The BurmaNet News: January 2-3, 199

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Subject: The BurmaNet News: January 2-3, 1998

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 "Appropriate Information Technologies, Practical Strategies"
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The BurmaNet News: January 2-3, 1999
Issue #1171

Noted in Passing: "I would like to remind all of us who want democracy and who
know the responsibilities that are attached to democracy that there is no such
thing as 'without strings attached'" - Aung San Suu Kyi (see NLD: ASSK SPEECH
EXCERPTS) 

HEADLINES:
==========
THE NATION: NOTHING TO CELEBRATE ABOUT BURMA ANNIV. 
AFP: INSURGENTS CLASH WITH MYANMAR TROOPS 
NLD: AUNG SAN SUU KYI SPEECH EXCERPTS 
NLD: STATEMENT #126 - RESIGNATIONS 
SHAN: THAILAND NEEDS NO WATER FROM THE SALWEEN 
MLOB: PEGU NOVEMBER UPRISING 
BKK POST: GREEN LIGHT GIVEN TO IMPORT FURNITURE 
BKK POST: 300,000 SPEED PILLS BURNED NEAR BORDER 
THE NATION (LETTER): GAMES GOLD TARNISHED 
RADIO FREE BURMA: NEW YEAR MESSAGE 
****************************************************************

THE NATION: NOTHING TO CELEBRATE ABOUT BURMA'S ANNIVERSARY 
31 December, 1998 by Yindee Lertcharoenchok 

Contrary to its claims of numerous achievements, the Burmese junta won more
foes than friends this year.

For Burma, 1998 marks the 10th anniversary of the violent military takeover
and
another year of intense political confrontation as well as economic and social
degradation. 

>From the outset, the Burmese junta, known then as the State Law and Order
Restoration Council, claimed that it suppressed the 1988 pro-democracy
movement
and seized state power to prevent the country from falling into anarchy. But
ironically, after a decade under its control, Burma is virtually sliding
towards that very same direction. 

Contrary to its daily propaganda of countless achievements, the regime has, in
fact, done nothing substantial to improve the country. Apart from a few
cosmetic touches here and there, including a name change and periodical
changing of generals in the administrative apparatus, the junta, because of
its
maladroitness in political, economic and social affairs, has followed its
military predecessor in mismanaging the country. 

To date, Burma, once the rice bowl of Southeast Asia, still holds the
humiliating title of being one of the world's least developed nations, a
status
given by the United Nations in 1987 at the request of Gen Ne Win's government.
Economically, the country remains in disarray. Despite initial interest and
the
rush of foreign capital into Burma, the financial constraints on the part of
investors due to Western economic sanctions and corruption in the bureaucracy
have discouraged serious foreign investments. 

At the same time, the existence of the much-criticised double or triple rates
of foreign exchange -- the official rate of 6 kyat to a dollar, the
blackmarket
rate of about 350 kyat, and the foreign exchange certificate of about 330 kyat
-- are too complicated for foreign bookkeeping of investors and businessmen.
Foreign tourists, traders and foreign communities alike in Burma have
incessantly complained about such currency headaches and thus often change
their money in the blackmarket. 

It remains debatable whether the military leaders are able or willing to
eliminate such a system as many locals and foreigners suspect that the regime
enjoys and benefits from the different tiers of foreign exchange. 

As Western economic sanctions take their toll and the number of the regime's
closest friends in Asia dwindles, the junta, now under the new hat of State
Peace and Development Council (SPDC), is falling deeper into the economic
abyss. 

The military leadership is apparently in a state of denial. Government
ministers and officials have simply rejected the existence of many of the
social ills and serious problems affecting the country and its peoples. To
cite
one example, the junta has refused to acknowledge the presence of hundreds of
thousands of Burmese refugees and illegal migrants who flee from repressive
and
discriminatory policies and economic hardship at home to Burma's neighbours. 

Despite evidence and testimonies to the contrary from UN agencies and other
international bodies, the military rulers reject the looting, killing, forced
labour and relocation of millions of frontier populations as the result of
Rangoon's harsh anti-insurgency campaigns. Urban residents are not free from
similar forms of human rights abuses as many often find themselves forcibly
recruited into army porterage and forced labour. 

In reaction to the international outcry over the explosive situation of
HIV-Aids in Burma, the regime insisted that the deadly disease is foreign to
Burma and that the country is free of drug abuse, prostitution, and HIV-Aids
patients and other social ills. Because of its lack of political will and its
rudimentary health care programmes in containing the incurable epidemic,
confidential and internal reports of several UN and foreign humanitarian
agencies are predicting a human disaster in the Southeast Asian country. 

Likewise, the junta has repeatedly denied the sharp increase in drug
production
and trafficking since it rose to power in 1988. It has rejected annual
international reports, particularly those of the United States, claiming they
do not reflect the reality on the ground and that they ignore the government's
anti-narcotic efforts. 

But complaints and criticism do not come from Western countries alone. Burma's
immediate neighbours, including China, India and Thailand, have in various
bilateral and multilateral forums voiced their strong concerns over the
rise in
Burmese drug production and trafficking which are wreaking havoc in their
respective societies and creating great stress on their anti-drug campaigns
and
budgets. 

Members of the international community are similarly perplexed by Rangoon's
"soft" attitude and policy towards some major armed ethnic groups, which are
heavily engaged in narcotic production and smuggling as their source of
income.
The government's de facto amnesty as a result of a ceasefire agreement with
these rebels-cum-traffickers only provides them with "legitimate" freedom to
continue the illicit drugs and money-laundering activities with impunity. Such
cozy relationships only heighten international suspicion and allegations of
implicit official Burmese involvement in narcotic activities. 

Politically, Burma is still a far cry from a state of peace and stability.
Despite stitching up a truce with the military regime in Rangoon, over a dozen
armed groups controlling Burmese frontier areas are still allowed to retain
their forces and weaponry. Some of their remote territories remain off-limits
to central authorities and unauthorised trespassing often results in armed
clashes. Because of decades-old mistrust of central government policies
towards
ethnic minorities, many of these groups, through proceeds from drugs and other
illicit activities, continue to acquire and accumulate arms and ammunition. 

On national politics, the SPDC continues to face international and domestic
pressure for political reforms through dialogue and reconciliation with its
arch-critic the National League for Democracy (NLD), which won an overwhelming
popular mandate to rule in the 1990 general election. 

The Burmese generals' intransigence to work out a political compromise has not
only incensed their Western critics but is increasingly alienating Burma's
closest allies in Asia which want to shift their collective efforts on
Burma to
tackle the more pressing Asian economic crisis. Of late, several Asean members
have called for a revision of the grouping's diplomacy through constructive
engagement with Burma which they now acknowledge is leading them nowhere. 

At the same time, the United Nations is facing tougher criticism from a
growing
number of its members and Burmese democracy activists who want to see the
world
body take a pro-active role, and not become a "paper tiger", in facilitating
political reconciliation in Burma. Some countries are pushing the UN to adopt
certain yardsticks, which will allow Burma to benefit from an incremental
release of international humanitarian and technical assistance conditional on
political and human rights improvement in the country. 

The UN, which has recognised the NLD as the legitimate representative of the
Burmese people, is being pushed to consider vacating Burma's seat at various
international bodies if the regime continues to resist political reforms. 

Claiming its rights to govern, the NLD has, in the past few months, been
pressing ahead with its own political agendas, including the recent
creation of
some 10 national committees that represent the parliament. The NLD's latest
move has attracted a new military crackdown on nearly 1,000 of its MPs,
members
and supporters and forced the closure of its offices across the country. 

With the regime refusing to compromise and the NLD pledging to carry on its
political programmes, next year bodes more political tension and a serious
head-on showdown between the country's two key political protagonists.
Meanwhile, the country will continue to slide deeper into economic and social
crisis as a result of the lack of sound economic policy, accountability and
transparency.

****************************************************************
 
AFP: INSURGENTS CLASH WITH MYANMAR TROOPS: REBELS
1 January, 1998 

BANGKOK, Jan 1 (AFP) - Myanmar troops clashed with ethnic Karenni forces near
the Thai border Friday, rebels said, in fighting which could mark the start of
the junta' long-awaited dry season offensive against insurgents.

"Patrols of both Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP) and the SPDC's
(government) troops clashed near KNPP's old stronghold in Daw Take 2.5
kilometres (1.5 miles) West of the border line," a KNPP spokesman told AFP.

The clash, which erupted at dawn lasted three hours, the rebels said but there
were no details of casualties or the numbers of troops involved in the
engagement.

Myanmar officials were unavailable to comment on the reports which could
not be
independently confirmed.

The army in Myanmar launches an offensive in the early part of every year in
the dry season against insurgent groups still holding out against its rule.

Thai army sources said last month that Myanmar was building up troops adjacent
to three of its northern provinces in preparation for fighting.

Four insurgent groups are holding out against the government. The Karenni
rebels signed a peace treaty with Yangon in 1995, but it later broke down.

Also still opposing Myanmar's army are the Karen National Union, the United Wa
State Army [Editor's note: The UWSA signed a ceasefire agreement with the
SLORC/SPDC.  The Wa group still engaged in armed resistance against the
SPDC is
the Wa National Army (WNA)] and the Shan State Army, which all demand autonomy
from Yangon.

Rebel offensives usually swell the thousands of refugees from Myanmar who
shelter in camps inside Thailand.

About 100,000 Karen refugees live on Thailand's western border with Myanmar
after fleeing fighting.

Thailand last month warned Yangon that it would not tolerate fighting spilling
across the border.

Myanmar's military government claims it is the only institution that has the
capacity to keep Myanmar as a unified nation and has reached peace treaties
with many insurgent groups in recent years.

****************************************************************
 
NLD: AUNG SAN SUU KYI SPEECH EXCERPTS 
4 December, 1998 

National League for Democracy 
No: (97/b) West Shwegondine Road 
Bahan, Rangoon

Excerpts from the address given by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi General Secretary of
the National League for Democracy on 4 December 1998

Touching on the billion dollar aid by the World Bank to Burma 

 ... Burma has a population of fifty million - the calculation would be twenty
dollars per head. What I said before was in reference to what is necessary and
what should be given out of charity. I want to dwell on two parts in relation
to this. I will first clarify what I said about the aid of a billion dollars
with no strings attached. The news reports are that this aid by the World Bank
will be with no strings attached. This is a presumption on their part.
There is
no announcement by the World Bank that the aid of a billion dollars will be
without any strings attached. There is no offer or promise either.

 ... That this aid will be given if an agreement can be reached with the NLD by
the SPDC is also an assumption by the media people.

 ... Let me tell you that this news is without any foundation.

 ... Vietnam received a certain amount of aid from the World Bank and that
figures was arrived at on the basis of its population and perhaps an
assumption
was made on the same basis in arriving at the figure of one billion for Burma.

 ... The second part I want to talk about relates to the issue of "no strings
attached". I would like to remind all of us who want democracy and who know
the
responsibilities that are attached to democracy that there is no such thing as
"without strings attached". Whether it be from the World Bank or from any
other
country any kind of aid is never without strings. I do not mean to say that
the
World Bank or other countries are void of compassion or charity. They do have
compassion.

But the reason for giving ... there are different types of aid. Some say that
this or that country deserves aid and they adopt a strategy while giving that
aid. If that be the case ... it isn't without strings. According to the
strategy employed, they believe that there can be some profit or gain. There
are cases where aid is granted with the belief that something good will
result.
Even if it be given solely for the welfare of society it is still not without
strings. Why? Studies and research on this kind of aid has been made by
responsible financial organisations from responsible countries. For example --
an instance where without strings attached aid of a billion dollars was
granted
 ... the ministers and those in power built palaces for themselves. How can
there be such things?

 ... There should be a close scrutiny to see why a billion dollars is granted,
how it will be expended and whether the expenditure is properly accounted for
 ... . For example, say that there is a request -- whether there be a
request or
not, whether a grant is made through pure charitable feelings, if that
money is
for agriculture, then how is it going to be used? Will it be used for making
canals? Will it be used for granting loans to the poor peasants and
cultivators? Otherwise will the agricultural lands be reconstructed? Will the
money be used to improve the quality of crops and the output? These are
questions that have to be asked. But that is not enough. For example, if money
is allotted for building canals, there must be a follow-up. Where and how are
these canals to be located? Will they be necessary and appropriate? This is
the
kind of planning that is necessary.

 ... If an irresponsible government does not use the money for the benefit of
the people but uses it as a means to perpetuate their hold on power, our
country will be in great distress. That is why in giving aid to a country
there
are many matters to be taken into account. In this instance an institution
like
the World Bank is not likely to grant aid without any strings attached. The
news that is being given out ... is entirely imaginary. ... Any grant that is
received must be carefully appropriated for the benefit and development of our
country. There are also loans. They are not given for nothing. Loans have
to be
repaid. There are some loans with interest and other loans without interest or
given at a very low rate of interest. This is a matter that has to be worked
out between countries and if there is an amicable arrangement, it can be for
the good of the country. Whether the loan bears interest or not or whether the
rate is very low, loans have to be repaid. A country that does not repay its
debts suffers a very low reputation. Our country has enjoyed a very good
reputation for repaying debts in the past. It is only now, under the rulers
that have taken control that we have reached a stage where we will not repay
our debts and claim that we do not have the capacity to do so. This is not an
enviable position. Only when a debt is repaid anew loan is obtainable.

****************************************************************
 
NLD: STATEMENT #126 
23 December, 1998

National League for Democracy 
No: (97/b) West Shwegondine Road 
Bahan, Rangoon

STATEMENT 126 (12/98)

Transcript of paragraphs 13 and 14 of letter dated 21 December 1998 from the
Chairman of the National League for Democracy to the State Peace and
Development Council are published for information.

Paragraph 13: We urge you to take urgent action to prohibit and stop the
operations of the military intelligence authorities against the political
activities in the national interest of democracy and human rights. This will
inevitably blacken the pages of history and cause suffering to the future
generation. This operation is entirely illegal and brought about by the use of
force and coercion. It is detrimental to the future of the country.

Paragraph 14: Acting under instructions from higher authorities, the military
units have illegally arrested and imprisoned NLD parliamentarians elect,
members of organising committees (States, Divisions, Townships, Wards, and
Villages) and forced resignations of the membership and thus extinguishing
branches. We remind you that all of this and the rampant abuse of authority
will not in any solve the crisis and problems facing the country in the -
Political arena - Commercial arena consequential to the political problems -
Social arena consequential to commercial problems.

Central Executive Committee, National League for Democracy
23 December 1998

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

SHAN HERALD AGENCY FOR NEWS (SHAN): THAI ACTIVIST SAYS THAILAND NEEDS NO WATER
FROM THE SALWEEN
1 January,1998 

"What Thailand needs is a better management system of its own water supply
which is still ample". So says a Thai expert on dams. 

He was speaking at a meeting held quietly last week in Chiang Mai. There was
some fear that it might be sabotaged if it went openly. 

"We are using only 33% of our own water supply. We don't need the electricity
from the Salween either. Since the economic crisis started, we have been using
only 50% of our present supply," he said. Another agreed pointing out that
Thailand even has no more use for the Yadana gas pipeline. "So where is the
need to buy electricity?" said she. 

The somewhat hush-hush meeting was held amidst reports that a Thai company,
the
MDX, had been conducting a five-month long feasibility study in the Upper
Salween Basin in the Shan States since October. It was sponsored by Japan's
Electronic Power Development Corporation. 

"In Thailand, we wouldn't have allowed them to enter the territory at all, not
to say letting them doing survey," said the activist who declined to divulge
his name. He thought it was a mistake for the Shan States Army to grant entry
permission to the company. "It is like the camel in one of Aesop's Fables.
Once
it is allowed to come in, it will not only refuse to move out but shall
proceed
to move out the owners themselves". He was referring to the story of an Arab
who, out of pity, allowed a camel to keep its head inside his tent during a
sand storm and was eventually pushed out of his shelter by his unwanted
guest. 

Another participant also stated, "Development has been a weapon used time and
again to eliminate opposition. It is a double edged knife. If you allow it,
you
and your people shall perish. If you don't, then you'll be accused of
prohibiting progress and prosperity to the people. It's an old story to the
rest of the world, but in Burma, it has only just begun". 

The Border Area Development (BAD) Committee was formed by Gen Khin Nyunt in
1989. "Mark my words, " he added. "It's not your benefactor. It's your
exterminator. Shans will be history after the dam is finished".

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

MUSLIM LIBERATION ORGANIZATION OF BURMA: PEGU NOVEMBER UPRISING 
30 December, 1998 

Muslim Liberation Organization of Burma (MLOB) Statement regarding the
anti-Muslim instigation by the SPDC in Pegu December 30 ,1998.

The Muslim Liberation Organization of Burma (MLOB) would like to sincerely
appreciate and thank the Buddhist monks, brave students, workers and the
people
of Pegu who could have easily known of the dirty tricks and cunning tactics of
the ruling Slorc/SPDC authorities towards the innocent Muslims there.

On November, 15, 1998, a clash between Buddhist monks and police took place in
Pegu due to uncivilized manners of the police towards the Buddhist monks who
have protested against the fashion shows deemed as against the culture and
tradition of the Burmese people. It was said that two policemen were killed in
the clash between the police and the monks, students, workers and Pegu people.

Later, the clash was transformed into an anti-Slorc/SPDC uprising. The monks,
students, workers and the people started crushing down all the Slorc/SPDC's
propaganda signboards hanging around there. In the same evening, over 1000
monks from three nearby monasteries joined the crowd. The ruling Slorc/SPDC is
very much afraid that this kind of unrest could lead to political instability
and may even threaten their very power base.

Since the police failed to suppress the anti-Slorc/SPDC uprising,
well-equipped
troops of Light Infantry Battalion (LIB) 107 reinforced the police to quell
the
crowd. The monks, students and all the people immediately dispersed in
order to
avoid being shot at and arrested by the authorities. However, troops were
positioned like in a war-field in all corners of the town. On November 17-18,
the monks in groups were walking along the roads and streets of Pegu in a show
that they were dissatisfied with the Slorc/SPDC authorities.

At 10:00 a.m. on November 19th, the authorities, in order to divert the
attention of the majority Buddhist people, organized about 100 "false monks",
who claimed that they belonged to the Monk's Union, and tried to create racial
and religious riots between Buddhists and the minority Muslims in Pegu. The
"fake monks" started to throw stones and bricks at the Muslims' mosques and
religious places and alleged that "Burmese women have been defiled by the
Muslims and Buddhism is being destroyed by the Muslims". However, the Buddhist
monks in Burma are politically active and far-sighted. They easily realised
the
nature of the allegation. So, the genuine monks, students and the
justice-loving people of Pegu did not participate in the inhumane plans
planted
by the ruling authorities, so that the Slorc/SPDC-made fake monks had to give
up their ill-intentioned plans and run away to avoid being punished by the
people. The innocent Muslims avoided untold damages. This shows that the
dictators are afraid of justice and people's might. 

A similar incident took place in March and April, 1997, when the theft of the
gold and precious stones from one of Burma's most-revered Mahamyatmunee Buddha
statues in Mandalay by Slorc high officials and the killing of some monks in
the jails were the grounds on which the monks mounted the March demonstrations
against the junta. The junta came to know of the plan before the
demonstrations
took place, and to avoid confrontation with the monks, immediately framed a
case that had already been settled involving a Muslim youth. At the same time,
the Slorc regime created some "false monks" to instigate the other monks to
demonstrate against the Muslim community. Thus the planned demonstrations by
the monks against the Slorc were once again turned into anti-Muslim ones.
By 18
March,1997, 14 mosques and about 400 houses and shops of the Muslims were
looted and destroyed in Mandalay alone. (Witness to riots in Mandalay, Images
Asia). By this time, unrest had spread to Rangoon and other cities.

We, therefore, would like to thank and express appreciation of the monks,
students and all the justice-loving people of Burma who could differentiate
between truth and falsehood and avoid harming innocent minority Muslims. We
condemn the Slorc/SPDC regime who has repeatedly victimized the innocent
minority Muslims whenever the authorities are about to face problems.

The Central Executive Committee, Muslim Liberation Organization of Burma. 

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

THE BANGKOK POST: GREEN LIGHT GIVEN TO IMPORT RARE FURNITURE FROM BURMA
2 December, 1998 by Supamart Kasem 

Tak

BID TO STOP SMUGGLING OF WOODEN PRODUCTS

Thai authorities have agreed to allow imports of rare wooden furniture from
Burma through 15 border passes in Tak in an attempt to stop the 20-year
smuggling of wooden products, said a Forestry Department source. 

An agreement on permission for the imports of rare wooden furniture from Burma
into Thailand was reached at a meeting of concerned Thai officials in the
North
held at the Fourth Infantry Regiment Task Force Headquarters in Mae Sot
District on Wednesday. 

The move came after more than 200 furniture importers blocked Mae Sot, Tak
Highway at Huay Ya Ou Checkpoint in Mae Sot last Saturday to protest against
Regional Police Bureau 6 police's seizure of 2,500 teak windows and 3,000 teak
doors imported from Burma by a Thai businessman. 

Tak Governor Huekharn Romornsuek said it was agreed that customs officials
must
be strict with all customs procedures concerning wood furniture imports and
deliveries to ensure transparency. 

According p Mae Sot Customs Office chief Bovoernsak Puangdej, wooden furniture
can be imported from Burma through 15 border passes in Tak: Ban Rim Moei, Ban
Mae Pa, Ban Wang Kaew, Bang Wang Takhien, Ban Mae Ku, Ban Mae Kone Kane and
Ban
Huay Mai Paen in Mae Sot, Ban Huay Pang Yang and Ban Mae Tan of Tha Song Yang
district, Ban Chong Chaeb Ban Muen Ruechai, Ban Valley Tai and Ban Valley Nua
of Phop Phra district, and Ban Wang Pha of Mae Ramat district. 

Meanwhile, Sarayudh Thanapanyo, chairman of Tak's Innovation Club, said many
wooden furniture factory operators here, also club members, have had to pay
some officials and police under-the-table money for importing wood from Burma
for more than 20 years. 

He said: "Since 1973, the factory owners have had to pay more than 300,000
baht
to concerned officials for importing wooden windows and doors per ten-wheel
truck. 

"Even after the importers pay import tariffs under Article 5 (bis) of the
Customs Act, officials still demand money from them on the way." 

"When they refuse to pay, they will be harassed. For example, some are wrongly
accused of having fake tax receipts or false lists of merchandise while some
are suspected of taking illegal logs from Thai forests. Those officials will
seize the wood for examination, causing grievances to traders," he added. 

According to a Forestry Department source, at least six illegal sawmills and
wooden furniture factories were found along the Thai-Burmese border opposite
areas ranging from Tha Song Yang District to Phop Phra District last year. 

Sixty-one people were arrested and a total of 2,604 illegal logs, 11,157
pieces
of processed wood, and 247 pieces of furniture were seized in Tak during
February-April 1998 for 177 illegal logging cases. 

In May 1998, a total of 42 people were arrested with 454 illegal logs and
1,412
pieces of processed wood in Tha Song Yang, Mae Ramat, Mae Sot and Phop Phra
districts in 68 illegal logging cases.

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

THE BANGKOK POST: 300,000 SPEED PILLS BURNED NEAR BORDER
31 December, 1998 by Subin Khuenkaew and Nusara Thaitawat
 
NARCOTICS / SHAN FIGHTERS SHOW READINESS TO HELP FIGHT DRUGS

Display attracts more scepticism than praise

Shan independence fighters set ablaze nearly 300,000 amphetamine tablets and a
kilogramme of heroin in a "liberated area" just across the Thai-Burmese border
on Tuesday in a demonstration of their intention to help Thailand and the
international community fight illicit drugs from inside Shan State.

But there was little praise for this demonstration, held across from Wiang
Haeng district by the Shan State Army (SSA) two weeks after it announced its
readiness to work with foreign governments and the UN against drugs.

There has been no official reaction so far from Thai and US authorities, nor
the UN regarding the SSA's announcement. There may as well be none. Analysts
said it is a deja vu for these authorities.

Since 1958 other Shan groups have claimed they were fighting for independence
from Burma, most have promised to wipe out illicit drugs in exchange for
support for their struggle for self-determination and rural development.

"It's a difficult one for both the Thai and US authorities. While both want to
see an end to drugs production in the Shan state, they cannot assist an ethnic
group fighting for independence from Burma," said an analyst.

In an interview with the Bangkok Post in Muang district earlier, Lt-Gen Sommai
Vicharvorn, Third Army Commander, offered only a short statement:

"The Third Army was assigned by the government to stop the influx of illicit
drugs across the northern border. With refineries being located on the other
side, we welcome all those who volunteer to help us. If a certain ethnic group
wants to hand over drugs they seized on the other side, we will take it but
there must be no conditions or strings attached."

As preparations were being made for the drugs to be burnt on Tuesday, Thai
soldiers from the Naresuan Task Force manning the border pushed back SSA
fighters who had crossed into Wiang Haeng and warned that mortar shells
will be
fired just on the border line in the next few days.

No representatives from the US Drug Enforcement Administration, reportedly
invited to witness the destruction of the drugs, showed up.

"I'm disappointed that our efforts are not recognised," said Col Yawd Serk,
commander-in-chief of the SSA.

In a speech given before setting the drugs on fire, Col Yawd Serk said since
March his group had destroyed nine refineries, chemicals and drugs worth some
100 million baht in Mongpan and Mongtang districts.

The drugs destroyed on Tuesday - 284,000 speed pills and one kilogramme of
heroin - were seized from Kachin dealers near the border on December 21.

Col Yawd Serk reiterated his group's pledge to work with the international
community to wipe out illicit drugs in the Shan State and called on those
governments who are serious about the issue to look deeper into the real roots
of the narcotics problem in Shan State.

"The drugs problem in Shan State cannot be resolved without resolving the
ethnic conflict," he said. "If the international community will assist the
SSA,
we will be able to cover more ground."

Col Yawd Serk also reiterated the SSA's call for the international
community to
recognise the status of the Shan State as a sovereign state in 1948, after
independence from Britain, for non-governmental organisations to provide
humanitarian assistance to the Shan people, and finally for all the Burmese
soldiers to withdraw from the Shan State.

The Shan State of Burma is the world's largest source of opium and the source
of millions of speed pills aimed for the Thai market.

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

THE NATION (LETTER): GAMES' GOLD TARNISHED 
31 December, 1998 

Letter to the Editor

While Thai athletes were winning a bundle of gold medals in the recent Asian
Games, Thai police tarnished the Kingdom's reputation by arresting and jailing
27 recognised Burmese refugees. Unfortunately, as good as the Games were, that
police action may well preclude Thailand from being considered as a possible
site for the Olympic Games in the near future. As for the United Nations High
Commissioner for Refugees' failure to speak up, its reputation in Bangkok is
already too sullied to worry about it being tarnished any further. 

An NGO worker

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

RADIO FREE BURMA: NEW YEAR MESSAGE
1 January,1998 from rfb@xxxxxxxxxxx

Dear Friends,

Happy New Year to you. The RFB team would like to wish you every success and
good fortune in 1999, just one year short of the new millennium. Our aim over
the next twelve months is to continue to provide you with a 'QUALITY' and
"AGITATION" program. Radio Free Burma is Australia's best value Democratic
Burmese Program and you know that because many of you have stayed with us for
years right from day one.

The effective impact of RFB is noticeable in the international Burmese
community, as it is now no longer popular to return to Burma to conduct
business, discuss business opportunities in Burma, or to support the
repressive
and murderous SLORC/SPDC military regime. We believe that we have contributed
to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's popularity, which is now on the rise in the Burmese
community, with moves now in Australia to establish a "Friends of NLD"
covering
both State and Federal Parliaments in Australia. There is now popular support
for peace, democracy and human rights in Burma. RFB is increasing public
awareness on Burma, will support for issue-specific projects and campaigns
designed to influence Australian foreign policy, mobilize and inform
Australian
society, and provide channels for humanitarian assistance to the people of
Burma.

We want to thank to Saya U Thaung , Mr Wrightson Tongue, BurmaNet and most of
all we would like to thank all our listeners for their tremendous interest and
support, - you have given us.

Once again let us wish you all the very best for the New Year.

RFB Team
<http://www.fast.net.au/rfb>www.fast.net.au/rfb

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