BurmaDoc Entries May 23-29

[durham@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]

  Burma  Issues, a Bangkok-based organization, maintains a documentation
center that archives a wide variety of materials (newspaper clippings,
reports, statements, press releases, books, videos, etc.) related to
Burma.  We currently have over 12,000 sources in our archives.  Every week
a summary of the past week's entries is made.  In the past, this list has
been used within the organization to keep our volunteers and friends
up-to-date on current developments. Each article is followed by an
abbreviation that corresponds to the source of the document, a date and a
code that corresponds to our internal indexing system used to retrieve
copies of the original document.  For people who are interested in a
document contained in the list, feel free to request a copy.  Bear in mind
that, in most cases, the document will take 1 to 2 weeks to arrive via
international post.  In urgent cases we can fax documents.  

Burma Issues
PO Box 1076
Silom Post Office
Bangkok 10504
THAILAND

Recent News Items & Other BurmaDoc Entries: 
16 May to 22 May 1997

Themes: foreign workers;  immigration & naturalization;  rice exports;
Mekong development plans;   foreign investments;  the Yadana gas pipeline
and the oil industry;  technology;  economic aspects of constructive
engagement;  students & youth;  politics, political parties, Aung San Suu
Kyi & the crackdown against the NLD;  foreign relations with Asia/Asean;
foreign relations with other countries;  Thai-Burma border disputes; mass
media & propaganda;  refugees;  illegal drugs;  illegal logging;  human
rights & abuses (except crackdown on NLD);  civil war;  education.

-- Foreign Workers:
At a three-day seminar entitled "Policy Options for the Importation of
Foreign Labor into Thailand:  A Study of Interest Parties, Legal Issues,
and the State Management System", academics said that Burma's repressive
military rule and the absence of democracy, rule of law, and respect for
Human rights were the major causes for the influx of about 1 million
illegal immigrants into Thailand.  They added that if living conditions
were as good as the junta claims, people wouldn't be leaving the country
in huge and incessant numbers.  The seminar involved about 400
participants and will submit its findings to the Thailand government.  The
academics urged Thailand to reform its unbalanced policy of "constructive
engagement" with Burma.  Ponsook Kertsawang from Mahidol University's
Institute for Population and Social Research concluded that the Slorc
continues to instigate conflicts and implement a policy of Burmanisation,
religious, language and social discrimination in addition to forcibly
relocating people and using forced labor.  Supang Jantawanit from
Chulalongkorn added that large numbers of Burmese in Thailand pose a
threat to national security .  TN 970528  OA/1D/021


-- Immigration & Naturalization:
The Cabinet approved the granting of Thai citizenship to nearly 8,000
Burmese who entered Thailand before March 9, 1976.  Displaced Burmese who
were born in Thailand but migrated to Burma were entitled to apply for
citizenship.  Other people who were considered Thai but lived in areas
given to Burma while it was a British colony were eligible for
citizenship.  TN 970528  OA/9A/023

The cabinet approved the NSC's proposal to naturalize 7,849 displaced
Burmese of Thai origin.  The MoI reported that these Burmese have lived in
Thailand for more than 20 years, have Thai relatives and sharing the same
traditions, culture and language with Thai citizens.  They also pose no
threat to national security.  These people were of Thai origins but became
Burmese after the UK annexed Tavoy, Mergui and Tanaosri as part of Burma.
They later moved back to Thailand.  BP 970529  OA/9A/024


-- Rice Exports:
Rice export target set by Burma for fiscal year ending March 31:  1.5
million tons.  Actual exports: 112,000 tons.  BP 970528  OA/2C/001


-- Mekong Development Plans:
China is currently pushing for development of an Economic Growth
Quadrangle expanding trade along the Mekong river and via a circular road
which would link China's south Yunnan province, North Thailand, Laos, and
Burma's Shan state.  Burma's concerns about participating in the plan are
that increased river navigation and easy road access would expose the Shan
state to outside political and economic influences, particularly from
China and the US.  Burmese leaders fear that the Wa and other minority
groups in the area would be strengthened by increased prosperity that the
economic plan would bring to the area, and the links with China may
eventually revive China assistance to the now-defunct Communist Party of
Burma.  The security concerns of the Burma gov't will continue to outweigh
economic interest, despite Burma's dependence on its neighbors for trade
to soften the impact of economic sanctions imposed by Western countries.
The Nation 970527  OA/4AF/007


-- Foreign Investments:
MBf Holdings Bhd says its expects to have a full-fledged banking operation
in Burma by year-end.  The group's first move was setting up a
representative office two months ago.  They are in the process of
identifying a local partner.  burmanet 970524  OL/4EC/014

Thailand is scheduled to sign a memorandum of understanding in July with
Burma for the purchase of 1,500 megawatts of electricity by the year 2010.
TN 970527  OA/4EC/038


-- Yadana Gas Pipeline and the Oil Industry:
A group of businessmen and villagers petitioned Her Majesty the Queen
against the Yadana gas pipeline.  However, the Petroleum Authority of
Thailand replied saying that it could not reroute it because work has
already progressed to far.  The HM the Queen passed the petition to the
government to duly address the dispute.  The Deputy Prime Minister is
scheduled to report on the government's review of the gas pipeline project
after the Queen returns from Japan.  TN 970524  OA/4GH/017

Malaysian natural oil exploration company Petronas Carigari is one of the
most likely buyers of the stake held by Texaco Inc in Burma's Yetagun gas
field, following US sanctions.  Industry sources say Texaco is negotiating
with a number of oil and gas companies even though the US sanctions won't
affect existing investments.  Petronas seeks to build a Southeast Asian
empire and has offered to swap a field in Malaysia for the Yetagun field.
Unocal has no plans to sell its stake in the Yadana project.  TN 970523
OA/4GH/016

American oil companies have long had to factor in fears about the unstable
nature of foreign governments when considering huge investments in capital
and equipment but now the companies are finding that politics back home is
the new focus of risk - the threat of unilateral economic sanctions.  No
company has exposed itself more to the new unknowns than the Unocal
Corporation which has staked more of its future on overseas projects than
anyone else, concentrating on Asia.  Unocal helped win the compromise on
President Clinton's economic sanctions on Burma (not retrospective) though
intense lobbying.  However, the victory is only partial risking a legacy
of bad publicity along with any profits and lawmakers' support for
selective purchasing legislation.  The New York Times/Burmanet 970523
OL/4EC/013

John Imle met with Aung San Suu Kyi to discuss issues including the Yadana
gas pipeline.  The Slorc granted him approval to meet with Aung San Suu
Kyi at her home for several hours on May 16.  Details of the talks were
not disclosed, but Imle claimed they gained a better understanding of each
other.  Imle probably tried to explain Unocal's activities since Aung San
Suu Kyi has urged Unocal to pull out of Burma.  He wanted to hear why Aung
San Suu Kyi perceived the Yadana pipeline as hindering political change in
Burma, and why it wasn't seen as a catalyst in improving the economy.
Despite US sanctions, grassroots pressure and two lawsuits, Unocal remains
committed to Burma.  However, Imle earlier remarked that Unocal wouldn't
have trouble divesting from the project as there are other companies who
would like to buy shares in the Yadana pipeline.  BP 970529  OA/4GH/019

Social critic Prawase Wasi advised supporters and opponents of the Yadana
gas pipeline to solve their differences through non-violent means.  He
presided a meeting organized by conservation and local groups.  Senior
executives of the Petroleum Authority of Thailand also attended.  The
conflict is complicated because it involves environmental, economic,
social and Human rights issues.  He suggested that the Petroleum Authority
of Thailand provide a fund for groups to study the pipeline's impact and
support academics to study Human rights abuses in Burma.  Conservation
groups showed slides of environmental damaged and displaced Burmese people
during the meeting.  BP 970528  OA/4GH/018


-- Technology:
The popular Pretty Good Privacy package invented by Phil Zimmermann allows
you to use 512, 1024, and 2048 bit keys which are virtually unbreakable by
even the most powerful US computer systems.  The encryption technology is
used in Burma to protect the people there from the government.  Zimmerman
is also popular with a number of human rights groups and companies that
support his anti-government encryption control ideas.  BP 970528
OA/4I/002


-- Economic Aspects of Constructive Engagement:
Comment:  Despite sanctions and firm statements from Western Countries,
Asean's policy of constructive engagement needs more respect and better
support.  While activists on both sides criticize each other, the Slorc
continues to repress the people of Burma and protect drug lords.  Those
concerned about Burma's economic and social future need to find the common
ground and develop a coherent sanctions and constructive engagement
strategy.  Governments inclined towards sanctions need to stop talking
tough and take actions.  The US has taken a half-step by banning future
investments.  The second step is to add real meaning to constructive
engagement.  Tough sanctions and boycotts can help the Asean policy by
making a financially-weakened Slorc more dependent on its neighbors.
Deals with Asian businesses should be expensive and sealed with
commitments to demonstrable social and economic progress.  Asean's current
policy currently means  "business as usual" not "constructive".  During
the apartheid regime, Leon Sullivan, director of GM, proposed the
well-respected "Sullivan Code" that would serve to weaken apartheid from
within.  Similar principles can guide Asean's constructive engagement.
Leaders of the world's first class firms must declare their values and act
on them.  Asia's businesses must contribute leadership to making Burma a
better place.  BP 970523  OA/4J/001


-- Students & Youth:
ABSDF's statement on the eve of the seventh anniversary of the only
multi-party elections held in Burma in 35 years of military rule.  The
statement urges the SLorc to enter into a tripartite dialogue with the
democratic forces led by Aung San Suu Kyi and ethnic representatives to
solve the country's problems by peaceful means.  The statement lists the
number of NLD MPs who have either died in prison, been forced to resign
from the party, been dismissed as MPs by the Slorc, those remaining in
detention serving long sentences and the recent arrests.  ABSDF/Burmanet
970526  OL/6C/004


-- Politics:
The British Labor Party has unveiled a new foreign policy with an
increased emphasis on ethics, specifically concerning the environment, the
arms trade, and Human rights.  Next year, the UK will assume presidency of
the EU which might come into conflict with Asean nations that put "Asian
values" before the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.  While
principles are being established, it remains unclear how actual policies
will be affected, especially if Human rights prove to be a hindrance to
exports.  Within the EU, the UK will support DE and HO in their Human
rights conscious proposals.  Derek Fatchett, the minister of state with
special responsibility for Burma, has stated that his administration
supports Aung San Suu Kyi and DE's call for sanctions.  BP 970524
OA/9A/021

There are signs that the Slorc administration is in a stage of panic and
are beginning to collapse.  This week's arrest of NLD members lead to the
abrupt cancellation of the Vietnamese PM's visit.  The opposition's
strategy of always opening the door for reconciliation and its
preparedness to accommodate Slorc in the new government does help in
removing the Slorc's remaining credibility in the international circle.
Asean should also be pushing Slorc towards a dialogue with the NLD.  The
generals do not wish to be seen as compromising to the opposition
Burmanet 970526  OL/9A/005


-- Political Parties, Aung San Suu Kyi & the Crackdown Against the NLD
The US, UK, Germany, Japan, Human rights groups and a leader of
Singapore's opposition party condemned the Slorc for arresting up to 100
NLD members this week.  The Burmese government said it had taken
"preventative measures" against Aung San Suu Kyi supporters in an effort
to stop them from creating "unnecessary problems".  The junta can't allow
any political party to disturb the peace, tranquility and stability of the
nation and therefore had "no choice but to take preventative measures so
that the interests of the nation and the people" were protected.  The
Slorc hasn't revealed how many people have been detained, but estimates
are between 60 and 100.  The UK indicated that the EU is exploring
possibilities for further action against the Slorc.  BP 970523  OA/9CB/062

Despite the arrests of more than 100 NLD members, Aung San Suu Kyi is
determined to hold a NLD congress on May 27.  The military is conducting a
nationwide sweep to deter the NLD meetings.  The meeting was meant to
commemorate the 1990 national election which the NLD won the majority of.
However a government official claimed that Aung San Suu Kyi wants to
convene the meeting to create anti-government propaganda.  BP 970523
OA/9FA/022

With depressing regularity, and deepening embarrassment to Asean, the
Myanmar military authorities have again begun arresting opposition NLD
members for presumed attempts to disturb the nation's "peace, tranquility
and stability."  These events have become an annual May ritual.  Asean
members should exercise peer pressure on Slorc by at least expressing
distaste at what is going on and urging speedy political reform.
Constructive engagement must remain as Asean's approach but it must be
made clear that this was never intended as carte blanche to deny the
Myanmar people their popular will.  Asean membership should not be
misinterpreted as Asean forbearance and its conduct in its internal
affairs should be consistent with Asean conventions for decency.  The
Straits Times/Burmanet 970523  OL/11BA/004

As the Slorc received criticism from around the world concerning the
arrest of NLD members, the junta issued a statement that denied the
arrests of any NLD members.  The NLD reported that at least 60 of its
members had been arrested in the provinces and several dozen others were
detained in their homes.  About 300 top NLD members and party organizers
have been invited to the meetings.  The Slorc questioned the motives
behind the NLD's meeting saying "the NLD's intention is to try to get as
much as their members arrested by trying to create a situation where the
government has no choice but to take strong countermeasures."  Singapore's
Straits Times urged Asean to impose the toughest possible compliance
standards on Burma's Asean entry saying that Burma "has shown little
respect for Asean or wider Asian opinion by resorting to detention instead
of engaging the opposition in a process of reconciliation."  The US
threatened to take further actions against the Slorc; Japan is considering
the suspension of all development aid to Burma; and Germany and the UK
called on Burma to release all NLD members.  In the New Light of Myanmar,
the junta praised Asean solidarity and continued to issue anti- NLD
propaganda.  BP 970524  OA/9B/014

According to a senior NLD source, Burmese authorities have arrested 193
NLD supporters.  Between 50 and 60 of the arrests were NLD candidates who
had been elected MPs in the 1990 elections.  However, Slorc officials deny
the arrests and have requested that the NLD prove its claims.  The
officials maintain that they have only asked NLD members "to refrain from
taking actions designed to create chaos in the country."  100-150 party
supporters managed to reach Rangoon and have already presented papers and
initiated preliminary discussions and debates.  1,200 supporters were
invited to the congress.  All the arrests occurred outside Rangoon.  BP
970525  OA/11BA/006

An NLD source reported that 193 of its supporters have been arrested,
while the Slorc denies such claims.  The NLD's congress will continue
despite the arrests.  1,200 party supporters were invited to the event and
all the arrests so far have occurred in areas outside Rangoon.  Western
Countries have condemned the arrests.  In response, the Slorc issued a
statement saying "Regretfully the Western Countries have been sold a
barrel of propaganda, and are crafting a biased and dangerous foreign
policy upon it.  In the US and in every civilized country around the
world, the government frequently asks for control and sometimes detains
individuals who threaten actions to create chaos and cause social
disruption.  The NLD is seeking to magnify these protective activities for
their own political aims."  NLD supporters have been arrested before
previous NLD conferences.  According to the latest information last year,
the Slorc-established national convention has only finished drafting six
out of 15 constitutional chapters.  TN 970525  OA/11BA/007

According to a senior NLD official, the Slorc has detained at least 250
NLD supporters.  The NLD had documented names and details of 193 detained
supporters, but additional reports from the provinces have come in
recently.  Security forces were making frequent checks of household lists,
looking for overnight guests who had not been reported to the authorities.
TN 970526  OA/11BB/005

Aung San Suu Kyi vowed to go ahead with the NLD party's congress despite
the detentions of 193 NLD members.  The NLD is waiting to see if the
authorities will interrupt the meetings.  Security around ASSK's home is
tight, but some party members have managed to get inside after stringent
checks.  Senior party members have already met and planned the NLD's
future course of action.  The US, Japan and some EU nations have condemned
the detentions.  TN 970526  OA/9B/015

The NLD said it will hold its party congress despite detention of more
than 250 of its members.  The NLD is waiting to see if the authorities
will break-up the meeting.  The NLD has documented the detentions of 193
members and additional reports from the provinces are filtering in.  BP
970526  OA/11BB/006

The NLD will continue with its congress despite the detentions or
confinements of 316 party supporters.  The Slorc denied that anyone had
been detained, and there were no reports of NLD members being detained in
Rangoon.  Only Myo Khin has been sentenced to four years in jail for
"fraudulent alterations" in his family registration list and citizen
registration card.  BP 970527  OA/11BB/007

Myo Khin, NLD secretary for Yankin township in Rangoon, has been sentenced
to 4 years in jail for fraudulently altering a family registration list
and citizen registration card.  The Slorc stated that his arrest and
subsequent jailing had nothing to do with his NLD affiliation.  TN 970527
OA/11BA/008

Aung San Suu Kyi appealed to the Slorc to stop suppressing the democracy
movement and hold talks instead.  The NLD stated that political and
economic problems can't be solved by suppressing NLD activities.  BP
970528  OA/9FA/023

Ralph Zacklin, interim UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, issued a
statement that called on the Slorc to abide by internationally accepted
Human rights principles.  He expressed concern specifically about
harassment of the NLD.  The Slorc has detained 316 NLD members and blocked
off ASSK's home in an effort to stop an NLD congress.  The Japanese
government said it regretted the Slorc's recent moves and urged the junta
to allow political activities.  A US Embassy official in Bangkok reported
that the Slorc asked US diplomats not to attend the NLD congress.  Kent
Weideman from the US Embassy lodged a similar complaint.  In Bangkok, a
group of students protested in front of the Burmese embassy.  TN 970528
OA/11AC/007 & BP 970528  OA/11AC/008

Hundreds of armed riot police stopped NLD supporters from meeting at
ASSK's home for a party congress.  The Slorc says the congress is a
propaganda ploy.  Barbed wire barricades were used to cordon off an area
around ASSK's home and the nearby party headquarters.  Riot police also
blocked access to Tin Oo's home and guarded Kyi Maung's residence.  The
NLD planned to hold a two day convention.  A Slorc official stated that
the police had no choice since the NLD deliberately failed to submit a
formal request to hold the political meeting.  316 NLD supporters from
outside Rangoon have been detained or confined to their homes.  BP 970528
OA/11I/002

Riot police and barbed-wire barricades continued to prevent NLD supporters
from gathering for their annual congress.  Only members of the NLD
executive committee were allowed past the barricades, but local residents
who live in the restricted areas could also pass by after providing proofs
of identity.  Telephone calls to the NLD headquarters were repeatedly
disconnected.  On Tuesday, the NLD issued a statement that asked the
government to convene a parliament as soon as possible to honor the
results of the May 1990 elections.  During last year's attempted congress,
officials arrested 260 NLD supporters.  BP 970529  OA/9FA/024

Security remained around ASSK's home and the NLD's party headquarters in
an effort to prevent the NLD from holding a congress.  Only 10 executive
NLD members are allowed into ASSK's compound.  No senior NLD officials can
be reached for comments because their phone lines have been cut.  Slorc
continues to deny the detention of any NLD supporters.  Rajsmoor Lallah
and the head of a UN experts working groups on arbitrary detention sent a
letter to Ohn Gyaw urging the Slorc to "do its utmost to ensure the right
to physical and mental integrity of the detained NLD members and to
consider their immediate release."  TN 970529  OA/11I/003

Proposal by ALTASEAN-Burma to dedicate ASSK's birthday to Burma Women's
Day.  This will acknowledge the essential role of women in Burma in the
promotion of social justice, peace, human rights and democracy and honor
the sacrifices made by millions of women who have faced human rights
abuses throughout the civil war.  The proposal details how to support the
proposal.  Burmanet 970525  OL/5A/001


-- Foreign Relations with Asia/Asean
Do Muoi and his delegation arrived in Burma on an official visit seen as a
gesture of support for Rangoon's Asean entry bid.  BP 970523  OA/9CAA/085

Viet Namese Communist Party secretary-general Do Muoi has cut short an
official visit to Burma due to ill-health.  His condition wasn't serious,
but he started having headaches.  According to the foreign ministry, the
shortened visit was described as successful in forging unity between Burma
and Viet Nam against foreign "acts of domination and oppression".  BP
970525  OA/9CA/066

For Asean, Cambodia can join its grouping now and fulfil its membership
obligations later, and Cambodia is more than ready to join the group so
there shouldn't be much of a problem.  But The Philippines expressed
concern over political violence in Cambodia, and Cambodia responded by
saying that The Philippines was trying to use Cambodia as a scapegoat to
keep Burma out of the grouping.  Cambodia wonders why Asean accepted it
during fighting with the Khmer Rouge, but is raising questions of violence
during a relatively stable time in Cambodia.  So far, The Philippines has
been alone in raising questions about Cambodia's ability to work within
Asean.  Cambodia's political system is less than ideal because differing
parties control their own armies and projects deadlocked by disagreements
are common.  Many draft laws, including 19 required by Asean, have
remained suspended to parliamentary delays.  The Asean Foreign Minister
will have two options when they meet this week:  to accept all three
members together or go back on their word and accept only Laos and Burma
while delaying Cambodia.  TN 970526  OA/9CAA/091

A senior Cambodian official said that Asean will admit Cambodia, Burma and
Laos into the grouping at the end of this year, not in July as originally
expected.  The official didn't elaborate on the delay.  Asean officials
will meet next weekend to finalize plans regarding the new memberships.
Thailand 970528  OA/9CAA/092

Asean has come a long way since the eras of colonialism and
communist/non-communist divisions.  By joining half a billion people,
Asean will become a substantial economic force and politically unified
area where peace and stability are ensured fostered by healthy relations.
Through their unity, Aseans will be able to make their own histories
without fear of unwanted influences from outside countries.  New Asean
members will be pulled to keep up with the intense regiment of meetings,
but will also benefit the most from Asean membership.  TN 970526
OA/9CAA/090

Burma's Asean membership with the absence of progress on democratization
and Human rights will upset the US, a key political, security and economic
of most Asean countries.  But Asean can't seem to give into Western
pressures.  Asean bet that in the year between observer status and
membership, Burma's political situation would improve.  However, Burma has
been a thorn in the side of Asean relations with its Western dialogue
partners.  Asean has maintained the policy of constructive engagement
(which some Western Countries approve of), but the US, especially
Madeleine Albright, has taken an opposite stance.  Despite Asean's
endorsement of Burma, Asean- based NGOs, individual politicians and
academics have urged Asean not to prematurely give Burma membership
status.  Singapore's  Workers Party applauded Clinton's investment ban and
the Thai House Committee on Foreign Affairs recently urged the Thai
government to reconsider its Burma position.  The committee argued that
Burma's membership shouldn't be granted as it would upset relations with
the US and condone Burma's territorial violations and the refugee influxes
associated with offenses against ethnic minorities.  Slorc's latest
crackdown on the NLD further complicates the issue for Asean.  Ironically,
Burma seems to be more prepared for Asean membership than Laos and
Cambodia.  To save Burma's face and find a way out, Asean Foreign
Ministers rescheduled the agenda for their special meeting in Kuala Lumpur
to discuss and evaluate the readiness of Burma, Cambodia and Laos instead
of announce their admission.  Asean diplomats have also been vague about
how to deal with Burma.  TN 970526  OA/9CAA/089

Burma's bid for early Asean entry appears to be doomed by concerns over
human rights and strife in Cambodia.  Asean Foreign Ministers will meet in
Kuala Lumpur this Saturday to decide when the three new applicants will be
granted membership.  Malaysia has been pushing for the inclusion of Burma,
Laos and Cambodia and interim PM Anwar Ibrahim told reporters that the
three countries would be members by the end of 1997.  A senior CAMBODIAN
official said the admission would be delayed due to problems in his
country, but Asean ministers prefer the July date because they want the
Dec. meeting to focus on China, Japan and South Korea who have been
invited to attend.  The Muslim Youth Movement of Malaysia and US have
urged Asean to delay Burma's membership.  TN 970529  OA/9CAA/093

Senior Viet Namese sources denied reports that Do Muoi cut short his Burma
visit due to ill-health, saying he left of excessively hot weather.  Do
Muoi is back on the job in Hanoi.  He sent a letter of thanks to Than
Shwe.  TN 970526  OA/9CAA/087

Comment:  Burma's unconditional acceptance into Asean would further
legitimize the junta and provide a shield for its continued brutalities.
Asean should demand that Slorc open up negotiations with the NLD and
ethnic nationalities in exchange for Asean membership.  While Clinton's
sanctions are a step in the right direction, they haven't stopped the
repression.  Over 1000 political prisoners, inducing U Win Tin, remain in
jail.  Despite such abuses, France, Singapore and Thailand are trying to
expand investments in Burma and are busy lobbying for Burma's Asean
membership.  If left unrestrained, the Slorc will do whatever it takes to
hold onto power.  The world community must act quickly and take SF-style
measures.  BP 970528  OA/9A/022


-- Other Foreign Relations:
US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright says she'll consult with Congress
on ways to step up pressure on Burma's military junta in response to the
latest crackdown on the NLD.  She doubts that the Slorc will respond to
her efforts at dialogue and called them "generally immoral, brutal leaders
who don't seem to care."  She also expressed doubt that the US can
effectively pressure Asean not to admit Burma because the Aseans have a
different approach.  In a later report, the Slorc denied arresting NLD
members.  TN 970524  OA/9CB/063

 
-- Thai-Burmese Border Disputes:
Burmese troops have begun dredging the section of the Moei River opposite
Ban Rim Moei in order to change the water course back to its original
position, despite protests from Thai authorities.  Both Tatmadaw soldiers
and DKBA soldiers were assigned to do the work using heavy machinery.  The
Thai authorities claim that dredging began without their consent -- a
violation of the bilateral agreement on the common border.  Police rangers
were ordered to keep close watch on the situation after a soldier and a
team of reporters covering this story were captured by the Burmese troops
in charge of the dredging.  BP 970524  OA/9J/023

Thai border officials send a second protest note to their Burmese
counterparts after Burmese soldiers defied a request to stop dredging work
on the Moei River.  Local Thai residents who will lose their land to Burma
have lodged a complaint with the local officials.  With the help of heavy
machinery, Burmese soldiers have altered the course of the Moei River by
300 meters since Friday.  BP 970525  OA/9J/024

Burma suspended the dredging of the Moei River as the conflict threatened
to blow up into a military confrontation with both sides beefing up troops
just across the disputed section of the river.  Members of the Local Thai-
Burmese Border Committee called an urgent meeting for the second time
yesterday afternoon to find a way to diffuse the tension after the first
round of talks held at midnight on Saturday collapsed.  Thailand had sent
two protest notes to Burma, but Burmese workers extended the dredging line
by 300 meters and about 100 troops were sent in.  In response, the Thai
army deployed troops, heavy weapons, armored personnel carriers and a
helicopter gunship on the Thai side.  Dredging has stopped, but Burma
refused to withdraw its troops and heavy machinery.  BP 970526  OA/9J/025

Burma sent in more troops from its rapid deployment force to counter Thai
troops five meters away at Khok Chang Puek Island in the Moei River.  60
troops with heavy weaponry were sent in several hours ahead of the rapid
deployment force.  Over the weekend about 100 Thai troops backed by
armored personnel carriers and a helicopter gunship build bunkers and
hoisted Thai flags on the island when Burma refused to stop dredging.  TN
970527  OA/9J/027

Chettha has told Thai troops along the Moei River to exercise restraint in
settling border conflicts with Burma.  The order followed a confrontation
after a Burmese unit was deployed on a disputed islet.  Because the
dispute was minor, some Thai troops were withdrawn to ease the situation.
At the peak of activity, there were approximately 200 Burmese troops in
the disputed area.  BP 970527  OA/9J/026

Burmese authorities claim dredging of the Moei River is taking place with
the consent of some high-level Thai officials.  The Burmese  claim was
made at a meeting of Thai and  Burmese officials.  At the meeting, the
Thai army asked Burma to stop dredging the river and proposed that the two
sides withdraw their troops.  Burmese representatives promised to stop the
dredging and withdraw their troops.  The Thai officials were unaware of
any high-level decisions regarding the Moei River dredging.  About 100
villagers from Ban Mae Dao and Ban Rim Moei protested the dredging
yesterday.  BP 970528  OA/9J/028

Editorial:  The Burmese military's occupation of disputed territory along
the Moei River is totally unnecessary and goes against commonly accepted
diplomatic methods for resolving disputes.  Border problems arise between
many countries that share common borders, but negotiations between
friendly neighbors are usually enough to ensure a peaceful resolution.
The deployment of troops and planting of Burmese flags is a blatant
disregard for Thai sovereignty.  Given Slorc's record of blatant Human
rights violations and its contempt for all things civilized, Thailand
shouldn't be surprised by the occupation.  In light of the border
standoff, both sides should withdraw their troops and self-restraint is
needed.  In the past, the Thai government hasn't been tough enough with
illegal border crossings and other violations by Burmese troops.  The
ongoing border dispute should be a signal for Thailand to rethink its
support for Burma's Asean membership.  BP 970528  OA/9J/029


-- Mass Media & Propaganda:
Slorc will release the book "What is Aung San Suu Kyi and Whither Goes
She?" in Burmese at the end of this month.  It portrays Aung San Suu Kyi
as a puppet of the US.  An English translation might follow.  The book
contains a series of previously published newspaper articles.  The New
Light of Myanmar says the book is being released "to place on record with
historical evidences vividly and firmly portraying the characteristics of
those who emerged at the turn of Myanma political history and practised
political trickery."  TN 970525  OA/10DA/001

A systematic analysis of the implications and meaning of the statement
"Return to the legal fold".  The statement is looked at word by word.
"Return" suggests that the ethnic minorities were once part of a unified
state from which they wandered.  This relies on the colonialist era, a
contradiction to "Asian values", during which ethnic groups were united
under the British.  Before then, each group experienced autonomy.  The
world "legal" would suggest a the People's Assembly, not the
unconstitutional and illegitimate Slorc regime.  "Fold" implies a safe
enclosure beyond the reaches of harm and enemies.  In reality, people are
raped, tortured, killed, jailed, forced to relocate and work in Burma.  In
the case of Burma, "return to the legal fold" must be considered a term
for surrender to brute force.  burmanet 970525  OL/10K/001

According to Slorc officials, the NLD was trying to force authorities in
Rangoon to block its meeting in order to reap "propaganda" gains from it.
The NLD held election anniversary meetings from May 22 to 26 but "staged"
additional meetings "for propaganda purposes".  BP 970528  OA/10K/007


-- Refugees:
The Jesuit Refugee Service's Burma Update issue on an overview of Slorc's
onslaught against the Karen and reports on the refoulement and denial of
access to people fleeing the offensive; international pressure; the Thai
NGO response; requests from the Karen Refugee Committee; the international
legal considerations and recommendations.  brelief@xxxxxxx 970529
OL/10GA/005


-- Illegal Drugs:
The government handed over drug kingpin Li Yun Ching to Thai authorities
during the official visit of Thai PM Chavalit.  Li, a Burmese born Chinese
with Thai residency, was arrested in Bangkok last July and jumped bail in
March.  He faces trial in the US for allegedly importing 486 kg of heroin.
FEER 970529  OP/10J/004


-- Illegal Logging:
According to the New Light of Myanmar, Burmese troops arrested 30 Thais
and 6 Burmese for smuggling timber from eastern Shan State to Thailand.
They were caught with 8 tonnes of sawn teak, 39 logs, two elephants, five
cars, and one tractor.  Diplomats in Burma have credited Gen Chit Swe,
Burma's forestry minister, with taking a conservationist viewpoint and
cracking down on illegal loggers.  The border with Shan State is also a
major transit point for drug smuggling.  TN 970529  OA/10L/003


-- Human Rights & Abuses (except NLD detainees, see crackdown on NLD
section):
Burmese authorities denied allegations that they harassed Muslims who
resisted orders to vacate a mosque and cemetery complex to make way for
development.  Muslim sources in Rangoon said that authorities bulldozed
the complex in the middle of the night about three weeks ago.  The junta
issued a statement in Bangkok that "consent from all" was obtained.  The
Malaysian Muslim Youth Movement (ABIM) urged Asean to delay Burma's entry
for "harassing Muslim communities" and until a "legitimate government" is
established.  Analysts say that Burma's quick response to ABIM allegations
was intended to reassure the predominately Muslim members of Asean.  The
government also said that new burial grounds were allocated to replace
those destroyed and the razed land will be turned into a "Multi-Religion
Square" where Christian, Hindu, Buddhist and Islamic monuments can be set
up.  BP 970529  OA/11J/003


 --  Civil War:
Five Burmese army soldiers defected to the ABSDF after fighting in Karen
State.  They handed over ammunition, a carbine, a G-3 machine gun and  5
G-5 machine guns.  The defectors were named as Sergeant Zaw Ye Naing,
Corporal Pe Soe, Lance-Corporal Nyi Nyi Aung, Private Soe Naing and
Private Yan Naing.  They belonged to Unit 1 of Platoon 1, under the
command of Company 3 of IR 19 based in Papun.  The defectors reported that
superior officers mistreated them, extorted money and that the army passed
a new rule that prohibited soldiers from leaving the army after 10 years
of service.  Many others wanted to desert to escape the fighting and
unfair treatment because they are not granted proper home leave, they are
forced to commit Human rights abuses, and receive inferior health care
because they have lower rank.  BP 970529  OA/12FF/005


-- Education:
Slorc ordered all schools including primary and secondary schools not to
open yet and the order has no time limit.  Also discusses Thai authorities
attitude to the Karen refugees, refusing permission to build shelters.
Burmanet 970526  OL/14E/002