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BurmaNet News: June 16, 1995 [#185]
- Subject: BurmaNet News: June 16, 1995 [#185]
- From: burmanet@xxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Fri, 16 Jun 1995 02:31:00
------------------------ BurmaNet ------------------------
"Appropriate Information Technologies, Practical Strategies"
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The BurmaNet News: June 16, 1995
Issue #185
NLM: LAYING DOWN OF NATIONAL IT POLICY STRESSED
BURMANET: REPORT ON RELIGIOUS HARASSMENT IN CHIN STATE
NLM: ACTION TAKEN AGAINST PEGASUS KARAOKE LOUNGE
NATION: SLORC SUCCESS IN INDONESIA AND SINGAPORE WORRIES WEST
BKK POST: MALAYSIA UNCLEAR OVER LONG-TERM GAS SUPPLY FOR THAILAND
BKK POST:PRESSURE ON CHINA NEEDED TO SOLVE BURMA PROBLEMS
THE NATION:US CONGRESSMEN MOVE AGAINST PRIVATE INVESTMENT IN
BURMA
THE NATION:NEW GOVT URGED TO CHANGE BURMA POLICY
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NLM: LAYING DOWN OF NATIONAL IT POLICY STRESSED
1 MAY 1995
The All-Maynmar Computer Association Organizing Committee held
its Meeting 5/95 at the Universities Central Council Meeting Hall
of the Higher Education Department this afternoon, attended by
Secretary-2 of the State Law and Order Restoration Council Lt_Gen
Tin oo.
Also present at the meeting were Minister for Trade Lt-Gen Tun
Kyi, Minister for National Planning and Economic Development
Brig-Gen Abel, Minister at the Prime Minister's Office Brig-Gen
Lun Maung, Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs U
Soe Tha, Deputy Minister for Education Col Kyi Maung and Dr Than
Nyunt, Deputy Minister for Trade U Aung Thaung, members of the
all Myanmar Computer Association Organizing Committee and
officials.
In his opening address, Lt-Gen Tin oo spoke of extensive applica
tion of computers and computer technology all over the world,
noting that progress of computer technology in Myanmar is not
satis-factory on the present stage.
He recalled computer history in Myanmar and evaluated that though
it was not late to apply computers, there are only a few who can
master computer technology.
Some computer experts, he said, are eager to work abroad rather
than to strive to disseminate the technology at home.
He said computers are now widely used in various fields, speaking
of the need to up-grade the technology to keep abreast with the
times.
It is essential for all State's functions, associations and
private establishments to work under a network for extensive
exchange of information, he said, speaking of the need to enter
into an internet.
He also spoke of development modern computer technology in many
countries and stressed the need for computer experts to strive in
unity for modernizing, extension and development of technology at
home.
he dealt with Information Technology (IT), which is crucial for
political, economic and social development of a nation, and
explained effective application of IT in the world.
He suggested that National IT Policy should be laid down as the
nation's future strategic aim and called for suggestions and
coordination for emergence of Myanmar Computer Association.
Chairman of the Committee Deputy Minister Dr Than Nyunt explained
the tasks carried out by the Committee.
A general round of discussions followed and the meeting came to
a close with concluding remarks by the Secretary-2.
Myanmar News Agency. (The New Light of Myanmar)
BURMANET: REPORT ON RELIGIOUS HARASSMENT IN CHIN STATE
[This report was written by a Chin person from an organization
operating in the Chin State]
Religious Harassment of the Slorc
The Lashi Township in the Sagaing Division is the area in which
the chrstian Naga people are living. It is a hilly region and the
communication is very difficult.
In October 94, the Slorc Infantry Battalion 229 lead by Maj. Khin
Soe arrived Layshi Township. After IB 229 arrived, Maj. Khin Soe
told that Burma is the Buddhist country and they made operations
to Naga villages and forced to change Naga people from Christian
to Buddhist.
Konkailon village
In December 1994, one platoon from IB 229 led by Lt. Myat Kyaw
came to Konkailon village and arrested the Christian preacher U
Maung Hlaing. U Maung Hlaing was pointed with pistol and com
manded to change all the villagers from christian to Buddhist. It
was lasting for whole night long. The villagers from Konkailon
Buddhist Pagoda at the place of the church. The event was hap
pened on 20 December 1994.
Kuki Village
The similar event was also happened in Kuki village. A platoon
from IB 229 of Slorc came to Kuki village and arrested the Chris
tian preacher U Pa Khaw. He was released after being forced to
sign at gunpoint to accept the Buddhist. Then, 85 villagers were
rolled being under gun point in front of the soldiers and to sign
on a paper that they accept the Buddhism. U Pa Kyaw was ordered
not to any Christian missionary works.
Pansat village
A troop from IB 229 of Slorc came into the Pansat village taking
a Buddhist monk from Pau Mai village on 20 January 95. They
ordered the christian preacher U Alan Paul to call all the vil
lagers. When the villagers had gathered, the military men took
the Buddhist monk in front of the villagers. The villagers were
forced to warship the monk gave them "sila". The villagers could
n't say "parli" words clearly and then all of them were beaten by
the army personals. The soldiers also destroyed the "Cross for
the Memorandum for the year 2000" at the entrance of the village.
Konkailon, Kuki Nurnitmumpi villages
In the first week of January 95, the Slorc troops came to the
Konkailon, Kuki and Nurnitmumpi villages along with the Buddhist
monks. They left a monk in each village and forced the villagers
to Buddhist. The monks are staying in the churches of the vil
lages and guarded by one section of army personals in each vil
lage. The villagers have to send a pig or a chicken everyday for
the monk and the soldiers.
other villages
The villagers from Sumra, Phon Tharet, Leyon, Chatkaran, Ngakyan,
Hinkut, Mitmumi and Pansan villages are now forced by the Slorc
to change from christian to Buddhist.
Naga Baptist Council
Most of the Naga people are the members of the Naga Baptist
Council (NBC). NBC was also under suppression of the Slorc.
During the March 95, when NBC called a meeting in Layshi, the
committee members of the NBC were detained in Layshi for two
days. The meeting had to be postponed for 8 days. The NBC meeting
was held on 15 March.
Government servants
All the government servants in these Naga villages in the Layshi
Township were forced to change to Buddhist. If they refused, they
were forced to retire.
Information from the field reporters of ABSDF
Date:... 1995 April 7.
NLM: ACTION TAKEN AGAINST PEGASUS KARAOKE LOUNGE
New Light of Myanmar
6 MAY 1995
Authorities concerned today released a report that legal action
is to be taken against a foreigner karaoke lounge owner, the
manager and the young ladies on breach of public morals.
A foreigner named Mr Lam is running Pegasus karaoke lounge at No
5, KabaAye Pagoda Road, Yankin Township, and he employed young
ladies who sang karaoke, sat intimately with customers and wore
defiled dresses.
The ladies used to arrive at the lounge in the evening and some
of them reportedly went along with the customers in their cars.
Police and ward authorities raided the place yesterday. The
interior of the lounge is not visible from outside because of
tinted panes. There are dimly-lit dining rooms partitioned with
the tinted glasses.
Police found twenty-three ladies, ten of them with miniskirts,
entertaining the customers, who visited the shop at the rate of
K
1,000 an hour, with karaoke music and sitting questionably at the
tables.
It was also found that some 20 ladies went into the shop in the
evening and some of them left in their customer's cars. Effective
action is to be taken against the owner Manager U Tint Lwin and
the young ladies. MNA (The New Light of Myanmar)
PREPARATIONS FOR FOURTH WORLD WOMEN'S CONFERENCE DISCUSSED
7 FEBRUARY 1995
Secretary-1 of the State Law and Order Restoration Council Lt-Gen
Khin Nyunt met members of the national committee for the Fourth
World Women's Conference at the Social Welfare Department on
KabaAye Pagoda Road this morning.
First, Chairman of the national committee Deputy Minister for
Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement U Win Naing explained
preparations for the Fourth World Women's Conference. Next, the
Secretary-1 gave suggestions on the preparations. He spoke of the
need to highlight the rights enjoyed by women in Myanmar after
studying discussions of the previous conferences.
he noted the World Women's Conference are organized with the aim
of enabling women to enjoy equal status and rights with men. As
women in Myanmar have been enjoying their full rights, no special
arrangements will be necessary for the purpose, he said.
Myanmar women, he underscored, have been enjoying equal rights
since the beginning of its civilization thousands of years ago.
With the development of civilization, the role of women has also
enhanced.
In accordance with Myanmar cultural traditions handed down since
the time of our ancestors, Myanmar women are under no restric
tions, enjaoying equal status and equal rights, he said.
Even at present, he said, Myanmar women are enjoying equal rights
with men in political, economic, administrative, judicial and
social aspects. There are many instances in which Myanmar women
are assigned duties in the leading administrative positions, he
pointed out.
He went on to say that Myanmar women get social and legal protec
tion, he called for preparations to ensure that such existing
conditions of Myanmar women are vividly presented with firm
evidence.
Next, those present offered suggestions for the preparations. The
Secretary-1 responded. The meeting ended at 10 am. After the
meeting, the Secretary-1 and party inspected the KabaAye Youth
Training Centre and Young Rehabilitation Centre.
The meeting was also attended by Minister for Social Welfare,
Relief and Resettlement Brig-Gen Thaung Myint, Minister for
Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw, Attorney-General U Tha Tun, Deputy
Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyunt Swe, Deputy Minister for
Information U Thein Sein, Deputy Minister for Health Col Than
Zin, Deputy Minister for Labour U Kyaw Aye, Deputy Minister for
Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing, Deputy Minister for Education Dr
Than Nyunt, Director General of the State Law and Order Restora
tion Council Office Lt-Col Pe Nyein, departmental heads, the
Presidents of Myanmar Red Cross Society, Myanmar Medical Associa
tion, Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association and Myanmar
Women's Sports Federation and officials. MNA (The New Light of
Myanmar)
NATION: SLORC SUCCESS IN INDONESIA AND SINGAPORE WORRIES WEST
13 June 1995
The Week-Long visit to Indonesia and Singapore by Burmese
military leader and Prime Minister Than Shwe which ended on
Sunday reconfirms a trend which Western governments fear the
increasing recognition of the regime.
The ruling State Law and Order Restoration Council (Slorc) is
well aware of its strengths which are abundant natural
resources and plenty of business opportunities for investors.
During the visit, Rangoon and Jakarta signed an agreement to
increase economic and trade ties, including the development of
natural gas resources, and to explore ways to guarantee
investment and avoid double taxation.
Both sides also plan to increase air links and cooperate in
the areas of forestry, telecommunications and fisheries.
A similar agreement was also signed between Burma and
Singapore to further strengthen economic cooperation and
expand trade, especially in tourism and agricultural business.
A joint ministerial body will be set up to oversee joint
projects.
The two countries also agreed to promote shipping and maritime
services and to exchange technical experts and human resources
training.
It seems Rangoon is specially interested in Indonesia where
the political scene is worth studying for Burmese leaders
working out ways to legitimise their hold on power through the
new constitution they are drafting.
"The Slorc seems to be looking toward an Indonesian future - a
military-dominated regime that appears externally to be
civilian but in which power is clearly in the hands of the
military establishment," said David Steinberg, representative
of the Asia Foundation in South Korea.
"This, the Slorc has publicly maintained, is the stability
that Myanmar needs at this juncture," he told a recent
conference on "Myanmar toward the 21st century: dynamics of
continuity and change", in Chiang Rai.
The Slorc seized power in September 1988 and has since
steadfastly held on to it, ignoring the results of the 1990
multi-party election which saw a landslide victory of the
National League for Democracy led by Aung San Suu Kyi.
In contrast, increasing international recognition from the
visit, as well as relatively stable conditions inside the
country, are enough to make foreign investors comfortable in
dealing with the junta.
"Because of Myanmar's progress in political and economic
fields, together with its military government's attempts to
elicit recognition from other countries, many investors are
now looking at Myanmar in a more positive light, expecting to
see the country recognised internationally soon," an article
in the Bangkok Bank Monthly Review noted.
Natural resources, cheap labour and a big market of 42 million
are enough to attract foreign investment to Burma. Its foreign
investment now totals US$2.23 billion - leading investors are
from the US, France and Singapore.
Rangoon is clearly taking advantage of the lack of concerted
efforts from the international community to pressure it to
release Nobel peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations stands by its
constructive engagement policy and, while many western
countries ban political contact with the Slorc, they allow
their private sector to have trade ties with Rangoon.
The momentum is also shifting from total isolation after the
European Union and the US have resumed direct talks with the
junta, even though to convey their concerns over human Rights
abuses and the fate the dissident leader Aung San Suu Kyi who
is approaching her sixth year house arrest.
Tanet Charoenmuang, a political scientist at Chiang Mai
University who also attended the conference, proposed that
since there is no unity in dealing with the junta, an
alternative would be to face the reality of Burma's economic
magnet and try to instill change at grassroots level for the
long term.
Tiled "the democratically constructive engagement" approach.
it has one key element which is lacking from Asean's policy -
clear objectives toward democratisation in Burma, Tanet told
the conference.
"Asean has the advantage of being able to have dialogue with
the Burmese ruling regime, but it does not have concrete
measures to improve the situation in the country, except for
building close business ties," he said his paper.
The alternative approach calls for close ties with the junta
with the objective being to help it develop its economy,
communication and transport system, bureaucracy, banking
system, human resources and other aspects.
"But opening up Burma in all aspects, especially with input
from the outside, the Burmese in a new era should have new
opportunities to build their nation," he said. (BP)
IRATE VILLAGERS THREATEN PROTEST OVER STOPPAGE OF WORK ON
MOEI RIVER BRIDGE
13 June 1995
Disgruntled villagers here have threatened to stage a protest
against Burmese and Thai authorities in this northern province
after the Burmese junta last week abruptly stopped the
construction of a bridge linking the two countries.
Local people including merchants have charged Thai authorities
of the Highway Department of "selling off the Thai soil" to
Burma, by digging up and using the earth from a Mae Sot
mountain to build the bridge across the Moei River.
In Bangkok Defence Minister Gen Vijit Sookmark has played down
the Burmese decision to stop the project and expressed his
optimism and confidence that the two countries could soon
resolve the territorial dispute, which has brought the bridge
construction to a complete halt.
Vijit said yesterday he believed concerned authorities from
both sides could soon find a solution to the territorial
dispute in Tak's Mae Sot district where the Burmese junta has
accused Thailand of encroaching on the Moei River. The river
serves as the natural boundary between Thailand and Burma.
The halt has created growing resentment among Mae Sot resident
and merchants, who have charged the Burmese government of
making an unreasonable decision in stopping the bridge
project.
They also accused the Thai Highway Department of "selling of
the Thai soil" to the Burmese authorities by using the earth
from Thailand to construct the bridge.
They said about 600-truck-loaded soil was dug up from a
mountain in Mae sot and taken over to Burma for the bridge
project.
After the project was stopped, the Burmese authorities have
used the Thai earth to fill and construct Burmese roads,
according to Mae Sot residents.
The Burmese side did not give any share in the project,
neither in term of finance nor material, they added. "In fact
the Burmese should have pulled in some resources because the
bridge will be used by both sides. Thai soil for the
construction came from Thailand but the Burmese authorities,
after stopping the construction, have used it to build roads
in Myawaddy," they said.
Burmese Construction Minister U Khin Maung Yin last week
ordered a halt to the construction of the bridge linking Mae
Sot and Burma's Myawaddy border town from June 5, charging
that Thailand has refilled the bank of the Moei River for the
building of shophouses. The land reclaim affected and diverted
the flow of the river as well as destroy the Burmese bank.
Myawaddy officials have asked Thailand to stop the
construction of both the bridge, which was fully funded by the
Thai Government, and the refilling of land and building of any
structures. They also asked the Thai firm, which is
responsible for the building of the Bt70 million bridge, to
stop its operation and to pull back all its construction
equipment from Burma.
Mae Sot residents were also angry that the Burmese authorities
had asked Thai authorities to pull down any structures built
on disputed land saying that the Burmese should concern
themselves only about their own land and not order Thailand to
destroy the structures.
Mae Sot District Chief Kasem Wattanatham said yesterday that
he had tried to urge local people to stay clam and to stop
their planned protest saying the whole incident was still
unclear and that the Highway Department only followed the Thai
Government's orders.
"We [Thailand] still do not know what was the main conflict. I
would like to urge all parties to stay clam and let the Thai
and Burmese governments negotiate whether it is the [question
of] border demarcation or the construction of Thai
structures," said Kasem.
Defence Minister Vijit said he did not know if the Burmese
abrupt decision to stop the bridge construction stemmed from
the displeasure over the border incidents and problems
relating to the activities of the armed ethnic Karen
guerrillas and opium warlord Khun Sa's Mong Tai Army.
he said the changes of the Moei current was also another
pending dispute which has not yet been resolved.
"Thailand has had good relations with Burma and we have
resolved the problems of the flow of Sai and Ruak river
currents in Chiang Rai province. We have resolved them
peacefully," he added. (TN)
OFFICIAL PONDER INVITING BURMA FOR ASEAN SUMMIT MEETING
13 JUNE 1995
Thailand is still weighing up whether Burma deserves to be
invited to a proposed informal meeting of 10 Southeast Asian
heads of government on the eve of the Fifth Asean Summit to be
held in Thailand in December.
"We will go ahead with the planned meeting if no
counter-productive incidents take place," Foreign Ministry
Deputy Permanent Secretary Saroj Chavanavirat said yesterday
at the end of the Asean senior officials' third two-day
meeting of Asean heads of government.
Saroj admitted the situation in Burma was a major concern and
that the ministry would want to consult with the new
government on this and other matters concerning preparations
for the Fifth Asean Summit.
Senior Asean officials decided to invite Burma to attend their
annual ministerial meetings this July as a guest of Brunei,
but were hesitant to include Burma in the 10-state meeting.
After repeated violations of Thai sovereignty by the Burmese
and ethnic Karen forces and the global condemnation of the
regressing political situation in Burma, Thailand has become
less vigorous in pushing for the informal gathering.
The informal meeting, which will include Asean's present six
members, plus Vietnam, to become a new member in July,
Cambodia, Laos and Burma, will be held in between the fifth
meeting of Asean heads of government which is scheduled
between Dec 14 and 15.
At the Asean preparatory meeting for the Fifth Summit here on
Sunday, Asean officials assigned Thailand to work out concept
papers which will embody the objectives of the 10-state
meeting and how Asean should help Cambodia, Laos and Burma
prepare for eventual integration into Asean.
According to Saroj, Asean wanted to fulfil the objectives set
out in Bangkok 28 years ago by Asean founding fathers to have
one Southeast Asian community. He said the 10-state meeting
would be a means to achieve this.
"The 10-state informal meeting will expose the rest of
Southeast Asian states to the direction Asean is heading and
allow them to better prepare themselves," he said.
Saroj said other Asean states so far expressed no opposition
to Burma's attendance at the 10-state meetings did not
indicate that there should by any review of Asean's
constructive engagement policy with Burma.
"We are different from Western countries. We will not pressure
them [Burma] to do what we want. Rather we want to command
their trust," he said.
Asean senior political and economic officials at their joint
meeting yesterday discussed political and economic documents
to be issued at the end of the Fifth Summit by their leaders.
So far Asean officials are aiming at moderate achievements in
the Fifth Summit given the landmark agreements of Asean's
political and economic cooperation produced at the Fourth
Summit in Singapore in 1992.
"We tend not to make it a tradition that we should have
excitement every time there is a meeting," said Saroj.
At the 1992 Fourth Summit, Asean leaders agreed to launch
Asean Free Trade Areas and established an Asean security
dialogue that included Asean and key regional players.
The senior officials said the upcoming summit will be review
and correct those agreements. However according to Saroj, the
economic officials are considering a possibility to shorten a
10-year plan for Asean trade liberalization.
Saroj added that any new initiative depends on the development
up until the summit.
"A lot of things depend on the decision of Asean foreign and
economic ministerial meetings and on whether there might be
another watershed," he said. (TN)
Mail: (i)ndex (u)nread (w)rite (c)apture (d)elete (s)ave (h)elp
(q)uit:
Message 18 (217 lines)
>From lurie@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Wed Jun 14 07:42:28 1995
Date: Wed, 14 Jun 1995 19:55:28 +0700 (GMT+0700)
To: strider <strider@xxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: Bkk Post on 14.6.95
Burmese notify Thais to stop bridge building
Mae Sot Tak
14.6.95/Bangkok Post
Burmese authorities in Myawaddy notified Thai officials on Monday
to stop construction of the Thai-Burmese Friendship Bridge over
the Moei River until the dispute between the two countries is
settled.
Highways Department Bridge Construction Division Director Bunsong
Supamasdikul disclosed Thailand was informed about suspension of
the construction work when his workers went across the river to
collect construction material left at Myawaddy.
Thai workers told Burmese local officials they would bring back
the construction material to the Thai side, but the latter said
since there was suspension of work on the Burmese side, work on
the Thai side must cease.
Rangoon's suspension of the work on its side has prompted
Thailand to comply with its request by transporting all equipment
and material from the Myawaddy site, digging out earth filled
along the Moei River and removing all structures encroaching on
the river , said Mr Bunsong.
Since the Thai Government has not yet ordered suspension of work
on its side, officials concerned must proceed with their work ,
said Mr Bunsong, adding that construction work on the Burmese
side would resume after both countries reached an agreement .
On the same day, Lt-Gen Sanan Kachornklam led a five-man
committee from the Planning Division under the Joint Operations
Centre of the Supreme Command [JOCSC] to inspect the border
situation and construction of the bridge at Mae Sot District.
According to Lt-Gen Sanan, the Thai-Burmese border policy is
supervised by several committees, each consisting of cub-
committee and working group members who monitor various fields.
The Bridge Construction Committee and the Border Demarcation
Committee , chaired by Deputy Foreign Minister Surin Pitsuwan ,
have been supervising the Thai-Burmese Friendship Bridge
construction and its problems , he said.
" Construction of the bridge has been undertaken in accordance
with Thai-Burmese agreements to strengthen cooperation between
the two countries in the fields of transportation, economics,
tourism and culture.
This bridge will link A 1 Route of the Asian Highway, starting
from Vietnam's Haiphong to Bazagan , Iran . The Bridge
Construction Committee is responsible for this work," explained
Lt-Gen Sanan.
The Border Demarcation Committee , in turn, has overseen the
border deal, he said , adding that both countries have common
borders stretching up to 2,000 kilometers , including sea
boundaries and 50 other undefined spots.
" If Burma just wants all disputes over border boundaries settled
before resuming work on the Friendship Bridge , it may deem it
unnecessary to build anything ," said Lt -Gen Sanan , noting the
Thai-Burmese Border Demarcation Pact was signed in 1868, but now
nobody knows how the border boundaries have changed.
If any part of the border is found to be unclear , both agencies
concerned should hold negotiations to solve the matter , he
suggested.
As for the border problem along the Moei River, Lt-Gen Sanan
recommended that a joint border survey committee be set up to
find out facts and details.
Thailand has positive policies towards Burma, he pointed out
,such as its constructive engagement policy , to which the
Association of Southeast Asian Nations has adhered.
An invitation for Burma to observe the ASEAN meeting last year
and the construction of Thai-Burma Friendship Bridge were also
viewed as Thailand's good intentions to help its neighbours
become an ASEAN member and also to jointly trade, said Lt-Gen
Sanan.
In a related development, Army Assistant Commander-in -Chief Gen
Chetha Thanajaro said Burma's suspension of work on the bridge
was being examined by the Foreign Affairs Ministry.
Mr Surin was for the moment trying to hold negotiations on the
matter, said Gen Chetha, believing the problem would be settled
soon.
*****************************************************************
Pressure on China needed to solve Burma problems
14.6.95/Bangkok Post
The international community should put pressure on China to help
resolve conflicts between the Burmese junta and ethnic minorities
, according to Vitit Muntarbhorn .
Relations between Beijing and Rangoon should be reviewed in the
hope that the domestic situation in Burma can be improved ,the
Chulalongkorn University law professor suggested.
" Should the State Law and Order Restoration Council be solely
blamed for human rights abuses in Burma.? Is history repeating
itself, with a new colonialism from China?" he asked.
He pointed out that the problem of ethnic minorities in Burma
date back to the era of British colonialism ." At the time of the
British the two biggest minorities, the Karens and the Kachins,
were used to govern the Burmese," he explained.
Today it is China that is using Burma, in order to gain greater
access to the Indian Ocean for its own economic benefit , he
argued .
Prof Vitit raised these points during a panel discussion on what
the new government's policy on Burma should be, or ganised by the
Campaign Committee for Democracy in Burma.
The Thai policy of constructive engagement with Rangoon is often
criticised in the West because of the way in which it encourages
the Burmese junta through economic cooperation while ignoring
human rights violations.
" The best way of putting pressure on China would be through the
ASEAN Regional Forum, although Beijing has tried to play down the
issue," he said.
The Thai authorities never mention that the Sino-Burmese
relationship is a possible threat to Thailand in the future, he
said.
China is reportedly trying to expand its influence in the South
China Sea and is working on preserving good relations with Burma.
Thailand could therefore find itself in a difficult position.
The Thai Government should work to try to bring the Burmese
junta, one of the world's top human rights violators, and ethnic
minorities together at multi-level forums including the United
Nations Security Council , in order to gain world attention for
a
permanent resolution of the problems.
BKK POST: MALAYSIA UNCLEAR OVER LONG-TERM GAS SUPPLY FOR THAILAND
Business Post/14.6.95
by Boonsong Kositchotethana
MALAYSIA continues to send confusing signals as to whether it can
provide natural gas on a long-term basic to Thailand.
Senior Malaysia energy officials told their Thai counterparts at
the recent regional energy meeting in Bangkok that Malaysia's
entire gas production has been committed to several subscribers,
according to Thai officials.
Part of the natural gas is sold to domestic power producers and
the private sector in Peninsular Malaysia in the form of piped
gas, while the other portion is committed for delivery to Japan
and South Korea in the form of liquefied natural gas(LGN).
That contradicts a statement made last September by then
Malaysian energy, posts and telecommunication minister Samy Vellu
Sangkimuthu who told senior Thai officials in Bangkok that
Malaysia could supply up to 500 million cubic feet per day
(MMcfd) of gas to Thailand. Earlier, Kuala Lumpur said it could
not meet the volume of natural gas supply requested by Thailand.
A senior Thai official said Thailand, especially, the Petroleum
Authority of Thailand, the natural gas distribution monopoly,
should now drops its plans based on Malaysian natural gas as it
is now quite likely that it is not available.
Thailand planned to use the Malaysian gas to run power plants in
its Southern region.
A Thai energy officials working in Kuala Lumpur confirmed that
the majority of Malaysian gas supply, coming from onshore field
off the east coast of peninsular Malaysia, is subscribed by local
users as part of Malaysia's presence to have the indigenous gas
used domestically to spur its aggressive industrialisation
programme .
Therefore, the chance of Kuala Lumpur providing natural gas , via
a pipeline proposed to be linked with Thailand's gas line system
in southern Thailand, seems to be remote, at least for several
years.
Malaysia is one of the neighbouring countries from which Thailand
has been seeking energy resource supplies to meet its energy
demand growth. Already in place is the 30 year accord for natural
gas supplies from Burma's Yadana offshore gas field and
agreements for power supplies from two hydro-power projects in
Laos.
US CONGRESSMEN MOVE AGAINST PRIVATE INVESTMENT IN BURMA
Clinton urged to coordinate sanction policy with allies in
Asia
14 June 1995
Sixty-one US Congressmen have jointly urged President Bill
Clinton to intensify US economic sanctions against Burma to
discourage private US investment in the country.
The sanction initiative, however, "must be coordinated with
our allies [in Asia and Europe] in order ensure its
effectiveness," said congressmen from both the Democrat and
Republican parties in a letter submitted to Clinton on June 1.
While the congressmen, which included chairmen of several
powerful House committees, said they agree with the
administration that the US policy towards Burma "must include
both incentives and disincentives", they said "the terms must
be clearly defined with a time limit attached."
They also urged the US president and his administration to
come up with "a detailed specific strategy regarding Burma".
The letter was drafted and lobbied for by Democrats Tom Lantos
and John Edward Porters, but Republicans including Benjamin
Gilman, who is chairman of the House Committee for Foreign
Affairs, Dough Bereuter, chairman of the House Subcommittee on
Asia and the Pacific, and Christopher Smith, chairman of the
House Subcommittee on International Operation and Human
Rights, also signed it.
The bipartisan call for economic sanctions on Burma has been
in discussion in the capitol during the past few months as
political and human rights conditions in the country have
clearly deteriorated with the ruling junta State Law and Order
Restoration Council (Slorc) continuing to ignore international
calls for the unconditional release of popular opposition
leader Aung San Suu Kyi and other political prisoners, as well
as the transfer of power to an elected administration.
Republican Senator Mitch McConnell, who is one of the key
people in introducing comprehensive US economic sanctions
against South Africa in 1986, is working out a similar bill on
Burma. The sanction bill, if passed by the House and the
Senate and subsequently wins an approval from Clinton, would
effectively ban both private US investments and any economic
relations with Burma.
"Without tangible progress towards substantially improving
their human rights efforts and restoring civilian, democratic
rule, we urge you [Clinton] to intensify current economic
sanctions by discouraging any new, private US investments in
Burma. We also believe that these initiatives must be
coordinated with our allies in order to ensure effectiveness,"
the congressmen said.
In the letter, a copy of which arrived in Bangkok yesterday,
the US House members said they "were deeply disappointed by
the lack of progress" in Burma towards the protection of basic
freedom, the restoration of political and human rights, and
the release of Aung San Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate
who has been unlawfully put under house arrest since July
1989, and other political detainees.
Last month, Congressman Bill Richardson, a Democrat, the first
non-family member to meet Suu Kyi twice in February last year,
told a press conference in Bangkok after his brief tow-day
visit to Rangoon that there had been "serious repression,
regression and retrenchment by Slorc in the area of human
rights and democratization" since the beginning of this year.
Richardson, who was denied a meeting with Suu Kyi during his
last trip, called for a tougher international approach and
policy towards the Burmese junta and for "a voluntary,
multinational code of conduct" in doing business with Burma.
In the letter, the congressmen said they joined the US
president in being "strongly opposed to the [Slorc] military
assault [on Karen guerrilla's base of Manerplaw] and the
subsequent loss of life and we urge you to clearly convey
these sentiments to the Slorc leaders."
Clinton was also urged to secure a commitment from the Thai
government that it would "continue to provide a haven for the
[thousands of] refugees and allow them access to humanitarian
assistance" provided by private relief agencies.
The letter also asked the US president to encourage US
Secretary-General Bourtros Boutros-Ghali 'to take measures to
halt further military offensives, secure regional peace and
seek a genuine political settlement in accordance with the UN
General Assembly resolution on Burma" which was adopted in a
consensus last December. (TN)
NEW GOVT URGED TO CHANGE BURMA POLICY
14 June 1995
Thailand's "passive approach of its constructive engagement
policy" has been a "slap in the face" for the country as it
has supported the Burmese junta's "increasing aggressiveness"
in suppressing its people, an academic told a seminar
discussing post-election Thai-Burmese policy.
The "passivity" has also led to Thailand losing any "leverage"
it could have had to encourage constructive political reform,
a respect of human rights and freedom of speech, expression
and public gatherings, the meeting was told.
The call for change was made by Dr Vitit Muntarbhorn, law
professor of Chulalongkorn University, at the seminar entitled
"The New Government: How it should pursue a Thai policy
towards Burma."
Academics, researchers, social workers and a political adviser
for the Democrat Party were invited to talk at the three-hour
debate. The ruling Democrat Party, whose MPs make up the
Foreign Ministry, assigned Dr Seubsaeng Bhomboon, a former
university lecturer, to talk on its behalf.
Vitit said the new government should drop its policy of
"constructive engagement" and, instead, adopt "a humanitarian
interaction" with Burma.
It should also apply "humanitarian principles" in dealing with
over 87,000 ethnic Burmese refugees by allowing them to stay
on in over 30 border camps until the situation in Burma was
safe for their "voluntary return".
Seubsaeng said the Foreign Ministry has deliberately allowed
the "constructive engagement" policy to be "evasively"
defined, as any clear-cut definition would not provide
"flexibility" for the government to implement it.
The only shortcomings in pursuing the controversial policy was
the absence of "efficient" individuals, officials or ministers
with a good profound understanding of the complexity of the
Burmese problem. The next government, he said, should review
its current approach and the new foreign minister should
cultivate a comprehensive knowledge of Burma, as well as
setting up a good backup team to help conduct a national
policy.
Vitit said previous Thai governments had tried to avoid any
criticism Rangoon in exchange for economic benefits.
"Successive Thai governments have been silent over the
detention of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, and it was surprising that
no government had ever told Slorc to release her," he said.
"It is very contradictory that the [current] elected
democratic government of Prime Minister Chuan [Leekpai], which
has tried to promote democracy at home, has failed to talk
about democracy in Burma or to call for Daw Suu Kyi's
release," he said.
He said the constructive engagement has supported Slorc's
"increasingly aggressive policy" and become a "slap in the
face" for the country as Slorc has completely disregarded its
neighbour's sovereignty or political and economic relations
with Burma. (TN)
BURMESE NOTIFY THAIS TO STOP BRIDGE BUILDING
14 JUNE 1995
Burmese authorities in Myawaddy notified Thai officials on
Monday to stop construction of the Thai-Burmese Friendship
Bridge over the Moei River until the dispute between the two
countries is settled.
Highways Department Bridge Construction Division Director
Bunsong Supamasdikul disclosed Thailand was informed about
suspension of the construction work when his workers went
across the river to collect construction material left at
Myawaddy.
Thai workers told Burmese local officials they would bring
back the construction material to the Thai side, but the
latter said since there was suspension of work on the Burmese
side, work on the Thai side must case.
Rangoon's suspension of the work on its side has promoted
Thailand to comply with its request by transporting all
equipment and material from the Myawaddy site, digging out
earth filled along the Moei River and removing all structures
encroaching on the river, said Mr Bunsong.
Since the Thai Government has not yet ordered suspension of
work on its side, officials concerned must proceed with their
work, said Mr Bunsong, adding that construction work on the
Burmese side would resume after both countries reached an
agreement.
On the same day, Lt-Gen Sanan Kachornklam led a fiveman
committee from the Planning Division under the Joint
Operations Centre of the Supreme Command (JOCSC) to inspect
the border situation and construction of the bridge at Mae Sot
District.
According to Lt-Gen Sanan, the Thai-Burmese border policy is
supervised by several committees, each consisting of
subcommittee and working-group members who monitor various
fields.
The Bridge Construction Committee and the Border Demarcation
Committee, chaired by Deputy Foreign Minister Surin Pitsuwan,
have been supervising the Thai-Burmese Friendship Bridge
construction and its problems, he said.
"Construction of the bridge has been undertaken in accordance
with Thai-Burmese agreements to strengthen cooperation between
the two countries in the fields of transportation, economics,
tourism and culture.
This bridge will link A1 route of the Asian Highway, starting
from Vietnam's Haiphong to Bazagan, Iran. The Bridge
Construction Committee is responsible for this work,"
explained Lt-Gen Sanan.
The Border Demarcation Committee, in turn, has over seen the
border deal, he said, adding that both countries have common
borders stretching up to 2,000 kilometres, including sea
boundaries and 50 other undefined spots.
"If Burma just wants all disputes over border boundaries
settled before resuming work on the Friendship Bridge, it may
deem it unnecessary to build anything," said Lt-Gen Sanan,
noting the Thai-Burmese Border Demarcation Pact was signed in
1868, but now nobody knows how the border boundaries have
changed.
If any part of the border is found to be unclear, both
agencies concerned should hold negotiations to solve the
matter, he suggested.
As for the border problem along the Moei River, Lt-Gen Sanan
recommended that a joint border survey committee be set up to
find out facts and details.
Thailand has positive policies towards Burma, he pointed out,
such as its constructive engagement policy, to which the
Association of Southeast Asian Nations has adhered.
An invitation for Burma to observe the Asean meeting last year
and the construction of Thai-Burma Friendship Bridge were also
viewed as Thailand's good intentions to help its neighbour
become an Asean member and also to jointly trade, said Lt-Gen
Sanan.
In a related development, Army Assistant Commander-in-Chief
Gen Chetha Thanajaro said Burma's suspension of work on the
bridge was being examined by the Foreign Affairs Ministry.
Mr Surin was for the moment trying to hold negotiations on the
matter, said Gen Chetha, believing the problem would be
settled soon. (BP)
PRESSURE ON CHINA NEEDED TO SOLVE BURMA PROBLEMS
14 JUNE 1995
The international community should put pressure on China to
help resolve conflicts between the Burmese junta and ethnic
minorities, according to Vitit Muntarbhorn.
Relations between Beijing and Rangoon should be reviewed in
the hope that the domestic situation in Burma can be improved,
the Chulalongkorn University law professor suggested.
"Should the State Law and Order Restoration Council be solely
blamed for human rights abuses in Burma? IS history repeating
itself, with a new colonialism from China?" He asked.
He pointed out that the problem of ethnic minorities in Burma
date back to the era of British colonialism. "At the time of
the British the two biggest minorities, the Karens and the
Kachins, were used to govern the Burmese," he explained.
Today it is China that is using Burma, in order to gain
greater access to the Indian Ocean for its own economic
benefit, he argued.
Prof Vitit raised these points during a panel discussion on
what the new government's policy on Burma should be, organised
by the Campaign Committee for Democracy in Burma.
The Thai policy of constructive engagement with Rangoon is
often criticised in the West because of the way in which it
encourages the Burmese junta through economic cooperation
while ignoring human rights violations.
"The best way of putting pressure on China would be through
the Asean Regional Forum, although Beijing has tried to play
down the issue," he said.
The Thai authorities never mention that the Sino-Burmese
relationship is a possible threat to Thailand in the future,
he said.
China is reportedly trying to expand its influence in the
South China Sea and is working on preserving good relations
with Burma. Thailand could therefore find itself in a
difficult position.
The Thai Government should work to try to bring the Burmese
junta, one of the world's top human rights violators, and
ethnic minorities together at multilevel forums including the
United nations Security Council, in order to gain world
attention for a permanent resolution of the problems. (BP)
NATION: NEW GOVT URGED TO CHANGE BURMA POLICY
Yindee Lertcharoenchok
14.6.95/The Nation
THAILAND'S " passive approach of its constructive engagement
policy " has been a " slap in the face " for the country as it
has supported the Burmese junta's " increasing aggressiveness "
in suppressing its people, an academic told a seminar discussing
post-election Thai-Burmese policy.
The " passivity " has also led to Thailand losing any " leverage'
it could have had to encourage constructive political reform , a
respect of human rights and freedom of speech , expression and
public gatherings ,the meeting was told .
The call for change was made by Dr Vitit Muntarbhorn , law
professor of Chulalongkorn University , at the seminar entitled
" The New Government : How it should pursue a Thai policy towards
Burma."
Academics, researchers , social workers and a political adviser
for the Democrat Party were invited to talk at the three -hour
debate . The ruling Democrat Party , whose MPs make up the
Foreign Ministry , assigned Dr Seubsaeng Bhomboon, a former
university lecturer, to talk on its behalf.
Vijit said the new government should drop its policy of "
constructive engagement " and , instead , adopt " a humanitarian
interaction" with Burma.
It should also apply "humanitarian principles" in dealing with
over 87,000 ethnic Burmese refugees by allowing them to stay on
in over 30 border camps until the situation in Burma was safe for
their " voluntary return"
Seubsaeng said the Foreign Ministry has deliberately allowed the
" constructive engagement " policy to be " evasively" defined, as
any clear-cut definition would not provide " flexibility " for
the government to implement it .
The only shortcomings in pursuing the controversial policy was
the absence of " efficient " individuals , officials or ministers
with a good profound understanding of the complexity of the
Burmese problem, The next government , he said, should review its
current approach and the new foreign minister should cultivate a
comprehensive knowledge of Burma, as well as setting up a good
backup team to help conduct a national policy .
Vitit said previous Thai governments had tried to avoid any
criticism Rangoon in exchange for economic benefits .
" Successive Thai governments have been silent over the detention
of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, and it was surprising that no government
had ever told Slorc to release her, " he said.
" It is very contradictory that the [current ] elected democratic
government of Prime Minister Chuan [Leekpai], which has tried to
promote democracy at home, has failed to talk about democracy in
Burma or to call for Daw Suu Kyi's release ," he said.
He said the constructive engagement has supported Slorc's "
increasingly aggressive policy" and become a " slap in the face"
for the country as Slorc has completely disregarded its
neighbor's sovereignty or political and economic relations with
Burma.
**************************************************************
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contacted in Bangkok, care of Burma Issues, or in Washington, care
of the National Coalition Government of Burma--Information Office.
Burma Issues
Tel: 662 234 6674
Fax: 662 631 0331
NCGUB Information Office
815 Fifteenth Street NW
Suite 910
Washington, DC 20005
Tel: (202) 393-7342
Tel: (202) 393-4312
Fax: (202) 393 7343
Burma Issues is a non-governmental organization that archives
information on Burma. The NCGUB is Burma's government in exile
and consists of members elected to Burma's parliament in 1990.
Burma's ruling junta has to date, refused to honor the results of
that election.
The vews expressed in the BurmaNet News do not necessarily
represent those of either Burma Issues of the NCGUB
**************************************************************
NEWS SOURCES REGULARLY COVERED/ABBREVIATIONS USED BY BURMANET:
ABSDF: ALL BURMA STUDENT'S DEMOCRATIC FRONT
AP: ASSOCIATED PRESS
AFP: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
AW: ASIAWEEK
Bt.: THAI BAHT; 25 Bt. EQUALS US$1 (APPROX),
BBC: BRITISH BROADCASTING CORPORATION
BF: BURMA FORUM
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
GOA: GOVERNMENT OF AUSTRALIA
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)
THE NATION: A DAILY NEWSPAPER IN 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
RTG: ROYAL THAI GOVERNMENT
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
TAWSJ: THE ASIAN WALL STREET JOURNAL
UPI: UNITED PRESS INTERNATIONAL
USG: UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
XNA: XINHUA NEWS AGENCY
**************************************************************