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Subject: [theburmanetnews] BurmaNet News: May 22, 2000



______________ THE BURMANET NEWS ______________
        An on-line newspaper covering Burma 
______________ www.burmanet.org _______________

May 22, 2000

Issue # 1535


The BurmaNet News is viewable online at: 
http://theburmanetnews.editthispage.com


NOTED IN PASSING:

 "In case of need, a march on Yangon [Rangoon] will be launched." 

>From a letter written by the Mandalay Sangha Thamaggi (Monks Union) 
addressed to the clergy and laity which has been widely circulated   
in Burma.  (See DPA:  BURMESE MONKS THREATEN TO MARCH)

	
*Inside Burma

AFP: REGIMES DENIES UNREST AMONG MONKS

REUTERS:  MILITARY JUNTA SENTENCES GUERRILLA TO DEATH

NLM: SAW TIN OO IMPLICATED IN THE SIEGE OF MYANMAR EMBASSY IN BANGKOK 
GETS DEATH SENTENCE 

NLM: ILLEGAL OVERSEAS COMMUNICATIONS EXPOSED

ARNO: ON THE RNA-RSO (D) TENSION IN APRIL


*International

AFP: DON'T BE MANIPULATED AUNG SAN SUU KYI TELLS JAPAN
 

*Economy/Business

ALLIANCE PROJECT: MINNEAPOLIS CITY COUNCIL PASSES "FREE BURMA" 
RESOLUTION

BCN: PRESSURE ON IHC CALAND INCREASES
	
		
*Opinion/Editorials

BANGKOK POST: GOVERNMENT AND THE DRUG WARS


*Other

S.H.A.N. SHAN WEB-SITE LAUNCHED




__________________ INSIDE BURMA ____________________
	


AFP: REGIMES DENIES UNREST AMONG MONKS


BANGKOK, May 22 (AFP) - Myanmar's ruling military junta denied Monday 
that there had been any unrest among the Buddhist clergy ahead of the 
1th anniversary of the opposition victory in the cotunry's last 
elections. 

An official statement attributed the reports of unrest among the 
Buddhist clergy in Myanmar to  "a group of bogus monks based on th 
Thai side of the border."  "They are the group that had circulated 
the letter calling for the monks in Myanmar to 'take up action'" 
against the authorities, the statement said.  The May 27, 1990 
election was won by the National League for Democracy (NLD), which 
won 382 of parliament's 485 seats, but the results were not 
recognised by the military. 

According to the Myanmar opposition in exile, monks from Mandalay had 
circulated a letter recently threatening to "take action" if the 
junta did not begin a dialogue with opposition leader Aung San Suu 
Kyi by May 25, and would stage a protest march between Mandalay and 
Yangon.
 
"In fact the monk population together with that of Myanmar are quite 
fed up and frustrated with the action taken by the anti-government 
sectors in their attempt in trying to destabilize the peace and 
tranquility the country is enjoying," the junta statement said.  It 
accused anti-government forces of "falsely creating an impression 
where as if the religious community is about to start a revolution in 
the country."  The junta also denied reports broadcast by opposition 
radio claiming that a group of monks were arrested recently in 
Mergui, in the south.  There are more than 250,000 Buddhist monks in 
Myanmar and they have a long history of political activism and civil 
disobedience.  The military has been in control of Myanmar, formerly 
Burma, in various guises since 1962. 


____________________________________________________


DPA:  BURMESE MONKS THREATEN TO MARCH

May 20, 2000

 Deutsche-Presse Agentur

  RANGOON - Buddhist monks based in Mandalay have threatened to 
boycott the   ruling junta and march on the capital after May 25 if 
their demands for political   change are not met, religious sources 
revealed yesterday.   The ultimatum was made in a letter written by 
the Mandalay Sangha Thamaggi   (Monks Union) addressed to the clergy 
and laity which has been widely circulated   in Burma.

  It gives the government until May 25 to respond to the appeal of 
Abbot   Kyawhetwaing, who on February 17 wrote letters to both the 
ruling junta and   opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi. The letters 
asked them both to cast aside   their differences and start a 
dialogue to end the political stalemate in Burma. The   junta, called 
the State Peace and Development Council (SPPC), has never   accepted 
the electoral win of Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) 
on   May 27, 1990. For the past decade it has refused to discuss 
sharing power with   the opposition party, resulting in a political 
deadlock and Burma's pariah status in   the world community.

  "The nation is down-grading in economics, politics, education, 
national   consolidation and rule of law," said the monks' letter.

  The letter also said the junta's policy of signing peace treaties 
with the various   ethnic minority rebel groups had also been a 
failure.

  The Mandalay Monks Union warned that if the government failed to 
respond to   Abbot Kyawhetwaing's demand for political progress by 
May 25 they would "take   up action" on May 26.

  The monks have promised to turn all the country's monasteries into 
boycott   centres and to call on those opposed to the regime to 
gather in the country's   temples.

  "In case of need, a march on Yangon [Rangoon] will be launched," 
the letter said.   There are an estimated 300,000 Buddhist monks in 
Burma. Burmese monks   have a long tradition of political activism.

  May 27, 2000 marks the tenth anniversary of the NLD's electoral 
win. The junta   on Thursday acknowledged that it has launched a 
crackdown on NLD followers   to prevent political disturbances on the 
anniversary.




____________________________________________________


REUTERS:  MILITARY JUNTA SENTENCES GUERRILLA TO DEATH
           

      YANGON, May 20 (Reuters) - Burma's military rulers sentenced a 
member of an ethnic guerrilla group to death for high treason 
following an embassy seizure in Bangkok in October, the official  
Burma Radio and Television said.
  
      The state mouthpiece did not report whether Saw Tin Oo had 
already been executed, but legal experts here said death sentences 
were often commuted to life imprisonment.  

      Saw Tin Oo was a member of the Kayin ethnic armed group, known 
as "God's Army," which formed a group of six hijackers as 
the "Vigorous Burmese Students Warriors" to seize the Burmese embassy 
in Bangkok on October 1, 1999.  

      He was arrested that day by Thai police while he was trying to 
enter the embassy compound to join his colleagues.  

      He was deported from Bangkok on February 29 and arrested by 
Burma security forces as he entered the country, the radio said.  

      The Yangon East District Court also sentenced Saw Tin Oo to 
three and five years imprisonment under the Unlawful Organisation 
Act, the state mouthpiece reported.  

____________________________________________________


NLM: SAW TIN OO IMPLICATED IN THE SIEGE OF MYANMAR EMBASSY IN BANGKOK 
GETS DEATH SENTENCE 

The New Light of Myanmar (Saturday 20 May, 2000)

YANGON 19 May-Saw Tin Oo involved in the siege of Myanmar embassy in 
Bangkok, was sentenced to death by Yangon East District Court 
yesterday under Section 122 (2) of the Penal Code. The authorities 
have been tracking down the terrorists who seized the embassy. On 1 
March 2000, members of Defence Services Intelligence managed to 
arrest Saw Tin Oo, one of the terrorists who seized the embassy, in 
Myawady on his return to Myanmar from Thailand. Saw Tin Oo, son of U 
Htwe Maung of Kyonkhun Village, Kyain-seik-kyee Township, Kayin 
State, took to the jungle and joined No 6 Battalion of KNU insurgent 
group in 1985. In 1997, he lived in Maneeloy Refugee Camp opened in 
the terrority of Thailand, and joined "God's Army" of KNU. On 1 
September 1999, he also joined a terrorist group under the name of 
Vigorous Burmese Student Warriors (VBSW) headed by Johnnie. Saw Tin 
Oo, Baydar (a) Myint Thein, Maung Htwe, Than Lwin and El Wa (a) Than 
Naing took part in the siege of the embassy launched by the terrorist 
group led by Johnnie. With the arrangements of Johnnie, three AK-47s, 
one M-16, one .38 revolver, one .32 revolver, five granades  and 
explosives which were 1 used in the siege of the embassy, were 
carried by car from Maneeloy Refugee Camp to Bangkok. Saw Tin Oo 
carried statements which would be released in the course of the siege.

At about 10 am on 1 October, the terrorist group got to the 
surrounding area of the Myanmar Embassy. Saw Tin Oo was not able to 
enter the embassy as he was a little late when the terrorists in two 
groups entered the embassy. When five terrorists including Johnnie 
were already inside the embassy, Saw Tin Oo was arrested by Thai 
police while he was trying to enter the embassy. The Immigration 
Department in Bangkok kept him in custody till February 2000.

According to the statement of Saw Tin Oo, VBSW and God's Army held a 
co ordination meeting to cooperate in conducting terrorist operations 
at Maneeloy Refugee Camp in September 1999. A decision to return to 
the camp by helicopter at the end of the embassy siege of the was 
made at the meeting. The terrorist operation was conducted only after 
two heliports had been built in advance near Kamapalaw close to the 
Thai-Myanmar border. Johnnie took change of transport of arms and 
ammunition, and although there were seven checkpoints on the way from 
the refugee camp to Bangkok, he was not stopped for any check. Thai 
security unit members took the bag containing the statements from Saw 
Tin Oo and gave it to Johnnie and the group in the embassy. Thai 
Immigration detained Saw Tin Oo and then released him on 29 February. 
He was arrested by the authorities when he returned to the country 
together with Myanmars who worked in Thailand, through Myawady. 
Yangon East District Court passed death sentence for high treason 
under Section 122 (2) of Penal Code, three years' imprisonment under 
Section 17(1) of 1908 Unlawful Associations Act and five years' 
imprisonment under Section 13 (1) of 1947 Immigration Act. 

____________________________________________________


NLM: ILLEGAL OVERSEAS COMMUNICATIONS EXPOSED
    

May 22, 2000
New Light of Myanmar

    Myanma Posts and Telecommunications is seeing to it that 
communications  among national people and entrepreneurs at home and 
abroad are easy and  smooth. However, as authorities were informed of 
the fact that some  unscrupulous persons were illegally carrying out 
overseas communications work  after installing a satellite dish by 
use of sophisticated communications  systems, an inquiry was made 
into that matter, and consequently, Mr. Irawan  Sidaria (Indonesian)
was caught with 15 communication devices including the  U.S.-made 
satellite dish installed and used at the Asia Plaza Hotel. Mr.  
Irawan Sidaria, together with Mr. Jayvee(a)Shahjib Robert O Sencio  
(Filipino), arrived in Myanmar in April 2000, hired a room at the 
Asia Plaza  Hotel under the pretext of opening a company office. 
American Mr. Jeffry  Craing Lesuer sent by Mr. Mike Butler from the 
U.S. also arrived in Yangon on  13-4-2000, bringing in communication 
devices. He left Myanmar on 18-4-2000  after installing communication 
devices at Room No.727 of the Asia Plaza  Hotel. Mr. Irawan continued 
to stay at Room No. 613 of the Asia Plaza Hotel  and Mr. Jayvee at 
the Traders Hotel. Then, Mr. Jayvee employed Electric  Engineer of 
the Asia Plaza Hotel U Myat Thu and an electrician Kyaw Win  Hlaing 
and arranged for illegal overseas communications. Then, he left for  
Thailand on 15-4-2000. Mr. Irawan and two Myanmars connected the 
satellite  dish installed on the eighth floor of the Asia Plaza Hotel 
and directed  towards Thai communication satellite named Inmarse over 
the Indian Ocean with  ten auto-telephone lines and five extensions 
of the keyboard (PABX) hired by  the Asia Plaza Hotel. And they 
illegally carried out local and overseas  communications without 
using the communication link of Myanma Posts and  Telecommunications. 
    
    That work is set up by an American Mr. Mike Butler in Los Angeles 
of the  U.S., and Mr. Jayvee is employed as a regional manager of 
South-East Asia.  Mr. Jayvee got Mr. Irawan to learn in Bangkok how 
to operate communication  devices, and employed him. Then, he 
arranged to carry out communication works  illegally in Myanamr. Mr. 
Irawan, after installing the cables of  communication devices in the 
office of the Asia Plaza Hotel, informed the  control station of Mr. 
Mike Butler in the U.S by the computer programme of  that control 
station, the communications from the office of the Asia Plaza  Hotel 
were controlled. The communication devices installed at the Asia 
Plaza  Hotel are worth about US $ 100,000. When two Myanmars can 
operate these  devices skilfully, Mr. Irawan will leave for Thailand. 
Mr. Mike and group  conducted local and overseas communications 
illegally not only in Myanmar but  also in Malaysia, Indonesia, Sri 
Lanka, Cambodia and Thailand, through the  satellites they hired 
without using the communication links of the respective  nations. 
These nations except Thailand did not give permission, and closed  
down their work. Legal action will be taken according to law against 
illegal  local and overseas communications by use of satellite 
communications  equipment.



____________________________________________________


ARNO: ON THE RNA-RSO (D) TENSION IN APRIL

[Abridged] 

May 20, 2000

General Secretary, Arakan Rohingya National Organisation (ARNO)


The Central Committee of the Arakan Rohingya National Organisation 
(ARNO) had ordered an inquiry into the incident leading to 
undesirable skirmishes between certain Rohingya National Army (RNA) 
unit and an isolated Rohingya Solidarity Organisation (D) armed unit 
during the month of April 2000. The inquiry report has now been 
received and considered. A separate report was conducted by RNA 
headquarters. This has also been submitted to this Central Committee 
and considered. The following facts emerged: 

A RNA patrol was on its way to a given objective in Wayladaung Area 
within occupied Arakan. The Patrol had been given proper mission and 
was moving as per directives of higher commander.

Unknown to the patrol a group of RSO (D) armed personnel in which 
Mohammed Nazir, Saiful Islam, Abul Hussain had been identified were 
lying in ambush for unspecified purpose. This group later turned out 
was without a proper leader and was operating without any specified 
task given by any of their authority. Later, on inquiry from locality 
it has gathered that they might have been on their way to commit 
armed dacoity in the manner earlier done by an armed group on 12 
January 2000.

On 6 April when RNA patrol party neared the RSO (D) group the forward 
elements were halted by the RSO (D) group. RNA patrol commander 
immediately spoke to the RSO (D) patrol to disengage. In reply the 
RSO (D) group initially began to abuse in filthy language and later 
started indiscriminate firing upon the RNA patrol. RNA patrol 
commander immediately contacted his higher commander seeking further 
orders. The higher commander ordered the patrol to extricate 
themselves without firing. 

When the patrol was trying to extricate itself they found that they 
had been surrounded in the meantime and RSO (D) were firing from all 
sides. He again contacted his higher commander explaining that the 
only way to extricate the patrol was to fire back. He also explained 
that if he did not do so he was apprehending suffering casualties. 

In the circumstances, the higher commander contacted his relevant 
authority in ARNO seeking direction. The RNA headquarters then 
authorised to take appropriate action in the matter.

Only then the patrol commander was given the order to extricate the 
patrol by any means.

The patrol under very delicate circumstances performed very well by 
extricating itself using minimum force.  This firing by RSO (D) 
continued until 10 April. For displaying discipline and calmness in 
the very difficult situation RNA headquarters commanded the patrol 
commander.

On 10 April one RNA patrol was sent on a mission to lay an ambush for 
Burmese NaSaKa patrol in the area of Sianchuri (Aung Thabye) Burmese 
army camp. The leaderless RSO (D) patrol (in which Jafar Ahmed, 
Ibrahim, Ferooz had been later recognised) came into the ambush 
site unidentified. 

The front element of the ambush party halted the RSO (D) group and 
asked them for identification. In response some of the RSO (D) 
personnel started running away and the other began firing 
indiscriminately in all directions. The main ambush group obviously 
thinking that the enemy had come into the ambush now started firing 
in allotted direction.

When the RSO (D) group was recognised to be in the ambush the RNA 
ambush commander immediately stopped all firing and shouted to the 
RSO (D) group to do the same. However, the RSO (D) group kept firing 
till they extricated themselves completely.

When the situation was normalised it was found that one RNA soldier 
received injury. The Central Committee of ARNO note with grave 
concern the deterioration of the situation caused by the isolated RSO 
(D) group who are operating leaderless and without any central 
direction.

The Central Committee calls upon all the leaders of the Rohingya 
community, including the leaders of RSO (D) political group to 
immediately take measures to disarm the leaderless marauding bands 
who had already caused great harm to the liberation struggle of the 
Arakan people. 

The Central Committee has also noted with deep anxiety the growing 
relationship between RSO (D) and an armed group working for the 
Burmese military intelligence.




					
__________________ INTERNATIONAL ___________________

		
AFP: DON'T BE MANIPULATED  AUNG SAN SUU KYI TELLS JAPAN

MAY 21 , 2000 

BANGKOK -- Burma opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi has launched a 
special appeal to Japan, the regional economic powerhouse, not to 
be "manipulated" by the Yangon junta, reports said on Sunday.  

"We know that the people of Japan bear (us) goodwill. We would not 
like that goodwill to be manipulated by those who want to use it for 
their own ends," the National League of Democracy leader said in a 
video marking the tenth anniversary of her party's election victory, 
which the junta disallowed.  

"Let the people of Japan talk with their hearts to the people of 
Burma (Myanmar) and decide what is best course of action," she said.  
Myanmar's opposition has targeted Japan several times this year as 
its leaders suspect Tokyo of preparing to resume commercial links 
with Yangon, largely severed after democracy protests were bloodily 
suppressed in 1988.  

Japan has agreed to increase its supply of humanitarian aid to 
Myanmar if Myanmar embraces reform.  

Former Japanese prime minister Ryutaro Hashimoto held talks with 
leaders of the Yangon government last December during a "private" 
mission to ascertain Myanmar's economic needs.  
In an interview with a Japanese newspaper earlier this year, Nobel 
peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi warned that foreign investment in 
Myanmar would only swell the coffers of the military government.  

She has repeatedly asked international companies not to invest in 
Myanmar until the junta recognises NLD's 1990 victory. -- AFP  


____________________________________________________


		
REUTERS: MYANMAR LAMBASTS ALBRIGHT OVER DEMOCRACY COMMENTS
       

      YANGON, May 20 (Reuters) - Myanmar on Saturday accused U.S. 
Secretary of State Madeleine Albright of misunderstanding its process 
of democratisation and said she should be more responsible in what 
she says about the country.  

      "Myanmar urges Ms Albright to contribute in a realistic and 
responsible way in Myanmar's present democratisation process," said a 
statement issued by the government spokesman.  

      The United States on Tuesday marked the 10th anniversary of 
aborted elections in Myanmar by endorsing the struggle for democracy 
in the military-ruled Southeast Asian state.  

      Albright called on Yangon to respect the democratic wishes of 
its people and renewed a commitment of support to opposition leader 
Aung San Suu Kyi and the National League for Democracy.  

      "The Government of Myanmar is in fact determined and committed 
to fulfil the aspirations of the people of Myanmar and is working 
hard to develop Myanmar and transform the country from a one-party 
socialism to a stable and functioning democracy," the statement 
said.  

      It gave no details of how or when the regime would abandon 
military rule but said it could not be done immediately.  

      "Demanding immediate changes and pressuring a country to 
transform itself into a functioning democracy overnight, we fear, 
would lead not to a stable democracy, but to its institutional 
confusion, social chaos, and political crisis, which we all are 
trying to avoid," the statement said.  

      Suu Kyi, a recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, heads the 
National League for Democracy, which won 392 of the 485 seats 
contested in the 1990 election, which was annulled by the military 
rulers.  

      In a video of opposition activists filmed to mark the 10th 
anniversary of the election Suu Kyi said the Myanmar people had a 
right to democracy.  

      "Democracy is based on human values... It has nothing to do 
with western values or Asian values --- West, East it makes no 
difference," she said in the video, a copy of which was obtained by 
Reuters.  

      The United States imposes sanctions on the impoverished state, 
condemns human rights abuses there and, with mixed success, urges 
other countries in the region to isolate the military rulers until 
they adopt democratic reforms.  

      The Myanmar junta has also urged political parties to work with 
the government to achieve common objectives.  

______________ ECONOMY AND BUSINESS ___________________
 

ALLIANCE PROJECT: MINNEAPOLIS CITY COUNCIL PASSES "FREE BURMA" 
RESOLUTION

'Selective Purchasing Agreement' Cuts Ties with Corporations Involved 
in  Human Rights Atrocities

Minneapolis, MN (May 19, 2000)-After 26 months of delays, 
postponements,  and resubmissions, the City Council of Minneapolis 
finally voted to pass  the "Burma Selective Purchasing Agreement."  
The resolution, based on a  similar measure adopted against Apartheid-
era South Africa, sets up a  purchasing guideline to disengage the 
City from doing business with  companies that are inside Burma (a 
country in SE Asia).  Burma is ruled by  a brutal military 
dictatorship that is widely extolled for its human rights  
violations, yet remains in power due to outside corporate 
investment.   The  resolution is co-authored by Councilors Jim Niland 
and Brian Herron and  sponsored by the Free Burma Coalition.

The resolution passed by just one vote after a lengthy debate, 
unusual for  a majority DFL government body with a progressive voting 
record. A few  Council Members joined in Lisa Goodman's defense of 
multinational  corporations regardless of their human rights 
violations:  "I want to speak  up for the 10,000 employees of 
American Express," Goodman said, attempting  to protect a large 
client of the City.  Goodman was countered by her  colleagues.  Doris 
Mead reminded the Council that Minneapolis is a political  entity 
that has never been in isolation from trade interests abroad and  
must take full responsibility for its own business decisions.  "We 
have  sister city arrangements and the mayor goes on business trips 
to meet  foreign leaders to improve trade . . . this resolution is 
appropriate for  us in a global market."

Minneapolis joins 25 other cities and states across the US that have  
enacted Selective Purchasing Agreements for Burma since 1995.  The 
Burma resolution has had broad support from the DFL party, the 
Central  Labor Committee, local human rights organizations, several 
unions, and  Senator Paul Wellstone.

___________________________
The Alliance Project
1954 University Avenue West, Suite 12
Saint Paul, MN  55104
phone:   651-645-1618
____________________________________________________


BCN: PRESSURE ON IHC CALAND INCREASES

Burma Centre Netherlands (BCN)


Amsterdam May 19 - ABN AMRO Bank, one of the largest Dutch banks, had 
sold all their shares of IHC Caland by the end of April. The bank 
wrote this in a letter to the Burma Centre Netherlands (BCN), which 
was made public today. IHC Caland is building a floating oil storage 
for the Yetagun gasfield project in Burma. ABN AMRO was one of its 
larger shareholders.  
ABN AMRO Bank had earlier stated to BCN that if IHC Caland would 
persist in taking a position against societal values, or if it would 
sign a similar contract, it would sell its shares. IHC Caland sold a 
suction cutter dredger to the Ministry of Transport in Burma in the 
end of last year. The bank also stated that it will give no further 
comments because of its "bad experience in constantly having to 
communicate about this issue". 

ABN AMRO also told BCN this morning that it has pulled out of Burma 
since the end of March this year. ABN AMRO had a 'representative 
office' in Rangoon. 

A new report from Earthrights International, "Total Denial 
Continues", makes public hundreds of witness statements which prove 
the direct link between the investment of Western companies and the 
human rights violations in the gas pipeline area, including the 
offshore facilities. 
ABP, which has a 3% share-holding in IHC Caland, yesterday told 
representatives of BCN and Earthrights International that it will 
postpone a decision about its stake in IHC Caland until the 
shareholders meeting of the company on May 26. A continuation of its 
shareholding will depend on how the board of IHC Caland reacts to 
their questions. ABP is the largest pension fund in the Netherlands. 

Dutch MPs Jan Hoekema and Bert Koenders announced yesterday they will 
call on the Dutch government to demand that IHC Caland withdraw from 
Burma, following the example of the British government's demands that 
Premier Oil leave Burma.  IHC Caland is working in Burma through a 
contract with Premier Oil.


_________________OPINION/EDITORIALS_________________


BANGKOK POST: GOVERNMENT AND THE DRUG WARS

 May 21, 2000



Why can't the government put together a solid, supportive case for a 
national effort against drug trafficking? The epidemic of drug abuse 
is crippling a generation of our nation. It has been more than a year 
since Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai stated that the drug trade was the 
top threat to our national security. The military, the police, the 
media and the public all agree. So why is our anti-drug effort so 
paltry, so fractured. Why is it so ineffective? There are many 
answers to this question-and that is the crux of the problem. The 
Army says there is not enough action against Burma, source of most of 
the illicit drugs. The security departments believe population 
movements in Burma hold the key to the problem. The old-line anti-
drug agencies such as the Office of Narcotics Control Bureau insist 
that better surveillance and crackdowns on drug dealers will stem the 
drugs trade. 

Justice officials have filled our nation's jails with drug offenders, 
and maintain that if they step up, and keep up the pressure, drug use 
will decline. Police show off increasing statistics of arrests of 
drug offenders, and promise more. Health experts believe that more 
rehabilitation is the main answer to wean our country off drugs, old 
and new. Non-government agencies mainly recommend a policy to stop 
intimidating drug users while ensuring strict observance of the 
rights of drug traffickers. 

There is more. Educators, our foreign ministry, foreign diplomats 
have their opinions about our effort to stem drug trafficking and 
abuse. But surely it is clear that Thailand has no clear policy to 
fight this terrible, debilitating epidemic. 

The blame for this lies squarely with the government, and 
particularly the prime minister. Premier Chuan has failed either to 
mobilise or to support a rational, supportable effort to slow, and 
then to stop, the epidemic of methamphetamine, heroin and designer-
drug use. With the public clearly in favour of such a programme, what 
is holding up Mr Chuan?It is clear that community action is 
necessary. The Army has begun to set up networked villages to protect 
our country from Burma-based traffickers. Peer pressure will 
encourage drug users and smugglers alike to give up their habits-
under penalty of being ostracised. Such projects can easily be 
adapted throughout the nation. No anti-drug programme will succeed 
without national support. But a proper programme can involve everyone 
in an effort to stop the traffickers and wean the young people off 
drugs. 

It is time for the government to stop dawdling and start leading a 
campaign against drug smuggling and abuse. Drug traffickers must be 
singled out, identified and dealt with by our justice system. The 
public will support any crackdown against major drug traffickers. If 
politicians, senior government officers or teachers are involved, it 
is even more urgent that they be arrested and processed by the 
courts. The government can make "flying squads" of anti-drug police 
available to deal with influential figures involved in the trade. 

We must also formulate a policy towards drug abusers. Clearly, it is 
not in anyone's interest to fill our prisons with such minor 
criminals. Nor can we allow drug users to endanger themselves and 
others in normal society. Rehabilitation centres must be set up, so 
abusers can be convinced to give up their habits. 

They must also be encouraged to work with other abusers in their 
community when they are released. 

Mr Chuan and other political leaders have already wasted too much 
time. The drug problem is our leading national problem. The 
government and opposition alike must help to unite the country. Every 
segment of the population is willing to help a proper, thought-out 
campaign which seeks to punish the guilty and help the victims. An 
entire generation is at risk. 


_____________________ OTHER  ______________________



S.H.A.N. SHAN WEB-SITE LAUNCHED

21 May 2000

S.H.A.N. presents Shan Web-site
After months of toil and tears, the Shan Herald Agency for News is  
presenting its own web-site, Shanland.org, in honor of the Shan 
Resistance  Day that falls on 21 May.

It was first started nearly two years ago by two Shan youths, Taiyai 
and  Taiboy, both of whom are still studying in the west. However, 
because of  the workload as well as the high cost of operation, they 
transferred it to  S.H.A.N. late last year.

The Shan web features 4 main sections: Shan Herald Agency for News  
[S.H.A.N.], Shan Human Rights Foundation [S.H.R.F.], Shan Democratic 
Union  [S.D.U.] and the Shan State Army [S.S.A.]. All our old reports 
up to April  can be found there.

All of you are therefore not only welcome to visit it, but are 
earnestly  requested to give us feedback and suggestions for 
improvement. 

If you have any suggestions, please contact Khammon Gawnzoeng 
directly  <shan@xxxxxxxxxxxx>.


Shan Herald Agency for News
http://www.shanland.org 


_______________


Acronyms and abbreviations regularly used by BurmaNet.


AVA: Ava Newsgroup.  A small, independent newsgroup covering Kachin 
State and northern Burma.

KHRG: Karen Human Rights Group.  A non-governmental organization 
that  conducts interviews and collects information primarily in 
Burma's  Karen State but also covering other border areas.

KNU: Karen National Union.  Ethnic Karen organization that has been 
fighting Burma's central government since 1948.

NLM: New Light of Myanmar, Burma's state newspaper.  The New Light of 
Myanmar is also published in Burmese as Myanmar Alin.

SCMP: South China Morning Post.  A Hong Kong newspaper.

SHAN: Shan Herald Agency for News.  An independent news service  
covering Burma's Shan State.

SHRF: Shan Human Rights Foundation

SPDC: State Peace and Development Council.  The current name the  
military junta has given itself.  Previously, it called itself the  
State Law and Order Restoration Council.


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For a subscription to Burma's only free daily newspaper, 
write to: strider@xxxxxxx

You can also contact BurmaNet by phone or fax:

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