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(12/15/88) Chavalit Returned from B



Subject: (12/15/88) Chavalit Returned from Burma

LENGTH: 212 words

HEADLINE: THAI C-IN-C IN BURMA

SOURCE: (b) 'Bangkok Post' in English 15 Dec 88

 
   . . . Gen Chawalit [after returning from his one-day visit to Burma] said he 
suggested that during this ''transitional period'', Thailand and Burma should
try to solve the minority problem. ''In fact Gen  Saw Maung  and the Burmese
people do not give much importance to the Burmese minority groups. It's only a
small percentage of threat. The main threat is the CPB (Communist Party of
Burma),'' he said. ''They (the Burmese military leaders) agreed that the problem
should be solved,'' Gen Chawalit said. The army chief told Gen  Saw Maung

that since he wants to change the political system in his country, perhaps it is
time to stop fighting. ''I suggested an end to the fighting and allowing the
minorities to have a chance to participate in the building of their nation and
their democracy,'' he said.

   Gen Chawalit said the Burmese authorities should ''guarantee that these
minorities will become first class citizens with the right to participate in
politics''. He said that if this could be achieved Thailand would no longer be
affected by the border fighting between Burmese troops and the minorities. Gen
Chawalit said if the minority problem is solved, the Burmese authorities would
not have to wonder what the Thai position on the minorities is. .