spot they always use Muslim
as a scapegoat. We have been victimised," says Kyaw Hla leader of the Muslim
association in exile.
"I believe the riot was created by Slorc - they have no other choice - they
did it just for their own survival."
In an open letter to Muslim countries the Muslim Liberation Organisation of
Burma said the Slorc army is also burning down many mosques, destroying Holy
Korans, forcing Muslims to eat pork, raping Muslim girls, many Muslims were
killed, and Muslims are not being allowed to return to their homes in
Burma." In December, troops ordered Muslim families in Karen state to move
out of Nabu village and though they have nowhere to go. An army officer was
quoted as saying: "We don't want to see kala faces."
That shouldn't please Suharto and Mahathir. (TN)
*******************************************************
BKK POST: HASHIMOTO RAISES CONCERN ON BURMA
March 28, 1997
AFP
Tokyo - Japanese Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto expressed concern on
Wednesday over Burma's full membership in Asean, government officials said.
Mr Hashimoto raised the concern during talks with Malaysian Prime Minister
Mahathir Mohamad, who arrived on Tuesday, the officials said.
The Japanese premier was quoted as telling Mr Mahathir that Burma's
membership in Asean might help the military government conceal its
suppressive policies toward the pro-democracy movement. (BP)
*******************************************************
THE NATION: KEEPING THE SUNDAY UNHOLY FOR BURMESE REFUGEES IN BANGKOK
March 28, 1997
Letter to the Editor
Last Sunday, March 23, as we filed out of church, the Thai police were
waiting, ready, ostensibly to check the Burmese passports. This is not the
first time, nor will it be the last, that they have mistaken Burmese
refugees for ATM machines.
Perhaps their eyesight is getting dim due to age. Besides, they have to
work overtime on Sunday. We Burmese refugees who have managed to escape the
atrocities of Slorc are now facing this scourge of being persecuted as
illegal immigrants and have no one to turn to for refuge except our
religion. Even then, we are denied the right to pray peacefully. What a
cruel thing this ''constructive engagement" is.
Now is the holy week, as after Palm Sunday, Easter for Christians will be
followed by Thingyan (Burmese Songkran) in mid-April. Many a Burmese will
find solace in religion. What we would like to propose through The Nation is
that we have a second collection taken in church services or keep part of
the donations to Buddhist temples frequented by Burmese and the proceeds be
given to the Thai police. They can come, collect the money and leave the
Burmese refugees to pray in peace.
That way nobody can accuse Thailand of not having religious freedom and
will also prevent the Burmese from saying that they have jumped out of the
frying pan into the fire.
It will be equal to saying that Thais are very generous and hospitable and
keep up their tradition of providing a safe haven for fleeing fugitives, as
they have demonstrated to the Karen. The Thai security chiefs will have no
reason to be angry at a world which criticises them.
A Burmese regular worshipper
BANGKOK
*******************************************************
SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST: MILITARY ON COURSE TO MATCH SIZE OF VIETNAM'S
March 28, 1997
WILLIAM BARNES in Bangkok and Agencies in Rangoon
Burma's military may match Southeast Asia's biggest fighting force, Vietnam,
early in the next century if present trends continue, according to military
analysts.
Thousands of Burmese soldiers celebrated Armed Forces Day with songs and
fierce chants in Rangoon yesterday.
They represent an Army, Navy and Air Force whose total manpower may have
almost doubled in size to 350,000 from 190,000 a decade ago.
No outsiders are really sure, with some estimates putting the armed forces
at 400,000. These figures do not include paramilitary forces and the armed
police.
The State Law and Order Restoration Council, the junta that emerged in 1988
after the "retirement" of the dictator Ne Win, admitted after its creation
that its ultimate aim was a military 500,000 strong.
This is roughly the current strength of Vietnam's slimmed-down armed forces,
which may be trimmed down even more in the future.
The popular protests that exploded across Burma in 1988 shook generals who
realised they needed a bigger army to be able to suppress not only the
country's myriad ethnic insurgencies but civil protests that might erupt in
several places at once.
"The junta hasn't cared that the country is dirt poor. Their first concern
has been to protect themselves - so everything's been poured into expanding
the military," said one Rangoon-based diplomat yesterday.
Flooding the country with troops has ensured that no mass protests to match
those in 1988 have dared take place in recent years.
The creation of Burma's strongest-ever military has also helped convince
almost all the ethnic rebels to agree to cease-fires with the junta.
But the truces with many of the ethnic rebel groups also remain precarious
and have yet to be tested by any kind of a political settlement.
Hopes by the junta's opponents that as it grows the potential fault-lines
that exist in any big organisation will widen have so far proven to be
wishful thinking.
If anything the military's most senior leaders appear to be becoming more
inflexible and less tolerant of dissent.
Opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi held an alternative ceremony in Rangoon
yesterday to honour resistance fighters in World War II.
Police put up roadblocks at the approaches to Ms Aung San Suu Kyi's house,
where 2,000 people had been invited for "Anti-Fascist Resistance Day"
ceremonies, and most guests were turned away.
Only about 700 people were allowed to pass through to attend the ceremonies
to mark the resistance struggle against Japanese occupation forces in World
War II.
Ms Aung San Suu Kyi made a speech in which she linked the World War II
resistance struggle to her bid to bring democracy to Burma, saying:
"Resistance means . . . opposing oppresssion." (SCMP)
********************************************
INDEPENDENT REPORT:BURMESE DEMOCRATS SEEK SUPPORT
March 26, 1997 (rec'd)
A Burmese delegation met at the constitution club, New Delhi, on March 4,
under the auspices of the Antar-Rashtriya Sahayoj Parishad. Shri I.P.
Singh, a former Indian Ambassador to Burma and a senior member of the
ARSP, presided.
The meeting was held to enlighten media persons and opinion
leaders, on the real situation in Burma and with the hope that this is
the time when the Indian leaders and the Indian public should provide
their support to achieve democracy and peace in Burma which they have
lost to military dictatorship for the last several years.
India being the largest democratic country and also because of
next door neighbourhood the Burmese people and the National League for
Democracy for Burma are asking for people - to - people and party - to-
party support for their cause.
The meeting was attended by Shri V. P. Goyal, Shri T. N.
Chaturvedi and Shri Mahesh Sharma, Members of Indian Parliament, and Dr Tint
Swe, Dr Zahleithang, Shri U Bo Thaung, Shri U Tha Noe, Members of parliament
from Burma. Others who came from Burma included Shri Ramjeet Verma, Shri Ko
Aung Htoo, Dr Zaw Win Aung, Shri Ko Zin Naing, Daw Mya Mya Aye, Shri C. P.
Prabhakar and Shri P. N. Verma. The Indian side included among others, Shri
Bhamu Pratap Shukla, Shri Baleshwar Agrawal and Shri Prem Chand Bhardwaj.
In his Presidential address; Shri I. P. Singh said that military
rule had vanished from the entire world and it can not last in Burma. he
said Indians supported the legitimate aspirations of the majority of
Burmese people.
**************************************
BKK POST: SLORC'S RECORD CATCHES UP WITH IT
March 26, 1997
EU foreign ministers stripped Burma on Monday of trade privileges for the
use of forced labour. In a recent issue of 'Burma Debate', Phillip Fishman
of the AFL-CIO reviews Burma's record.
A number of governments have been singled out through the years by the
International Labour Organisation as the most extreme violators of
fundamental worker and human rights. But perhaps no government has been
cited more frequently and in stronger terms during the past 10 years than
Burma's military regime.
At last year's annual ILO conference, Burma was called before the Committee
on the Application of Conventions and recommendations for the second year in
a row to explain why it continues to ignore its obligations to respect
Convention No. 29 on forced labour, and Convention No. 87 on freedom of
association, both of which it ratified in 1955.
In 1995, the Committee found the arguments of the State Law and Order
Restoration Council - that there is no forced labour in Burma and that
independent trade unions do in fact exist despite all evidence to the
contrary - so unconvincing that it set aside in special paragraphs of its
final report the conclusions that forced labour must be eliminated once and
for all, and that unions, independent of the government, must be allowed to
exist if workers so choose.
Slorc's defence last year took on a new twist. The regime's representative
no longer denied the existence of forced labour. Nor did he explain to the
Committee as he had in the past that there had been a small
misunderstanding, that what the international community sees as widespread,
systematic use of forced labour to rebuild the country's decaying
infrastructure is actually the Burmese age-old cultural tradition of
"voluntary labour" to gain Buddhist merit.
This time he announced that because the 45-year war with the country's
ethnic minorities was virtually over, the government had to find something
to do with Burma's 400,000-man-strong military. From now on, he reported,
the soldiers' labour would be used to rebuild the country's infrastructure,
not the labour extracted by force from the Burmese people.
This new ploy however no, effect. After reviewing the growing body of
evidence on the use of forced labour, the Committee once again cited SLORC
in special paragraphs, mentioning the case as "one of president failure to
implement Convention No. 29... and Convention No. 87".
IN addition, worker members of the ILO's governing body filed a complaint
under Article 26 of the ILO constitution against the Slorc for its
contravention of Convention 29. This seldom used procedure, reserved for the
most egregious cases of abuse such as Gen Jaruzelksi's oppression of
Solidarity in 1983, requires the ILO to establish an official mission of
inquiry to investigate the alleged use of forced labour by the Burmese
government.
The continuing effort by a 173-member United Nations organisation to
pressure a member state to honour its international commitments or be
singled out for explicit criticism has provided an impetus for a much border
international campaign against Slorc.
European Union governments that spoke out against Slorc at the ILO
considered suspending tariff benefits to Burma following a petition field by
the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions.
United States generalised system of (trade) preferences was suspended six
years ago for worker rights violations making Burma one of only a handful of
countries to have lost GSP benefits because of non-observance of basic
worker rights as spelled out in the core ILO conventions. (BP)
*******************************************************
THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR: NEWS BRIEFS
--------------------------------------------------
THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR (20 March, 1997 )
CHAIRMAN OF STATE LAW AND ORDER RESTORATION COUNCIL SENIOR GENERAL THAN SHWE
ACCEPTS CREDENTIALS OF AMBASSADOR OF ALGERIA
YANGON, 19 March-Mr Maamar Ahmed, newly accredited Ambassador of the
Democratic and Popular Republic of Algeria to the Union of Myanmar,
presented his credentials to Chairman of the State Law and Order Restoration
Council Senior General Than Shwe at Dagon Yeiktha of the Ministry of Defence
this morning.
___________________________________
CHAIRMAN OF LESSEL CO LTD CALLS ON MINISTER FOR HOTELS AND TOURISM
YANGON, 19 March - Chairman Mr Yukinobu Nose of Lessel Co Ltd of Japan
called on Minister for Hotels and Tourism Lt-Gen Kyaw Ba at his
office this afternoon. Chairman Mr Yukinobu Nose said he would like to do
research on butterfly and insects in Putao region in northern part of
Myanmar and hoped to have an opportunity to study rare butterfly and insects
in forests, in natural habitat. The Chairman also said arrangements could be
made for establishment of canning factory, livestock breeding and poultry
farming for regional development.
_______________________________________
MINISTER FOR NPED RECEIVES HEAD OF S-E ASIAN DEPARTMENT OF BRITAIN'S MOFA
YANGON, 19 March- Minister for National Planning and Economic
Development Brig-Gen Abel received Mr Martin Hill, Head of South-East
Asian Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Britain, accompanied by
Ambassador of Britain Mr Robert A E Gordon, at his office at 3 pm today.
__________________________________
KNU MINE WOUNDS TWO
YANGON, 19 March - A mine planted by KNU terrorists exploded and
wounded two village w0men in Bilin Township, Kayin State, on 7 March. One
of the two women, Ma Naw Kay Htoo, 17, daughter of U Maung Nge, of TarU
Khee village of the township, hit the mine near Netkyi village. Her left
leg was severed from the ankle. She was also hit by splinters. The blast
cut off the ring finger of another woman, Ma Bayda, 26, daughter of U
Tun Hnya, of the same village. She was also wounded in her waist and
right thigh. Officials warded them at Thaton People's Hospital.
*************************************
THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR (19 March, 1997)
FANG ZHENG INTERNATIONAL OFFICIALS CALL ON MINISTER FOR NPED
YANGON, 18 March - Mr Xu Shijan and party of Fang Zheng International
called on Minister for National Planning - and Economic Development Brig-Gen
Abel at the latter's office this afternoon. Mr Xu Shijan and party briefed
the minister on progess in construction of vacuum flask factory.
**********************************
THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR (21 March, 1997)
STATE COUNCILLOR AND SECRETARY GENERAL OF PRC MR LUO GAN TO PAY OFFICIAL
VISIT TO MYANMAR
YANGON, 21 March - At the invitation of the Secretary-1 of the State
Law and Order Restoration Council of the Union of Myanmar His Excellency
Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, His Excellency Mr Luo Gan, State Councillor and
Secretary-General of the State Council of the People's Republic of
China, will pay an official visit to the Union of Myanmar in the near future.
_____________________________________
DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER RECEIVES PRESIDENT OF ELECTRIC AND ELECTRONIC
ASSOCIATION OF MALAYSIA
YANGON, 20 March Member of the State Law and Order Restoration
Council Deputy Prime Minister Chairman of Myanmar Investment Commission
Vice-Admiral Maung Maung Khin received Member of Parliament and
President of Electric and Electronic Association YB IR Donald Lim Siam
Chai and Managing Director of Valiant Towers Sdn Bhd Dato Lau Yin Pin from
Malaysia at his office this afternoon. They discussed production of
electrical appliances, cement and hydro-electrical power and investment
opportunities in Myanmar.
____________________________________
MINISTER RECEIVES GOLDEN ASIA PRESIDENT
YANGON, 20 March -Minister for Hotels and Tourism Lt-Gen Kyaw Ba
received President of Golden Asia Inter Co Ltd of Thailand Mr Dhirah
Taechalertpaisarn and party at his office this afternoon. Mr
Taechalertpaisarn said he wanted to invest about 18 million dollars in a new
international standard hotel project which will be implemented stage by
stage. From five million to seven million dollars will be invested on the
first phase, he said. The detailed project will be presented soon, he added.
____________________________________
LONDON MYANMAR OPEN FROM 3 TO 6 APRIL
YANGON, 20 March - Over 140 international golfers including
professional golfers from host Myanmar will take part in London Myanmar
Open, the second professional golf tourney to be held here. The first-prize
winner will be awarded $ 200,000. In previous year $150,000, was awarded as
first-prize. Professional golfers from the United States, Canada, Japan, the
Republic of Korea, Australia, India, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, the
Philippines, Thailand, New Zealand, England, Scotland, Taiwan and Wales will
compete at the City Golf Resort from 3 to 6 April.
_________________________________
MINISTER RECEIVES AMBASSADOR OF ROK
YANGON, 20 March Minister at the Office of Chairman of the State Law
and Order Restoration Council Acting Minister for Industry-2 Lt-Gen
Min Thein received Ambassador of Republic of Rokea Mr Kyung Bo Choi
at his office this afternoon. They discussed bilateral cooperation in
economic and industry.
___________________________________
APPOINTMENT OF AMBASSADOR OF INDIA AGREED
YANGON, 21 March - The Government of the Union of Myanmar has agreed to
the appointment of Mr Shyan Saran as Ambassador Extraordinary and
Plenipotentiary of the Republic of India to the Union of Myanmar in
succession to His Excellency Mr Lal Thanzaua Pudaite. Mr Shvan Saran was
born in September 1946. He joined the Ministry of External Affairs of
India in July 1970 and served in various capacities in the diplomatic
missions of the Republic of India in Hong Kong, Beijing and Tokyo. He is
presently serving as High Commissioner of India to Mauritius. He is married
with two children.
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THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR (22 March, 1997)
MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT RECEIVES DIRECTOR OF JARDINE SHIPPING SERVICES
YANGON, 21 March - Minister for Transport Lt-Gen Thein Win received
Director of Jardine Shipping Services Mr Siaw Hooi Chuan at his office
yesterday. They discussed shipping container and marine activities.
______________________________________
MULTIPARTY DEMOCRACY GENERAL ELECTION COMMISSION ANNOUNCEMENT NO 1349.
Union of Myanmar
Multiparty Democracy General
Election Commission
Announcement No 1349
13 Waxing of Tabaung, 1358 ME
(21 March 1997)
Subject: Permission given to U Tin Ohn to resign as Pyithu Hluttaw
representative elected from Padaung Township Constituency-1, Bago Division.
1. U Tin Ohn of the National League for Democracy, Hluttaw representative
elected at the Multiparty Democracy General Election from Paduang Township
Constituency-1 in Bago Division, submitted his own volition to this
Commission that he be permitted to resign because he could not perform party
politics due to his family's health grounds and social conditions.
2. Upon the above-mentioned submission, this Commission here by announces
that U Tin Ohn has been permitted to resign from being Hluttaw
representative-elect of Padaung Township Constituency effective today under
Section 11(e) of the Pyithu Hluttaw Election Law.
By order,
sd
Aye Maung
Secretary
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THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR (24 March, 1997 )
MEPE, DAEWOO CORP SIGN MOU FOR FEASIBILITY STUDY OF BILIN HYDEL POWER PROJECT
YANGON, 23 March-Chairman Mr Woo Choong Kim of Daewoo Companies Group
of the Republic of Korea and party called on Minister for Energy U Khin
Maung Thein at his office this morning. They discussed electric power
generation and cooperation and investment in oil and natural gas production.
MEPE and Daewoo Corporation signed Memorandum of Understanding for
feasibility study of Bilin Hydel Power Project in Mon State at the ministry.
Bilin Hydel Power Station which can generate 280 megawatts will be built on
Bilin Chaung, 16 miles north of Bilin.
___________________________________
U TIN LATT APPOINTED AMBASSADOR TO NEPAL
YANGON, 23 March - The Chairman of the State Law and Order
Restoration Council of the Union of Myanmar has appointed U Tin Latt as
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Union of Myanmar to
the Kingdom of Nepal.
________________________________
CRUISELINER MS BREMEN WITH 105 TOURISTS ARRIVES
YANGON, 23 March - Cruiseliner ms Bremen with 105 tourists arrived at
Nanthida Jetty of Yangon Port this afternoon under arrangement
made. by Myanrna Hotels and Tourism Services and Sky Line Co and
Hanseatic Co of Thailand.
http://www.myanmar.com/nlm/
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ANNOUNCEMENT: SEMINAR ON BURMA
March 28, 1997
On 29, March 1997
At the Jawahalal University in New Delhi
Organized by Division of South-East Asia & South-West and Pacific Studies of
the School of International Studies
Topic: Recent developments in Burma and its implications for Indian security
Program
10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Chaired by professor Baladas Ghoshal
Presentations:
Dr. B.D. Arora (Asso. Prof., JNU), "Internal political developments in
Burma; democratic struggle and suppression of human-rights"
Dr. I.P. Singh (Former ambassador), "Some aspects of the political
development in Burma; Implications for India"
Lt. Gen. V.K. Nayyar (Formerly Indian Army), "India-Burma border;
Political Economic and Security implications"
Commander C. Uday Bhaskar (India Defense Service Academy), "Burma;
Implications for Indian security"
Maj.-Gen. D. Banerjee (Formerly India Defense Service Academy), "India's
Burma policy"
U Tin Maung Win (DAB), "Indo-Burma Relation"
Among the participants were Dr. Tint Swe (NCGUB), U Ramjeet Verma
(NLD/LA), Dr. Zaw Win Aung (FTUB) and U Maw Thiri (Ret. AIR supervisor).
Excerpts:
Dr. I.P. Singh advocated for "Constructive Disengagement".
Lt. Gen. V.K. Nayyar advocated for "Gradual approach and to be bilateral"
Commander C. Uday Bhaskar advocated that Burma is "1A" for India's
foreign policy.
Maj.-Gen. D. Banerjee said all India's neighbors should be democratic,
secular and united.
U Tin Maung Win pointed out he was afraid to read the reports that
India-trained Burma Army killed its own people and no investment in Burma now.
Dr. Tint Swe commented that only a democratic government can bring Indian
borders and waters secure and can protect Indian business in Burma
because there is no rule of law and only NLD is legitimate.
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