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BurmaNet News: February 23, 1995
- Subject: BurmaNet News: February 23, 1995
- From: strider@xxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Wed, 22 Feb 1995 22:10:00
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Date: Wed, 22 Feb 1995 22:09:58 -0800
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The BurmaNet News: Thursday, February 23, 1995
Issue #114
QUOTES OF THE DAY:
"My nightmare about this project is that
threats of physical intervention of that
pipeline will create a reaction from SLORC
that could be tragic....if you threaten the
pipeline there's gonna be more military. If
forced labor goes hand and glove with the
military, yes, there will be more forced
labor. For every threat to the pipeline
there will be a reaction."
John Imle, President of Unocal <See BKK POST:
MONS, KARENS THREATEN PIPELINE>
"Violence to destroy the pipeline would be
our last option, but in the end we would have
no choice....(the Slorc) will force slave
labor on the people without payment. This
violates our fundamental human right, so we
will oppose the pipeline by any means."
Nai Pe Thein Zea, a Mon spokesman <same article>
"There are no such rebels. They are just 'ungrouped
people' who cannot pose such a threat,"
U Tin Win, Burmese Ambassador to Thailand <See BKK
POST: THE CHIEF HEADACHE FOR BANKS IN BURMA--THE
EXCHANGE RATE>
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Contents:
************************INSIDE BURMA**************************
BKK POST: EXCHANGE RATE CHIEF HEADACHE FOR BANKS IN BURMA
NATION: BURMA SEEKS FOREIGN STAKES IN PRIVATIZATION
BKK POST: NEW ORGANISATION HANDLES ALL INVESTMENT IN BURMA
NLM/SLORC: SEVEN OF ABSDF MOE THEE ZUN GROUP RETURN TO LEGAL FOLD
NLM/SLORC: KHIN NYUNT ON "WILY SCHEMES"
*****************KAREN STATE/KAWTHOOLEI***********************
BKK POST: KAWMOORA FALLS TO RANGOON FORCES
BKK POST: THAI ENVOY WARNS BURMA OVER INTRUSIONS
NLM/SLORC: MORE DKBO MEMBERS, FAMILIES RETURN, RESETTLED
NLM/SLORC: FAMILIES WHICH FLED TO OTHER COUNTRY RETURN TO MYANMAR
*********************THE TENNASERIM***************************
BKK POST: MONS, KARENS THREATEN PIPELINE
************************THAILAND******************************
BKK POST: RANGOON JUNTA HEAD TO VISIT AS ARMY'S GUEST
****************VISIT MYANMAR YEAR 1996************************
NATION: M.O.U. SOUGHT WITH BURMA ON TOURISM
**********************INTERNATIONAL***************************
AFL-CIO: CALL FOR EMBARGO
BURMANET: LETTER--REGARDING BOB HAWKE
AUSTRALIAN SENATE: QUESTION ON BURMA
*************************MISC**********************************
BURMANET: CORRECTION TO "REGARDING IMET"
BURMANET: LETTER--REGARDING SLORC ARTICLES ON BURMANET
***************************************************************
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Views expressed in The BurmaNet News do not necessarily reflect
those of either NCGUB or Burma Issues]
**************************************************************
**************THE BURMANET NEWS--FEBRUARY 23, 1995************
**************************************************************
************************INSIDE BURMA**************************
BKK POST: THE CHIEF HEADACHE FOR BANKS IN BURMA--THE EXCHANGE
RATE
22 February 1995
Disadvantages of investing in Burma, such as foreign exchange
conversion, were raised at the fair yesterday.
Chatri Sophonpanich, chairman of the executive board of Bang-
kok Bank, told a Greater Mekong subregion business workshop
that settling an exchange rate between the kyat and US dollar
was the major problem for banks in Burma.
Eighteen foreign banks including five from Thailand operate
representative offices in Burma. The Thai banks are Thai Mili-
tary Bank, Siam City Bank, Krung Thai Bank, Thai Farmer Bank
and Bangkok Bank which opened its office a month ago.
Mr Chatri said he had not yet approached Burmese authorities
about upgrading the office to branch. The representative of-
fice cannot make transactions.
"I don't think the authority will allow foreign banks to do
that right now, but in the future, the situation will be much
better," he said.
Petroleum Authority of Thailand Exploration &Production
(PTTEP) president Viset Choopiban said the unrealistic
official exchange rate, compared with the black market rate,
meant operating costs were higher than they should be.
The lack of a legal precedent or interpretation of laws caused
some delays in clinching business deals, he said.
Burma has yet to sign treaties eliminating double taxation
and, as a result, investing in Burma is costly.
Glen Robinson, director of the ASEAN Focus Group, a
consultancy based in Australia, said the artificial official
exchange rate and other difficulties, including the lack of a
legal framework, placed Burma at a disadvantage to other Asian
countries.
Communications facilities were seriously lacking and very
expensive, but other investors might see this problem as an
area of investment, he said.
Burmese Ambassador U Tin Win said there was no policy to bring
the official rate into line with the black market rate of 100-
120 kyats to the dollar.
The safety of the natural gas pipeline from the Yadana
offshore field across southern Burma to Kanchanaburi province
was questioned, because of fears of sabotage by minority
rebels.
"There are no such rebels. They are just 'ungrouped people' who
cannot pose such a threat," the ambassador replied.
Mr Viset said the project was a long-term investment that
benefited Thailand and Burma.
"Myanmar Oil & Gas will later become a 15%shareholder of the
project."
He said construction of the 415-kilometre pipeline would be
started next year and local people would be hired to do the
work. (BP)
************************INSIDE BURMA**************************
NATION: BURMA SEEKS FOREIGN STAKES IN PRIVATIZATION OF STATE
UNITS
22 February 1995
Tax breaks among incentives from panel
The Burmese government, after decades of centrallization and
a closed economy, yesterday announced an aggressive move to
welcome more foreign investment with a plan to privatize 51
state enterprises in energy, food, garment and other sectors.
Ambassador to Thailand U Tin Win said that a privatization
committee was set up last month to facilitate a
market-oriented economy and the smooth running of state
enterprises.
"The foreign investors joining the programme will be exempled
from machinery import tariffs and can fully remit their
profits back to their home countries," said the ambassador
here at a bisiness workshop on Burma, one of the six nations
in the Greater Mekong subregional development programme.
The 5-day workshops, on the business prospects of the five
nations excluding Thailand, is part of BoI Fair 95, jointly
sponsored by Board of Investment and Siam Commercial Bank.
The first state enterprises in the plan are under the
jurisdiction of five ministries;
Ministry of Trade, Ministry of Industry (1) which is
responsible for light industries, Ministry of Industry (2) for
heavy industries, Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, and
Ministry of Information.
According to panel member Sanit Vayakornvichitr of Santi
Forestry Co Ltd, Myanmar Timber Enterprise, the national
forestry agency, has recently set up their first forestry
joint venture and that demonstrates the government's clear
direction towards privatization.
Other examples of privatization are two plywood plants which
have been privatized to Daewoo and a malaysian firm.
Three more are destined to be privatized.
Santi Forestry, which is the first Thai company receiving
concessions from t he government, is also signing a joint
venture contract for wood furniture manufacturing, said Santi.
However, the state enterprises which will be privatized are
mostly of small scale. They include refineries for barn oil,
garment factories, the national biscuit factory, a leather
products factory, paint factories, towel factories machinery
spare parts factories, abattery cell production work shop, a
diary factory, farms for poultry, sheep and goats, and cinema
halls.
Panelists and participants yesterday expressed confidence in
Burma for longterm investment but they also cited some
obstacles such as the wide difference between official and
unofficial exchange rates and double taxation.
Chatri Sophonpanich, executive chairman of Bangkok Bank,
commented that when compared to other Indochinese countries,
Burma has good potential but investors should adopt a
step-by-step approach.
Thai businessmen's strong confidence in Burma is also shown
through the Board of Trade's organization of the biggest ever
trade mission to the country, he said.
Chatri also viewed Burma as a bridge between Asean and South
Asia_the same way as Thailand has bridged Indochina with
Asean.
Regarding investment problems, Glen S Robinson of ASEAN Focus
Group cited exchange rates and the lack of reliable
import-export statistics, consumer statistics and market
protection.
"The exchange rate is a real problem.
The government is aware of it but cannot solve it in the short
term," he said.
Viset Choopiban, president of PTT Exploration & Production Plc
(PTTEP), added that the big difference has driven business
operating costs higher than they should be. However, a
participant, Krachang Phantunavin who is an Indochina expert,
defended the two rates, saying they have at least remained
stable for years.
The lack of a double taxation treaty, added Viset, is another
big problem for Thai businessmen who should be concerned over
the interpretation of law and regulations to prepare for any
legal problem in the future, after the huge inflow of foreign
investors during the past few years.
Chatri however asserted that Burmese law is "quite up to
international standards," and to tackle the exchange rate
problem, the government is prepared to allow the private
sector to engage in foreign exchange.
Eighteen commercial banks including five Thai banks have
opened branches or representative offices there.
As of Jan 1995, according to U Tin, foreign capital flowing to
Burma is worth US$ 2.4 billion with 119 projects. Most of them
are involved with oil and gas. France is the biggest foreign
investor there, followed by Singapore and Thailand which has
23 projects or US$ 264 million.
PTTEP, a subsidiary of state-owned Petroleum Authority of
Thailand, is a major investor there with a 30 per cent intrest
in a US$ 1.2 billion gas field in Moatama in cooperation with
Total and Unocal of France. PTTEP earlier this month signed a
gas sale contract with PTT.
Viset expected that the project would generate foreign income
within 3-4 years. (TN)
************************INSIDE BURMA**************************
BKK POST: NEW ORGANISATION HANDLES ALL INVESTMENT IN BURMA
22 February 1995
A new organisation has been formed to handle both domestic and
foreign investment in Burma, according to Rangoon's Ambassador
to Thailand U Tin Win.
The Myanmar Investment Commission (MIC) was set up last month
to give initial approval investment proposals. It was formally
called the Foreign Investment Commission and handled only
plans from abroad.
Apart from evaluating foreign investment proposals, the MIC
can stipulate conditions for investment permits.
Mr U Tin Win said any company which wanted to invest in Burma
had to seek approval from one or more of the following minis-
tries, depending on the area of investment: Trade; Industry
NO. 1 for heavy industry; Industry No. 2 for soft industry;
Livestock and Fisheries; and Information.
Rangoon has earmarked 51 economic enterprise for the first
stage of privatisation.
He told investors yesterday, during a seminar on "Doing Busi-
ness in Burma", that his country had abundant natural resourc-
es to attract foreign investors.
Forest covers 50.87% of the total land area and includes teak,
cane, hardwood and bamboo.
The ambassador said Rangoon favoured joint investment with
state agencies in agricultural projects.
Burma passed a Foreign Investment Law in 1988 although it has
never signed an investment protection law with any country.
A Thai Foreign Affairs Ministry source said the Thai govern-
ment had twice submitted a counterdraft of an investment pro-
tection law to the Burmese Government. It held negotiations
with Burma last August and awaited a response from Rangoon.
"If this accord is signed, Thailand will be the first country
to sign such a document with the Burmese Government," the
source said.
Singapore had proposed a similar treaty with Burma, the source
said.
The Burmese ambassador said total foreign investment in his
country until the end of last month amounted to. US$2.377
billion involving 119 projects.
France has the biggest investment stake, followed by
Singapore, Thailand, the US, Japan, the Netherlands and
Australia.
Bangkok Bank executive chairman Chatri Sophonpanich praised
Burma as the gateway between ASEAN and North Asia. Thailand is
a good link between Indochina and ASEAN.
Vietnam and Burma are active observes of ASEAN activities, but
Burma has yet to solve internal political problems. Vietnam is
ready to apply for full membership of ASEAN.
Mr Chatri said Burma had reasonable infrastructure which had
not been demigod as severely (by war) as that in Indochina.
Board of Trade chairman Pothipong Lamsam is leading 80 Thai
businessmen on a mission in Burma. The group from 15
industries will take with officials from eight ministries in-
cluding Trade, Transport, communications and Tourism. (BP)
************************INSIDE BURMA**************************
NLM/SLORC: SEVEN OF ABSDF MOE THEE ZUN GROUP RETURN TO LEGAL FOLD
NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR (18-2-95)
Yangon, 17 Feb -- Distructing the armed struggle
line of ABSDF and realizing the genuine goodwill of the
State Law and Order Restoration Council, members of ABSDF
armed group continuously return to the legal fold.
Section leader Than Naing Oo, deputy section leader
Tun Aung, pvts Zaw Win, Than Zaw, Aung Gyi, Ohn Lwin and
Than Ngwe of battalion No 203 of ABSDF Moe Thee Zun
group, bringing in two AK-47 automatics, two magazines,
36 rounds of ammunition, one M-16 automatic rifle, one
magazine and 11 rounds of ammunition, returned to the legal fold
at Kyat Chaung Camp in Myeik Township on 5 February. -- MNA
************************INSIDE BURMA**************************
NLM/SLORC: KHIN NYUNT ON "WILY SCHEMES"
[NOTE: The title given this article by BurmaNet is slightly
different than the one which appeared in the New Light of
Myanmar. The reason for the change is because NLM: SPEECH GIVEN
BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE MYANMAR EDUCATION COMMITTEE SECRETARY-1 OF
THE STATE LAW AND ORDER RESTORATION COUNCIL LT-GEN KHIN NYUNT AT
THE CONCLUSION OF THE SPECIAL REFRESHER COURSE NO 14 FOR BASIC
EDUCATION TEACHERS CONDUCTED BY THE CENTRAL INSTITUTE OF CIVIL
SERVICE AT THE CICS IN HLEGU TOWNSHIP wouldn't fit in the subject
line. Except for this, the article is unchanged.--BurmaNet]
The New Light of Myanmar
18 February 1995
In his address, the Secretary-1 expressed belief that the
trainees would be in great joy as their attendance of a course on
which the State has laid a great emphasis had come to a
successful conclusion and also that their nationalist fervour
would further flourish as expected in accord with the lofty,
noble aims of the course.
He also said their resolution to serve national duties in
the interest of the State and the people would be reaffirmed as
they have come to realize objective situations, national
objectives, requirements and long-term benefits of the State.
Especially with firm resolution, he said, they would be able
to discharge their main duty of turning out young intellectuals
and intelligentsia who are also patriotic and would serve the
welfare of the nation.
He further expressed hope that the teachers would also be
ready to take part in the measures taken by the State Law and
Order Restoration Council for the Union to emerge prosperous and
stand tall in the world.
National aims or duties of a country are not the creation at
will of a particular group of persons and are actually causes
born of historic facts, he explained to them.
He cited a proverb "Blood is thicker than water", speaking
of Myanmar history in which the national races came together
whenever the nation faced a crisis as in their repulsing of every
invasion of aliens.
The Secretary-1 spoke of a firm foundation of language,
literature and culture laid by the national races and emergence
of a well-structured Myanma cultural edifice.
Following the invasion of the colonialists who attempted to
cause disintegration of unity and breeding racism and
regionalism, Myanma cultural traits cherished by all Myanmars
such as traditional art of self-defence, traditional military
science and indigenous medicine had diminished.
Speaking of anti-colonialist and liberation struggle for
independence, he said there was a tug-of-war between minions of
the colonialists and patriotic forces who wished to establish the
Union with the strength of unity.
He spoke of armed struggle line taken by some national races
due to suspicions and narrow racism bred by the colonialists and
efforts made for securing peace in the post-independence period.
In the time of Law and Order Restoration Council,
Our Three Main National Causes have been laid as national policy
guideline and tasks also laid down to translate policy into
action. He dealt with other measures taken for physical and
intellectual development of the nationals and for strengthening
of their patriotism and Union Spirit.
Peace Overtures
Offensives against armed groups were suspended
unilaterally on 28 April 1992 for national reconciliation, he
said, and overtures were extended by responsible persons at
Loikaw, Kayah State, on 17 November, 1993, at Thanbyu-zayat, Mon
State, on 25 November the same year, at Hpa-an, Kayin State, the
next day and at Myapadine Village in Kawkareik Township,te,
on 5 April, 1994.
He said altogether 13 armed organizations have returned to
the legal fold and are joining hands with the government in
development and continued to speak of the National Convention for
writing an enduring Constitution.
Taking advantage of the unilateral halt of offensives, the
KNUs and some organizationsir influence attacked
Htimukhee military camp, fired heavy artillery on towns and
villages, looted travellers, killed or abducted innocent locals,
forcibly organized recruits in villages, collected tribute money
and committed destructive acts, harassing the people.
While the invitation for making peace was being extended,
Bo Mya, the KNU leader omdteNUB in which KNU's
minion organizations DAB, NDF, NLD, (LA) and NCGUB were
included and the NCUB launched diplomatic offensives to disgrace
Myanmar and cause the Myanmar government to be shunned by the
United Nations.
The Secretary-1 said Bo Mya himself went to some countries
and knelt down and begged for clamping sanctions on Myanmar ---
to hinder foreign companies to invest in Myanmar, to keep
Myanmar off the international circle, to stop other nations from
assisting Myanmar in her anti-drug movement and to make other
nations make direct contacts with the NCUB.
He went on to explain that the NCUB scoured the world
begging to obtain UN recognition and for providing it with money,
rations and weapons.
In the second phase of its strategy, the NCUB, he said,
formed the Political Defiance Committee and distributed
propaganda leaflets and planted bombs to cause misleading
impression of the people on the government and instigate
disturbances.
Although Bo Mya and groups of expatriates under his
influence continued to be engaged in anti-Myanmar movements,
junior leaders and members of the KNU were found to have
welcomed the government's invitation for peace.
He said despite Bo Mya's comforting words to his members
that he would make peace, he was actually demanding what could
not be conceded and the KNU members' grievances over their
leaders enjoying luxury, self-seeking and favouritism in giving
promotions resulted in great explosion.
Growing discontent
The Secretary-1 spoke at length aboutsacrilege of
Manggyingu Sayadaw's efforts o rmto f the Sasana and growing
discontent of the Buddhist majority of the KNU of his
high-handedness and Rambo monk's impudent manners in dealing
with the Sangha.
He dealt with the ensuing formation of DKBO by Buddhist
Kayins, their opposition of Nga Mya, KNU's massive assault on
DKBO and local residents and the Tatmadaw's assistance given to
DKBO.
The Secretary-1 explained to the teachers Buddhists and
Christians in Kayin State have lived together in peaceful
co-existence and there has never been religious contradiction and
it was only the leadership of Bo Mya's KNU that practised
dicrimination among the followers due to difference of faiths.
There have never been eiiu suppresssion n ubn
of freedom of faiths in Myanmar where the majority Buddhists live
and everyone is enjoying equal rights, he remarked.
Regarding organizations under KNU's influence, he said the
organization led by Sein Win attempted to form a parallel
government in Mandalay in September and October 1990, and
following the failure, tasoddt Manerplaw, the KNU
headquarters, whereh omd NGB, an illegitimate parallel
government, with eight ministers including himself, which later
increased to 11.
He said there remains only seven ministers who are also
divided into three groups which actually are now without base and
home and NCGUB is in complete disintegration while Sein Win is
still going around the US and begging for meals.
Another group, he said, is ABSDF which was formed at a
students' seminar at KNU's Wakha camp with Tun Aung Gyaw
resident in Australia as chairman, 21 central excecutive
committee members and 15 central exceutive committee members.
He said that later, DAB, also under influence of KNU,
coopted ABSDF under it as member and ABSDF battalions were
organized beginning 1989 with areas designated but under control
of KNU.
Following the arrival of Moe Thee Zun in April, 1989, there
was dissatisfaction among themselves and ABSDF split in four
after its third meeting at Thanlwin camp in Manerplaw --- Moe
Thee Zun group, Naing Aung group, Thant Zin Tun group and Thaung
Nyunt Group.
He said that four grups attempted to meet thrice for
reuniting themselves but no coordinated solutions could be sought
and moreover, Than Win and Aung Khin, CEC members of Moe
Thee Zun group, broke away and set up ABSDF (Overseas),
bringing the number of groups to five.
He went on to say that KNU took over the matter of
reuniting ABSDF groups with Tamla Baw as chairman of a
committee and at present, Naing Aung's Dakwin camp has fallen,
Moe Thee Zun's has moved to the southern region and the majority,
without a place to settle, are collaborating with KNU, Mon and
BCP remnants and collecting extortion money at sea.
He explained to the teachers that another group is terrorist
ABSDF (North) which was formed at KIA camp in Kachin State in
1989 and it has laid down as a military target to seize one of
the largest towns in Kachin State in collusion with KIA for
making demands to the government.
The ABSDF (North), he sormed in June 1989 with
Tun Aung Kyaw as chairman to move more actively in up-country.
ater, there were clashsaogthem vying for power, and
military-in-cag hnGoung accused some underground
students inclusive of Tun Aung Kyaw of being government spies,
arrested and tortured them and as a result, 32 student youths
weere killed, he said.
The Secretary-1 explained that though majority of the
members of ABSDF (North) agreed with the KIA armed group's
returning to the legal fold in 1994, their leaders did not want
to abandon their armed struggle line.
Continuing, he said the ABSDF armed group is about to
terminate as and when there were clashes in their own
organization vying for power and some groups on which they
depend split and some returned to the legal fold.
He explained that CRDB is an organization led by expatriates
and its sub-groups were later formed in England, Germany,
Australia and Bangladesh.
Khin Maung Win and Tun Aung of CRDB (USA) are
working for VOA and movement of CRDB diminished beginning
1994 and are now organizing the students who arrived from Thai-
Myanmar border, he said.
Aung Khin, Than Lwin Tun (a) Aung Naing and Khin Hla
Tin who took part in the movement of CRDB (UK) in London are
part-time producers of BBC Myanmar Programme and therefore
reports of VOA and BBC Myanamar Programmes are opinions of CRDB
(USA) and CRDB (UK), he said.
CRDB (FRG) was formed with German citizen Myanmars
and remaining expatriates and their movement became less as there
is disunity among them, he said.
CRDB (Australia), he said, was formed in 1989 and it
also ceased to move in 1994.
Various groups like BAG (Burma Action Group), INDB
(International Network for Democracy in Burma) and BDCI
(Burma Democratic Council International) were also formed later
but they are just sub-groups of CRDB which are facing financial
and other complicated problems, he said.
It is evident that as the anti-government organizations are
terminating on their own accord, goodwill of the government and
its endeavours for national interest become more and more
prominent, he noted.
He stated that there is still the danger of destructive
elements which are supporting the anti-government organizations
like KNU and CRDB.
He said it is found that such destructive elements will
carry on wily schemes.
The Secretary-1 urged teachers to be mindful of the
movements of these destructive elements and to discern the
attempts to interfere with the nation's internal affairs in
politics, economy and religion and fabricated reports with
intent to tarnish the image of the nation.
He stated that the purpose to explain the intentions and
movements of these destructive elements is to enable the teachers
to lead their pupils away from the track of the dangers of their
machinations.
He underlined the pivotal task of teachers to nurture their
pupils to be patriotic and instil in them the conviction to
build a prosperous and modern nation.
He also urged them to lead their pupils in the movements of
the Union Solidarity and Development Association.
In conclusion, he exhorted them to strive to implement tasks
for realization of the aims of national education policies, to
nurture their pupils to keep good code of conduct, observe
discipline and become outstanding ones, to realize the
government's goodwill and endeavours and explain them to their
pupils and the public, to prevent the internal and external
machinations of destructive elements with national awareness and
explain the public about the truth, to lead their pupils in the
national task for emergence of an enduring Constitution, and to
organize and lead their pupils for realization of the aims of
the USDA.
*****************KAREN STATE/KAWTHOOLEI***********************
BKK POST: KAWMOORA FALLS TO RANGOON FORCES
22 February 1995
KNU leadership plays down retreat from last major stronghold
as tactical withdrawal
Mae Sot _In its second major military victory in less than a
month, the Burmese Army captured the Karen guerrillas'
stronghold of Kawmoora through a succession of massive
artillery bombardments early yesterday.
Kawmoora had been fircely defended, but the ethnic forces were
eventually forced to abandon their headquarters after the
incessant attack.
Despite the devastating defeat, Karen National Union (KNU)
leaders were defiant in a statement released yesterday. They
insisted that their withdrawal from the camp must not be seen
as a "defeat, but the next logical step in the reconstruction
of the KNU, military as well as politically."
The fall of Kawmoora appears to have given the Burmese junta
full control, for the first time, of the 300-km stretch along
the Thai-Burmese border, from Mae Hong Son province to Tak
province's Mae Sot district.
KNU leaders, in interviews yesterday, justified the pull-out,
saying they had to consider potential losses if they were to
continue defending Kawmoora. They said after a through
military assessment, they realized they would have to bear a
very "high cost" and "possibly severe casualties" if they did
not abandon the outpost.
Kawmoora is base for the KNU's 101st special military unit on
the west bank of the Moei River. Leaders said they agreed that
a withdrawal was "the best option at that time" to save both
human and military resources.
Ever since the Burmese assaults on the former KNU headquarters
at Manerplaw in January, the leaders said they had decided to
resort to "full mobile guerrilla warfare", the most efficient
military strategy the Karen movement has employed in its armed
struggle for greater autonomy.
Manerplaw was abandoned by KNU forces on Jan 26, and was
captured the following day by the Burmese army, which
abandoned its two-year-old self-proclaimed unilateral
ceasefire against armed ethnic groups.
Karen and border sources said Kawmoora Camp Commander Brig Gen
Taw Hla, who successfully defended his camp against heavy
Burmese operations since 1989, ordered the evacuation of his
800 war-battered and die-hard forces at 4 am.
The ethnic guerrillas began to cross the Moei River into
Thailand at around 4.20 am.
Brig Gen Taw Hla and his deputy, Maj Than Maung, also deserted
the heavily-besieged Kawmoora and fled into Thailand. Their
whereabouts, however, have not been disclosed.
The sources said Thaw Hla's decision was made after the
Burmese fired a large number of "time-delayed, fused shells
from their field guns, which completely destoryed" all of the
Kawmoora bunkers, defence lines and camp structures. The
shells penetrated two to three feet into the ground and
exploded three to four minutes later, wielding great
destruction.
Burmese troops also bombarded Kawmoora with "a number of
tear-gas-like rockets" which caused "men's bodies to
dysfunction immediately, eyesores and nausea" according to the
sources.
Thai Army and border patrol police forces, who had predicted
the withdrawal of the Karen forces, searched and disarmed all
of the guerrillas, some of whom fled with their assault rifles
and other weapons, and later transported them out of the
Kingdom.
Col Direk Yaemngamreap, commander of Task Force 34 in Mae Sot,
said yesterday that the Burmese troops, who resumed their
shelling and ground assaults at around 4 am, after a brief
lull from 10 pm Monday night, moved in and took full control
of Kawmoora around 9.30 am.
Border sources said three KNU soldiers were killed and an
unknown number injured, while the Burmese casualities were
still unknown. Altogether, the Karen faced seven Burmese
battalions, or a total of between 3,000 and 3,500 troops from
the 2nd, 44th and 77th divisions. They were deployed under the
strategic command of maj Gen Maung Hla against some 1,000 KNU
forces in a square-kilometre area at Kawmoora.
Direk said about 500 artillery shells have been fired daily at
Kawmoora, most falling on Thai territory. On Monday, Thai
troops were provoked into firing warning smoke canisters at
the Burmese after some 100 shells were launched into Thailand.
Despite the withdrawal of the Karen , Burmese troops again
deliberately fired 100 artillery shells into Thailand
yesterday. The shells landed around Baan Wang Kaew, a small
border village deserted by its residents after Burmese forces
burned it down in a 1989 effort to capture Kawmoora.
Thai border patrol police fired several rounds of mortars in
retaliation. The Burmese began to fire the shells around noon
and finished at 4.30 pm, after they had raised two military
division flags above Kawmoora.
At least four of the heavy Burmese shells landed near the
Karen refugee camp at Baan Huay Kalok, 5 km from the border,
prompting several Karen refugees to move to safe areas.
According to border sources, most of the Karen's Kawmoora
forces are in the process of uniting at the KNU Sixth Brigade
area opposite the Umpang district in Tak. A smaller number
have dispersed and moved deeper into Burma to launch guerrilla
attacks against the "overpowered and outnumbered" Burmese
troops.
After heavy losses of weapons and heavy casulities in assaults
earlier this month, the Burmese army stockpiled "an immense
amount of millitary hardware" with the aim to crush the Karen
forces and capture Kawmoora before the end of the month, the
source said.
Deputy Foreign Minister Surin Pitsuwan yesterday played down
the impact on Thailand should the Karens' last stronghold fall
to the Burmese junta.
He said he did not a major influx of refugees crossing the
border because most of the camp's residents are soldiers, not
civilians.
"We don't think there will be any serious problems stemming
from an influx of Burmese people escaping across the border if
Kaw Moo Ra falls. We are not too worried because most of the
camp's residents are soldiers" he said.
Surin also said the fighting could intensify if the last Karen
stronghold is captured by Rangoon. (BP & TN)
*****************KAREN STATE/KAWTHOOLEI***********************
BKK POST: THAI ENVOY WARNS BURMA OVER INTRUSIONS
22 February 1995
The Thai ambassador to Rangoon met leaders of the Slorc on
Monday to reaffirm Thailand's warning to Burma against
intrusions into Thailand by government troops involved in the
suppression drive against the Karen national Union soldiers,
Deputy Foreign Minister Surin Pitsuwan said yesterday.
Mr Surin said he had yet to receive a detailed report on the
meeting from Ambassador Poksak Nil-ubon.
Commenting on the attacks against kawmoora camp opposite Tak's
Mae Sot District which saw a number of artillery shells land
on Thai soil, the minister said Thailand had already issued a
warning.
He said, however, that there are no reports of intrusions into
Thailand by the Burmese military.
Thailand would provide humanitarian assistance as necessary to
karen refugees fleeing the attacks, he said, adding that on
Monday artillery shells landed about 3-4 kilometres inside
Thai territory, forcing Thailand to let the refugees seek
shelter temporarily.
Mr Surin said he did not expect the refugees to stay along in
Thailand.
He said he did not want non-governmental organisations to get
involved as Thailand can handle the refugees by itself.
"Our policy is that the refugees can safety stay in the coun-
try without interference by foreigners or anyone else. The
military and administrative officials will provide them with
accommodation," Mr Surin said. (BP)
*****************KAREN STATE/KAWTHOOLEI***********************
NLM/SLORC: MORE DKBO MEMBERS, FAMILIES RETURN, RESETTLED
NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR (17-2-95)
Yangon 16 Feb -- After members of the DKBO attacked
and captured the KNU Hq at Manerplaw families of DKBO
members, Buddhist Kayins and their families and others who were
hiding at the camps in other country controlled by the KNU armed
group, realizing the genuine goodwill of the
Government and due to the organizational work of the DKBO
which wants peace, are returning to the Myainggyingu Village in
Myanmar every day.
About 4,OOO members of KNU who oppose Bo Mya's
leadership had left their main armed group and returned to the
village where they formed Democratic Kayin Buddhist
Organization (DKBO) on 21 December 1994. The KNU armed groups
have been active along border areas in Kayin State.
Altogether 2,375 males and 2,686 females of 1,025
households, totalling 5,061 have arrived back to date and
were settled at the Myainggyingu Village systematically by the
DKSO members and local people. -- MNA
*****************KAREN STATE/KAWTHOOLEI***********************
NLM/SLORC: FAMILIES WHICH FLED TO OTHER COUNTRY RETURN TO MYANMAR
NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR (18-2-95)
Yangon, 18 Feb -- After the Democratic Kayin
Buddhist Organization (DKBO) attacked and captured the
KNU Headquarters at Manerplaw on 27 January 1995, peace
and security have been restored to the area.
Due to atrocities of KNU, those of villages
at border region fled to other country. Families of
Kayin national and those from so-called refugee camps
of KNU returned to Myanmar to live in Manerplaw area.
Altogether 1,020 persons comprising 502 males
and 518 females of 126 households of 10 villages returned
to Myanmar up to 12 February. They were: 55 males and
54 females of 20 households of Phada village; 28 males
and 28 females of 10 households of Hti Wah Khee Village;
19 males and 18 females of 14 households of Tabawthaw
Village; 26 males and 33 females of 11 households of
Htipar Uhta Village; 105 males and 114 females of 40
households of Hteekane Village; 19 males and 18 females
of 9 households of Nawkyawoe Village; 24 males and 25
females of 7 households of Khawhti Pawkho Village; 2
males and 5 females of 3 households of Wabwetu Village;
le s and 45 females of 10 households of Mepalo
Village; 5 males and 3 females of 2 households of
Htiluthekhee Village, 185 males and 175 females of
Thawlehta.
They were warmly welcomed by officials and DKBO
members and given necessary assistance. -- MNA
*********************THE TENNASERIM***************************
BKK POST: MONS, KARENS THREATEN PIPELINE
February 13, 1995
A special correspondent
Embattled Mon and Karen separatists have begun making quiet
enquiries about the possible reaction of foreign
governments should any of their nationals be harmed during
attacks on the planned Unocal/Total gas pipeline. The enquiries
come as the Burmese army has launched a major offensive to wipe
out the opposition groups while Thailand and the two companies
inked the final pipeline contract.
The enquiries, coming from lower-ranking members of the two
ethnic groups, have drawn a private warning from one senior
American official who said that any group targetting Americans in
Burma would receive the "Khmer Rouge treatment." While the
warning about threatening Americans was unambigious, no U.S.
official has voiced any concern for the security of the
controversial pipeline.
The first threat against the pipeline came in August 1994 when
the government officials attempted to coerce the New Mon State
Party into signing a cease-fire by forcibly repatriating Mon
refugees. Nai Pe Thein Zea, a Mon spokesman said at the time
that "violence to destroy the pipeline would be our last option,
but in the end we would have no choice....(the Slorc) will force
slave labor on the people without payment. This violates our
fundamental human right, so we will oppose the pipeline by any
means." That threat has been repeated this week by both Mon and
Karen rebels.
Unocal's president, John Imle, responded to threats against the
pipeline in January during a meeting with activists in Los
Angeles. Imle told the activists that "my nightmare about this
project is that threats of physical intervention of that pipeline
will create a reaction from SLORC that could be tragic." He went
on to warn that threats against the pipeline would only lead to
more suffering on the part of the ethnic groups: "if you
threaten the pipeline there's gonna be more military. If forced
labor goes hand and glove with the military, yes, there will be
more forced labor. For every threat to the pipeline there will
be a reaction."
Imle rejected allegations that human rights abuses in
the area were in any way connected to the pipeline project and
made particular reference to the charges of forced labor on the
Ye-Tavoy railroad. Said Imle, ""We will not allow those [human
rights] violations to take place to our benefit, meaning on our
property."
According to Mon intelligence sources, the Burmese army had
stationed about 12,000 troops in the pipeline area prior to the
current offensive against the Karen National Union. The Burmese
army is plagued with a lack of mechanical transport and so
according to the U.S. government, the United Nations and Amnesty
International, regularly dragoons local villagers to carry
ammunition and supplies into war zones. Human rights activists
estimate that while in the field, the Burmese army uses about two
porters for every soldier and that this forced labor can be
attributed to "pipeline security."
Environmental and human rights activists have criticized other
aspects of the project as well. A spokesman for Green November
32, a Burmese environmental group mocked Unocal's public vow to
obey all the environmental laws of Burma on their project, noting
that the country has no environmenal protection laws. To date,
Unocal and Total officials have also refused to meet with the
indigenous peoples whose lands the pipeline will cross.
************************THAILAND******************************
BKK POST: RANGOON JUNTA HEAD TO VISIT AS ARMY'S GUEST
22 February 1995
A leader of the Burmese junta, Lt Gen Tin Oo, is scheduled to
visit Bangkok later this week as a guest of the Army, an in-
formed source said yesterday.
The visit, at the invitation of Army chief Gen Wilmol
Wongwanich, was planned for February 23-26, the source said.
Lt-Gen Tin Oo's trip has not been officially, announced,
however.
Observers linked this to the Burmese government offensive
against ethnic Karen rebels and other anti-Rangoon forces inn
the Burmese border area next to Thailand, and said the visit
might be rescheduled.
A planned visit to Bangkok this month by Burma's powerful
intelligence chief, Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, was postponed, as was a
scheduled trip to Rangoon by Thai Deputy Prime Minister
Supachai Panitchpakdi, amid border tensions.
A Burmese ethnic minority leader has denounced the planned
trip of Tin Oo. (BP)
**********************INTERNATIONAL***************************
AFL-CIO: CALL FOR EMBARGO
A letter from the President of the American Federation of Labor-
Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) to the American
Secretary of State.
February 6, 1995
The Honorable Warren Christopher
Secretary of State
U.S. Department of State
Washington, D.C. 20520
Dear Mr. Secretary:
I write to you to express my strong concerns about the
continuing egregious behavior of the State Law and Order
Restoration Council (SLORC) regime of Burma. Directly
contradicting its claims that it seeks peace and national
reconciliation, SLORC sent the Burmese army to viciously attack,
capture and sack Manerplaw, the headquarters of the Karen people
and key base area for many groups, including the Federation of
Trade Unions Burma (FTUB), seeking to restore democracy in Burma.
We believe that the blatant, unprovoked attack on
Manerplaw is a major setback for the cause of democracy in Burma
and merits a strong response from the U.S. Government. In the
"two visions" policy laid out by Deputy Assistant Secretary
Hubbard during his visit to Rangoon, the U.S. indicated that, if
progress by SLORC on issues of democracy and human rights was not
forthcoming, the U.S. would renew its campaign to isolate the
regime. In line with this policy, now is the time for the U.S. to
show, by actions, that it is serious.
Accordingly, we urge the U.S. Government to implement a
full trade and investment embargo against Burma. Since most U.S.
investment enters Burma through joint ventures with SLORC
government agencies or entities wholly controlled by the regime,
implementing sanctions would have a direct impact on the ability
of SLORC to repress its people and conduct war on groups opposed
to this illegitimate government. The withdrawal of the
Commercial Officer from the U.S. Embassy in Rangoon would further
underscore this message. We also renew our call for the U.S.
Government to exert pressure to block development and aid
projects of international institutions that benefit the SLORC.
Sincerely,
(signed)
Lane Kirkland
President
****************VISIT MYANMAR YEAR 1996************************
NATION: MOU SOUGHT WITH BURMA ON TOURISM
22 February 1995
Savit Bhotiwihok, the Minister of the Prime Minister's Office
responsible for tourism affairs, yesterday proposed that
Cambodia sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to foster
tourism coodination between the two countries.
Similar cooperation agreements have been signed with China,
Vietnam and Laos. For Burma, negotiations are underway, he
said. Savit yesterday met Cambodian Minister Veng Sereyuth.
Savit said that he proposed that Cambodia allow Thai Airways
International to operate flights from provincial airports such
as Surat Thai, Chiang Mai and U-Tapao to Cambodia. He also
talked to the minister about cooperation to boots tourism at
Khao Phraviharn, which is located convenient to both
countries.
He suggested the Tourism Minister of Cambodia end that
country's controversial aviation policy or it will negatively
affect foreign investment.
Savit, however, said that the Cambodian Government will have
to ensure their decision processes, often criticised by
foreign investors, are cleared of doubts and uncertainties.
"I believe foreign investors need more transparency in the
government because this is an important factor when
considering projects in Cambodia," said Savit. (TN)
**********************INTERNATIONAL***************************
BURMANET: LETTER--REGARDING BOB HAWKE
February 23, 1995
[Former Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke recently visited
Burma on a honeymoon/business scouting trip, prompting some
criticism. The following letter relates to Mr. Hawke's ethical
standards.]
Thanks for the info on our esteemed Mr Hawke. They got
a few of the details wrong. He has not quit the ALP.
[Australian Labour Party?]. He is not held in high
regard. The little prick was voted out as the Prime
Minister by the Parliamentary Members of his own party.
He then spat the dummy and dumped on his successor our
now esteemed PM. He behaved like a real brat. I, like
many of the party was calling for his expulsion. He
sold his story for a million bucks, divorced his wife
of 30 years and ran off with his biographer. Then he
sold the story of the new love affair to 60 Minutes (40
minutes of bullshit and 20 minutes of ads). Very poor
performance for a supposed socialist.
**********************INTERNATIONAL***************************
AUSTRALIAN SENATE: QUESTION ON BURMA
MONDAY, 28 NOVEMBER 1994. (QUESTION NO. 1720.)
Senator Margetts: asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs,
upon notice, on 20 September:
(1) Has the Government changed its policy in relation to Burma;
if so:(a) what are the changes; (b) what are the new directions
that will impact upon decisions in the future; and (c) when
did the changes come into effect.
(2) What is the Government's view of 'constructive
engagement' which is the policy of the Asian nations towards
Burma.
(3) Does the government believe that the polisy of
'constructive engagement' has been successful in; (a) moves
toward freeing Aung San Suu Kyi; (b) improving the human
rights record of Burma's ruling junta; and (c) improving th
economic situation for Burmese minrities
(3) What was meant by the Minister's comments, reported on page
29 of the Far Eastern Economic Review of 25 August 1994 that
'The notion of making some kind of better progress through
dialogue, through communication, rather than through brick walls
is one that has some merits. I am having to eat my words and I
hope I don't get indigestion as a result'.
(5) Which countries support the policy of 'constructive
engegement' towards Burma.
(6) (a) What is the policy of the European Union towards Burma;
and (b) is the European Union considering changing its policy;
if so, how is it considering changing it.
(7) Have the European Union begun talks with w and
Order Restoration Council(SLORC) in Burma; if so with
what intention.
(8) (a) Has the Australian Government or any government
or i so with what intention; an (b)what as the nature of
theura discussion.
(9) What is the total number of political prisoners detained by
the Burma Govenment in 1994.
Senator Gareth Evans -- The answer to the honourable
senator's question is as follows:
(1) The fundamentals of Australia's policy in relation to
Myanmar have not changed . We maintain the suspension of official
bilateral development assistance, the ban on defence
exports and the suspenefence visits from Australia, and our
policy to neither encourage nor discourage trade. We also
continue to use our best endeavours, in dialogur with the
SLORC, in multilateral forums, and in discussion with other
countries, notably in those in the region, to encourage
political reform and respect for human rights in Myanmar. At the
ASEAN Post Ministerial Conference in Bangkok in July,
three themes wich underpin our approach t Manmar attracted
general support: any progresss in Myanmar would be more
likely to be achieved through dialogue and engagement by the
international commnity, rather than through confrontation and
isolation; "benchmarks"were a useful means of guaging movement;
and there should be a relationship between concessions to the
SLORC and progress in Myanmar. I identified possible benchmarks
as:
the unconditional release of Aung San Suu Kyi;
the commencement of a serious dialogue with Aung Sun
Suu Kyiabout the political and constitutional evolution of the
country;
access to political prisoners by the
International Committee of the Red Cross. UN Special
Papporteur and other outsiders;
a review and reduction of sentences imposed for
political activity;
significant progress in the proposed dialogue between
the SLORC and the UN;
a clear timetable for the constitutional process,
with delegates able to participate more freely;
agreement by the SLORC to the inclusion of
transitional provisions in the new constitution
permitting further constitutional development;
the provision of legal guarantees for the rights of
the ethnic minorities;
the cessation of forced labour and porterage beyond
what are traditional practices; and
the repeal of censorship and state protection
legislation.
(2) The 'constructive engagement' policy of the
ASEANcountries seeks to integrate Myanmar into regional and
broader international process as a way of exerting a positive
influence on human rights and political reform. Australia has
strongly encouraged ASEAN countries to use their contacts with
Myanmar to send clear signals about respect for human rights and
early movement towards a more participative political system
in Myanmar and not to grant further 'rewards' to Myanmar until
significant further progress has been made on the
benchmarks. There is evidence that SA governments exercising it,
a process that we have encouraged.
(3) I would not wish to comment on the content or effectiveness
of the Myanmar policy of our ASEAN neighbours, which have
the sovereign right to conduct their own external affairs as
they see fit. It seems , however, that international opinion does
have some influence on the SLORC's approach, and that ASEAN
countries have a particular significance in this regard. Recent
events in Myanmar give some cause for hipe for furte steps in
Myanmar 's political evolution. In particular, the meetings
between the SLORC and Aung San Suu Kyi on 20 September and 28
October could lead to the commencemenogue of substance on
political reform and national reconcilaition, which the
Australian Government has been advocating for some time. I
took the opportunity to encourage this dialogue in my meeting
with Myanmar Foreign Minister U Ohn Gyaw in Mew York in early
October.
(4) I meant that pursuing a dialogue with the SLORC, and
applying the 'benchmarks' approach, could be more effective than
isolating and ostracising Myanmar in encouraging political
reform and improving the human rights situation in that country.
(5) The ASEAN countries characterise their policy as
'constructive engagement' with MYanmar. I am not aware of amy
other countries which describe their policy in these specific
terms.
(6) As a reflection of its concern about the situation in
Myanmar, the European Union(EU) suspened all bilateral aid
programs; discontinued or limited aid hrough ultilateral
bodies; cut defence links, and applied a total ban on
arms sales. The EU actively participates in international efforts
to press the Myanmar Authorities to improve their human
rights performence and to institute democratic and economic
reforms. MY understanding of current EU policy is that any
fundamental change in its relations with Myanmar is unlikely
in the absence of significant progress in a number of areas,
including in such areas as respect for human rights and
political reforms.
(7) I am not aware of amy EU initiative for talks with the SLORC
in Myanmar, although EU member countries with Embassies in
Myanmar no doubt maintain contact with the SLORC.
Moreover, the EU, represented by Germany, France and Greece,
met with Myanmar Foreign Minister U Ohn Gyaw recently in Mew
York to commence a process of critical dialogue with the SLORC. I
understand that the purpose of dialogue is to ensure that
the SLORC appreciates that the resumption of normal
relations between the EU and Myanmar is dependent on
improvements in theri human rights performance, and progress
towards political liberalisation and national
reconciliation.
(8) Our Embassy in Yangon maintain a continuing dialogue with
the SLORC, including on human rights and the need to expedite
political reform. I have had meetings with Foreign Minister U
Ohn Gyaw, including in Bangkok in July and again at the UN
General Assembly in New York in October to sustain the dialogue.
However, there has been no specific new Australian
Government initiative to begin talks in Myanmar with the SLORC.
Senator Hill visited Myanmar in July in a private capa9) It
is difficult to specify with precision thenu mber of
political prisoners currently in detention in Mynmar. 2,11
political detainees have been released since 1992 under
SLORC declaration 11/92, but we believe that many remain in
custody.
*************************MISC**********************************
BURMANET: CORRECTION TO "REGARDING IMET"
February 23, 1995
In BurmaNet #113, Lt. Col. Than Zaw was incorrectly stated to
have attended parachute training at Ft. Bragg, NC in the summer
of 1984. Ft. Bragg is the home of the U.S. Army's 82nd Airborne
Division, but the parachute training center is at Ft. Benning,
GA, which is where Than Zaw was trained. BurmaNet apologizes for
the error.
*************************MISC**********************************
BURMANET: LETTER--REGARDING SLORC ARTICLES ON BURMANET
February 23, 1995
BurmaNet has received the following letter in response to an
article posted by the SLORC and carried by BurmaNet:
I have a question about the following text extracted
from BurmaNet 18th Feb. <SCB: MANY KAYINS(KAREN)
RETURNING TO MYANMAR [SLORCITE]>
95% of the article is crap! Where did it come from?
(apart from SCB). I hope people don't believe it. I'm
sure they wouldn't, would they? I'm sorry, but I
can't believe people (not BurmaNet) would post this
and expect not to be shot down.
" about 4000 mutineers" ......... Try 300
"4165 Kayins have returned to Myanmar"..........only 50
families had left by Jan 31, so I can't see how it
could be more than 500! And most of them were families
of DKBA soldiers.
I also was interested to find out if the SLORC rep. was
granted access to reg.burma, I followed the tread of
messages, but didn't see the final decision. I guess
Manaplaw falling stopped the discussion!
In response: yes the SLORC representative is on the net. As the
content of several recent postings have shown, so are at least
two others who haven't formally identified themselves as such.
The SLORC representative was allowed to subscribe for several
reasons. The most compelling reason was that there is simply no
way to keep the information posted on BurmaNet away from SLORC.
SLORC articles are carried by BurmaNet not because they are true,
but because they are useful. It is also useful for some analysts
to have a sense of what and how the SLORC is thinking, which can
sometimes be gleaned from articles appearing in the New Light of
Myanmar. And besides, not every word of every article is untrue.
BurmaNet makes no warrent that any article carried is accurate.
But given the strong objections that some readers have to SLORC
material, and especially material that is not clearly labelled as
such by the author, BurmaNet will borrow a convention used to
label pornography on some Internet newsgroups. A one word tag
will be attached to the headline of any article coming from a
SLORC source which is not already labelled as such,
e.g. <SCB: MANY KAYINS(KAREN) RETURNING TO MYANMAR [SLORCITE]>.
If readers find material labelled as [SLORCITE] to be offensive,
they can press the delete key without reading it.
**************************************************************
NEWS SOURCES REGULARLY COVERED/ABBREVIATIONS USED BY BURMANET:
ABSDF: ALL BURMA STUDENT'S DEMOCRATIC FRONT
AP: ASSOCIATED PRESS
AFP: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
AW: ASIAWEEK
AWSJ: ASIAN WALL STREET JOURNAL
Bt.: THAI BAHT; 25 Bt.3 DUS$1 (APPROX),
BBC: BRITISH BROADCASTING CORPORATION
BKK POST: BANGKOK POST (DAILY NEWSPAPER, BANGKOK)
BRC-CM: BURMESE RELIEF CENTER-CHIANG MAI
BRC-J: BURMESE RELIEF CENTER-JAPAN
CPPSM: C'TEE FOR PUBLICITY OF THE PEOPLE'S STRUGGLE IN MONLAND
FEER: FAR EAST ECONOMIC REVIEW
IRRAWADDY: NEWSLETTER PUBLISHED BY BURMA INFORMATION GROUP
KHRG: KAREN HUMAN RIGHTS GROUP
KNU: KAREN NATIONAL UNION
Kt. BURMESE KYAT; UP TO 150 KYAT-US$1 BLACK MARKET
106 KYAT US$1-SEMI-OFFICIAL
6 KYAT-US$1 OFFICIAL
MOA: MIRROR OF ARAKAN
MNA: MYANMAR NEWS AGENCY (SLORC)
NATION: THE NATION (DAILY NEWSPAPER, BANGKOK)
NCGUB: NATIONAL COALITION GOVERNMENT OF THE UNION OF BURMA
NLM: NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR (DAILY STATE-RUN NEWSPAPER, RANGOON)
NMSP: NEW MON STATE PARTY
RTA.:REC.TRAVEL.ASIA NEWSGROUP
SCB.:SOC.CULTURE.BURMA NEWSGROUP
SCT.:SOC.CULTURE.THAI NEWSGROUP
SEASIA-L: S.E.ASIA BITNET MAILING LIST
SLORC: STATE LAW AND ORDER RESTORATION COUNCIL
UPI: UNITED PRESS INTERNATIONAL
USG: UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
XNA: XINHUA NEWS AGENCY
**************************************************************