************************** BurmaNet ************************** "Appropriate Information Technologies, Practical Strategies" ************************************************************** The BurmaNet News: Tuesday, February 9, 1995 Issue #107 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Contents: *************************INSIDE BURMA************************* NATION: U.N. CHIEF'S REPRESENTATIVES IN BURMA HAVE TALKS WITH FM NCGUB: REGARDING SLORC'S PRESS CONFERENCE OF 3RD FEB, 1995 AP: POLITICAL PRISONERS FREED *****************KAREN STATE/KAWTHOOLEI*********************** BKK POST: OFFENSIVE AGAINST KARENS EXPECTED AI: AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL CONDEMNS FORCED PORTERING AP: REFUGEES FEAR BURMESE MILITARY ***************************THAILAND*************************** NATION: [THAI] BURMA POLICY NEEDS SERIOUS REVISION BKK POST: ARREST HERE LINKED TO DRUG SUPPLY DROP IN US ************************INTERNATIONAL************************* REUTER: EX-AUST PM'S BURMA TRIP GAVE REGIME A BOOST, ACCUSES EVANS **************************************************************** The BurmaNet News is an ********************************* electronic newspaper * * covering Burma. 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By email: burmanet@igc.apc.org In Washington: Attention to BurmaNet c/o National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma (NCGUB) Information Office 815 15th Street NW, Suite 609 Washington D.C. 20005 Tel: (202) 393-7342, Fax: (202) 393-7343 In Bangkok: Attention to BurmaNet c/o Burma Issues PO Box 1076, Silom Post Office Bangkok 10504 Thailand Tel/Fax: (in Thailand) (66)(2) 234-6674 [The NCGUB is the government-in-exile, made up of the people who won the election in 1990. Burma Issues is a Bangkok-based non- governmental organization that documents human rights conditions in Burma and maintains an archive of Burma-related documents. Views expressed in The BurmaNet News do not necessarily reflect those of either NCGUB or Burma Issues] ************************************************************** **************THE BURMANET NEWS, FEBRUARY 9, 1995************* ************************************************************** *************************INSIDE BURMA************************* NATION: U.N. CHIEF'S REPRESENTATIVES IN BURMA HAVE TALKS WITH FM 8 February ENVOYS representing United Nations Secretary-General Boutros Boutros Ghali met Burmese Foreign Minister Ohn Gyaw in Rangoon as international concern once again focussed on the isolated Southeast Asian country. Burma's state television, in a broadcast monitored in Bangkok late on Monday, said Alvaro de Soto, assistant UN secretary- general, met Ohn Gyaw on Monday for "cordial discussions on matters of mutual interest." The television gave no further details of their talks. De Soto was accompanied by Francisco Vendreel, director of the East Asia and Pacific Division of the UN political affairs department. The two UN representatives arrived in Burma on Sunday as international concern mounted over a Burmese army offensive against ethnic minority guerrillas which sent a wave of refugees feeling to Thailand. Government forces seized the Karen rebel headquarters at Manerplaw in Southeastern Burma on 27 Jan and have since been attacking the guerrillas' few remaining strongholds. The attack on Manerplaw, which was also the headquarters of pro-democracy dissidents and exiled members of Aung San Suu Kyi's National Leguage for Democracy (NLD), sent 6,000 refugees into Thailand. Burma' ruling military body, the Slorc, has been largely shunned by the world community for its crushing of a democracy uprising in 1988 with heavy loss of lief, and its later refusal to recognized an election victory by Suu Kyi's NLD. Ohn Gyaw said the Slorc had authorized him to discuss various issues with Boutros-Ghali or his representatives. Senior United Nations official Rafeeuddin Ahmed travelled to Rangoon in November for talk with Ohn Gyaw and other officials. The UN General Assembly in December adopted as motion deploring human rights violations in Burma and calling on the Slorc to release Suu Kyi. (TN) *************************INSIDE BURMA************************* NCGUB: REGARDING SLORC'S PRESS CONFERENCE OF 3RD FEB, 1995 February 5, 1995 1. In a press conference held on 3rd Feb, 1995 the SLORC denied its recent offensive against Manerplaw, claiming it merely supported the Democratic Karen Buddhist Organization (DKBO) in capturing Manerplaw. SLORC denial of its offensive is an absolute lie. Its statement is an obvious fraud to the peol fBraand the international commuiya el 2. Some members frm the KNU have formed the DKBO and DKBA on 21st December, 1994. Before that a group of KNU former members held a demonstration in the early week of December, 1994 regarding their religious discontentment. Despite the grant of their demands, those members made contact with the SLORC. 3. According to a radio-telegram, consisting of 23 different points, which was received by revolutionary groups and Mr. Khin Zar Min and Mr. Pyi Aye who returned to the KNU from the DKBA it was quite clear that the SLORC is the main architect of the conflict in the KNU. 4. Starting of the week of December, 1994, the SLORC began to support DKBA with arms and ammunition, medicines, financies and rations. SLORC's deputy commander of Brigade 33 communicated the supplies through a buddhist monastery at Kamamaung. 5. On 2nd Jan, 1995 the SLORC General Maung Hla with 20 other military officials dropped by army helicopter at the monastery of Myaing Gyi Ngu monk U Thuzana, and had a closed-door conspiracy with DKBA leaders including the monks. The deal in the conspiracy was that if the DKBA members will take part in the SLORC offensive against the KNU, The DKBA would be recognized as the real representatives of the karen revolution. 6. The SLORC used more than 10,000 troops from brigades 22, 33, 44, 66 and other regiments under the South-eastern Comand and Eastern command. Heavy shelling including 76, 81, and 120mm shell to the headquarters of Manerplaw occurred from the 20th to 27th Jan, 1995. SLORC used Rubber-Light boats which enabled them to convey about 6- 8 troops at a time to cross the Salween river. 7. About 1,000 DKBA members took part in the offensive. Its main object was to guide the SLORC along the principle routes to the centre of Manerplaw. 8. Following of December 27th, 1994 according to 40 porters who had escaped from SLORC army in the Manerplaw area, it was said that most of the soldiers were SLORC troops with only a few members of the to be seen. It added that the relationship between them seemed very friendly. 9. Due to the offensive, it has clear that the SLORC has no desire to solve political problems and national reconciliation by political means. 10. In addition, the exodus of refugees to the neighbouring countries highlights that the SLORC is creating a threat not only to Burmese domestic affairs but also to the peace and stability of the region as well. Hence-forth it is overnments who believe in the constructive engagement policy to review the viability of their policy with the SLORC. 11 Itis time for the United Nations and the international community, together with multinational companies to work out effective diplomatic, political and economic action against the SLORC. Only immediate actions and measures can only solve the present crisis. Headquarters 5th February 1995 *************************INSIDE BURMA************************* AP: POLITICAL PRISONERS FREED February 7 RANGOON, Burma (AP) -- For the third time in two weeks, the government on Monday released a group of political prisoners, this time during the visit of a U.N. team investigating alleged human rights violations. Four were freed Monday, including two members of detained opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy, the official Myanmar News Agency reported. Altogether, 2,136 detainees described as political prisoners have been freed since junta leader Gen. Than Shwe announced in 1992 that prisoners who do not threaten national security would be released. Those freed Monday, along with 23 freed Saturday, include at least two prisoners who had been the objects of international concern. On Jan. 26, 47 other prisoners were released. Win Htein, released Monday, is a retired army captain and former aide of detained League for Democracy chairman Gen. Tin Oo. He had been serving a seven-year sentence. He was designated a ``prisoner of conscience'' by the human rights group Amnesty International. The annual U.S. State Department report on human rights, released last week, said the junta ``routinely practiced arbitrary arrest.'' It described conditions at Insein Prison, near Rangoon, as ``unacceptably harsh.'' The junta seized power in 1988 after violently suppressing pro-democracy demonstrations. Visiting U.N. special envoy Alvaro de Soto, head of the U.N. political affairs department, and Frances Vendrell, head of the department's Asia Division, met Monday with Foreign Minister Ohn Gyaw, state radio reported. *****************KAREN STATE/KAWTHOOLEI*********************** BKK POST: OFFENSIVE AGAINST KARENS EXPECTED 8 Feburary 1995 BURMESE troops are expected to launch a dry-season offensive soon against Karen rebels to pave the way for a natural gas pipeline from the Andaman Sea to the Thai border at Kachanaburi Province. Kanchanaburi provincial sources said Rangoon forces launched two attacks last week on bases of the Karen National Union oppsite Bongti, Saiyok District, and opposite Pasai mine in Thong Phaphum District. About 2,000 Karen civilians fled across the border to seek temporary refuge in Bongti and Pasai mine. All returned to uUrma after the Burmese troops retreated. Sources said the pipeline would be laid to E-tong village op- posite Thong Phaphun District where it will link with a pipe- line on the Thai side which will extend to Ratchburi where a power station is to be sited. A KNU source said the Burmese had not yet conducted a ground survey for the laying of the pipeline. But he said he expected work to start soon. Villagers in Tavoy and Mergui districts have been forces to become porters of Burmese soldiers, claimed the source. Meanwhile, more than 10 phosphorus bombs landed on Thai terri- tory after Burmese soldiers heavily shelled the KNU camp at Kaemoora opposite Nae Sot District yesterday. Border Patrol Police said fighting has intensified since Mon- day morning, when Burmese troops began firing rockets and 120mm artillery rounds from Hill 200 and Hill 300 encompassing Kawmoora. The hills are home to more than four government army battalions. The BPP said at least 73 phosphorus bombs were forecd onto the camp, setting fire to the KNU's 101 headquarters. Two K_81 bombs reportedly exploded midair over Ban Wang Kaew in Tambon Mae Pa on Monday night, sending more than 100 villagers to take refuge in a temple ground. The Army fired three 150mm shells as warning shots immediately after the bombs exploded over the village. A Thai army source said the Burmese will launch heavier artil- lery attacks over the next two days because they are determined to seize Kawmoora . State official in Tak Province were advised to take precautionary measured and step up security at their officers. Meanwhile, Deputy Foreign Minister Surin Pitsuwan yesterday maintained that Thailand's role in the ongoing internal fighting in Burma was to serve as a window for the country with the international community. He ruled out the possibility of Thailand serving as mediator between the Burmese Military Junta and ethnic minorities unless there is consent from both sides of the conflicts. His statement contradicts a statement by outgoing Foreign Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who said Thailand would consider mediating between the two sides. Dr Surin said the proposal of expected Burmese monk Sayadaw Rewada Dhamma for Thailand to mediate peace talks between the Slorc and the KNU was not possible a it was Burma's internal affair. "Thailand could only express its attention and concern. To mediate, there must be consent from both Burmese and Karens, said Dr Surin. The Foreign Ministry, as the representative of the Thai Government, can only coordinate at government level, he said. Thailand is a neighbour to all groups and countries but "Thailand can serve as a link between Burma and the outside world, but please don't ask us to coordinate with any particular group," he said. (BP) *****************KAREN STATE/KAWTHOOLEI*********************** AI: AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL CONDEMNS FORCED PORTERING February 2 News Service 27/95 AI INDEX: ASA 16/WU 02/95 2 FEBRUARY 1995 Amnesty International today condemned the Burmese military's seizure of hundreds of civilians as porters in their offensive against the Karen National Union (KNU) -- Myanmar's largest ethnic minority armed opposition group. The human rights organization also expressed concern about other civilians who may be at risk of killing and torture by Burmese troops. "In the past week, scores of escaped porters have been fleeing across the border to seek refuge in Thailand, many of them in terrible condition as a result of beatings and other ill- treatment by the army," Amnesty International said. "They are among thousands of Karen refugees who have left their villages to escape the fighting." For over 10 years the army has forced tens of thousands of civilians to carry supplies during counter-insurgency operations against various armed groups. Those who are taken are frequently beaten and kicked if they are too weak to carry their load or attempt to escape. Porters often fall ill with malnutrition or malaria, but receive no medical treatment. Some are even killed by troops if they do not obey orders. Villagers have also been accused of supporting the KNU and are tortured or killed by troops patrolling the area. Amnesty International is calling on the Burmese military authorities to immediately release all those arbitrarily seized for forced portering. In spite of repeatedly stating that they were seeking a peaceful solution through negotiations, the government launched a massive attack against the KNU in December after a split between two KNU factions. On 27 January Manerplaw, the KNU headquarters, fell to Burmese troops in the heaviest fighting since the military government declared a ceasefire in April 1992. ENDS\ *****************KAREN STATE/KAWTHOOLEI*********************** AP: REFUGEES FEAR BURMESE MILITARY Sat, 4 Feb 95 MAE TOU LA, Thailand (AP) -- Wails of sick children fill this refugee camp where plastic covers and blankets are the only shelter for thousands of Burmese fleeing army mortar attacks across the border. The Burmese military junta is fighting to crush rebel holdouts along the Thai border after seizing their headquarters Jan. 27. Its main target is the Karen, the largest of the ethnic minority groups fighting for greater autonomy. Taking advantage of divisions within the Karen, the junta has attacked with impunity, ignoring condemnations from around the world. Buddhist Karen troops broke rank with the Christian-dominated leadership in December to support the junta, guiding its troops through hidden paths to the Manerplaw mountain stronghold. Aid agencies estimate some 100,000 Karen and Burmese have been displaced by the fighting, the majority fleeing deeper into Burma's jungles. About 3,000 Karen refugees who fled the junta's advance are gathered now at Mae Tou La, 372 miles from Bangkok. They joined 70,000 Burmese already in Thai refugee camps from previous flareups in the decades-long conflict. International relief agencies and the Thai government provide food and medical care. Many refugees are suffering from dysentery, fever, malaria and malnutrition after days of traveling through the jungle to escape the junta's shelling. Then there are the invisible scars that came with the loss of Manerplaw -- the symbol of the Karen's four decade struggle. It has left a huge hole in Burma's pro-democracy struggle. One doctor fought back tears amid a scene of Karen mothers with sick children in their arms. ``We are fighting a losing battle and for this the people have had to suffer,'' Dr. Saw Po Thew said Saturday. Sar Mu Htow, a 26-year-old farmer, said he and his family fled their village under a hail of mortar fire. Four men were killed trying to hold off the army until women and children could get out, he said. He said the shelling was accompanied by a torrent of grenades. The headquarters also was the center of students and politicians who fled Rangoon when the junta clamped down on the pro-demoment and ignored a 1 990 election won by the opposition. The students and other rebels now are regrouping with the Karen in a bid to recover lost ground and hang onto their last three main strongholds. The Burmese army, buoyed by Manerplaw's fall, has turned to the Karen's second most important stronghold -- Kawmoora, near the Thai town of Mae Sot, 298 miles northwest of Bangkok. The constant pounding of Burmese artillery there can be heard five miles across the border, at the Huay Kalok Karen refugee camp. ***************************THAILAND*************************** NATION: [THAI] BURMA POLICY NEEDS SERIOUS REVISION February 8, 1995 Recent events have shown the folly of Thailand's 'constructive engagement' policy towards the military junta ruling Burma Yindee Lertcharoenchok. Outgoing Foreign Minister Thaksin Shinawatra made a rather late remark last Friday when he stated that Asean and Thailand may have to review their "constructive engagement policy" towards Burma if the Burmese offensive against armed ethnic guerrillas does not cease. His statement came one day after Thailand signed an "historic agreement" with Burma to purchase natural gas from the Gulf of Mataban in which the Kingdom will pay Bt 10 million a year to the Burmese junta, known as the State Law and Order Restoration Council (Slorc). The ambitious Thai minister may have forgotten that exactly two weeks earlier he had pledged to the Slorc, during his 24 hour economically-inspired visit to Rangoon, that Thailand will pursue the controversial policy, which "has proven to be beneficial to both Thailand and Burma". He also went as far as inviting Slorc leader Gen Than She to attend the summit in December of 10 Southeast Asian heads of state and powerful intelligence chief Lt Gen Khin Nyunt to pay an official visit here as guest of the Thai Government. Thaksin was adamant about going ahead with his Burma trip despite latent reluctance on the part of some government and military offices who considered the visit an "unpressing" and even "unnecessary" agenda of the new minister at that time. He even broke Asean traditional diplomacy by paying a visit to Rangoon before completing a familiarization tour of Asean capitals. The Thai minister, whose strong economic interests and huge personal investment in several of Thailand's neighbouring countries are not secret, wasted no time during his stay in Rangoon in exposing the true motive of his trip_the prospect of Thai economic opportunities in Burma. With a degree of success, he managed to bring to the attention of Slorc leaders the economic interests of some Thai business groups including the Salween hydro-electric power projects and the leasing and development of Burma's southern port town of Tavoy into deep sea port. Thaksin also made known his concern that Thai investment in Burma is lagging behind that of other countries, especially Singapore, and urged the Slorc to open up new opportunities for Thai investors. It is still unclear why Thaksin has threatened a revision of the "constructive engagement" policy _a move categorically rejected by previous successive Thai administrations when strongly urged by the West and policy critics, both local and internationally. Also questionable is whether his remark reflects his personal view or that of the current government. While some critics take Thaksin's comment with a grain of salt, believing it to be a mere political tool or manoeuvre of the young businessman, who doesn't hide an ambition to enter politics in the next general elections and whose free-riding ministerial post will expire on Sunday, some senior government officials say the 90-day minister could not have made the statement without the blessing of , or consultations with other government leaders. Still, it is debatable if the Chuan government is really serious about the policy revision or just trying to appease local and international outrage against the Slorc's renewed military offensive, which has driven a new massive influx of refugees into Thailand. The officials argue that the government and the armed forces are "quite concerned" about the Burmese army's operations against armed ethnic guerrillas and afraid that violence would continue or escalate along the western 2,400 kilometre frontier with Burma. The concern is "self-evident" from the fact that Deputy Foreign Minister Surin Phitsuwan summoned Burmese Ambassador U Tin Winn last Friday for a meeting in which he handed the envoy an aidememoire protesting the Burmese Army's territorial violations, they added. Thailand complained that all together 65 Burmese mortar shells had fallen on the Thai soil during the january offensive by Burmese troops against the Karen headquarters of Manerplaw on the west bank of the Moei River opposite Thailand's Tak province. "If we [Thai Government] believe in the Slorc's words that the fighting was between the two Karen rival forces and not the Burmese army's operation against the KNU, we would not have summoned the Burmese ambassador for a protest," said one official. KNU stands for the Karen National Union, which has been fighting ruling military in Rangoon for autonomy since Burma gained its independence from Britain in 1948. In the past, Thailand and Asean have flatly rejected the West's concept of pressure or isolation of Burma and strongly argued that the "constructive engagement" policy would help bring peace and prosperity to the Burmese people and gradual political reform in Burma through dialogues between the world community and the Slorc. Bangkok has always maintained that t he Burmese people's aspiration for democracy and respect of human rights is "an internal affair" of Burma and that it has no leverage to persuade or interfere in order to bring about changes. But in reality, the Slorc has exploited the Thai and Asean tolerance and nonchalant altitude toward it abuses of authoritarian power and illegitimate oppressive rule to its utmost benefit, and has remained unconcerned when its ruthless behavior towards the Burmese populace has backfired on its neighbours in Southeast Asia. Ironically, Thailand, which has expected the much criticized policy has expected the much criticized policy to help strengthen good bilateral relations between the two countries and to lead to eventual well being and prosperity of the Burmese people, is facing an emerging sad reality that contradicts its wishful thinking. Last Friday, exiled respected Burmese monk Sayadaw Rewata Dhamma, who initiated dialogues between the Burmese junta and detained popular leader Aung San Suu Kyi, revealed a shocking piece of information which has confirmed the underlining dormant fear among many policy makers in Thailand. The monk, who has lived abroad for more than 30 years and holds the position of spiritual director of the Buddhist Vihara in Birmingham, England, was interviewed in Bangkok upon his arrival from Rangoon . After travelling quite extensively during his one-month visit to Burma, said he is "very concerned" with the future bilateral relations between the two countries "because the felling about Thailand inside [Burma] is not very good." He expressed hope that he would be able to meet Thai authorities when he next visits the Kingdom to urge the country to reconsider its policy and approach in dealing with exiled Burmese, particularly the students. He said the Burmese people in general are developing "strong bad fellings" against Thailand for what they view as exploitation of their human misery. The Burmese had learned about what was happening in Thailand from the people who commute between the two countries, including reports that Thai authorities often harass, arrest and extort money from Burmese students. "It is widely known in Burma. This concerns me very much as the relations between the two countries will not be good in the future," he said. The Burmese populace understood that "Thai people are good to the Burmese, but not the [Thai] government" the 64-year-old Buddhist monk during a one-night stopover in Bangkok. The Sayadaw has strongly urged Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai to mediate peace talks between the Slorc and the ethnic Karen guerrillas, saying the premier's mediation is for the sake of the two countries, which share a common border, and for the good of Thailand which "suffers many things [from border conflicts]" including the influx of refugees from Burma. The monk, who had several meetings with Slorc leaders including Gen Than She, Lt Gen Khin Nyunt, Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Gen Maung Aye and Lt Gen Tin Oo, has urged the primer to give serious thought to his suggestion saying "It is up to Thailand to find a solution or what to do with Burma. On humanitarian grounds they [the Thai Government] can do it, but so far they are not doing it very much." He said current Thai policy towards Burma is "In difficulty" as both Slorc, and the Burmese opposition and ethnic groups "are not happy with it". The Slorc, he explained, never really trusts the Thai government because of its policy towards armed ethnic groups active along the common border, while the Burmese pro-democracy dissidents and ethnic guerrillas themselves are not happy with the Thai "constructive engagement" relations with Rangoon. "As monk, therefore, I think the Thai government should find some way to help restore peace and tranquility in Burma. I want the Thai government to think about it very deeply, not only for today but also for the future." The monk, whose separate meetings with Suu Kyi and Slorc leaders led to two rounds of their bilateral discussions last year, said he believed "It is not too late" for both the Karen and Slorc to enter peace talks. The people inside Burma, he added, have learned that Thai businessmen "are greedily and want to get the resources in Burma. Now it is very good for Thailand to act to help. Thailand should play for all groups, for the Burmese people , and for the long term good relations between the two countries". Slorc, he said, would accept "friendly dialogues" and "not pressure or bribery" and Thailand can work it out through its "goodwill". Slorc, he added "would accept friendly dialogues_talks as a friend_but not bribery or pressure. Slorc will then think that your friends so they will tell you what they'll do. Many countries have tried to bribe them [with financial aid or assistance or economic opportunities] and it did not work." Unfortunately, Thailand has often fallen victim to its own policy towards its neighbours_Cambodia, Laos and Burma alike. In the latter case, not only does it stand alone in defending criticism from the West, which prefers a harsh approach towards the Slorc, but also from the Burmese populace including the Slorc who are always doubtful of its sincerity. Sayadaw Rewata Dahamma's comments should serve as a good warning for the Thai government to act more realistically towards its delicate and fragile relations with Burma. The outbreak of new Burmese offensive along the border which drove more than 10,000 refugees across the border into Thai territory, should serve as a catalyst for Thailand and Asean to seriously review, without prejudice or hidden motives, whether their much proclaimed "constructive engagement" policy is really beneficial to the people of Burma. Thailand and Asean have to tell the Slorc loud and clear that its unrelenting use of force to suppress its own populace will not be tolerated and unless it reforms its politics and improves its record on human rights violations, Asean cannot stand to defend or associate itself with the regime. Slorc must also be informed that Asean will not and cannot invite Burma to attend the annual meeting of Asean Foreign Ministers in July in Brunei and the December summit in Bangkok of the 10 Southeast Asian nations, it light of the refusal to release Aung San Suu Kyi, now in her six year house arrest without trail, and other political prisoners, to transfer power to an elected civilian government and to end the annihilation campaign against the ethnic populace. It is debatable if the Chuan government is really serious about the policy revision or just trying to appease local and international outrage against the Slorc's renewed military offensive. (TN) ***************************THAILAND*************************** BKK POST: ARREST HERE LINKED TO DRUG SUPPLY DROP IN US 8 February 1995 THE recent arrest by Thai police of 10 men suspected of being member of a drug warlord Khun Sa is reported to have caused a sharp drop in the supply of heroin in the US market, the commander of Thai Interpol said yesterday. Pol Maj-Gen Amarin Nimsakul said the price of heroin in the United States has triple, "which means that those men played a very important part in the international heroin trade." Pol Maj-Gen Amarin was briefed on the current drug situation in the US during a meeting with American officials from the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Office of the Coordinator for Counter- Terrorism. He said the US team pledged to back police exchange programmes on anti-territorism and drug suppression between the two countries. Chart Thai MP for Nakorn Phanom Thanong Sirpreechapong is wanted under an arrest warrant issued in the wake of a US request for the Government to extradite him to stand trail on drug charges in that country. The court will decide in 60 days whether to send Mr Thanong to fight charges in the United States, Pol Maj-Gen said. (BP) ************************INTERNATIONAL************************* REUTER: EX-AUST PM'S BURMA TRIP GAVE REGIME A BOOST, ACCUSES EVANS 8 February 1995 Reuter SYDNEY_ Former Australian prime minister Bob Hawke undermined the campaign to force Burma into political reforms by falling to raise human rights during his recent visit, Australian Foreign Minister Gareth Evans said yesterday. Evans said the international community was becoming increasingly exasperated with Burma's State Law and Order restoration Council (Slorc) failure to implement reforms and release dissident Aung San Suu Kyi. "The whole international community is getting pretty fed up with the Slorc military regime," Evans said in an interview on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's radio National network. Evans said Hawke's failure to raise human rights during his january business visit to Burma would be a "morale booster" to Burma's military leaders. "It's a very firm signal to the leadership of such a country that the issue is not all it's cracked up to be," he said. "In statements of people like me and other foreign ministers and other leaders around the world, it is important, I think, to have a consistency of response here and that's of course the main point that I made in talking to Bob." Burma has been criticised by the international community because of its repressive tactics and the detention of 1991 Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi, leader of the national League for Democracy which won the 1990 elections. The Slorc took power after suppressing a pro-democracy uprising in 1988, ignoring the election outcome. Suu Kyi, 49, the daughter of independence hero General Aung San, has been held under house arrest at her home in Rangoon since July 1989. Slorc leaders told a visiting Thai government minister last month that Suu Kyi would not be freed until the constitution now being drafted was complete. Diplomats say that could take years. But Evans said there was no legal justification to keep Suu Kyi detained beyond July, the deadline for her release. "I think the next months are going to be pretty curcial in this respect but it is important that the international community speak with one voice," Evans said. Evans said pressure on Burma was growing from the United States, Europe and Australia, but more importantly from members of the Association of South East Asian nations (Asean) who wanted Burma to become part of the organisations. Asean consists of Indonesia, malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei and Philippines. But Evans conceded it is difficult to apply effective pressure on Burma, a country in a "self-imposed isolated time warp". "We can get excited about the prospect of economic or military sanctions but the reality is... you just can't get those to bite in an environment where Burma's major trading partners China and the Asean countries are just simply not prepared to go along with it," he said. (BP & TN) ************************************************************** NEWS SOURCES REGULARLY COVERED/ABBREVIATIONS USED BY BURMANET: AI: AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL AP: ASSOCIATED PRESS AFP: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE AW: ASIAWEEK AWSJ: ASIAN WALL STREET JOURNAL Bt.: THAI BAHT; 25 Bt.3 DUS$1 (APPROX), BBC: BRITISH BROADCASTING CORPORATION BI: BURMA ISSUES BKK POST: BANGKOK POST (DAILY NEWSPAPER, BANGKOK) BRC-CM: BURMESE RELIEF CENTER-CHIANG MAI BRC-J: BURMESE RELIEF CENTER-JAPAN CPPSM: C'TEE FOR PUBLICITY OF THE PEOPLE'S STRUGGLE IN MONLAND FEER: FAR EAST ECONOMIC REVIEW IRRAWADDY: NEWSLETTER PUBLISHED BY BURMA INFORMATION GROUP JIR: JANE'S INTELLIGENCE REVIEW KHRG: KAREN HUMAN RIGHTS GROUP Kt. BURMESE KYAT; UP TO 150 KYAT-US$1 BLACK MARKET 106 KYAT US$1-SEMI-OFFICIAL 6 KYAT-US$1 OFFICIAL MOA: MIRROR OF ARAKAN NATION: THE NATION (DAILY NEWSPAPER, BANGKOK) NLM: NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR (DAILY STATE-RUN NEWSPAPER, RANGOON) R.T.A.:REC.TRAVEL.ASIA NEWSGROUP S.C.B.:SOC.CULTURE.BURMA NEWSGROUP S.C.T.:SOC.CULTURE.THAI NEWSGROUP SEASIA-L: S.E.ASIA BITNET MAILING LIST SLORC: STATE LAW AND ORDER RESTORATION COUNCIL USG: UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT XNA: XINHUA NEWS AGENCY **************************************************************