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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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