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BurmaNet News: July 29, 2001
- Subject: BurmaNet News: July 29, 2001
- From: strider@xxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Sun, 29 Jul 2001 21:59:00
______________ THE BURMANET NEWS ______________
An on-line newspaper covering Burma
July 29, 2001 Issue # 1853
______________ www.burmanet.org _______________
INSIDE BURMA _______
*DVB: Interview with San San Nweh (Tharawaddy)
MONEY _______
*Reuters: Key senator details proposal for Bush trade bill
DRUGS______
*Muslim Information Centre of Burma: Junta recruits porters to move
methamphetamine in Karen State
REGIONAL/INTERNATIONAL _______
*Hoosier Times: Students hope to change homeland
*AFP : EU says sanctions against Myanmar regime to remain EU says
sanctions against Myanmar regime to remain
*Burma Office Japan: On meeting of UN Special Envoy for Myanmar with
Japanese labor officials
*DVB: Exiled group urges government to release jailed MPs
EDITORIALS/OPINION/PROPAGANDA________
*NLD Statement on 19th July (unofficial translation)
*NLD: U Lwin's speech at Martyr's day (translation)
OTHER______
*EarthRights International Internship Openings: Fall 2001 (Washington,
DC Office)
__________________ INSIDE BURMA ____________________
DVB: Interview with San San Nweh (Tharawaddy)
[Received July 27, 2001....date of interview and broadcast unknown]
The Burmese military government recently released the prominent writer
San San Nweh (Tharawaddy). She had been arrested along with her
daughter in 1994. Accused of "producing and sending anti-government
reports to international radio stations and foreign journalists passing
through the country", she was subsequently sentenced to 10 years
imprisonment. Prison officials regarded Daw San San Nweh as an
important prisoner, as the Burmese authorities dare not touch activists
whose issues are raised by international Human Rights groups. The
following is an interview with Daw San San Nweh who was released after
nearly 7 years in Insein prison. This interview was broadcast on July
23 over the DVB (Democratic Voice of Burma) radio, a Norway based
Burmese radio station. The words in brackets are by the translator.
DVB : Would you first please summarize your daily life as you stayed in
prison for 7 years.
San San Nweh: I was put alone in a tiny cell for over one year. Before
that, I was allowed to stay with my daughter. My release came 1 year and
4 months after the release of my daughter, who got ordinary remission.
So I had a companion for 5 years and 7 months, then later stayed alone
in the cell. According to prison rules, I was required to stay in that
cell the entire day except for 35 minutes in the morning and 25 minutes
in the afternoon, during which time I could bathe, wash or walk as I
liked. That's all. I received a meal known as hospital food. For my
diet, I got an egg everyday. If we complained about our health, the
doctor or medical officer came to us. In my case, I went to the
physician when my skin became inflamed. Sometimes it {the health
problem} took time to heal because of the step-by-step procedure. It's
a difficult case. Although the authorities take care of health
problems, it {the prison health care system} doesn't work properly.
DVB: We are aware that political prisoners who are put in tiny cells
constantly face stress. What is your experience?
SSN: I felt frightened whenever I heard the sound of the door being
unlocked. I would immediately worry about why they were opening the
door. When I was asked to collect all my things, I was worried that
some terrible thing had happened at home. Prison is full of secret
things and I didn't know anything in advance. I was allowed to return
home for a short time, but I was informed only upon reaching the house.
It was to meet with the children for a ceremony, offering a meal to the
monks. I prayed when taken because I thought there were problems. So,
it's not okay being in prison as I faced a lot of stress . Unhealthy
people seem to be very close to death in prison.
DVB: The political prisoners are required to use poun zan* in prison.
How about you?
SSN: I felt uncomfortable whenever I had to do this. However, it was not
everywhere. (Ah- how to say) we had to sit according to the rules when
the officials checked around the prison, but we were not forced to bow
our heads and cross our arms in front of our chests. Just sit politely.
We were not asked to stand in pon zan position. We behaved politely and
they did the same.
*('poun-zan' - prison terminology, referring to the position of sitting
cross-legged with arms starightened out and both fists on knees, holding
the body absolutely vertical with the face downward. This position is
for the counting of prisoners and for inspection by prison officials)
DVB: Prison conditions have slightly improved.
SSN: They have improved a little bit and are not as bad as before.
Moreover, ICRC visits prisons inside Burma, right?
DVB: Did you have a chance to talk to ICRC?
SSN: Yes I did. It was a joyful moment for the people in prison because
we were able to recognize ourselves as human when we had the chance to
deal "human-ly" with an association that equally dealt with us as
human. We felt happy about the subjects we talked about. It was the
happiest time.
DVB: Were you able to talk without disturbance?
SSN: I was allowed to talk freely. When we were pulled out of our cells,
we weren't required to sit in Pon Zan position. We spoke in a friendly
manner, freely and without any disturbance. We felt free and light. We
thought about this and were pleased.
DVB: Did the authorities threaten or question you at all?
SSN: No, not at all. They didn't question me. There was an understanding
in advance {between ICRC and the authorities}. That's the condition.
DVB: There was a big improvement after ICRC was allowed to visit and
talk, wasn't there? How about the meal conditions in prison?
SSN: The food stayed the same as usual, Talapaw* curry and rice. Most of
us in the cells received the hospital diet, and got an egg once a day.
In contrast with others {other prisoners} we got an egg. Except for
this, we had to rely on home supply.
(Talapaw curry: Consists of a small amount of various unwashed
vegetables and water. They are put together into a large urn, and then
boiled. The soup always contains leeches, sand or some very tiny pieces
of stone.)
DVB: How was health care and home food supply later {after ICRC}? SSN:
All the medicine and food {that we received} was home supply. We had a
difficult time when we lacked this. The prison health care system only
gives Paracetamol and Dygine* tablets. We got the medicine from home
supply. I received my first {medical} treatment when I returned home.
(Paracetemol is a genereal painkiller, and Dygine is a medicine for
stomach aches)
DVB: According to our knowledge, ICRC also provides medicine to prisons.
SSN: Medicine that is suitable to {cure} disease was rare. When we got
sick, there were times that the medicine supply was more than before.
This was very rare. There are many prisoners. Poor health conditions
exist among the criminals. For this reason, the prisons dreadfully need
more medical supplies.
DVB: There is news that only one needle is used for many sick prisoners.
Some are worried that Burmese prisons have become places which
contribute to the spread of HIV/AIDS. What is the condition according
to your experience? SSN: We collected needles to use for emergency and
"rainy day" cases. They {prison authorities} managed to get new needles
for the political prisoners.
DVB: As a writer, were you allowed to read during your 7 years in
prison? SSN: In prison, I was not allowed to read except for religious
books. My family sent me religious books and they {prison authorities}
censored them. 3 books were rejected. Moreover, during the time of
family visit, we were only allowed to talk about family affairs and our
general well being. Before we met our family members, we had to sign
{on paper} that we would not talk about the conditions inside prison,
or else action would be taken. Even today prisoners have to sign before
family visits.
______________________MONEY________________________
Reuters: Key senator details proposal for Bush trade bill
By Doug Palmer
WASHINGTON, July 25 (Reuters) - In a move aimed at breaking a
seven-year
deadlock in Congress, a key U.S. Democratic senator on Wednesday
outlined a detailed set of proposals to give President George W. Bush
the authority to negotiate broad new trade agreements.
A dispute over whether trade pacts should contain protections for
labor and the environment has prevented renewal of "fast track" trade
legislation - also known as "trade promotion authority" - since it
expired in April 1994. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus
has said he hoped his proposals would lay the groundwork for a bill
both Democrats and Republicans could support.
According to a copy of his proposals obtained by Reuters, the Montana
Democrat's plan would elevate the role of labor and the environment in
future trade talks by requiring U.S. negotiators to seek a commitment
that countries not weaken their laws in those two areas to boost
exports or attract investment.
Baucus's plan also calls for a greater role for the International Labor
Organization in governing world trade, including a pledge by countries
in future trade agreements to abide by the ILO's five core labor
principles.
The United States should back up its commitment to the ILO by banning
imports from Myanmar, which has been rebuked by the ILO for its labor
practices, and by maintaining funding for the U.S. International Labor
Affairs Bureau at not less than $140 million per year, according to
Baucus.
Bush has proposed cutting funding for the bureau, which coordinates
U.S. activity with the ILO, by about half.
In the key area of enforcement, which has been a major sticking point
in this year's trade debate, Baucus's plan would require the president
to select from several strategies to ensure countries live up to labor
and environment commitments.
Those could include sanctions or fines for noncompliance or incentives
to increase adherence to labor and environmental goals, depending on the
trade pact, said Baucus, who was set to outline his proposals to
reporters on Wednesday.
Republicans have been opposed to the use of sanctions to enforce labor
and environmental provisions, fearing they could create new obstacles to
trade and scare developing countries away from trade negotiations.
Democrats have argued labor and environmental provisions have as much
place in trade agreements as other more traditional areas and must be
backed up with "meaningful" enforcement mechanisms.
CONGRESS MONITOR
In another area, Baucus' proposals would create a Congressional Trade
Office to monitor trade talks and ensure congressional objectives have
been met in any final agreement.
Under fast track, Congress gives up its constitutional right to amend
trade agreements negotiated by the executive branch and agrees instead
to vote yes or no on the overall pacts within a specified period of
time.
Supporters say without the legislation countries would refuse to
negotiate seriously with the United States because they know Congress
could change any pact.
Bush wants the authority to forge a free trade zone covering 34
nations from Canada to Chile by 2005 and to help launch a new round of
world trade talks later this year.
Baucus's plan would give the Bush administration fast track authority
for just two years, but allow for a possible three-year extension. It
would also allow Congress to withdraw fast track if it determines the
administration is not pursuing its negotiating objectives.
Another element of Baucus's proposal would bar the administration from
making any trade agreement that weakens U.S. anti-dumping and other
"trade remedy laws."
That could reduce the Bush administration's negotiating leverage in
trade talks because a number of countries, such as Japan and Brazil,
want changes in that area.
________________________DRUGS______________________
Muslim Information Centre of Burma: Junta recruits porters to move
methamphetamine in Karen State
[Abridged]
July, 25, 2001.
On June, 20, 2001, Junta authorities ordered four groups of
villages in Karen State to provide them with porters or money, according
to two villagers who came to Thai-Burma border. Light Infantry Battalion
(LIB) No.547, LIB No. 548 and LIB No.549 led by Strategy commander Major
Than Zaw Htoo and Democratic Buddhist Karen (DKBA) Capt. Moon Daing have
been recruiting porters from 4 groups of villages since early this year.
Each family, which was unable to provide porter, has to give the
authorities Ks.2000 each time. Each village has to provide the
authorities with 10 to 15 porters a day. The porters have to work 5 days
each time
Porters were forced to use Yaba (amphetamine tablets) in Karen state
Junta military authorities forced porters to use (Yaba) drug tablets in
order to carry their more heavy loads in the front lines of Karen State
of Burma, according to 3 porters (names withheld) who escaped on June,
25, 2001. The military authorities were from Infantry Battalion (IB)
No.88 under Light Infantry Division (LID) 77, IB No.8 under (LID) 44 and
IB No. 203 under (LID) 22. The military authorities were led by Major
Soe Win of IB No.8; who recruited the porters from the following
porter-recruiting camps in Mon State of Burma. The porter-recruiting
camps are:-
1. Mok Palin porter-recruiting camp,
2. Taung Zun porter-recruiting camp,
3. Yan Nyein porter-recruiting camp,
4. Zin Gyaik porter-recruiting camp and
5. Tha Ton Won Saung porter-recruiting camp.
___________________ REGIONAL/INTERNATIONAL___________________
Hoosier Times: Students hope to change homeland
IU administers scholarship program for students from nation formerly
known as Burma
By John Meunier ,
Herald-Times Staff Writer
July 21, 2001
Bloomington
The military junta in Rangoon has been known to call it the Indiana
University School for Terrorists.
Since 1995, IU has administered a federal scholarship program to bring
Burmese refugees to the United States, where they can get the education
they will need to guide the Southeast Asian nation of about 50 million
if it starts a transition toward democracy.
In 1962, a military coup toppled the civilian government of Burma ?
called Myanmar by the current regime.
Pro-democracy demonstrations in 1988 were violently suppressed by the
military.
Since that time, the United Nations, U.S. government and human rights
groups say, the military junta has killed and jailed citizens unjustly
and denied any real political freedom.
Opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991 for
her struggle for democratic reforms.
The repression has created a flood of refugees.
Five students come to Bloomington each year from among the thousands
living in India or Thailand after fleeing the military's 1988 crackdown.
Their stories are often heartbreaking ? such as the woman who fled her
home leaving an infant child behind, a child she hasn't seen and who
would now be a teen-ager.
Their stories lend some credence to the junta's claim.
One student hijacked an airplane from Burma to Thailand to get out of
the country.
Their stories all start in a fearful September in 1988.
It was the night of Sept. 22 when Ngun Cung Lian's uncle brought a
message that would change his life.
Orders had just come in to the office where Lian's uncle worked. Lian
and nine other pro-democracy demonstrators were to be arrested the next
day.
It had taken four days for the military junta, which struck Sept. 18, to
get word to the remote and tiny village of Matupi, near the Indian
border, but word had finally come.
Lian took leave of the house that night ? not telling his Baptist
minister father or mother of his plans. With almost nothing but the
clothes on their backs, a group of 13 set out at 4 a.m. into the jungle.
They walked for seven days, avoiding the craggy roads where police
might be.
India did not welcome the band with open arms. Lian was jailed for a
month, but not sent back.
Lian's father was summoned to police headquarters shortly after his son
fled. He was compelled to disown his son and still must report from time
to time to authorities to pledge that he has had no contact with him.
After a time crammed into a refugee camp, Lian signed up with the Chin
National Front, an opposition group for the ethnic minority Chin people.
For the next several years, Lian fought the government ? at times on
the front line.
He said he never fired his gun except in self-defense. He rarely even
saw the men with whom he was trading shots. "My bullets may have hit
someone in the Burmese army, maybe," he said.
After a 1994 bout with malaria that nearly killed him, Lian asked for
his leave from the front lines of the Chin National Front.
He made his way to New Delhi and a few years later, to Indiana
University. The federal scholarship program started in 1990 provides
two years of support for Burmese refugees who show promise to be
potential leaders in a democratic Burma.
Lian arrived in Bloomington in October 1996. His "American name" is
Andrew. After finishing coursework in English as a second language, he
got a degree in international economics and cultural affairs at
Valparaiso University.
Nearly all of the 30 students who have come to IU on the scholarship
program have gone on to attend an Indiana college or university. Lian
returned to IU where he is doing doctoral work at the IU School of Law.
This weekend, he is taking part in a first ever conference for Burmese
students from around the world who want to discuss the things they
should be doing to prepare for a democratic Burma.
Lian, 35, said he is hopeful that there will be real change within the
next five years. It won't be democracy as Americans know it. That will
take much longer ? maybe 50 years.
But he thinks the time is close for the first steps.
"Enough is enough," Lian said. "Even military governments tire of
fighting and keeping their power. ... Both sides are really tired. Maybe
people can forgive and forget."
When change comes, he will go home.
In a country that has closed down its universities, he plans to do what
he can to rebuild the educational structure of the country. He will
leave to others aspirations of political office.
"I don't know how it will be when I go back to Burma," he said. "It
might be that I'll be more aggressive, more Western in my thinking. I
think though that I am still Asian." To Americans, his deferential
manner bears no marks of aggressive Western attitudes.
However his time in Indiana may have changed his social habits, it has
touched him in a much deeper way. "I always feel that I owe thanks to
the U.S. people and the U.S. tax payers," he said. "Unless they pay, I
would not be here."
Reporter John Meunier can be reached at 331-4363 or by e-mail at
jmeunier@xxxxxxxxxxx
___________________________________________________
AFP : EU says sanctions against Myanmar regime to remain EU says
sanctions against Myanmar regime to remain
by Martin Abbugao
HANOI, July 27 (AFP) - The European Union said Friday its sanctions
against the military regime in Myanmar would stay in place until
"definite and positive" progress towards restoring democracy was made.
The junta's recent release of dozens of political prisoners was welcome
but the Myanmar government had to go much further down the road in its
secret talks with opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, EU leaders said
in Hanoi after meeting Southeast Asian nations.
Asked about a lifting of sanctions, External Affairs Commissioner Chris
Patten said: "My own judgement is until there is significant progress on
the political front in Burma/Myanmar, the common position of the
European Union will stay the same."
Belgian Foreign Minister Louis Michel, whose country is the current
holder of the EU presidency, said "more generally we are not in favour
of sanctions because the sanctions very often reach the people and not
the authorities". "But we are waiting now for definite and positive
evolutions there. I think the ball is in their camp," he told a news
conference with Patten.
The EU sanctions, including a visa ban on junta officials, will be
reviewed in the autumn after being renewed for six more months in
April.
Dozens of political prisoners have been freed from jail over the past
few weeks, in what have been hailed as signs of progress from
nine-month-old talks between Aung San Suu Kyi and Myanmar's ruling
State Peace and Development Council (SPDC).
On Thursday the government released a couple closely related to Aung San
Suu Kyi, for the first time freeing political prisoners before their
sentences were completed.
"I think the European Union has noticed that some progress was made in
the good direction of this level and on the field of progress for
reconciliation," Michel said.
"There is a lot of expectation in this situation. We hope now that
Burma/Myanmar will put more definite steps.
"Of course we noticed that they made free some detainees but we are
looking forward to have some... definite and important steps,
significant steps. " Patten said planned visits in September by
Malaysia's Razali Ismail, a special envoy of UN Secretary General Kofi
Annan who has been brokering the Myanmar talks, and a team from the
International Labour Organisation were encouraging signs.
"I hope that the process is not only irreversible, but I hope as well
that it's a lot more rapid because while we've seen some hopeful signs,
we want to see a great deal more progress made," he said.
"We don't seek from the outside to impose a solution but we want to see
a solution which involves all the people of Burma/Myanmar."
Both the EU officials referred to the country by its old and new names,
after earlier this week sticking to Burma in contradiction to the
junta's insistence on Myanmar.
The sanctions have strained relations between the EU and the Association
of Southeast Asian Nations, which includes Myanmar. The visa ban on
junta officials could scupper an EU-ASEAN meeting planned to be held in
Europe in November.
The EU has in turn criticised the "constructive engagement" policy of
ASEAN and Australia towards the regime, and Michel this week criticised
a statement on Myanmar issued in Hanoi by the ASEAN Regional Forum as
"rather weak". In an interview with AFP, Myanmar Foreign Minister Win
Aung said the prisoners' release showed that the talks with Aung San
Suu Kyi remained on track.
But he refused to give a timeframe for multi-party elections or define
the type of government that might emerge from a breakthrough in the
talks with the Nobel laureate opposition leader.
___________________________________________________
Burma Office Japan: On meeting of UN Special Envoy for Myanmar with
Japanese labor officials
Hearing from the Meeting of Mr. Ismail Razali, Special Envoy of United
Nations General Secretary to Burma and the leaders of RENGO (Labor
Unions) of Japan
On Wednesday, May 5, 2001 in Tokyo, Japan, the official
from MOFA informed RENGO for a visit of Special Envoy of Mr. Ismail
Razali to RENGO. In the afternoon of Thursday (May6, 2001), he met
General Secretary, Mr. Kiyoshi Sasamori of RENGO with MOFA (Japan)
officials.
Mr. I. Razali told that he visited RENGO to listen to
views on of Burma affairs by the Japanese organizations in Japan.
Mr. K. Sasamori explained that " the International Confederation of Free
Trade Unions (ICFTU), its Asia-Pacific Regional Organization
(ICFTU-APRO) and the International Trade Secretariats (ITS) held the
International ICFTU/ICFTU-APROS/ITS Conference on "Democracy for Burma
and the ILO Resolution: Trade Unions in support" in Tokyo for two days
from February 28 to March 1, 2001, and adopted the "Global Unions" Tokyo
Declaration and Plan of Action on Burma." For that reason, RENGO decided
to establish the Burma Office (Japan) in Tokyo for Burmese democratic
organizations and Federation of Trade Unions-Burma (FTUB) for supporting
of restoration of democracy and the movements of democratic unions in
Burma. He also relayed the message from Burma Office (Japan) that
suggests Mr. Razali to lure Burma's military regime to show off vividly
their willing and honest process for real dialogue between opposition
leader Nobel Laureate Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and their ruling military
leaders of State Peace and Development Council.
They discussed about one hour for Burmese affairs, especially the
problems of dialogue, ODA and forced labors.
Dialogue
According to the saying of Mr. Razali that he has been to
Burma eight times and he got a chance to meet with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.
It is Japanese government's pressure to military junta not to restrict
Mr. Razali's visit. He also mentioned that without dialogue, it is
difficult to resolve the stalemate. The peoples are now suffering from
various deceases. Medicines of HIV and malaria deceases are scarce. In
reality, there is no development in Burma after 1990. It has left 35
years behind the other Asian nations.
The process of dialogue between Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and military junta
is very important for Burma. There is no progressing for dialogue
between the period of March and May. Now the military regime releases
some political prisoners because of international pressure. For this
surprised development, the military junta is disappointing.
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's priority for dialogue is to release
all political prisoners. She also said that the process of dialogue
should be fast. The pressure from Japan to SPDC is important. Daw Suu
also mentioned that the support of EU is also vital. Finally she also
suggested that the international circles and the Japanese government
should demand to release all political prisoners in Burma.
ODA
For the problem of ODA, Mr. Sasamori of RENGO and Mr.
Razali referred the assistance of hydroelectric power plant, especially
the Japanese ODA for repairing of hydroelectric dam in Karenni State.
Mr. Sasamori of RENGO said that his mother institution is Tokyo
Electrical Power Co. Ltd. He understands the essential of electricity.
But the distribution system in Burma is too discriminated and too biased
for military elites. It is not for the ordinary people. Therefore, his
organization had already sent a letter to Japanese government to
reconsider ODA for Burma. Mr. Sasamori also pointed out that the
dialogue process should be transparent.
According to Mr. Razali that Daw Suu and U Aung Shwe are
also agreed the shortage of energy in Burma. But Daw Suu clearly stated
that timing for continuation of ODA for repairing of Baluchaung
hydroelectric plant is not proper. If Japan assumes to give ODA, she
will be unhappy for the wrong period. Mr. Sasamori also agrees with Daw
Suu comments. Mr. Sasamori said that RENGO would suggest the policy of
ODA to the Japanese government again.
Mr. Razali told that Japan has a right to pressure for the restoration
of democracy in Burma. Because Japan have been giving a lot of ODA to
Burma. Therefore ODA should be used as the tool for political pressure.
The SPDC is afraid of Japan's standing which is moving to the circle of
EU and USA. Political issue is more essential.
Forced Labor
Mr. Sasamori of RENGO mentioned that the SPDC is still
utilizing the system of forced labor in Burma. Mr. Razali told that SPDC
has decided to accept the survey team for enforced labor in Burma
because of the international pressure. The United Nations also urged to
abolish the system of forced labor. If the system of enforced labor is
still utilization in Burma, the international communities will give more
pressure to SPDC. He is doing for his best as an optimist. He is willing
to have the support from RENGO.
Additional News
RENGO leaders met with the Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuo Fukuda on
Monday (July9, 2001). Mr. Y. Fukuda promised to discuss Burma problem
after July 29, House of Councilors election.
___________________________________________________
DVB: Exiled group urges government to release jailed MPs
Text of report by DVB on 25 July
Although the SPDC military government has claimed that all the elected
representatives [MPs] have been released from government guest houses
and detention centres, the exiled elected representatives from
Parliamentarians Union has issued a statement stating that 33 elected
representatives still remain in SPDC jails. The following excerpts of
the statement give details of the jailed elected representatives.
Of the 33 jailed elected representatives, 30 are from the National
League for Democracy [NLD], two from the Mon National Democratic Front,
and one from the National Democratic Party for Human Rights with their
sentences ranging from three to 25 years. Seven elected representatives
are being held in Insein Jail, five in Tharawaddy Jail, five in
Mandalay Jail, four in Thayet Jail, three in Myingyan Jail, three in
Moulmein Jail, two in Myitkyina Jail, and one each in Toungoo, Bassein,
Kale, and Pyapon Jails.
A total of 485 representatives were elected in the 1990 multiparty
democracy general election with NLD capturing 392 seats. At present the
SPDC multiparty democracy general election commission has recognized
only 149 elected representatives. Furthermore, 38 elected
representatives have passed away during the past 11 years with 123
elected representatives forced to relinquish their seats. Altogether
there are 24 elected representatives who went into exile for various
reasons. The statement also strongly urged the military government to
unconditionally release all the 33 jailed elected representatives.
___________EDITORIALS/OPINION/PROPAGANDA__________
NLD statement on 19th July (unofficial translation)
National League for Democracy
No: (97/B), West Shwegonedine Road
Bahan Township, Rangoon
Discourse on the 54 anniversary of martyrs' day.
"Consequences of the 19th July"
Regicide was practiced in the Padethayit era in Union of Burma. The
group of power grabbers in the palace believed in pulling strings and
getting the performers to dance according to their wishes. After King
Mendon (who organized the 5th Buddhist Synod) King Thebaw ascended the
throne through this process of regicide. Crown Prince Kanaungmintha and
other princes were all brutally killed.
Embracing the principle "kill and grab power" a group in the palace
enthroned King Theban but he was weak and stupid. After seven years
monarchial rule came to an end. The country was under colonial rule in
1885 when independence was lost.
Fifty-four years ago today (19 July 2001) our national leader, architect
of our independence, father of the tatmadaw Bogyoke Aung San and other
heroes were assassinated. Galon U Saw, one time prime minister wanted
political power. It must be said that instead of using the democratic
process, he resorted to a short-cut process by the use of force.
By the death of Bogyoke Aung San and the heroes the entire country has
suffered a great loss. It is necessary here to define the duties of each
of the fallen heroes.
- Bogyoke Aung San was the leader of the AFPFL government.
- Thakin Mya was the Minister for Home Affairs.
- U Ba Cho was the Minister for Information.
- U Razak was the Minister for National Planning.
- U Ba Win was the Minister for Supply and Trade.
- Mahn Ba Khine was the Minister for Industry and Labor.
- Maingpun Sawbwa Sai San Tun was the Minister for the Frontier Areas.
- U Ohn Maung (ICS) was the Secretary for the Department of Roads and
Communications.
- Ko Htwe was Mr Razak's bodyguard.
Let us examine the living conditions, prosperity and political
circumstances of the country during six periods when political power was
gained through the democratic process and when political power was
obtained by force of arms.
1. AFPFL government period ( 1948 - 1958)
1948 to 1958 the AFPFL ruled. It was a government elected by the people.
Because of differences in political ideologies there was civil war.
Two thirds of the Union of Burma was under the control of multi colored
insurgents. The biggest groups were the communists whose creed was to
gain power by force of arms and the KNDO (now KNU) whose main objective
was to obtain its own territory for its own people.
In accordance with the Candy Agreement, the strength of the Burmese
Tatmadaw was limited to 5000 soldiers and 200 officers. This was
insufficient for the protection of the country. Consequently the AFPFL
government recruited students, youths, adults, civil servants, members
of the police and military forces and formed volunteer organizations
such as the Pyusawhtis giving them arms to suppress the rebels. On one
hand it had to follow the democratic process and on the other hand it
had to resort to force of arms to extinguish the fires of rebellions
that was raging around the country.
Despite all this, the education, health and economy of the country did
not deteriorate badly. Every citizen was comfortably well off, they had
enough to eat, medicines were available and living standard was
noticeably higher. This was because democracy was alive and well and
countries of the world recognized and respected it.
The essence of democracy is freedom of expression, freedom of
association, freedom to work, freedom to worship, and an independent
judiciary and the Union of Burma enjoyed all these freedoms.
On the 18 April 1955, U Nu as Prime minister signed the Peaceful
Co-existence Bandung Agreement with Chou En Lei (Prime Minister of
China), Jeharwala Nehru (Prime Minister of India), Nasser (Prime
Minister of Egypt), Dr. Sukarno, (Prime Minister of Indonesia). Because
of Burma's correct political stance, U Thant, Burma's permanent
representative to the UN was appointed the Secretary General of the
United Nations General Assembly on the 3rd November 1961. He served two
terms in that office. He worked relentlessly to negotiate between the
different groups to prevent a third world war, and to maintain peace in
the world.
Economists maintain that though Burma suffered from conflicting
political ideologies internally during the AFPFL era, it was an advanced
country in the South East Asia.
2. Caretaker Government period (1958-60)
This Caretaker Government was born out of a wrong perception by the Nu
Tin (U NU + U Tun) and the Tatmadaw. That was when it was a very
critical time for Prime Minister U Nu's future. The country's political
fortunes depended upon his decision. With great misgiving he decided to
hand over the government to General Ne Win, the army head to replace him
and create political conditions so that a new free and fair election
could be held.
On the afternoon of the 26 September U Nu declared that his government
was handing over state power to Chief of Staff and in accordance with
the constitution he would be declared Prime Minister on the 28th
October. Also, that the caretaker government would restore the rule of
law and conduct free and fair elections within 6 months of its
inceptions.
In doing so, U Nu failed to solve political issues by political means.
State power given to him by the people he handed over to the military
chief of staff.
The Caretaker government could not fulfil its obligations within the
period of 6 months so the period had to be extended by a further 6
months and a temporary amendment to Section 116 of the Constitution had
to be made.
3. The First Government period (1960 - 62)
The AFPFL that was founded by Bogyoke Aung San split into two not on
principle but based on personalities. (The "Clean" and the "Stable"). U
Nu's Pyi Daung Su party (PaHtaSa) won the elections and state power was
handed back to them on the 4th April 1960. U Nu became the Prime
Minister for the fourth time.
Again in this PaHtaSa party there were rival factions calling themselves
"U", "Bo" and "Thakin". Just as there is freedom to disagree, there is
freedom to agree in the democratic system. These political issues have
to be solved through a political process.
On the 2nd March 1962, the Army Chief of Staff giving federalism as an
excuse, took over state power and arrested all the members of the
government. After that democracy and human rights ended in Burma.
4) Revolutionary Council period (1962- 1974)
The Revolutionary Council was military rule. There was no such a thing
as democracy and human rights was zero. The Tatmadaw in seizing
political power demonstrated a complete disregard for the 1947
constitution drawn up by national leaders headed by Bogyoke Aung San.
The Revolutionary Council created its own Burmese Socialist Program
Party (BSPP) and after years of procrastination in 1974 wrote a new
constitution, which the people were forced to vote for. Then elections
were held under the BSPP one party system and a government was formed.
Proclaiming that state power would be transferred to the people, the
Revolution Council Chairman General Ne Win handed over power to the
Chairman of the State Council U Ne Win. What difference was there?
5) State Council or BSPP period (1974- 1988)
The State Council BSPP one party system left no room for democracy and
human rights in the Union of Burma. The heavy burden that people
suffered was made even heavier. For 26 long years the people suffered
bitterly.
This BSPP party appropriated state funds and was constituted by civil
servants in the guise of a political party. In democratic countries,
political parties are not only forbidden from appropriating state funds,
they are forbidden from using any state properties whatsoever.
6) State Law and Order Restoration Council and State Peace And
Development Council period - 1988 to date. Because of the uprising for
democracy and human rights, Dr. Maung Maung who became the President and
the Chairman of the State Council handed state power to the Military and
the BSPP government was abolished.
The Military formed the State Law and Order Council on 18 September 1988
and proclaimed that it would (a) maintain law and order,
(b) provide smooth and secure transportation,
(c) improve conditions of food, clothing and shelter for the people and
(d) hold multi-party elections.
But we now have exorbitant commodity prices; the result of the elections
has not been honored; the Pyithu Hluttaw has not been called.
The State Peace and Development Council to which power has been
transferred have not improved matters. Very noticeably, political,
economic and social conditions have deteriorated and worsened.
Just compare the social, political and economic conditions in the
periods when a democratically elected government ruled the country and
when it was under a government, which obtained power by force. When was
it worse? When was it better? The truth cannot be hidden.
Among the poorest countries of the world, Burma stands last.
To obtain Burma's freedom, Bogyoke Aung San and those martyred national
leaders who sacrificed and worked relentlessly became victims of
assassins who believed in the use of force to gain power. Moreover, the
country today is suffering immense hardships in all aspects of life.
Martyrs' Day has come about as the consequence of the principle of
killing people for power and using weapons to control. This day should
not be forgotten nor treated indifferently. Doing so will amount to
destroying the memory of Bogyoke Aung San and the heroes of our
independence.
Had these leaders not lost their lives, the democratic system will be
alive and well. Political solutions could be found for the issues and
problems relating to the nationalities.
Along with Bogyoke Aung San, Thakin Mya, U Ba Cho, U Razak and other
leaders would have been able to preserve democracy and the rule of law
in the country.
Therefore, let us commemorate this martyrs day and not let the memory of
the sacrifices they made be dimmed. Also let us be conscious of the
injurious consequences of relying on force and arms. For the good of
the Union of Burma let us join hands and work together for democracy.
Rangoon, 19 July 2001.
___________________________________________________
NLD: U Lwin's speech at Martyr's day (translation)
National League for Democracy
97/b West Shwegondine,
Bahan Township, Yangon.
Opening address by the Chairman
on the occasion of the
54th Martyrs Day Ceremony.
(19 July 2001)
Mingala to all,
1. Today marks the 54th anniversary of martyrs' day. On the 19th July
1947 our government leaders Bogyoke Aung San, Thakin Mya, U Ba Cho, U
Razak, U Ba Win, Mahn Ba Khine, Maingpon Sawbwagyi Sai San Tun, U Ohn
Maung (Secretary) and bodyguard Ko Htwe were gunned down by power-mad
men and believers of the rule of might. It was an event that has not
been forgotten to date. The people are still sorrowing, bleeding and
weeping over similar events till this day.
Since we have all experienced the consequences of the 19th July event
there is no need to elaborate on it. Most of the country will recall how
these fallen leaders worked enthusiastically and persistently for the
good of all and with no thought for themselves. At times when we are
surrounded with insurmountable problems we might just long for Bogyoke
and dream about what he would be saying to us to give us hope and
encouragement. We will be probably hearing his voice in the speeches he
made. It is a shame that we have lost these leaders who worked
tirelessly, striving and giving priority to work that would be
beneficial to most people at the risk of losing their own lives. This
longing for them is no surprise.
2. Because of the integrity of such leaders, the country was able to
hold its head high not only in Asia but in the entire world. Because of
Burma's good reputation, U Thant our permanent representative at the UN
was chosen for the position of General Secretary at a time when the
great powers were in conflict.
Between March 1945 to 19th July 1947 the AFPFL headed by U Aung San was
the strongest organised party in the history of Burma
On the 8th waning day of Tazaungmon (BE 1247) the Burmese kingdom was
lost because the people broke ranks, and from then on our glory waned.
On the 27th March 1945 all the Burmese nationalities united and
overthrew the Japanese Fascists. From that day on we gained prestige
within and without the country.
We were able to build up the political organization known as the Anti
Fascist Peoples Freedom League (AFPFL).
>From the 19th July 1947, this big organization slowly diminished because
of evil doctrines based on dependency on weapons and the force of arms.
The prestige and integrity that could have been part of our history
diminished and descended. Very sadly, the AFPFL disintegrated. "When
the cattle herd breaks up the tiger attacks" is the Burmese saying.
3. On the 2nd March 1962, when the army seized power, the splintered
AFPFL (Stable and Clean) lost its place on the political stage. Though
the Burma Socialist Program Party (BSPP) government snuffed out the 7th
July demonstrations, other demonstrations followed. Finally the
socialist government fell after the 8.8.88 demonstrations. Again the
army seized power.
It is an extraordinary phenomenon that in this second military take over
period, legally constituted political parties still exist. More
extraordinary is the fact that the National League for Democracy headed
by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi won 80 percent of the seats in a valid election
and are operating as the opposition to the military government.
On one occasion when Singapore Prime Minister Go Chok Taung visited
Burma to study the situation prior to Burma's entry in ASEAN he
unequivocally remarked that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is a political power.
4. How much is the political reputation of the NLD increasing? We can
say that it is increasing. It is now very important to control
ourselves. Our organization needs to be disciplined, strong and solid.
More important than displaying signboards is the ability to work
together with integrity and honesty within the association itself. If we
honor our martyred leaders we will examine our weaknesses and correct
our shortcomings quickly. Humbly and simply I say that we still have
time. The past thirteen years of grief and sorrow will be recorded and
is history now. The thirteen years of turbulence and storms have been
weathered with patience and now our hearts desire for dialogue has been
achieved. Had we broken ranks as happened on the 8th waning day of
Tazaungmon 1247 BE we would have been like the cows that were attacked
by tigers in the period prior to the 2nd March 1962. Before long we
should be able to build a genuine democratic Union of Burma.
Thank you all for attending and all of those who helped to make this
commemoration of the 54th anniversary of martyr's day a success.
19 July 2001.
______________________OTHER______________________
EarthRights International Internship Openings: Fall 2001 (Washington,
DC Office)
http://www.earthrights.org/about/intern.html
EarthRights International(ERI) is seeking applicants to serve as full-
or part-time Research Associates and Program Associates during September
- December 2001 in ERI's U.S. Office in Washington, DC.
Research Associates
Research Associates will perform a combination of legal research,
writing, and organizing, and will be involved first-hand in the
organization and implementation of ERI's unique Resource Center.
Previous and current projects include legal research and writing on
litigation in which ERI's attorneys are co-counsel, including the
groundbreaking Doe v.Unocal; research on topical human rights and
environmental issues; assisting in conducting advocacy campaigns, such
as the International Right To Know campaign; work on a draft
constitution for Burma; and research on the U.N. Draft Declaration on
the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Research Associates also assisted in
writing for Total Denial Continues, published in May 2000.
Research Associate Qualifications
We are looking for law students who are highly motivated, organized,
mature, and self-directed. Applicants should be second- or third-year
students with excellent writing skills and a background in human rights
and/or environmental issues. Experience working on litigation, policy
issues, advanced research projects or building coalitions is helpful.
Program Associates
Program Associates will assume program responsibilities such as
providing research and writing assistance to project directors and
coordinators, and writing short articles and bulletins for the internet
and longer reports. In addition, they will assist in general office
management, such as maintaining the organization's files and databases
and answering postal and e-mail correspondence. In addition, they will
Previous and current projects include research on topical human rights
and environmental issues; assisting in conducting advocacy campaigns,
such as the International Right To Know campaign; and assisting in the
development of ERI's web site.
Program Associate Qualifications
We are looking for exceptional undergraduate students who are highly
motivated, organized, mature, and self-directed. Applicants should have
excellent writing skills, and a background in human rights and/or
environmental issues is preferred. Experience working on policy issues
and advanced research projects or building coalitions is helpful.
Application Requirements
As ERI is unable to provide a salary or stipend, we are particularly
interested in students who will bring their own funding. We are,
however, able to arrange for credit with your law school, college or
university. Associates are responsible for their travel costs, living
costs, local transportation, and other personal expenses.
Students interested in the position of Research Associate or Program
Associate should submit a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and
transcript. E-mail is preferred. Please send a copy to
infousa@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx ERI prefers to conduct interviews of
applicants in person, but if this is not feasible, a telephone interview
will be arranged.
Application deadline: SEPTEMBER 15, 2001.
About EarthRights International
EarthRights International is a 501(c)(3) non profit organization that
works to protect human rights and the environment by combining the power
of law and the power of people. ERI investigates and exposes human
rights and environmental abuses, and works to increase transparency and
accountability of governments, transnational corporations (TNCs) and
International Financial Institutions (IFIs) as they undertake investment
and development activities.
Through its Resource Center in Washington, D.C., ERI is currently
co-counsel in three lawsuits against oil companies for human rights
abuses and environmental harms in Burma and Nigeria, and in one against
the chemical company Union Carbide, for human rights and environmental
harms resulting from the 1984 Bhopal disaster. The Resource Center also
coordinates campaigns that build coalitions between human rights and
environmental groups.
Contact Information
Internship Program
EarthRights International
2012 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Ste 500
Washington, D.C. 20036
Tel/Fax: +1 202 466 5188/ +1 202 466 5189
E-mail: infousa@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
URL: www.earthrights.org
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