The BurmaNet News: July 11-12, 1998

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The BurmaNet News: July 11-12, 1998
Issue #1046

Noted in Passing: " The Special Rapporteur has observed that in Myanmar the
criminalization of political activity continues to take place " - UN Press
Release (see UN: SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR EXPRESSES CONCERN) 

HEADLINES:
==========
VOA: ASSK SATISFIED CONFRONTATION AVERTED
NLD: STATEMENT NO. 5 (7/98)
SPDC: INFORMATION SHEET NO. A-0495 (I)
REUTERS: MYANMAR PROPAGANDA WAR HEATS UP
NCUB: STATEMENT ON RECENT DETENTIONS OF MP'S
SCMP: JUNTA "SHOULD SEE OPPOSITION AS PEACEFUL"
UPI: THAIS CONDEMN RENEWED AREA REPRESSION
REUTERS: THAILAND VOICES CONCERN OF MYANMAR TENSION
SCMP: BURMA DISPUTE THREATENS BOLD LINE OF ASEAN
AFP: MYANMAR FRACTURES ASEAN UNITY 
UN: SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR EXPRESSES CONCERN
CANADIAN GOVERNMENT: AXWORTHY EXPRESSES CONCERN
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VOICE OF AMERICA: ASSK SATISFIED THAT CONFRONTATION AVERTED 
9 July, 1998 by Gary Thomas 

Intro: Burmese pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi says she is satisfied
that a potential confrontation with the ruling military government has been
averted.  However, the government continues with its barrage of rhetoric,
warning the opposition against trying to create a confrontation.  VOA
correspondent Gary Thomas reports from our Southeast Asia bureau in Bangkok.

Text:  The highest-ranking U.S. diplomat in Rangoon quotes Aung San Suu Kyi
as saying she is encouraged that the government showed what she describes
as "reasonableness" in a potential confrontation.

U.S. Charge d'Affaires Kent Weidemann met with Aung San Suu Kyi at her
Rangoon home Wednesday night following a standoff over her attempt to meet
with one of her party members outside the capital.  She told Mr. Weidemann
she is pleased the issue was resolved satisfactorily when officials allowed
her to see whom she wanted to see.

Aung San Suu Kyi and three other members of her National League for
Democracy, the NLD, were en route to Min Hla township Tuesday, when they
were stopped by police some 80 kilometers from capital. She refused orders
to turn back.  Authorities finally brought the party member from the town
to meet with her.
Although the matter was resolved, the government continues to heap scathing
rhetoric on the pro-democracy movement.  An official statement, echoed in
government-controlled newspapers Thursday, accuses the NLD of spreading
rumors and disinformation in collusion with what the government labels the
"international colonialist bloc."  The government says it has exercised
maximum restraint in the face of attempts by the NLD to provoke a
confrontation.

The NLD has called on the government to convene by August 21st the
Parliament that was elected in 1990.  The NLD overwhelmingly won that
election, but the military nullified the results.

Rangoon-based diplomatic sources say some NLD members have been called in
for questioning, but assert there have not been any mass arrests, as some
Burmese exile groups have claimed. (Signed) 

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NLD: STATEMENT NO. 5 (7/98)
3 July, 1998 from <osolnick@xxxxxxxxxxxx> 

(Translation is not by the NLD and any errors or mistakes are the sole
responsibility of the translators: News & Info. Dept FTUB.)

National League for Democracy
No 97/1 West Shwegondaing Road
Bahan Township - Rangoon

Statement No 5 (7/98)

1. Elected members of parliament from the NLD party are the legally and
lawfully elected peoples' representatives chosen by the majority of the
population during the 1990 parliamentary elections. They are honourable MPs
who stand true to the rights and hopes of the people who have chosen them.
To restrict the activities of these NLD MPs, the authorities have used the
1961 Act: Habitual Criminal Offenders Act which is not at all lawful nor
justifiable. This 1961 Act: Habitual Criminal Offenders Act is to be
applied only to restrict the habitual offenders of the law.

2. Since the elected representatives of the NLD do not commit any such
crime, to apply the section 5/1/Sa and section 5 of the Act on them is not
at all lawful nor justifiable.

3. Since section 5/1/Hsa applies to those habitual lawbreakers and
offenders only, the assumption and accusation by the authorities on the NLD
representatives is not at all worthy or applicable.

4. The authority concerned itself should strictly follow the law to the
word and should not use the enacted law like an elastic band. Laws should
never be abused by the power of the governing body.

5. To take action on the NLD representatives by the above Act, the
authority must be able to produce tangible/concrete evidence and
testimonies. The authority should notify the MPs of what they have been
accused of and then find out the information received correct or not.

6. Since it has been 8 years after the general election, the rumour has
spread around that the term of the Member of Parliament has already been
expired. We find this rumour unfounded. When the Central Executive
Committee of the NLD has written to the SPDC to fulfill the obligations of
the 1990 elections and to convene the parliament by August 21, 1998, the
authority at once detained the NLD MPs denying them the right to defend
themselves. This action on the part of the SPDC is in violation against
Human Rights...

7. Since NLD members are also MPs, they are deemed by the authority as
elements that can disrupt the peace, law and order of the country; elements
that are dangerous and can cause alarm to the population in general. Hence
the authority issued restraining order and arrested some MPs. This is
totally unlawful and is directly opposite to the path of the rule of law
and order.

8. Restraining orders issued against all MPs to remain within certain areas
and all not allowed to travel out of certain areas are violating the
criminal codes 339 and 340. This restriction is also violating the
universal declaration of human rights.

9. Just to dishonor and demean and erode the status of the NLD party, the
junta classed the NLD MPs as the worst of the criminals and destitutes by
applying the 1961 Act Habitual Criminal Offenders Act. To this NLD abhors
and denounces. No government in this world ever demeans or dishonors its
own MPs as the military junta of Burma does.

10. The aims of enacting laws are to uphold truth, justice, equality and
compassion for the people and for all to enjoy the benefits, rights and
share their responsibilities equally. Now laws are entirely abused by the
people in power and are twisted to suit to their corrupt ways against the
NLD members of parliament.

11. The NLD objects strongly and totally to the treatment of its MPs so
dishonourably and shabbily by the junta. The NLD specially and strongly
calls upon the authority to revoke its mean and unjust orders and to put an
end to the restrictions imposed on the legitimate activities of the party.

Central Executive Committee
National League for Democracy
Rangoon 

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SPDC: INFORMATION SHEET NO. A-0495(I) 
9 July, 1998 

Myanmar Refutes Presumptuous Observations, Remarks will Continue to
Safeguard and Protect Stability

The following is a Press Release of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the
Union of Myanmar issued on 8th July.

Recent statements made by certain responsible Ministers regarding their
concern on the presupposed situation in the Union of Myanmar are found to
be presumptuous. The authorities of the Union of Myanmar have been
exercising utmost restraint in dealing with the aggressive and
confrontation attitude of certain elements with the hope of inviting
outside interference in the internal political development.  The
authorities will continue in exercising careful and measured steps to
safeguard and protect the stability as well as constructive building of a
system which the Government has committed to build with discipline.  It is
regrettable however that presumptuous observation and remarks made on
isolated and wrong information could lead to misunderstanding and
misconception not only in bilateral relations but also in intra-ASEAN
perceptions which are against the inherent and ultimate objectives of ASEAN
as a whole. 

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REUTERS: MYANMAR JUNTA, OPPOSITION PROPAGANDA WAR HEATS UP 
10 July, 1998 

A propaganda war between Myanmar's ruling military junta and opposition
forces is heating up.

On Friday, the ruling State Peace and Development Council denied a claim by
an exiled Myanmar students group that over 50 elected representatives of
opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD)
had been detained.

The Bangkok-based All Burma Students Democratic Front (ABSDF) had even
named 11 of the MPs it claimed were being detained, including the NLD MP
for Pegu Division, Daw Hla Hla Moe.

But the military said the ABSDF statement was false.

``The terrorist organisation (ABSDF) was quoted... stating that 11 new NLD
members have recently been detained, bringing a total of more than 50,'' it
said in a statement obtained by Reuters.

``It is quite interesting to read this statement and being a matter of
coincidence or irony, Daw Hla Hla Moe arrived in Yangon this morning from
Min Hla Township to meet the NLD leadership at Mrs Aris (Suu Kyi's)
residence,'' it added.

It was not immediately possible to reach the NLD for comment.

On Tuesday, the SPDC barred Suu Kyi from travelling by car to northern Min
Hla to meet some of her party's elected MPs including Hla Hla Moe. But the
SPDC brought Hla Hla Moe to see her at a northern village instead.

On Thursday, the NLD said it had demanded that the authorities send Hla Hla
Moe to the party's Yangon headquarters for consultations on Friday and the
junta had agreed.

``NLD leaders in return promised not to proceed to Min Hla township as they
have received that promise. It was an achievement resulting from mutual
coordination and talks,'' it added.

The ABSDF is a political ally of the NLD and is seen as the overseas
propaganda arm of Suu Kyi's party. Earlier this month, it claimed that the
military was preparing a special cell in which Suu Kyi would likely be
detained.

Earlier this week, the SPDC said it had increased nationwide surveillance
of NLD MPs who were elected in the May 1990 polls, the results of which
were ignored by the government.

The SPDC said the MPs were being checked to prevent them from disrupting
government plans to reopen universities which were closed after student
unrest in December 1996.

The NLD on Thursday reiterated that it strongly opposed the restrictions
placed on its elected representatives by the military government.

The NLD won a landslide victory in the 1990 polls and has demanded that
parliament be convened by August 21 comprising MPs elected in that poll.
The SPDC has rejected the demand.

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NATIONAL COUNCIL OF THE UNION OF BURMA: STATEMENT ON RECENT DETENTION OF MP'S 
10 July, 1998 

STATEMENT ON RECENT DETENTION OF ELECTED NLD MPS FOR THEIR NON-COOPERATION
TO JUNTA TRAVEL RESTRICTION

The National Council of the Union of Burma (NCUB) is disturbed to learn
that a number of elected National League for Democracy (NLD) Members of
Parliament were detained for their refusal to submit to an illegal demand
by the military regime in Rangoon.  Without having violated any laws, the
regime classified these honorable MPs as "habitual criminals" and required
them to sign a letter of restriction on their travel within their country.
Peaceful non-cooperation with these outrageous and illegal actions by the
regime resulted in their apprehension and detention. Among those reported
to be subjected to this latest harassment by the junta were: U Sein Myint
Maung, U Than Htay  (Shan State), Daw Hla Hla Moe (Pegu Division), U Thein
Maung, U Paw Khin, U Saw Shwe (Mandalay Division), U Kan Oo, U Myint Thein,
U Hlaing Aye (Magwe Division), U Maung Kywin Aung (Araken State), U Hla
Htun (Rangoon Division), U David Hla Myint (Ngaputaw township, Irrawaddy
Division), U Mahn Johnny (Kyone Pyaw township, Irrawaddy Division), U Mahn
Nyunt Thein (Pantanaw township, Irrawaddy Division).

It is widely believed these arrests are part of the latest attempts by the
military junta to stem the growing dissent and frustration among the Burma
people. The recent demand by the National League for Democracy to convene
the elected parliament indicates that population of Burma's desire for
democratic reform is now stronger than its fear of the brutal regime whose
only claim to power has been its willingness to kill and oppress the
political opposition.

The NCUB strongly condemns the military junta for these arbitrary arrests
and travel restrictions. As elected representatives of the people, it is an
insult to all of us, not just the individuals or the NLD party. During this
period of mounting tension and crisis, the generals would be wise to
rescind these absurd orders and refrain from future illegal and irrational
actions such as these.

The NCUB gives its unconditional support for the NLD's demand to convene
the Parliament, elected in 1990, in order to fulfill the wishes of the people.

We call upon the international community to join with us, the people of
Burma, for demanding military junta to release the elected MPs and for
supporting the NLD demand on convening the parliament so that it can carry
out its mandate  for peaceful democratic reforms.

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

SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST: JUNTA "SHOULD SEE OPPOSITION AS PEACEFUL" 
11 July, 1998 by William Barnes 

 The junta should recognise that Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for
Democracy (NLD) is a force for peace, an activist said yesterday.

"If the generals listened to the NLD's warnings they might think twice
about harassing and detaining party members," said Debbie Stothard,
co-ordinator of the Alternative ASEAN Network on Burma.

The regime has detained more than 50 party members who were elected to
Parliament in 1990, according to the exiled All Burma Students Democratic
Front.

Other MPs have been made to sign pledges that tie them to their home towns
by making them report to the local police station twice a day.

The Burmese government in exile, the National Coalition of the Union of
Burma, yesterday objected to the junta's "absurd" use of laws, which it
said were aimed at habitual criminals, to restrict the movement of elected
NLD MPs.

"Aung San Suu Kyi is trying to keep a lid on the people's resentment and
trying to keep people calm," Ms Stothard said.

Diplomats in Rangoon said the junta was worried that the NLD would try to
convene Parliament on its own if, as they almost certainly will, the
generals ignore the party's demand for Parliament to meet by August 21 as
constituted by the 1990 general election, won in a landslide by the NLD.

Earlier this week Rangoon claimed the party had "put on war paint and is
deliberately trying to create a head-on collision" with the authorities.

But Ms Stothard said that in the face of a rapid economic deterioration the
party leaders had -- whenever they could -- preached against violence or
hasty action.

"Yet every time Aung San Suu Kyi or the NLD does something, the military
overreacts. Of course it's scared, but we hope it comes to understand that
if it does nothing, it won't be able to suppress the people's anger
indefinitely," she said.

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

UPI: THAIS CONDEMN RENEWED AREA REPRESSION 
9 July, 1998 

The Thai government is expressing concern about a looming confrontation
between Myanmar's ruling military junta and pro-democracy groups.  The
Foreign Ministry says today that instability in Myanmar could lead to an
influx of Myanmar's refugees into Thailand and set back efforts to build an
economic recovery in Southeast Asia.  

Earlier this week Myanmar's military units blocked the country's main
opposition leader, Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi, from meeting
with supporters.  Myanmar's ruling junta has been cracking down on Suu
Kyi's National League for Democracy, which won the country's only free and
fair election in 1990 but was prevented from forming a government.
Dissident sources in Bangkok say the junta may be preparing to re-arrest
Suu Kyi, who has come to symbolize Myanmar's struggle for democracy.  In
reaction to statements of condemnation against the crackdown by many
governments, including the United States, the junta said other countries
should not interfere in Myanmar's politics.  A Myanmar Foreign Affairs
Ministry statement issued Wednesday says, ''Recent statements made by
certain responsible ministers regarding their concern on the pre-supposed
situation in the Union of Myanmar are found to be presumptuous.''

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

REUTERS: THAILAND VOICES CONCERN OVER MYANMAR TENSION 
7 July, 1998 

THAILAND said yesterday that it was concerned about growing political
tension in neighbouring Myanmar and urged restraint by all sides.

"We urge restraint by all sides to avoid violent confrontation between the
opposing forces," foreign ministry spokesman Kobsak Chutikul said. "We as
fellow Asean member countries feel that any new instability in the region
could affect efforts to achieve regional economic rehabilitation."

Political tension between the ruling military State Peace and Development
Council (SPDC) and opposition National League for Democracy (NLD) party led
by Aung San Suu Kyi has been rising since May.

On Tuesday, the military prevented Ms Aung San Suu Kyi and party officials
from travelling north to meet some elected NLD representatives.

The Thai foreign ministry spokesman said any instability or unrest in
Myanmar could lead to problems along the two countries' common border.
There could be a spillover of refugees, border trade might be hampered and
drug suppression activities at the border areas could be affected, he said.

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

SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST: BURMA DISPUTE THREATENS BOLD LINE OF ASEAN 
10 July, 1998 by Gary Torode 

A regional row is fast developing over problems in Burma, threatening the
drive for a far more politically aggressive Southeast Asia.

Rangoon has dismissed warnings from Thailand and the Philippines that
restraint is urgently needed to counter rising tensions between the ruling
junta and Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy.

Burma's Foreign Ministry described such statements as "presumptuous".

The statement came a day after Ms Aung San Suu Kyi and other leaders were
temporarily stopped from driving outside Rangoon to meet party colleagues.
At one point, officers lifted up their car, turned it around, and tried to
force it back to Rangoon.

Tensions are on the rise as universities reopen after an 18-month shutdown
and preparations begin for the 10th anniversary of a bloody student uprising.

Thailand has warned that more trouble in Burma could drag down the region's
economic recovery and spark a vast tide of refugees, while the Philippines
has called for urgent dialogue between the junta and the opposition.
Both positions mark a radical change in the stance of the Association of
Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) - of which Burma is the newest member.

Traditionally the grouping has kept to a controversial code of
"non-interference" in each others' affairs but now Thailand and the
Philippines are trying to force an engagement to prevent troubles spilling
into other states.

The issue could come to a head during the forthcoming ASEAN foreign
ministers' meeting in Manila.

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AFP: MYANMAR FRACTURES ASEAN UNITY WITH ATTACK OVER TENSIONS CONCERNS 
8 July, 1998 

YANGON, July 8 (AFP) - Myanmar's junta Wednesday fractured the fragile
ASEAN grouping's unity, warning concerns expressed about political tensions
there by some of its regional partners could damage regional relations.  

"These speculations are based on false premises and are entirely contrary
to reality," the Myanmar foreign ministry said in a statement read on state
television.  

"It is regrettable that such speculations based on unfounded premises and
fabrications can only lead to misunderstanding among ASEAN members and
adversely effect bilateral relations, apart from being entirely against
basic principles and objectives of ASEAN," it said  

The statement was the first pointed attack on a shift by some Association
of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) members towards commenting on others'
internal affairs. The 30-year-old grouping has to date observed a policy of
non-interference in the affairs of each member state.  

The statement did not identify any of the ASEAN partners but followed
warnings from the Philippines and Thailand that escalating political
tensions in Myanmar could lead to violence.  

Philippine Foreign Secretary Domingo Siazon last Friday warned of conflict
between the junta and the Myanmar opposition led by the National League for
Democracy (NLD), which he said could destabilize ASEAN.  

"It seems that the atmosphere between the government and the National
League for Democracy may be deteriorating," Siazon said.  

"From what we have observed, it seems that both sides are moving toward
maybe again another political confrontation and we urge them to exhaust all
possible means of resolving their problem in a non-violent way," he said.  

"We would like to urge our friends in Myanmar to exercise optimum restraint
and to engage in a dialogue among themselves so that ASEAN as a whole would
not in any way be further destabilized."  

Thailand on Wednesday expressed concern that rising political tension in
Myanmar could erupt into violence and urged restraint by both the Yangon
junta and opposition parties.  

"We are concerned at the possibility of violent confrontation between the 
opposing forces," foreign ministry spokesman Kobsak Chutikul said.  

"We urge restraint, as a fellow ASEAN member, by all sides. Any instability
at this time would affect economic recovery in the region and could also
lead to increased instability in the border area," he added, referring to
the long frontier between the two countries.  

Thai Foreign Minister Surin Pitsuwan last month proposed ASEAN break its
longstanding taboo on "interference" by beginning talks on its member
states' domestic affairs in a bid to improve its international image.  

ASEAN members have traditionally shied away from delving into each other's
affairs since the grouping was founded in 1967, but Surin said the time for
change had come.  

His plan received a lukewarm response from most members, except the
Philippines.  
Myanmar, ostracised by much of the international community over concerns
about human rights and political freedoms, joined ASEAN last July.  

Members of the grouping are in the midst of a year-long economic crisis
which has already seen the leader of it biggest member, Indonesia's
Suharto, fall from power.  

ASEAN foreign ministers are to meet in Manila later this month.  The
grouping comprises Brunei, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the
Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

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UNITED NATIONS: SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR EXPRESSES CONCERN 
8 July, 1998 

Press Release

SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR ON MYANMAR EXPRESSES CONCERN OVER CONTINUING
RESTRICTIONS ON LEGAL POLITICAL ACTIVITY

The Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Myanmar, Rajsoomer
Lallah, is deeply concerned about recent reports that members of the
National League for Democracy (NLD) continue to be subject to arbitrary
arrest and to various forms of restrictions in the normal exercise of their
activities.

According to information received, on 25 June 1998, a group of around 30
NLD writers, journalists and activists were prevented by security forces
from attending a reading session regularly held at Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's
home. When she and U Tin Oo went out to escort the group into the compound,
they were allegedly verbally abused and beaten by security forces. Four
young men who had surrounded Aung San Suu Kyi to protect her were severely
beaten, while she was slightly injured. In protest at the refusal to allow
the group access to her compound, Aung San Suu Kyi and U Tin Oo remained
with the group. They were surrounded by security officers throughout the
night until finally being allowed to enter her residence at 8 a.m. the
following morning.

It has also been reported that a number of NLD members were arrested
throughout the country during the last week of June. Among them are six NLD
Youth leaders, including Ko Tun Zaw Zaw, as well as Members of Parliament
such as Mahn Johny, from Kyong Pyaw township; David Hla Myint, of Ngapudaw
township, and Dr. Tin Min Htut, from Pantanaw township.

Furthermore, as of 25 June, reports say, NLD Members of Parliament in
various parts of the country, excluding Yangon Division, are required to
remain within their township jurisdiction and to report to the nearest
police station twice a day. Those who refuse to sign a declaration
attesting to their presence are allegedly immediately taken into custody
without any inquiry or trial. According to reports, this was the case for
more than 15 representatives elected from various constituencies.

The Special Rapporteur has observed that in Myanmar the criminalization of
political activity continues to take place and that NLD political leaders
continue to be harassed, or their activities to be severely restricted,
including their rights to receive and to impart information.

The Special Rapporteur has drawn the attention of the Government of Myanmar
to the fact that the freedoms of expression, association and of peaceful
assembly are basic and internationally recognized human right standards.
The Special Rapporteur has urged the Government to do its utmost to ensure
the personal integrity and the full enjoyment by all of the freedoms of
opinion, expression and association, as well as to keep him informed of the
situation. He has further asked for consultations regarding a proposed
visit to Myanmar.

Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Geneva,
Switzerland

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CANADIAN GOVERNMENT: AXWORTHY EXPRESSES CONCERN 
9 July, 1998 

Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade

Axworthy expresses concern over recent events in Burma

Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy today expressed concern at reports
that Burma's military authorities have prohibited leaders of the National
League for Democracy (NLD), including Secretary-General Aung San Suu Kyi,
from travelling outside Rangoon to meet with local party members.

"This incident is the latest in a series of disturbing events that point to
an increase in repression and harassment of Nobel Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi
and the National League for Democracy." said Minister Axworthy.

The Canadian charge d'Affaires, Mr. Robert Desjardins, who is based in
Bangkok, is currently in Rangoon. He is seeking a meeting with Aung San Suu
Kyi and will convey to Burma's military leadership Canada's deep concern
for her safety.

"In a democratic society, political parties and their members must be able
to operate freely and without fear of persecution. Any actions by the
Burmese authorities to restrict these freedoms are unacceptable," said
Secretary of State (Asia-Pacific) Raymond Chan.

The Canadian government continues to urge the Burmese military regime to
initiate a meaningful dialogue with Burma's pro-democracy leaders,
including Aung San Suu Kyi, as an important step toward the restoration of
democracy. 

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