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The BurmaNet News - 3 March, 1998



------------------------------ BurmaNet -----------------------------
"Appropriate Information Technologies, Practical Strategies
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The BurmaNet News, 3 March, 1998
Issue #947

Noted in passing:
"After they [the generals] embraced the open-market economy, the
only booming business here is prostitution." - former activist, Rangoon
(see THE NATION: DEADLOCK IN RANGOON)

HEADLINES:
==========
THE NATION: BURMA ARRESTS 40 SABOTAGE SUSPECTS
ABSDF MEDIA STATEMENT: ALLEGATIONS BY BURMESE
AP: BURMA LEADER PROMISES DEMOCRACY
THE NATION: DEADLOCK IN RANGOON
THE NATION: BURMA DESTROYS SEIZED DRUGS, SLAMS U.S.
THE NATION: BURMESE SOLDIERS REFUSE TO LEAVE
BKK POST: ATTACK 'MAY BE LINKED TO LOGGING'
BKK POST: KAREN REFUGEES IN NATIONAL PARK REFUSE TO
BKK POST: BURMESE TROOPS STILL ENTRENCHED ON THAI
BKK POST: LIFE IN THE JUNGLES

Announcements:
LISTENING TO RADIO FREE BURMA
CALL FOR SUPPORT FOR GERMAN CAMPAIGN
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THE NATION: BURMA ARRESTS 40 SABOTAGE SUSPECTS
2 March, 1998

REUTERS, RANGOON -- Burma's military junta has arrested 40 
people suspected of being involved in a conspiracy to sabotage the 
country, a government spokesman said yesterday.

Investigations had revealed links between the arrested people and
the opposition National League for Democracy (NLD) party of Nobel
laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, student exiles of the All Burma
Students Democratic Front (ABSDF), and the Burma Communist Party
(BCP), Col Kyaw Thein said at a news conference.

The ruling State Peace and Development Council (SPDC} spokesman
said those arrested had planned to launch bomb attacks on some
Association of Southeast  Asian Nations (Asean) embassies and
public places, and also to assassinate ruling military leaders.
He gave no further details.

"Their aim was to undermine public confidence in the government
and to deceive the international community into believing that
peace and stability was deteriorating in the Union by committing
a series of terrorist acts by bombing buildings and busy crowded
places," he said.

"It has been brought to light that they had even hatched a plot
to assassinate state leaders if an opportunity arose and to
launch bomb  attacks against embassies of Asean nations," he
added.

Kyaw Thein said the ABSDF were the prime movers in the alleged
plot, and had connections with the National League for Democracy.

She ABSDF armed group was in search of opportunities to commit
terrorist acts in the country," he added. "They were not only
planning destructive acts but also instigating public unrest in
cooperation with the BCP's underground agents."

"It has been found that those arrested were associated one way or
another with the NLD,  which claimed to be a legal entity. It is
obvious that the NLD maintains contacts with illegal  political
parties," Kyaw Thein said.

The BCP went underground after Burma became independent from
British colonial rule in January 1948. The Thailand-based ABSDF
comprises student leaders who fled military rule, and they have 
been vocal critics of the military junta. NLD leaders were not
immediately available for comment, but a party member. said they
were waiting for more information about the allegations before
responding. 

***********************************************************

ABSDF MEDIA STATEMENT: ALLEGATIONS BY BURMESE MILITARY UNFOUNDED 
AND PREDICTABLE
2 March, 1998
   
Allegations by the Burmese military that the All Burma Students 
Democratic Front (ABSDF) has been plotting to assassinate leaders 
of the regime and commit acts of  sabotage are totally unfounded 
and entirely predictable.
  
The allegations are merely aimed at discrediting the opposition 
movement and have become an all too familiar aspect of the 
regime s propaganda. 
  
This is not the first time the military regime has accused the ABSDF 
of terrorist activity. At a press conference in early 1997, the regime 
accused the ABSDF and other opposition groups of involvement in 
the Gaba Aye Pagoda bombing. 
  
The fact is the ABSDF has never been involved in terrorist activities.
Furthermore, the organisation gave up its policy of armed struggle in 
August 1997. This step was taken in the belief that violent means of 
a struggle for freedom and democracy would not lead to a peaceful 
solution to the country s problems.
  
The ABSDF has also committed itself to undertaking non- violent 
political defiance work outside Burma and within the country.  
  
Meanwhile, over the past three months the State Peace and 
Development Council (SPDC) has arrested some 200 students
and opposition supporters. These arrests come amid rumours that 
the military is to reconvene the National Convention on the 
constitution, which has been boycotted by opposition groups. 
The arrests also signal that the regime is possibly concerned 
about the expected re-opening of universities later this year. 
  
All Burma Students Democratic Front
For further information please call 01-253 9082

*****************************************************

AP: BURMA LEADER PROMISES DEMOCRACY
1 March, 1998

RANGOON -- A top Burmese leader has promised a group of American
executives that a multiparty democracy will emerge in the military 
-controlled country and said he hoped relations with the United 
States would improve, official newspapers reported Sunday. 

Lt. Gen. Khin Nyunt, a senior member of the ruling military council, 
was speaking to members of the Young Presidents Organization visiting
Burma. The newspapers did not say when the meeting took place. 

The general said a national convention drawing up guidelines for a new
constitution had completed 50 percent of its work. 

"The new government that will emerge according to the new constitution 
will lead the country to multiparty democracy and a market economy," 
he said. 

The convention, which began its work in 1993, has been in recess since 
March 1996. Draft provisions already completed would leave decisive power 
with the military, which has ruled Burma, also known as Myanmar, since 1962. 

Khin Nyunt told the group, made up of presidents and senior executives of
American companies, the present strain in relations between Burma and the
United States was temporary. 

He expressed regret that the United States had imposed some economic 
sanctions on his country and said they had minimal impact. 

The United States has strongly denounced Burma for human rights abuses 
and the repression of a pro-democracy movement led by Nobel Peace Prize 
winner Aung San Suu Kyi. 

The military violently put down a pro-democracy uprising in 1988, later
annulled the results of a general election and set up a convention to 
draft a constitution under military guidance. 

***********************************************************

THE NATION: DEADLOCK IN RANGOON
1 March, 1998
 
OPPOSITION LEADER AUNG SAN SUU KYI SAID RECENTLY SHE IS WILLING 
TO TANGO WITH THE MILITARY JUNTA, BUT WILL THE GENERALS GET ON 
THE DANCE FLOOR?

Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi's recent response to a
question by a journalist from The Nation regarding the option of
forming a coalition government with the ruling junta surprised
many of her supporters, and even members of the National League
for Democracy (NLD).

The 1991 Nobel Peace Prize winner said she is "keeping all
options open", and this includes sharing power.

However, unconditional power sharing with the junta will be
unacceptable to the people of Burma, said Aung Saw Oo, a
spokesman of the NLD (Liberated Area).

"Before we make any decision, we must analyse the political
situation carefully,'' said Tin Maung Win, a senior Burmese
politician in exile. Another long-time Suu Kyi supporter said, "l
don't think she would offer it [sharing power] at a very low
price."

Some Burmese dissidents have quietly expressed surprise and
disagreement over the news. Ironically, it was Suu Kyi - soon
after she was released from house arrest in 1995 - who had asked
her supporters to give her 100 per cent backing to bring about
democracy.

"Her actions sometimes are marginalised by her own people," said
an analyst in Rangoon.  Nevertheless, despite the differences in
opinion, they still have great respect for the Nobel laureate.

But some activists have read Suu Kyi's message in a different
way.

"She is killing two birds with one stone - the military government 
and her own party members, who said she is stubborn," commented 
an activist based in Northern Thailand. "Her comments show that she 
can be very flexible."

In any case, the military junta, now known as the State Peace and
Development Council (SPDC) is not interested in sharing power,
says a junta spokesman.
     
"This is a transition period," the spokesman said. According to
a political analyst in  Bangkok the junta is reconvening the
national convention in October this year, and there could be
fresh elections next year.

The national convention sponsored by the military has been on and
off for five years. Suu Kyi's party, the NLD, walked out of the
convention in 1995. The ruling junta wants a leading role for the
military in Burmese politics enshrined in the new constitution.
Thus, the constitution is expected to set aside a quarter of the
seats in Parliament for the military.
     
However, ever since the military refused to sit down with the
opposition and continued-to tighten the screws on it, activists
at home and abroad have been searching for new ways to break the
political impasse.

"Hardliners on the opposition side are politically becoming more
mature," said a prominent Bangkok-based dissident who requested
anonymity. "We are taking an approach which is softer and more
realistic," he said. "To achieve national reconciliation, we do
not need to talk about revenge and retaliation." 

CRACKDOWN CONTINUES UNABATED
In Rangoon, the political stalemate and constant crackdown on
activists continue. Dozens of activists and monks were briefly
detained before and after the United Nations special envoy Alvero
Desoto visited Rangoon in January. Sources claim that a monk, U
Sanda Thiri, and two other student activists were arrested and
received lengthy sentences. Moreover, at least two NLD members
were arrested as  they tried to travel to Rangoon to attend the Union 
Day celebration last month held by the NLD.

But despite a major shake-up in the military government last
November and internal rifts within the junta, it seems the
generals are united when they are pitted against their political
foes.

"Democracy is their common enemy, so they always stick together,"
said Hla Htun, an opponent in exile. However, the SPDC is not
alone in facing internal conflict. The NLD has similar problems.

Said a foreign analyst, "I think a lot of questions have been
asked within the party. They have different views on how to
approach the current situation and how
     
Suu Kyi herself did not deny speculation of splits within the
party.

"There are bound to be people with different opinions, and I
think we have to accept that as part of the democratic
procedure," she said.
     
Since the formation of the party in 1988, many prominent and
capable NLD leaders were thrown into prison. Some have since
died. As the junta has effectively clipped the wings of the NLD,
Suu Kyi is  increasingly finding it hard to carry on without the
backup of experienced party leaders. 

POLITICAL HEAT RISING
A Rangoon-based Asean diplomat argued that Burma's political
situation has always been closely linked to the fate of its
economy. The economy in Burma has seriously deteriorated, he
lamented. A veteran journalist in Rangoon said that the call for
change is rising, even among businessmen in Rangoon.

"I have been sitting in my office and doing nothing for almost
six months," said a foreign businessman.

Inflation is high, and the junta's ambitious tourism campaign to
attract badly needed hard currency was a total failure. Schools
have remained closed since 1996. In addition, political analysts
and veteran journalists in Rangoon have repeatedly warned that
social unrest could erupt any time. This; has resulted in foreign
and local businessmen having little confidence in the current
military government.

Since the junta is at a loss in turning the economy arounds local
businessmen in downtown Rangoon are becoming more outspoken.

"l think if they keep going at this rate, everything will
collapse before April," said a trader. His prediction might not
be right, however, since the junta's grip on power is still very
much intact. But there are indications that things are not going
well in Burma.

In December, hundreds of textile workers in Pegu went on strike
demanding better pay. Though the authorities quickly put down the
strikes, analysts said similar strikes in other factories could
take place soon.  According to local sources, a rally took place
early last month near Namtu mine in Lashio, Shan state, where
workers demanded better wages and conditions.

Back in Rangoon, hotels are empty, foreign investment is not
coming in,  corruption is rampant and thousands of people are
jobless.

"We thought there would be a major and positive change in
economics when corrupt ministers were  removed [in November
1997], but nothing has changed," said a Burmese managing director
of a Taiwanese-run company.
     
"After they [the generals] embraced the open-market economy, the
only booming business here is prostitution," quipped a former
activist now selling noodles in Rangoon.

Given this, it will not be surprising if there are outbreaks of
social and political unrest in the near future.

"Burma seriously needs to resolve its decades-old problems. The
authorities should start taking positive action that is supported
by the public," a still active veteran politician told the
Washington-based Radio Free Asia recently. A Western businessman
in Rangoon agreed.

"The main problem is they [the Burmese people] have lost trust in
the government since they feel short-changed. It will take time
to solve all conflicts and problems, but the SPDC definitely
needs greater cooperation from the opposition and other
well-respected figures," he said.

Recently, an article on the future of democracy and hybrid
regimes around the world written by Robert D Kaplan appeared in
the US-based Atlantic Monthly magazine. He wrote: "Aung San Suu
Kyi may one day bear the title of leader of Burma, but only with
the tactical approval of a co-governing military." 

Suu Kyi is now saying that all options are open. She is even
saying low-level dialogue can begin out her participation.
Philippine President Fidel Ramos said last week that the ruling
junta was holding low-level meetings with the opposition, and
this could lead to talks between leaders of the two sides.       

"What we are seeing now is that dialogues are taking place at
lower levels building up to the very top of the leadership," he 
told reporters after meeting visiting SPDC chairman Senior Gen
Than Shwe.
     
But there is no indication in Rangoon that such meetings between
the SPDC and NLD are taking place and will happen soon. One thing
is certain, however. The generals are facing tough challenges and
great pressure ahead. The question now is: how much longer can
they stay put?
      
*************************************************************

THE NATION: BURMA DESTROYS SEIZED DRUGS, SLAMS US 
FOR REPRIMAND
28 February, 1998

AP, RANGOON -- Burma's military government publicly set alight some 
six tonnes ofconfiscated opium, heroin and other drugs yesterday 
and criticised the United States for punishing the country for not 
doing enough to fight narcotics.

The annual destruction of captured narcotics, carried out before diplomats,
journalists and international business leaders, came a day after the US
government "decertified" Burma for the seventh straight year for allegedly
shirking its responsibilities.

The decertification means that the United States will automatically 
vote against loans for Burma in development institutions such as the
International Monetary Fund, World Bank and Asian Development Bank.

The loss of millions of dollars in potential financing for badly needed
development projects worsens the pinch of US economic sanctions imposed 
last year over human rights abuses and repression of the pro-democracy 
movement led by Nobel Peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi.

The long-scheduled destruction of the drugs, seized in raids, was proof the
government's commitment to combat drug trafficking, officials said.  They
estimated the street value of the drugs at US$600 million to $1.2 billion.

"I don't know what the reason is behind the decertification," said Col Kyaw
Thein, a senior anti-narcotics official.  "The drug problem is a worldwide
concern which requires international co-operation and multilateral response."

The United States gave Burma $68 million to fight narcotics trafficking
between 1973 and 1988.  But assistance was stopped after the army bloodily
suppressed an uprising against military rule.  It has not resumed, despite
the occasional efforts of some US officials and politicians.

Burma is the largest supplier of the heroin that reaches US streets.
Burmese officials note that hundreds of soldiers have been killed and
thousands wounded over the years fighting drug traffickers in remote,
mountainous jungles.  Most of the trafficking groups are rooted in ethnic
insurgent armies.

A US official said on condition of anonymity that Burma's eradication and
law enforcement efforts had improved over the past year as part of an
attempt by the regime to clean up its international image.  But Washington
says Burma hasn't done enough to stop money-laundering, cut heroin
production and prosecute traffickers.

Washington wants opium warlord Khun Sa extradited to the United States. 
Khun Sa surrendered at the head of his 15,000man Mong Tai Army in 1996.  
Burmese officials insist Khun Sa has quit the narcotics business, but 
refuse to disclose his whereabouts.

Earlier this week, a government official, speaking on condition of
anonymity, said that since Burma had captured Khun Sa without outside
assistance, the government was under no obligation to turn him over.

The official denied that the government helped Khun Sa in "black business", 
but acknowledged an unspecified loan was made to the broke drug lord after 
his surrender to set up "legitimate business".

Khun Sa is thought to be operating a transportation business that is
suspected by some to move drugs.

"He's under custody," the official said, ruling out extradition and 
saying it wouldn't halt the drug trade.

Police Col Soe Win, director-general of the central committee for drug 
abuse control, said the foreign governments should, "instead of 
accusations, help in the fight against the danger of narcotic drugs."

*******************************************************

THE NATION: BURMESE SOLDIERS REFUSE TO LEAVE
2 March, 1998

AP, CHIANG MAI - A second round of talks between Thai officers 
and Burmese forces refusing to leave Thai soil failed yesterday and
the intruders were seen laying mines in the border area.

A Thai border official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said
as many as 1,000 Burmese soldiers were scattered along the five
kilometres between Tong Na village in Thailand's Mae Hong Son
province and the frontier town of Mong Mai in Burma's Shan state.

The Burmese troops are refusing to pull back into Burma, claiming
the area has yet to be demarcated, the official said.

The troops crossed into Thailand last Tuesday while pursuing
about 400 Shan rebel soldiers who were escorting villagers
seeking refuge in Thailand' from fighting in their homeland.

Talks between the Thai army and Burmese officers took place
inside Thailand. However, at about the same time, some 30 Burmese
soldiers s were spotted by Thai rangers planting land mines
on Thai soil.

Fighting between government troops and the Shan State Army broke
out about a week ago inside Burma near the town of Homong, the
former headquarters of opium warlord Khun Sa. Khun Sa, also known
as Chang Qifu, surrendered to the Burmese government in 1996 and
is thought to be living in Rangoon.  

*********************************************************** 
     
BKK POST: ATTACK 'MAY BE LINKED TO LOGGING'
2 March, 1998
by Cheewin Sattha

KAREN MAY BE IRKED BY LOSS OF INCOME

MAE HONG SON -- Interior Minister Sanan Kachornprasart said 
the attack on a Border Patrol Police base in Mae Sariang district by 
an armed Democratic Karen Buddhist Army force on Saturday 
morning might be linked to the Salween logging scandal.

The renegade Karen soldiers might be dissatisfied over loss of
income from providing protection to illegal loggers in the
Salween National Park, he said.

Maj-Gen Sanan was in the province yesterday to get a first hand
report on the Salween logging scandal -from governor Phakdi
Chompooming, the Forestry Department and military
representatives.

Thailand's plan to relocate Karen refugees from inside the
national park to a holding centre at Ban Mae Lama Luang in Sop
Moei district might have also caused dissatisfaction, he added.

A national park employee, Boonchu Amornfaisanti, 26, was killed
in the DKBA attack on the BPP base at Ban Ta Fang. Two villagers
were wound and three abducted.

In the attack, a house, a mess hall and a sentry box of the
army-trained rangers were burnt down. The intruders also robbed
10 houses and made off with over 400,000 baht in-cash, valuables,
rice and medicine.

Meanwhile, the Karen National Union denied yesterday it authored
a letter warning Thai authorities not to relocate the Karen
refugees now camped at Mae Sariang District of Mae Hong Son..

Arthur Shwe, head of the KNU's Foreign Affairs Department, said
the letter was believed to have been issued by a third party
which stood to lose from the relocation of the refugees.

************************************************************

BKK POST: KAREN REFUGEES IN NATIONAL PARK REFUSE TO GO TO CAMP
1 March, 1998
by Onnucha Hutasingh

THEY ARE UNCERTAIN ABOUT THEIR SAFETY

Many Karen refugees living in the Salween National Park in Mae
Sariang district of Mae Hong Son have refused to move to a
refugee camp in Sop Moei district, claiming they are uncertain
about their safety at the camp.

But some border officials know that the refugees resisted the
transfer operation because they do not want to lose a lot of
money from illegal logging in the national park and they want to
further support the anti-Rangoon Karen National Union
organisation whose stronghold is located in Burma opposite the
forest.

According to a military source, many Karen refugees have long
been hired by illegal loggers to cut down trees in the Salween
forest and have illegal logs delivered to the Salween River bank
using 50 elephants.

"Although we know this, we are unable to use the force to press
them to move because authorities have a policy to use soft
measures for humanitarian reasons and to preserve Thailand's
image," the source said.

According to another source, many elephants used for illegal
logging in the national park were found to have died from
overwork. 

About 50 elephants owned by many Karen refugees must work for the 
illegal logging business from 6 p.m. to 5 a.m. and deliver about
300 logs from deep forests to the Salween River bank each day.

"Each elephant must work for three consecutive days without a
break. 

They have only one day a week to rest. They are fed with
amphetamine so that they can drag heavy logs and work hard. Many
elephants died of overwork," the source said.

However, Nae Moo, representative of Karen refugees at Ban Mae Yeh
Tha, denied the allegations, saying the refugees had never been
involved in illegal logging in the national park. 

"The new shelter is located in an unsafe area. We have lived in
the national park for more than three years. We feel safe and
happy here," he added.

An operation to transfer more than 12,000 Karen refugees living
in the Salween National Park to Mae La Ma Luang Camp in Sop Moei
District which started early this month is aimed to ensure
security along the border and combat illegal logging in the
national park.

The operation at Ban Mae Ye Tha, the shelter of more than 1,800 
refugees, ended in failure because all refugees refused to move
to the camp and staged a protest.

Following day-long negotiations with concerned officials, many of
these refugees agreed to return to Burma by the end of this
month.

On February 23, the refugee transfer operation which took place
at Ban Ko Pa and Ban U Da Tha also ended in failure after only
137 of all 2,207 refugees there cooperated.

However, the officials have not given up yet. They are
negotiating with refugees living in other areas of the national
park.

According to an official, refugees who fail to return to Burma or
move to the camp within the deadline will face action on illegal
entry charges.

"In the latest development, they (the refugees) claimed that it
was not safe in Burma so they could not move back home. They 
used the same method to play for time until the rainy season, a
difficult time to move," the source said.

Meanwhile, some officials voiced their concern that the KNU
forces may rob Thai villagers in border areas if the Karen
refugees move and cannot give support to them any longer.

The refugees fled from Burma into Thailand in 1995 after the KNU
forces were defeated by the Burmese troops. More than 1,800 of
them sought refuge in Ban Mae Yeh Tha, 2,207 others in Ban Ko Pa
and Ban U Da Tha, 2,350 in Ban Mae Sa Kerb.

******************************************************

BKK POST: BURMESE TROOPS STILL ENTRENCHED ON THAI SOIL
1 March, 1998
by Subin Khuenkaew

TALKS WITH RANGERS MAKE NO HEADWAY

Burma still refuses to pull back some 100 troops which have
encroached on Thai soil in Pang Ma Pha district since Tuesday.

About 100 Burmese soldiers from the 525th Battalion who entered
Ban Thong Na in Pang Ma Pha on Tuesday and Wednesday to follow
more than 400 ethnic minority people fleeing fighting between
government troops and Shan State Army guerrillas into Thailand
have yet to return to Burma, said a source from a provincial
centre to control illegal immigrants yesterday.

According to the source, the Burmese are now more than two
kilometres inside Thailand and only two kilometres from Ban Pang
Yone and Ban Pang Khong where the Karen refugees have taken
refuge.

Meanwhile, another source said some 200 rangers and local police 
yesterday negotiated with the Burmese soldiers but they still
refused to leave Thai soil.

Mae Hong Son Governor Pakdi Chomphooming reportedly ordered
officials concerned to attend a meeting to find out how to treat
the refugees.

"The province must find out if all refugees have really fled from 
fighting. If so, they will be allowed to stay in that area until
the situation (in Burma) is better," the source said.

According to the source, some non-government organisations have
sought approval from provincial authorities to help the refugees
and a decision will be made according to the outcome of today's
meeting.

A provincial health official said a number of public health
officials arrived at the two villages yesterday to help the
refugees and found many refugees, mostly women and children, were
suffering from diarrhoea and malaria.

Rangers from the Naresuan Task Force were sent there to ensure
safety for the refugees, the official added.

***********************************************************

BKK POST: LIFE IN THE JUNGLES 
1 March, 1998
by Pho Pein

What I did the other day in Mae Hong Son was foolishly dangerous!
The students camp known as Region Four is located in a deep
jungle with no other means of transportation except for
motorcycle or on foot. It is an hour and a half motorbike ride
from Mae Hong Son.

A young student who met me in Mae Hong Son took me on his bike
early in the morning. The roads to the camp were so narrow it
wrapped around the side of the mountain like a long snake. Only
half way on the trip I was told that my tour guide had never
taken an outsider before into this camp, because no foreigner or
journalist has been allowed to visit Region Four by the Thai
police because of security reasons.

I was allowed through at the checkpoint after I convinced the
Thai Army guard that I was actually a student. As I was riding
into the thick jungle, the guide told me to be cautious, because
only a few months ago, the Burmese Army ambushed the area killing
three of his people. I began to feel a chill going through my
body and I said to myself, "What happens if they attack us now?"

I began to get scared. I learned that the enemy base is only one
mile away on the other side of the mountain. While holding my
composure, I asked the guide why he did not tell me all this
before. He said that he was instructed by the top people not to
say anything.

Later I learned that they (student leaders) were afraid I'd not
assist them and leave. They wanted me to witness the horrible
living conditions of the students and refugees at the camp.

Then we reached the camp around 9 a.m. I was horrified to see how
our own people were living a life that is beyond my wildest
imagination - no electricity, no running water, living in a hut
the size of a jail cell, rice with a few pinches of salt for
almost everyday meals and to beat them all, they sleep every
night enduring a bone-chilling cold weather under a blanket holed
like a Swiss-cheese.

They were so happy to see me. All of them managed to smile
despite their hardships. They decided to celebrate in my honour,
one of the students ordered to the other students to slaughter a
pig that is reserved for special occasions only. I quickly
intercepted and said that I'd settle for a duck or chicken
instead.

As we're eating, I found out that their primary concern is
safety. Not long ago, the enemy army raided their camp in the
afternoon killing a man and child. I provided them with one year
supply of medicines, a cassette recorder and some cash.

While we were sitting around chatting, two young students came
down from the mountain where they've been over the past few
months with 20 other comrades after running out of food supplies.
They are known to stake out for a long time to launch guerrilla
warfare attacks against the Burmese Army. One of them reminds me
of my cousin I have back home.

Before I left, I handed a gift and said that it might be useful
in the jungle. They were my binoculars. They all took turns
looking at them as if they were a God's sent gift. I gave them a
motivational talk to keep their hopes up.

I knew if I did come back sometime in the future, some of them
would not be around. They said goodbye to me, some holding back
their tears. I asked them what they missed most living in the
jungle, many of them said their 'mama'.

I am now back in Chiang Mai. I was not prepared for what awaited
me on the evening of January 20. It's certainly one of the most
unforgettable experiences for me.

As I and my tour guide, Suthep, were having dinner together, he 
mentioned about a brothel outside the city that has only Burmese
girls. Since Suthep doesn't know that I am Burmese and he calls
me "Tony," I let him take me there as my curiosity was at an
all-time high.

When we entered a dimly lit basement-like room, I saw 10-15 girls
aged between 15-21. None of them are allowed to go out unless
escorted and are forced to stay there 24 hours a day - except
when entertaining a customer in the back of the brothel.

Among them, I noticed a dark long-haired girl with a beautiful 
complexion looking at me innocently. I told Suthep that I wanted
that girl. As she was preparing to come and sit next to me,
another young girl (16 years-old) told her out loud in Burmese,
"This Bogyi (white man) appears to be a nice man, don't be
afraid, Ama (sister)."

Then I realised not all of them were Burmese since no one seemed
to understand what this little girl was talking about to her
sister.

She sat next to me sheepishly not saying a word unless she was
asked. She and no other girls had a clue that I was Burmese or
spoke Burmese.

At the same time, my attention was drawn to this young, cute
girl. Her dark eyes were so round she actually looked like a
doll.

I turned around and said to Suthep that I wanted that girl, too.
Then Suthep and the manager (pimp) seemed genuinely stunned
because they are not used to having a customer who made such a
request, especially when the two are sisters.

Here comes the difficult task. I knew that the only way I would
get them to talk was to take them back to my hotel. It was
unacceptable to the manager since they never allow the girls to
go out. Finally, on a bargaining table, they hit me with a
ridiculous price of Bt7,000 that would otherwise be Bt300. I
settled for Bt5,000 under one condition that they be taken to a
nearby motel.

While Suthep guarded outside, the sisters and I entered the room.
As soon as we got in, the young sharp-tongued girl handed me half
a dozen condoms. She later told me that her father, a Muslim,
abused her since she was five years- old.

While they both sat on a couch not knowing what my next move was,
I spoke Burmese to them for the first time. They were in awe and
broke down. I told them I wasn't here for pleasure but wanted to
know how they ended up in a joint like this and how I could help
them.

They said they had been here only two months. There are actually
four sisters, two of whom were left behind in the brothel. They
are from Rangoon and were conned into coming here under the
pretense that they would be given a singing job in Thailand. They
even went to the same school as my own sisters did.

I asked if they would sneak out right now and I'd send them to a
safe haven. Unfortunately, the oldest sister is very Christian
and religious. 

The others wanted to run for their lives, but couldn't because
the eldest would not go for fear that God has reason to put her
in that hell-hole. She adamantly believes that it is her Karma.

After 3 hours of talking (what was supposed to be something else)
I gave them some money in case they need if they plan to escape.

In the end, they both hugged me so tight that it was indeed 
heart-breaking. As I said "goodbye", they looked at me as though
a ray of hope for them to be with their family was fading away
into the twilight zone. 

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ANNOUNCEMENTS:

LISTENING TO RADIO FREE BURMA
26 February, 1998

Dear Friends,

Here is the way to listen Radio free Burma.
1. Create the new folder in your hard disk. Please name that "Down load file".
2. Go to http://www.fast.net.au/rfb
3. Look for free Real Audio 5.0 icon and double click that icon. It will go
to this - http://www.real.com
4. Either you buy the software or just down load for free of charge. 
5. The real audio file into your hard disk "Down load file" and save it.
6. After saving, go back to  "Down load file" folder and double click on
Real Audio file icon and it will set up.
7. Now you can listen to Radio Free Burma.

Thank you very much for your support. 
If you want to install Burmese font, you can do the same as above.
If you have any difficulty, please contact rfb@xxxxxxxxxxx
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CALL FOR SUPPORT FOR GERMAN CAMPAIGN
19 February, 1998 

If you would like to offer support to a Burma boycott campaign in Germany
please contact us soon.

Heiko Schaefer
Wilhelm-Schickard-Institut 
Heiko Schaefer 
Jakobsgasse 2  
72070 Tuebingen, Germany | Tel: ++49 7071 55 25 54

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