SHAN TROOPS ATTACK TACHILEK
On 20 Mar, Shan troops of the Merng Tai Army launched a dawn commando-style attack on the border garrison town of Tachilek, across from Thailand's Mae Sai. The 4-hour battle claimed the lives of 10 Burmese soldiers, 3 MTA Shans and some civilians. The fighting closed down the border crossing and affected the tourist trade. More than 3,000 refugees were said to have fled into Thailand to escape the fighting. Sao Gunzate, Chairman of the Shan State National Congress, said that the attack had three purposes: to let the Karen National Union know that they are not alone in their fight against the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) regime in Rangoon; to demonstrate to SLORC that the MTA has the capability to strike at any time and at any place it wants to; and to retaliate against a SLORC attack on the Shan village of Phu Luang on 16 Mar, which left scores of civilians dead and wounded. Sao Gunzate said, ``If the Burmese... come to our home with violent means, we will respond in kind to protect ourselves.'' He also warned that if SLORC continued to suppress the Shan people, the development of the `Growth Quadrangle' proposed by Thailand, Laos, China, and SLORC, will be disrupted. However, referring to Thailand's recent offer to mediate between the KNU and SLORC, Sao Gunzate said that the SSNC is also ready to negotiate, especially if China and Laos also mediated [BPWR950331, F950330]. See related stories on page 5 and 6 - Ed.
SLORC SEEKS INDIAN FUNDS
On 10 Apr, SLORC Trade Minister Lieutenant-General Tun Kyi urged Indian industrialists to invest in Burma. He was in New Delhi to preside over the opening ceremony of the border trading post between India and Burma. The two countries signed a cross-border trade agreement in January 1994. Tun Kyi said, ``I want you to know the real situation in Burma. There have been no killings of monks, students and innocent civilians by the military regime.... and we protect human rights and have democracy.'' Indo-Burmese trade in 1993-4 was US$138 million compared to US$27 million in 1989-90 [AFP/B950411]. Indian Commerce Minister Palaniappan Chidambaram visited Rangoon on 17 Feb [N950219].
KARENS BEGIN CEASE-FIRE TALKS
Nyunt Swe, SLORC Deputy Foreign Minister, told reporters in Bangkok that low-level talks between SLORC and the Karen National Union (KNU) began in March. The talks came after General Bo Mya ordered KNU troops on 24 Mar to refrain from initiating attacks against SLORC positions. Nyunt Swe said that if politics can be left out, peace can be achieved. The KNU and other ethnic peoples have long insisted that a political agreement is needed to solve Burma's civil war. Nyunt Swe met with the new Thai Foreign Minister Krasae Chanawongse and turned down Thailand's offer to mediate between the KNU and SLORC. He said, ``We can solve our problems our way.'' Following the meeting, Krasae stated that he believed economic development in Burma will eventually lead to democracy and that human rights issues will be sorted out [N950330].
KARENNIS AGREE TO CEASE-FIRE
On March 7, the Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP) agreed to a cease-fire with SLORC. The KNPP declared that it intends to carry on and achieve its six political objectives, including the democratic rights of the Karenni people and the freedom of the Karenni State. This statement was made following SLORC's claim that the KNPP had surrendered [KNPP950324].
ACTIVISTS ARRESTED AT FUNERAL
On 20 Feb, fifty young people were arrested in Rangoon for shouting slogans at the funeral procession of former prime minister U Nu. Two of those arrested, Maung Maung Oo and Moe Myat Thu, were reportedly badly beaten by military intelligence agents. Moe Myat Thu is said to be close to detained democracy leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. Others arrested include Aung Zeya, Aye Aye Moe, Moe Kalayar, Maung Maung Wan, Ni Ni, Tin Than Oo and Ye Ye Htun. On 5 Apr, the BBC announced that nine of those arrested were sentenced to 7 years in prison and two who tried to escape were given 20 years [AI/B/BBC/BIG950317].
THAN SHWE VISITS VIETNAM
Senior General Than Shwe, SLORC Chairman and Prime Minister, arrived in Hanoi for a 5-day official visit on 9 Mar [N950310].
E.U. CONCERNED ABOUT ATTACKS
On 13 Mar, French President Edouard Balladur, on behalf of the European Union, expressed grave anxiety at the consequences of SLORC's offensive against the KNU. He said that the military offensive is in ``total opposition to the policy of national reconciliation preached by the Burmese government.'' The EU called for a peaceful solution to the civil war and reiterated its concern that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has not yet been released [B950318].
U.S. MAY DOWNGRADE RELATIONS
On 8 Mar, US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Thomas Hubbard said that SLORC has failed to take even modest steps to improve its bilateral relations with the U.S. Given the lack of political reform and progress in fighting drug trafficking, and SLORC's abysmal human rights record, Hubbard warned that the US might downgrade its ties. According to State Department officials, the US could re-designate its representative in Rangoon from the current ambassadorial level to a lower one. This would require SLORC to withdraw its ambassador to Washington. Such an action might be delayed until July to see if SLORC will release Daw Aung San Suu Kyi [B950311, N950311].
BO MYA HANDS OVER DEFENCE
Following the 7-16 Mar emergency meeting of the KNU Central Standing Committee, President General Bo Mya handed over the KNU Defence portfolio to Vice President General Tamlabaw and the Foreign Affairs portfolio to Department Secretary Arthur Shwe. KNU Justice Minister Saw Htoo Htoo Lay was assigned the task of reorganizing the KNU's internal structure. The Committee agreed to convene the KNU Congress at the earliest possible date and re-affirmed the KNU's firm stand in the struggle against military dictatorships and for the establishment of democracy, peace and a genuine federal union [KNU950319].
BURMESE ARRESTED AT SEMINAR
On 30 Mar, 36 Burmese democracy activists were arrested by Thai police while attending a development management training seminar in Chiang Mai. Exiled Member of Parliament, Daniel Aung, was one of those arrested. He and his colleagues were fined and sent back to the border [B950401].
U.N. WANTS SECURITY INCREASED
UN High Commissioner for Refugees representative in Bangkok Ruprecht von Amim said at a news conference on 22 Mar that the UN has asked Thailand to step up security for refugee camps on the Burmese border. The SLORC-backed Democratic Kayin Buddhist Organization has been kidnapping leaders and attacking refugee camps in Thailand since the beginning of 1995. The UNHCR also wants to move the camps deeper inside Thailand and send roving protection officers to monitor the border situation. Thailand has acknowledged that the ethnic refugees are civilians caught in a conflict and should not be sent back [Reu950322].
THAI RANGER KILLED
A Thai ranger was killed and his partner wounded by suspected DKBO guerrillas and SLORC troops. The rangers were on duty in their bunker outside Ban Mae Samrab in Mae Sarieng District when they were beckoned out. Thinking the Burmese wanted to talk, they went to investigate and were shot [B950316].
MILITARY TELEVISION LAUNCHED
On 27 March, Myanmar TV Myawady, a new military TV station, went on the air. The new TV station will produce its daily program on the NTSC system [AFP/BPWR940331, X950321].
U KYAW HLAING, 48, Arakan student leader, passed away in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on 18 Feb. He was Chairman of the Arakan Independence Organization from 1984-88, Chairman, Arakan Liberation Party 1988-1990, and served as honourary president of the National United Front of Arakan and as an advisor of the Democratic Alliance of Burma (DAB). He also assisted in the establishment of the All Burma Students Democratic Front in 1988.
AUSTRALIA:
CANADA:
HONG KONG:
INDONESIA:
ITALY:
JAPAN:
MALAYSIA:
SINGAPORE:
THAILAND:
On 1 Apr, SLORC Secretary-1 Lieut-Gen Khin Nyunt and Chairman of the Myanmar Education Committee spoke at the closing ceremony of Special Refresher Course No.15 for Basic Education Teachers. Following are excerpts from his speech:
``Everyone is aware of the advances we have made in the field of political, economic, and social development. However, local and foreign elements who oppose our country's development are interfering... and sowing anti-government sentiments... The ethnic peoples have slowly abandoned opium production due to the government's persuasion... Only Khun Sa's Loimaw drug bandits remain... He has formed front organizations abroad to carry out anti-government activities... One of Khun Sa's drug dealing centres, the Shan State Association (USA), managed by Sai Khun Pha, sponsored a Shan State Conference in New York in January. It was attended by nine bogus groups... They are all Khun Sa affiliates wearing political masks... The leaders of Khun Sa's bogus organizations are former Shan terrorists who fled to other countries. Khun Sa called them to Ho Merng to attend his political courses. After completing their courses, they were sent back to traffic in drugs under the cover of political organizations. Through these groups, Khun Sa is attempting to infiltrate other anti-Myanmar organizations, anti-government insurgents and other opposition groups... Among those who are associating with Khun Sa is Peter Bourne, who served as Adviser for Narcotic Affairs under former US President Jimmy Carter... This proves Khun Sa's ability to penetrate even influential persons in the US... Khun Sa has also been conniving with KNU terrorist leader Bo Mya who has been secretly trafficking heroin since 1991... Khun Sa and Bo Mya's phoney political groups use the support of outside masters and the issues of human rights and ethnic rights to woo the international community. They are demanding the expulsion of Myanmar from the UN, and calling for economic sanctions to politically blackmail us... Some organizations with colonial remnants in collaboration with affiliated news services and professional journalists, have been engaging in unscrupulous activities to degrade Myanmar... The government is allowing people to enjoy democracy and human rights based on its own decision... not because of pressure from anyone. There have been no human rights violations in Myanmar. People should ignore the accusations and threats of dogmatic persons with green eyes who are delaying our efforts for peace and tranquillity.''
NEW YORK DECLARATION
Following is the gist of the New York Declaration of the Shan State Conferencewhich upset Khin Nyunt:
I. All peoples have the right of self-determination.
II. The will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government.
III. The right to self-determination and the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms can best be achieved through a democratic system.
Based on these principles, the Shan State Conference acknowledges that:
a) The 1947 Panglong Agreement is the basis of the Union of Burma,
b) The 1947 Union Constitution bound the Shan State to the Union,
c) Elected leaders sought to amend the Union Constitution in 1961,
d) General Ne Win suspended the 1947 Constitution in 1962 and broke up the Union,
e) The Shan State today is an occupied land,
f) The people resorted to armed struggle to defend their fundamental freedoms and rights, and
g) The people of the Shan State desire to exercise their fundamental rights as a sovereign nation,
Recognizing the above, it was determined that in order for the peoples of the Shan State to be able to exercise their fundamental rights, they need to:
1. Ensure that future administrations cannot dictate or impose their will on the people.
2. Ensure that future administrations cannot embark on a program of forced ethnic assimilation or genocide.
3. Recognize that the other peoples of Burma also desire to exercise their fundamental rights which have been denied them by SLORC.
4. Work together with all groups and peoples in a common struggle to empower the people.
5. Explore various possible political solutions, including a federal union.
6. Work to eradicate the cultivation of opium and the production of drugs in the Shan State.
7. Work to alleviate the suffering of the people and help rebuild civil society.
SHAN STATE CONFERENCE
The Shan State Conference held in New York City, 21-22 Jan.95, was the first international Shan conference of its kind. It brought together Shans from Canada, Germany, Shan State, Thailand and the USA. The Conference participants discussed Culture in the Shan State, The Shan State Today, Ethnic Peoples of the Shan State, The Shan State and Burma, The Shan State and the World Community, and Independence versus a Federal Union with Burma. The Conference unanimously adopted the New York Declaration. Signatory organizations were: Journalists And Writers of Shan State (Canada), Lahu Development Organization (USA), Overseas Shan - Europe (Germany), Shan Herald Agency for News (Thailand), Shan Human Rights Foundation (Thailand), Shan Overseas Association (USA), Shan State Association (USA), Shan State Organization (Shan State, Thailand, Australia, Britain, Canada), and Women's Association of Shan State (Thailand). The Conference also appointed a Standing Committee to implement the decisions in the Declaration and to co-ordinate the actions of the signatory groups. Chao Tzang (Eugene Thaike), son of the first President of Burma (1948-52), was named the Executive Coordinator of the Committee. Chao Tzang served in the Shan State Army and has had experience working closely with the other ethnic groups. Other coordinators were appointed for New York, Washington DC, Europe, Australia, Asia and Shan State.
Human Rights in Burma
The US State Department's 1995 Annual Human Rights Report states that in Burma, ``The Government's unacceptable record on human rights changed little in 1994... Citizens continue to live subject... (to the) brutal dictates of the military.''
Drug Production in Burma
The US Government's 1995 International Narcotics Strategy Report states that Burma is the undisputed leader of opium production and that SLORC's ``attitude has allowed the opium trade and heroin addiction to flourish.''
The ``Burma Alert'' interviewed Sai Khun Pha (SKP), Secretary of the Shan State Association (USA) and Chao Tzang (CT) about some of the very serious allegations made by Khin Nyunt:
BA
- How do you wish to respond to Khin Nyunt's allegation that you are part of Khun Sa's drug trafficking organization?
SKP
- Khun Sa is wanted in the US for drug trafficking. That is a very serious crime and if I were part of his organization, I would be arrested. The SSA(USA) was founded on 4 July 1994 to seek humanitarian assistance for the people of the Shan State, to assist in finding a political solution to the problems in the Shan State, and to promote better relationships between the various groups working in the Shan State and in the Burmese democracy movement. It has nothing to do with drugs. If I were Khun Sa's man, I would have lots of funds at my disposal. The SSA(USA) has no financial resources. Everything comes out of my pocket. As for the Conference in New York, each of the participants made small contributions to cover the costs.
CT
- It is a typical tactic of the Burmese military to brand everything that has to do with the Shan State as being related to drug trafficking. It is time that people realize that the drug problem in the Shan State is the result of the political problems caused by the military. If you look carefully at Khin Nyunt's speech, you will notice that his claims are not true. For example, it is not true that everybody except Khun Sa has stopped opium production. It is also well-known that Bo Mya is not engaged in drug trafficking. Either Khin Nyunt is trying to fool the Burmese public or the quality of the intelligence he is receiving from his spy network is very poor.
BA
- What about Khin Nyunt's claim that you have attended Khun Sa's political courses?
SKP
- I have never attended any courses given by Khun Sa or anyone else in Ho Merng.
CT
- From his allegations, I think Khin Nyunt must have a very high opinion of Khun Sa and his organization. I do not need to attend a course in Ho Merng given by Khun Sa in order to learn how the world works. Khin Nyunt's allegations about Peter Bourne shows how ignorant he is about how things work in the US. Maybe he needs to take one of Khun Sa's political courses.
(MARCH 1995)
The following is published as a public service for the National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma and the democracy movement:
DANISH PRIME MINISTER
- Danish Prime Minister Poul Nyrup Rasmussen received Prime Minister Dr Sein Win at a reception.
DANISH FOREIGN MINISTRY
- PM Dr Sein Win and Dr Thaung Htun, ABSDF, met with senior Danish officials at the Foreign Ministry.
NELSON MANDELA
- PM Dr Sein Win attended a reception in honour of South African President Nelson Mandela at the UN Social Summit.
U.N. SOCIAL SUMMIT, COPENHAGEN
- PM Dr Sein Win and Dr Thaung Htun spoke at the Burma Session of the NGO Forum at the UN Social Summit in Copenhagen. Helle Degn, Chairwoman of the Danish Parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee and former Minister of Development, publicly reaffirmed the support of the Danish Government for the Burmese democracy movement. The Session was organized by the Danish Burma Committee and the Danish Labour Movement.
SWEDISH PARLIAMENT
- PM Dr Sein Win and Dr Thaung Htun met with Kristina Svensson, Chairwoman of the Swedish Parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee.
SOCIAL DEMOCRAT PARTY OF SWEDEN
- The Burmese delegation met with officials of the ruling Social Democrat Party to discuss Burma and matters of mutual interest.
SWEDISH FOREIGN MINISTRY
- The Burmese delegation met with senior officials of the Swedish Foreign Ministry to discuss the recent events on the Thai-Burmese border.
STOCKHOLM BURMA SEMINAR
- PM Dr Sein Win and Dr Thaung Htun participated in the Burma Seminar organized by the Olof Palme International Centre.
SEMINAR IN FINLAND
- PM Dr Sein Win spoke at the University of Helsinki on Economic Development in Burma. The seminar was organized by the Finnish Burma Committee.
FINNISH STUDENTS
- Dr Thaung Htun met with Finnish Student organizations to inform them of the situation in Burma and to establish a solidarity network.
FOREIGN MINISTRY OF FINLAND
- The Burmese delegation met with senior officials of the Finnish Foreign Ministry to up date them on the current situation on Burma.
BRITISH MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT
- PM Dr Sein Win and Dr Thaung Htun met with British Members of Parliament from the Labour, Liberal and Conservative Parties, to brief them on recent developments on the Thai border.
BRITISH FOREIGN OFFICE
- PM Dr Sein Win and Dr Thaung Htun met with senior officials of the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
SOCIALISTS INTERNATIONAL
- PM Dr Sein Win and Dr Thaung Htun called on the Secretary-General of the Socialists International.
BURMA EVENING IN LONDON
- PM Dr Sein Win and Dr Thaung Htun spoke to Burma activists at the meeting of the Burma Action Group in London, UK and later met with members of the Burmese community.
GERMAN GREEN PARTY
- PM Dr Sein Win, Dr Thaung Htun and U Nwe Aung, NCGUB European representative, met with senior Members of Parliament from the Green Party.
GERMAN FOREIGN MINISTRY
- PM Dr Sein Win, Dr Thaung Htun and U Nwe Aung met with officials of the German Foreign Ministry.
DUTCH PARLIAMENTARIANS
- PM Dr Sein Win, Dr Thaung Htun, and Min Aung Myint, ABSDF, met with Dutch Members of Parliament. Present were M.P.s from the D66 Party, the Christian Democrat Party, and the Labour Party.
DUTCH FOREIGN MINISTRY
- The NCGUB delegation and Saw Say Poe, senior representative of the Karen National Union (KNU) met with senior Foreign Ministry officials.
AMSTERDAM BURMA CONSULTATION
- PM Dr Sein Win, Dr Zalithang, Member of Parliament from Chin State, Saw Say Poe, Dr Thaung Htun, Min Aung Myint, ABSDF, and Joy Sein Win, ABSDF(MTZ),participated in the Burma Consultation organized by the Burma Centrum Nederlands. Approximately one hundred representatives from Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Holland, Hong Kong, India, Korea, Malaysia, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, UK, and the USA, attended.
BURMA DONORS SECRETARIAT
- PM Dr Sein Win, Dr Zalithang, Saw Say Poe, and Dr Thaung Htun attended the 4th Burma Donors Meeting.
ANNIVERSARIES:
UN AGENDA (Geneva):
UN AGENDA (New York):
List compiled from information provided by the Burma Action Group, the Burma Peace Foundation, the Norwegian Burma Council and the National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma.
BURMA - the Alternate Guide, has been published by the Burma Action Group.
``The aim of the Guide is to introduce the reader the ethical issues surrounding the development of the tourism industry by SLORC and some of the dangers that need to be avoided. It is intended for those involved in the tourist industry both within and without the country, for tourists visiting the country... for all those interested in Burma...''
CONTACT: BAG, Collins Studios, Collins Yard, Islington Green, London N1 2XU, UK. Tel: 44 (171) 359-7679, Fax: 354-3987, E-Mail: bagp @ gn.apc.org
``Nearly all infrastructure projects are likely to be connected either directly or indirectly to the tourism industry... The need for labour on such a vast number of projects is huge and without the money to pay for this, the military have responded by conscripting large numbers of forced labourers...''
TOUR OPERATORS identified by BAG
ANDREW BROCK TRAVEL, Tel: 44 (572) 821-330, Fax: 821-1072
ASIA VOYAGES, 230 Station Rd, Addestone, Surrey, KT15 2PH, UK. Tel: 44 (932) 820-050, Fax: 820-633. Brochure quote:
``The actual operation of the tour... is under the control of government run organizations over whom we have no control... we accept no liability for any changes to the itineraries.''
EMPEROR TRAVEL & TOURS, c/o Right Now Books, 36C Sisters Ave, London, SW11 5SQ, UK. Tel/Fax: 44 (171) 223-8987.
EXPLORE WORLDWIDE LTD - 1 Federick St, Aldershot, Hampshire, GU11 1LQ, UK. Tel: 44 (252) 319-448, Fax: 343-170.
KISCADALE PUBLICATIONS Gartmore, Stirling, FK8 3RJ, UK. Tel: 44 (1877) 382-776, Fax: 382-778. (see BA Vol.6, No.1, Jan.95 - Irrawaddy Journey).
ONE WORLD TOURS - 80 Stuart Rd, London, SW19 8 DH, UK. Tel: 44 (181) 946-6295. Brochure quote:
``For discerning travellers... all our tours support conservation and development work.''
TEMPLE TRAVEL - 12 Temple Rd, Ipswich, Suffolk, 1P3 8PA, UK. Tel: 44 (473) 274-384.
``We have not seen any sign of people being oppressed.''
NEWS SOURCES THIS ISSUE:
AFP = Agence France Presse,
AI = Amnesty International,
AP = Associated Press,
AWSJ = Asian Wall Street Journal,
B = Bangkok Post,
BBC = British Broadcasting Corporation,
BIG = Burma Information group,
BPWR = Bangkok Post Weekly Review,
BT = Business Times,
F = Far Eastern Economic Review,
JT = Japan Times,
KHRG = Karen Human Rights Group,
KNPP = Karenni National Progressive Party,
KNU = Karen National Union,
N = The Nation, Bangkok,
Reu = Reuters,
WPD = Working People's Daily, now the New Light of Myanmar, and
X = Xinhua News Agency, Beijing,