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Myanmar Rejects U.S. Press Statemen



Subj:	Myanmar Rejects U.S. Press Statement
Date:	98-03-13 16:56:27 EST
>From:	Thuriya
To:	KMTTO 
The follwoing is the Press Release issued by the Embassy of Myanmar,
Washington DC on 13 March 1998. 
(Press Release No 2/98) 
Myanmar Rejects U.S. Press Statement Regarding 
Inter-Factional Fighting Among Kayins 
The Myanmar Embassy firmly rejects the spurious charge made by the U.S.
Department of State on 
11 March in a press statement that armed elements associated with the State
Peace and Development Council 
( SPDC ) attacked unarmed civilians in a Kayin camp in Thailand.
 
		It bears to be repeated that SPDC is committed to peace and development.
Just as it is dedicated to strengthening the fabric of the nation, it is
committed to maintaining good and friendly relations with all countries of the
world , including in particular the neighbouring countries . 
		Myanmar does not condone acts of terrorism on its territory or elsewhere.
 		It should be noted that the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army(DKBA) is a
breakaway faction of the Karen National Union(KNU). The DKBA who were the
majority in the KNU opted to quit the armed group as they were disillusioned
by the senseless campaign of terror waged against innocent civilians by the
KNU. 
		In the past year, the KNU has carried out a relentless campaign to punish
the DKBA leaders and the rank and file who returned to their kith and kin in
Myanmar. The recent clashes, including that of 10 March, are undoubtedly the
direct result of the murderous campaign of terror carried out by the KNU
leadership who have taken refuge across the border in Thailand and who
maintain a belligerent attitude towards Myanmar. 
		The clashes between the Kayin factions should be seen for what they really
are and no one should attempt to partition blame on the Myanmar Government. If
anyone deserves to be blamed, it is those organizations who are aiding and
abetting the insurgent KNU.The State Peace and Development Council has not
signed any pact with the DKBA and has nothing to do with the inter-factional
strife among the Kayins.				
It should be noted that the Myanmar Government's efforts to promote the unity
of the nation is bearing fruit as 17 armed groups have returned to the fold
and peace reigns in the country as never before. A small and remote jungle
area within the Kayin State is the only exception. 
		It is the hope of the people and government of Myanmar that the inter-
factional clashes among the Kayins, resulting in the lost of life and
property, can be terminated in the near future and that the entire KNU
insurgents and their families will return to their hearths and homes. The
Myanmar Government continues to offer the olive branch.
___________________________