Burma Alert
JANUARY 1997
Volume 8, No.1
BOMB BLASTS KILL FIVE
Two bombs exploded at the Kaba Aye Pagoda - Maha Pasana Cave complex on Christmas night. The blasts occurred as crowds of pilgrims were paying homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic, which is on loan from China. The first bomb exploded near the eastern gate of the cave at about 8.20 pm, just three hours after a visit by Lieut-Gen Tin U, third in command of the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC). No one was injured. Security officials were reportedly checking the pagoda and grounds when the second bomb went off in the Maha Pasana Cave at 10.35 pm. One security official, one Red Cross worker and two members of the government-sponsored Union Solidarity Development Association were killed on the spot. A fifth person, a sub-inspector of the police special branch later succumbed to his injuries. The fatal bomb was planted inside a flower container where pilgrims place offerings as they filed past the relic to pay their respects. A monk and five pilgrims were among those injured and all the victims were believed to be Burmese. A doctor treating the injured said most were struck by shrapnel, noting that more might have been hurt if the first explosion had not scared many people away from the area. SLORC media, quoting intelligence reports, accused the exile All Burma Student Democratic Front and the Karen National Union of planting the bombs and ``of concocting a plan to destabilise the peaceful situation prevailing in the country by terrorist activities.'' The bombs were reportedly planted by ``a group of dastardly destructive elements aimed at creating a diplomatic row between the People's Republic of China and the Union of Myanmar'', and causing ``terror and anxiety among the people''. The Sacred Tooth Relic, believed to be a tooth of the Buddha, was brought to Burma on Dec 6. It was taken to the Pagoda in a chariot drawn by an elephant replete with regalia in the style of Burma's ancient kings. The relic was not damaged. Thousands of people have visited the pagoda daily, including top leaders of the ruling junta. Security was stepped up around the home of the Chinese ambassador and other Chinese offices and soldiers were deployed to guard the temple complex. The Chinese Embassy said, ``The bomb attacks on the sacred shrine killing and injuring innocent people blaspheme the Buddha and go against the will of the people.'' [N961227]
A.B.S.D.F. DENIES BOMBING ROLE
In a 27 Dec statement, the ABSDF denied any role in the bombings and condemned it as a despicable act. The ABSDF said that it and other democratic forces are actively seeking a friendly relationship with China and, therefore, would not conduct any activity that would be detrimental to this aim. The students pointed out that SLORC has a history of bombing its own embassies in Bangkok and Tokyo and a number of other sites in Rangoon for the purposes of discrediting opposition groups. The ABSDF said that it believes that SLORC planted the Kaba Aye bombs in order to justify another crackdown against the democracy movement. The explosions took place only a few days after SLORC clamped down on student protests in the capital [ABSDF961227].
KARENS REJECT SLORC CLAIMS
The Karen National Union strongly denied SLORC claims that it was behind the Kaba Aye bombings. A senior KNU leader said that SLORC should not be levelling such charges against the KNU, which is pursuing cease-fire negotiations with SLORC. The Karen leader said he would ask SLORC for clarification although he does not think that the bombing would affect the ongoing talks. The two sides have not been able to agree and have yet to work out the date of the next round of meetings [N961228].
SLORC BLAMED FOR BOMB BLASTS
Burma's government-in-exile, the National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma, blamed the country's ruling SLORC military junta for the Christmas Day bombing that killed five people. ``SLORC probably intended to use this incident to forge better relations with the Chinese government ... and to use the incident as an excuse to annihilate internal opposition by force'' said an NCGUB statement [AFP961230].
RELIC FLOWN TO MANDALAY
The Sacred Tooth Relic which escaped damaged from the 25 Dec bombing was moved by air on 9 Jan to Mandalay [Reu/B970110].
ASEAN:
SUHARTO SET FOR HISTORIC VISIT
President Suharto of Indonesia will visit Burma in Feb as a guest of SLORC, the first by an Indonesian head of state in nearly four decades. Suharto's trip, which is scheduled for the third week in February, will not only strengthen bilateral ties but also SLORC's relations with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), in which Indonesia is a powerful leading member. Suharto will be the third ASEAN leader to visit Burma after Singapore's Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong's visit in March 1995 and former Thai premier Banharn Silapa-archa's trip to Rangoon in March 1996. SLORC Chairman Senior General Than Shwe has visited almost all ASEAN member countries. Indonesia was the first ASEAN country he visited in June 1995, followed by Singapore. Indonesian Foreign Minister Ali Alatas and Defence Minister Edi Sudrajat, as well as Suharto's youngest son, Hutomo Mandala Putra, a businessman who has interests in Burma, have visited Rangoon. Another businessman, Hashim Djojohadikusumo, whose brother is married to Suharto's daughter, is one of the biggest private investors in Burma. He is now constructing the largest cement complex in the country. Burma was among the first countries to officially recognise Indonesia's independence on Aug 17, 1945 when the Dutch government, Indonesia's former colonial master, was still claiming to be the legal ruler of the archipelago. Rangoon even hosted the headquarters-in-exile of Indonesian Airways, when most of the country was occupied by the Dutch military between 1948 and 1949 [N970110].
JAPAN ASKS MALAYSIA TO HELP
Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto, meeting with Prime Minister Dr Mohammad Mahathir in Kuala Lumpur, called for Malaysia to help solve problems involving SLORC's entry into ASEAN. Hashimoto's comments apparently reflected his hopes for an improvement in SLORC's human rights record [Jiji970108].
``DO NOT LET A.S.E.A.N. BE USED TO HIDE REPRESSION'' - JAPAN
Japanese Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto urged ASEAN on 10 Jan not to allow SLORC to use its entry into the regional grouping to hide political oppression at home, Japanese officials said. Hashimoto, who is on a Southeast Asian tour, made the plea in a 90-minute meeting with President Suharto of Indonesia. However, Hashimoto told Suharto that he supports SLORC joining ASEAN because it will help prevent SLORC from becoming isolated and give it an incentive to act as a member of the international community [Kyodo970110].
ATTACK ON KARENNI REFUGEES
In the early morning of 3 Jan, a SLORC commando unit under the command of Light Infantry Battalion 302, shelled two Karenni refugee camps 4 kms inside Thailand killing 2 refugees and wounding 11 others. The shelling lasted about 20 minutes with SLORC troops using mortars and automatic weapons. About 6,000 Karenni refugees immediately fled deeper into Thailand. The SLORC commando unit left behind uniforms and literature published by a breakaway Karenni faction, known as the Karenni National Democratic Party (KNDP), in an attempt to blame the faction for the attack. According to Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP) sources, the KNDP is based at Daw Nyi Khu along with Infantry Regiment 430, in Dee Mawso township. Citing the distance between Daw Nyi Khu and the Thai-Burma border, observers do not believe that the KNDP was involved. Thailand sent a letter of protest to SLORC in Rangoon. Colonel Chartchai Nakprapai, deputy commander of Mae Hong Son's 7th Infantry Special Task Force, described the incident as an invasion of Thai territory [ABSDF970103, N970104].
TIN OO DELIVERS MESSAGE
Confined to her home by SLORC, democracy leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi sent the Vice-chairman of her party to meet supporters at a Rangoon intersection on 5 Jan. Tin Oo, a former defence minister, spoke with about 150 people who had gathered at Saya San intersection. Daw Suu's followers have gathered there every weekend since early October, when SLORC barricaded her home to prevent the weekend democracy speeches. Tin Oo told the crowd that Daw Suu thanked them for their support in spite of the dangers and intimidation by the authorities, and hoped that she would be able to meet with them soon. Through Tin Oo, she also urged them to continue with the struggle for democracy and said she was undaunted in her efforts for that goal [AP/N970106].
N.L.D. News:
UNIVERSITIES REMAIN CLOSED
Most colleges and universities in Burma remain closed after students staged anti-government demonstrations late last year. Since the student demonstrations and the bombing in Rangoon last month, the military junta has virtually forced NLD General Secretary Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to stay at home [Kyodo970110].
POLICE PREVENT N.L.D. ASSEMBLY
SLORC riot police prevented supporters of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) from gathering on 11 Jan. Three truckloads of riot police were stationed on the street where the NLD leader has in the past addressed supporters occasionally during the last month after authorities halted the weekly public gatherings outside her residence. NLD co-vice chairmen Tin Oo and Kyi Maung arrived separately between 4.30 and 5.00 pm, but only briefly stepped out of their cars to advise people to disperse, as lines of riot police approached. On 4 Jan, several hundred NLD members, diplomats and foreign journalists were allowed to attend an independence day celebration inside Daw Suu's compound [TT970112].
N.L.D. EXPELS DISSENTERS
The NLD quietly expelled two of its elected members of parliament this week for disagreeing with the party leadership. According to Than Tun, one of the expelled members, he and fellow MP Thein Kyi were summoned on 6 Jan to a meeting with the NLD's disciplinary committee chaired by Vice Chairmen Kyi Maung and Tin Oo, where they were accused of ``disobeying party policies'' and ``creating disunity''. Both were expelled after an hour-long discussion. The NLD has not announced the expulsions and the office of party leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi refused comment. One diplomatic source confirmed the events, noting that the disciplinary committee had held an ``extensive inquiry'' and found that the two MPs had been encouraging other NLD members to resign. The expulsions were endorsed by the NLD's central executive committee. Than Tun, 47, a former political prisoner, said the expulsions stemmed from a 10-page report that he and six other NLD members had submitted to the leadership last summer. It called for the party to adopt more realistic policies and argued against Daw Suu's opposition to foreign investments and the decision to pull the NLD out of the SLORC National Convention. ``They met with us in July to discuss the report,'' said Than Tun, ``and they were not happy. They said they wouldn't expel us as long as we didn't try to organize other members. I told [Daw Suu], `you must be more tolerant, we're only about 10 people - we're not a threat.' But the NLD has become more like a socialist party. It doesn't tolerate any dissent.'' There are others in the party who feel as they do, said Than Tun, but were afraid to speak out. He said he expected to see more expulsions in the future. Than Tun said that many within the NLD believe the decision to pull out of the constitutional convention in November 1995 was a mistake. ``We said that a constitution is a document embodying disagreements. You have to compromise,'' said Than Tun. He and other NLD dissidents also argued against Daw Suu's call to be given a total mandate for decision-making, which she said was necessary since SLORC was interfering with the party's ability to hold party congresses. In May and in September 1996, SLORC prevented the NLD from holding party congresses by arresting party delegates. Some view the expulsions as an inability within the NLD leadership to tolerate dissent while others saw the expulsions as normal procedure for the leadership to exercise party discipline [AT970110].
ELECTED MEMBER RESIGNS
On 28 Nov, Radio Rangoon announced the resignation from the NLD of Saw Oo Reh, elected representative from Hpru-so Constituency, Kayah State, citing old age and poor health [RR961128].
10-YEARS PRISON FOR M.P.
Saw Oo Reh, son of U Po Reh and former NLD elected representative for Hpru-so, was sentenced to three years' imprisonment under Section 17/1 of the Illegal Associations Act and seven years' imprisonment under Section 2/B of the 1962 Law Amending the Printers and Publishers Registration Law by the Loikaw Township Court on 29 Nov and 18 Dec respectively. He was accused by SLORC of making contacts with, and providing financial assistance to, Karenni insurgents, as well as illegally writing, printing, and publishing books undermining national unity [RR970108].
EXTERNAL INVOLVEMENT
According to the SLORC Information Committee, the recent student demonstrations can be explained by the following factors. Major General Aye Kyaw, Minister of Information and head of the Information Committee, Foreign Minister Ohn Gyaw, Deputy Education Minister Kyaw Nyunt, Brigadier General Aung Thein, Secretary of the National Convention Convening Commission, Air Force Colonel Thein Swe, Head of Department of the Office of Strategic Studies of the Ministry of Defence, and Colonel Kyaw Thein of the Directorate of Defence Services Intelligence, participated in the briefing on 2 Jan:
It is obvious that SLORC has no idea who was behind the bombs - Ed.
It is Ironic that SLORC is accusing third parties, especially Americans of instigating the student demonstrations. As shown below, it is SLORC that is actively courting US policy makers especially with regard to drug production and the gas pipeline - Ed.
SLORC DINNER FOR U.S. TEAM
General Maung Aye, SLORC Vice Chairman, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services, and Commander-in-Chief (Army), hosted a dinner on 9 Dec for US Congressmen J Dennis Hastert (R-Ill), Bill Paxon (R-Ill), Tom Delaney (R-Texas), and Deborah Pryce (R-Ohio) [NLM961212].
U.S. DELEGATION TO MANDALAY
On 11 Dec, the Hastert delegation flew to Mandalay in a special Tatmadaw aircraft. They were welcomed by Chairman of the Mandalay Division Law and Order Restoration Council and Central Command Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint. They visited Mandalay Hill and the Myanan Sangyaw Palace which was restored with slave labour. Maj-Gen Ye Myint hosted a lunch at Pyaygyimon Barge. They afterwards visited the Maha Muni Yokeshindawmyat Buddha and shopped for souvenirs [NLM961212].
U.S. DELEGATION VISITS PAGAN
In the afternoon on 11 Dec, the Hastert delegation flew to Pagan in a special Tatmadaw aircraft. They were welcomed by the Magwe Division LORC Chairman Colonel Thein Nyunt. They bought traditional lacquer ware as souvenirs. Later, they visited the Lawkananda Pagoda and viewed Pagan at sunset. Minister for Science and Technology U Thaung hosted a dinner for them [NLM961212].
DELEGATION VISITS GEM MUSEUM
On 12 Dec, the Hastert delegation left Pagan in a special Tatmadaw aircraft for Rangoon. Accompanied by Science and Technology Minister U Thaung, they visited the Myanmar Gems Museum. Judge Advocate General Brig-Gen Than Oo, Director of Procurement Brig-Gen Win Hlaing of the Ministry of Defence, and Managing Director of Myanmar Gems Enterprise U Khin Oo welcomed them [NLM961212].
OPIUM ERADICATION INSPECTION
The Hastert delegation accompanied by U Thaung, Minister of Science and Technology, and Kent Wiedemann, US Charge d'affaires, flew in special military plane to Kengtung on 12 Dec. They were briefed by Brig-Gen Thein Sein, chairman of the Eastern Shan State LORC. The delegation then left in military helicopters for Silu village in Mong Yang, where they inspected seed nurseries, and mushroom culture and sericulture centers. Next, they went in military helicopters to Mong La, where they were welcomed by U Sai Lin, leader of Special Region No. 4. On their return flight to Kengtung, the delegation observed the destruction of opium fields by military personnel and local people. They briefly visited a market and the local police station before leaving [NLM961213].
U.S. TEAM VISIT YADANA PROJECT
The Hastert delegation arrived on 13 Dec in Tavoy by special Tatmadaw aircraft. They were accompanied by Minister for Energy U Khin Maung Thein and US Charge d'Affaires Kent Wiedemann. Brig-Gen Zaw Tun of Tavoy Station took them by helicopter for the Kanbauk Base Camp of the Yadana Natural Gas Project of the Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise. They were welcomed by MOGE Managing Director U Kyaw Nyein, General Manager H Madeo of Total Myanmar Exploration and Production Co Ltd of France, and Managing Director L Morris of Texaco Exploration Myanmar Inc. The delegation was briefed and left by helicopter to view the onshore Yadana natural gas pipeline from the beach to the Thai border. They visited Eindayaza Village and observed the village primary school, the poultry and cattle farms, and the village clinic built by the project. The delegation left Tavoy by special Tatmadaw aircraft for Rangoon where Minister U Khin Maung Thein hosted a dinner for them at the Strand Hotel [NLM961213].
Investments:
BANGLADESH:
NATIONAL BANK OF BANGLADESH opened an office in Burma on 30 Oct [Net961030].
BELGIUM:
INTERBREW, the Belgian brewery group, has decided to stop all export to Burma. Interbrew exported Canadian Labatt Ice Beer to Burma via POKKA, a Japanese company based in Singapore. The decision was made following efforts by the Canadian Friends of Burma, Burma Centre Netherlands (BCN)and KWIA. Interbrew, based in Leuven, affirms that it has no investments in Burma and does not plan to invest in Burma. It has no plans at all to set up any selling organization or distribution network. Interbrew exports its products to 80 countries via independent distributors [KWIA961014].
CAMBODIA:
CAMBODIA and SLORC agreed on 16 Oct to establish direct air links between their capitals and to open tourism offices [NLM961017].
CHINA:
CHINA CENTRAL TELEVISION (CCTV) and the Myanmar Television and Radio Department (MTRD) have signed a cooperation agreement to provide each other with TV documentaries. CCTV agreed that MTRD could use its ``China Today'' and ``English News'', while CCTV could re-broadcast news from Burma [Net961230].
GERMANY:
The BAVARIAN STATE GOVERNMENT is subsidizing Bavarian companies to exhibit their products at the ``Technology Myanmar 97'' Fair, which is being organized in Rangoon by the Munich Fair Association (MESSE MUECHEN GmbH). ``We are primarily oriented towards the wishes of our local industry, with a view to jobs,'' Karin Haucke, spokeswoman for the Bavarian Economic Ministry in Munich said when asked about political reservations in doing business with SLORC. One relies on the principles of ``change through trade,'' she said. In contrast to the Bavarian Christian Social Union state government, the German Federal Economics Ministry is not granting German companies any subsidies for their participation in the technology fair. All subsidies were halted after SLORC brutally crushed the Burmese democracy movement in 1988 [FR970108].
The HANNS-SEIDEL FOUNDATION, which is affiliated to the Christian Social Union, is planning to hold a conference in Rangoon entitled ``Technology Transfer'' in late 1997. This conference will be attended by companies, SLORC officials, and scientists [FR970108].
The Hamburg-based GERMAN ASIA-PACIFIC BUSINESS ASSOCIATION is co-ordinating a German business center in Rangoon to facilitate German investment in Burma. Regional Manager Wolfgang Niedermark said that the center is only interested in business, not politics. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi condemned this attitude: ``With Germany's history and experience I think it's shocking that any German should say that we're only interested in economics, we have nothing to do with politics. The fact that Germany was involved in the Second World War was due to political errors not economic errors... We are not in favour of investment in Burma at this particular moment because money that gets into the country does not get to the people that need it most... (New investments) only enrich an already very rich elite.'' Companies that are funding the German business center in Rangoon include [Reu/DW970108]:
ROBERT BOSCH, the automotive equipment and power tools maker, is planning to set up an office in Rangoon [BT961029].
INDONESIA:
PETAMINA and MOGE signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Oct after Indonesia Energy and Mining Minister met with General Maung Aye, SLORC Vice Chairman [TVM961015].
A.P.N. PETROLEUM LTD entered into an agreement in Oct with MOGE to jointly explore for oil and natural gas in the Mergui Division [Net/NLM961016].
HONG KONG:
PEREGRINE INVESTMENT HOLDINGS has won damages of US$ 4.1 million, the full amount it was seeking in a legal action against Miriam Segal, the former chairman of its Burma operation [BA Vo.7, No.3, Mar.96]. Alan Mercer, Peregrine's counsel said Peregrine had also issued proceedings in Hong Kong against Claude Charles, a former board director with responsibility for Burma. Charles, who is now a director of Hong Kong-based investment house Equinox, said that he would strongly defend himself against his former employer's allegations. ``They are claiming I had something to do with her (Segal's) actions, I absolutely deny that,'' he said [Net961011].
PEREGRINE INVESTMENT HOLDINGS is drastically cutting back its operations in Burma after two top officials suddenly had their visas revoked. ``Considering how important Peregrine is, the whole situation is very disturbing,'' commented one banker. ``This will certainly make many people think very, very carefully before investing here.'' Rajan K Pillai, Managing Director of Peregrine Capital Myanmar, and Executive Director Hector Lwin received a letter from the Immigration Department on 12 Dec telling them their visas would be canceled as of 16 Dec. They requested an extension and were granted until 19 Dec. Peregrine has spent close to US$5 million in unprofitable ventures, most notably the Myanmar American Fisheries Company which is a joint venture with the SLORC Ministry of Fisheries. The venture soured when Peregrine had a falling-out with Miriam Marshall Segal (see above). She has close ties with top SLORC officials including Lieut-Gen Khin Nyunt, Head of Intelligence and SLORC Secretary 1, and Lieut-Gen Maung Maung, Secretary of the Investment Commission [BT961221].
JAPAN:
JAPAN AIRLINES is planning to open an office in Rangoon [Net961030].
KOREA:
KOREA FIRST BANK opened a representative office in Rangoon on 21 Oct [X961021].
KOREAN EXCHANGE BANK is planning to open an office in Rangoon [X961021].
THAILAND:
C.P. GROUP is expanding by establishing Myanamr CP Livestock Co to build a Baht 237.5 million (US$10 million) animal-feed factory with a monthly capacity of 6,000 tons. It also plans to raise cattle for breeding and establish hatcheries to produce about 300,000 chicks a week. The CP Group has 15 farms operating on 25 year supply contracts around Rangoon at a combined cost of US$9.5 million [B970109].
THAI AIRWAYS INTERNATIONAL and Myanmar Airways formed a joint venture, Yangon Airways, to fly between Rangoon and Mandalay. The inauguration ceremony was attended by SLORC Secretary 1 Lieut-Gen Khin Nyunt and SLORC Secretary 2 Lieut-Gen Tin U. ATR-72 aircraft are being used [TVM961015].
SAO NOI, 69, alias Saw Yanda, founder of the first Shan independence army, the Noom Serk Han in 1958, died 21 Nov in Chiang Mai of a lung ailment. Former Shan State Army leaders and Shans in northern Thailand attended his funeral at Wat Pa Pao [B961121].
THAKIN LWIN, a leading member of the democracy movement (NLD CEC) and former freedom fighter against British colonial rule, died at his home in Rangoon on 20 Dec. Prominent in the Dohbama Ahsi Ahyone, he was a leading member of U Nu's Anti-Fascist People's Freedom League (AFPFL) government and the General Secretary of the Trade Union Congress of Burma (TUCB). He later founded the Burma's Workers and Peasants Party (BWPP) after the AFPFL split. His funeral service held on 24 Dec at Kyan Daw Cemetery was attended by family members, friends, members of various political parties and representatives of diplomatic missions in Rangoon. U Kyi Maung, Vice Chairman of the NLD, attended the service but Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was prevented from doing so.
SELECTIVE PURCHASING
Selective Purchasing laws banning city and state contracts with companies doing business in Burma have added billions of dollars of purchasing power to Burma boycotts. Sources say that, since the passage of the Oakland, San Francisco and Massachusetts laws in mid-1996, several Japanese companies have dramatically scaled back plans to invest in light manufacturing facilities in Burma. Such facilities would have used cheap Burmese labor to manufacture goods for export to Europe and North America. However, with the increasing political unrest and economic mismanagement in Burma, the impending threat of economic sanctions and trade restrictions by the US and Europe, and the growing boycotts by consumers and cities, Japanese investors do not believe that there will be markets for Burmese-made goods in Europe and North America. If the trend continues, these laws will cause more companies to exit Burma while building political pressure at the grassroots level for economic sanctions at the national and international level - Simon Billinness, Franklin Research.
BURMA SELECTIVE PURCHASING LAWS HAVED BEEN ADOPTED BY:
* Massachusetts State (6/25/96)
* Alameda County (12/10/96)
* Berkeley, California (2/28/95)
* Madison, Wisconsin (8/15/95)
* Santa Monica, California (11/28/95)
* Ann Arbor, Michigan (4/15/96)
* San Francisco, California (4/22/96)
* Oakland, California (4/23/96)
* Carrboro, North Carolina (10/8/96)
* Takoma Park, Maryland (10/28/96)
* Boulder, Colorado (12/17/96)
A BURMA SELECTIVE PURCHASING LEGISLATION IS PENDING IN:
* New York City, New York
RESOLUTIONS URGING FEDERAL ECONOMIC SANCTIONS HAVE BEEN ADOPTED BY:
* Seattle, Washington (4/19/95)
* Chicago, Illinois (6/14/95)
COMPANIES THAT HAVE WITHDRAWN FROM BURMA DUE TO CONSUMER AND
SHAREHOLDER PRESSURE, AND SELECTIVE PURCHASING LAWS INCLUDE:
* Smith & Hawkins (90)
* Levi Strauss & Co (6/92)
* Petro-Canada (11/92)
* BHP Petroleum, Australia (12/92)
* Amoco (3/94)
* Liz Claiborne (11/94)
* Eddie Bauer/Spiegel (2/95)
* Macy's/Federated Department Stores (4/95)
* Columbia Sportswear (4/96)
* Oshkosh B'Gosh (5/96)
* Heineken (7/96)
* Carlsberg (7/96)
* British Home Stores (96)
* London Fog/Pacific Trails (8/96)
* Interbrew/Labatt's (10/96)
* Apple Computer (10/96)
* Wente Vineyards (11/96)
* Motorola (11/96)
* Philips Electronics (11/96)
* Hewlett-Packard (11/96)
* Eastman Kodak (12/96)
* Peregrine Investment Holdings (12/96)
* PepsiCo (1/97)
* J Crew (end sourcing by 4/97)
Note: The above is not a complete list of corporate withdrawals from Burma. It was originally compiled by Franklin Research. Please contact yawnghwe@hookup.net (Fax: 1 819 647-5403) with any errors or omissions.
For samples of Selective Purchasing Legislation, contact: Investor Responsibility Research center, 1350 Connecticut Ave, NW, Suite 700, Washington DC.20036-1701, USA. Tel: 1 (202) 833-0700, Fax: 833-3555
NEWS SOURCES:
ABSDF = All Burma Students Democratic Front,
AFP = Agence France Presse,
AP = Associated Press,
AT = Asian Times,
B = Bangkok Post,
BT = Business Times,
DW = Deutsche Welle,
FR = Frankfurter Rundschau,
Jiji = Jiji News Service,
Kyodo = Kyodo News Service,
N = The Nation, Bangkok,
Net = BurmaNet,
NLM = New Light of Myanmar,
RR = Radio Rangoon,
Reu = Reuters,
TT = Thailand Times,
TVM = TV Myanmar, and
X = Xinhua News Agency