************************** BurmaNet ************************** "Appropriate Information Technologies, Practical Strategies" ************************************************************** The BurmaNet News: Thursday, February 23, 1995 Issue #114 QUOTES OF THE DAY: "My nightmare about this project is that threats of physical intervention of that pipeline will create a reaction from SLORC that could be tragic....if you threaten the pipeline there's gonna be more military. If forced labor goes hand and glove with the military, yes, there will be more forced labor. For every threat to the pipeline there will be a reaction." John Imle, President of Unocal "Violence to destroy the pipeline would be our last option, but in the end we would have no choice....(the Slorc) will force slave labor on the people without payment. This violates our fundamental human right, so we will oppose the pipeline by any means." Nai Pe Thein Zea, a Mon spokesman "There are no such rebels. They are just 'ungrouped people' who cannot pose such a threat," U Tin Win, Burmese Ambassador to Thailand ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Contents: ************************INSIDE BURMA************************** BKK POST: EXCHANGE RATE CHIEF HEADACHE FOR BANKS IN BURMA NATION: BURMA SEEKS FOREIGN STAKES IN PRIVATIZATION BKK POST: NEW ORGANISATION HANDLES ALL INVESTMENT IN BURMA NLM/SLORC: SEVEN OF ABSDF MOE THEE ZUN GROUP RETURN TO LEGAL FOLD NLM/SLORC: KHIN NYUNT ON "WILY SCHEMES" *****************KAREN STATE/KAWTHOOLEI*********************** BKK POST: KAWMOORA FALLS TO RANGOON FORCES BKK POST: THAI ENVOY WARNS BURMA OVER INTRUSIONS NLM/SLORC: MORE DKBO MEMBERS, FAMILIES RETURN, RESETTLED NLM/SLORC: FAMILIES WHICH FLED TO OTHER COUNTRY RETURN TO MYANMAR *********************THE TENNASERIM*************************** BKK POST: MONS, KARENS THREATEN PIPELINE ************************THAILAND****************************** BKK POST: RANGOON JUNTA HEAD TO VISIT AS ARMY'S GUEST ****************VISIT MYANMAR YEAR 1996************************ NATION: M.O.U. 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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 23, 1995************ ************************************************************** ************************INSIDE BURMA************************** BKK POST: THE CHIEF HEADACHE FOR BANKS IN BURMA--THE EXCHANGE RATE 22 February 1995 Disadvantages of investing in Burma, such as foreign exchange conversion, were raised at the fair yesterday. Chatri Sophonpanich, chairman of the executive board of Bang- kok Bank, told a Greater Mekong subregion business workshop that settling an exchange rate between the kyat and US dollar was the major problem for banks in Burma. Eighteen foreign banks including five from Thailand operate representative offices in Burma. The Thai banks are Thai Mili- tary Bank, Siam City Bank, Krung Thai Bank, Thai Farmer Bank and Bangkok Bank which opened its office a month ago. Mr Chatri said he had not yet approached Burmese authorities about upgrading the office to branch. The representative of- fice cannot make transactions. "I don't think the authority will allow foreign banks to do that right now, but in the future, the situation will be much better," he said. Petroleum Authority of Thailand Exploration &Production (PTTEP) president Viset Choopiban said the unrealistic official exchange rate, compared with the black market rate, meant operating costs were higher than they should be. The lack of a legal precedent or interpretation of laws caused some delays in clinching business deals, he said. Burma has yet to sign treaties eliminating double taxation and, as a result, investing in Burma is costly. Glen Robinson, director of the ASEAN Focus Group, a consultancy based in Australia, said the artificial official exchange rate and other difficulties, including the lack of a legal framework, placed Burma at a disadvantage to other Asian countries. Communications facilities were seriously lacking and very expensive, but other investors might see this problem as an area of investment, he said. Burmese Ambassador U Tin Win said there was no policy to bring the official rate into line with the black market rate of 100- 120 kyats to the dollar. The safety of the natural gas pipeline from the Yadana offshore field across southern Burma to Kanchanaburi province was questioned, because of fears of sabotage by minority rebels. "There are no such rebels. They are just 'ungrouped people' who cannot pose such a threat," the ambassador replied. Mr Viset said the project was a long-term investment that benefited Thailand and Burma. "Myanmar Oil & Gas will later become a 15%shareholder of the project." He said construction of the 415-kilometre pipeline would be started next year and local people would be hired to do the work. (BP) ************************INSIDE BURMA************************** NATION: BURMA SEEKS FOREIGN STAKES IN PRIVATIZATION OF STATE UNITS 22 February 1995 Tax breaks among incentives from panel The Burmese government, after decades of centrallization and a closed economy, yesterday announced an aggressive move to welcome more foreign investment with a plan to privatize 51 state enterprises in energy, food, garment and other sectors. Ambassador to Thailand U Tin Win said that a privatization committee was set up last month to facilitate a market-oriented economy and the smooth running of state enterprises. "The foreign investors joining the programme will be exempled from machinery import tariffs and can fully remit their profits back to their home countries," said the ambassador here at a bisiness workshop on Burma, one of the six nations in the Greater Mekong subregional development programme. The 5-day workshops, on the business prospects of the five nations excluding Thailand, is part of BoI Fair 95, jointly sponsored by Board of Investment and Siam Commercial Bank. The first state enterprises in the plan are under the jurisdiction of five ministries; Ministry of Trade, Ministry of Industry (1) which is responsible for light industries, Ministry of Industry (2) for heavy industries, Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, and Ministry of Information. According to panel member Sanit Vayakornvichitr of Santi Forestry Co Ltd, Myanmar Timber Enterprise, the national forestry agency, has recently set up their first forestry joint venture and that demonstrates the government's clear direction towards privatization. Other examples of privatization are two plywood plants which have been privatized to Daewoo and a malaysian firm. Three more are destined to be privatized. Santi Forestry, which is the first Thai company receiving concessions from t he government, is also signing a joint venture contract for wood furniture manufacturing, said Santi. However, the state enterprises which will be privatized are mostly of small scale. They include refineries for barn oil, garment factories, the national biscuit factory, a leather products factory, paint factories, towel factories machinery spare parts factories, abattery cell production work shop, a diary factory, farms for poultry, sheep and goats, and cinema halls. Panelists and participants yesterday expressed confidence in Burma for longterm investment but they also cited some obstacles such as the wide difference between official and unofficial exchange rates and double taxation. Chatri Sophonpanich, executive chairman of Bangkok Bank, commented that when compared to other Indochinese countries, Burma has good potential but investors should adopt a step-by-step approach. Thai businessmen's strong confidence in Burma is also shown through the Board of Trade's organization of the biggest ever trade mission to the country, he said. Chatri also viewed Burma as a bridge between Asean and South Asia_the same way as Thailand has bridged Indochina with Asean. Regarding investment problems, Glen S Robinson of ASEAN Focus Group cited exchange rates and the lack of reliable import-export statistics, consumer statistics and market protection. "The exchange rate is a real problem. The government is aware of it but cannot solve it in the short term," he said. Viset Choopiban, president of PTT Exploration & Production Plc (PTTEP), added that the big difference has driven business operating costs higher than they should be. However, a participant, Krachang Phantunavin who is an Indochina expert, defended the two rates, saying they have at least remained stable for years. The lack of a double taxation treaty, added Viset, is another big problem for Thai businessmen who should be concerned over the interpretation of law and regulations to prepare for any legal problem in the future, after the huge inflow of foreign investors during the past few years. Chatri however asserted that Burmese law is "quite up to international standards," and to tackle the exchange rate problem, the government is prepared to allow the private sector to engage in foreign exchange. Eighteen commercial banks including five Thai banks have opened branches or representative offices there. As of Jan 1995, according to U Tin, foreign capital flowing to Burma is worth US$ 2.4 billion with 119 projects. Most of them are involved with oil and gas. France is the biggest foreign investor there, followed by Singapore and Thailand which has 23 projects or US$ 264 million. PTTEP, a subsidiary of state-owned Petroleum Authority of Thailand, is a major investor there with a 30 per cent intrest in a US$ 1.2 billion gas field in Moatama in cooperation with Total and Unocal of France. PTTEP earlier this month signed a gas sale contract with PTT. Viset expected that the project would generate foreign income within 3-4 years. (TN) ************************INSIDE BURMA************************** BKK POST: NEW ORGANISATION HANDLES ALL INVESTMENT IN BURMA 22 February 1995 A new organisation has been formed to handle both domestic and foreign investment in Burma, according to Rangoon's Ambassador to Thailand U Tin Win. The Myanmar Investment Commission (MIC) was set up last month to give initial approval investment proposals. It was formally called the Foreign Investment Commission and handled only plans from abroad. Apart from evaluating foreign investment proposals, the MIC can stipulate conditions for investment permits. Mr U Tin Win said any company which wanted to invest in Burma had to seek approval from one or more of the following minis- tries, depending on the area of investment: Trade; Industry NO. 1 for heavy industry; Industry No. 2 for soft industry; Livestock and Fisheries; and Information. Rangoon has earmarked 51 economic enterprise for the first stage of privatisation. He told investors yesterday, during a seminar on "Doing Busi- ness in Burma", that his country had abundant natural resourc- es to attract foreign investors. Forest covers 50.87% of the total land area and includes teak, cane, hardwood and bamboo. The ambassador said Rangoon favoured joint investment with state agencies in agricultural projects. Burma passed a Foreign Investment Law in 1988 although it has never signed an investment protection law with any country. A Thai Foreign Affairs Ministry source said the Thai govern- ment had twice submitted a counterdraft of an investment pro- tection law to the Burmese Government. It held negotiations with Burma last August and awaited a response from Rangoon. "If this accord is signed, Thailand will be the first country to sign such a document with the Burmese Government," the source said. Singapore had proposed a similar treaty with Burma, the source said. The Burmese ambassador said total foreign investment in his country until the end of last month amounted to. US$2.377 billion involving 119 projects. France has the biggest investment stake, followed by Singapore, Thailand, the US, Japan, the Netherlands and Australia. Bangkok Bank executive chairman Chatri Sophonpanich praised Burma as the gateway between ASEAN and North Asia. Thailand is a good link between Indochina and ASEAN. Vietnam and Burma are active observes of ASEAN activities, but Burma has yet to solve internal political problems. Vietnam is ready to apply for full membership of ASEAN. Mr Chatri said Burma had reasonable infrastructure which had not been demigod as severely (by war) as that in Indochina. Board of Trade chairman Pothipong Lamsam is leading 80 Thai businessmen on a mission in Burma. The group from 15 industries will take with officials from eight ministries in- cluding Trade, Transport, communications and Tourism. (BP) ************************INSIDE BURMA************************** NLM/SLORC: SEVEN OF ABSDF MOE THEE ZUN GROUP RETURN TO LEGAL FOLD NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR (18-2-95) Yangon, 17 Feb -- Distructing the armed struggle line of ABSDF and realizing the genuine goodwill of the State Law and Order Restoration Council, members of ABSDF armed group continuously return to the legal fold. Section leader Than Naing Oo, deputy section leader Tun Aung, pvts Zaw Win, Than Zaw, Aung Gyi, Ohn Lwin and Than Ngwe of battalion No 203 of ABSDF Moe Thee Zun group, bringing in two AK-47 automatics, two magazines, 36 rounds of ammunition, one M-16 automatic rifle, one magazine and 11 rounds of ammunition, returned to the legal fold at Kyat Chaung Camp in Myeik Township on 5 February. -- MNA ************************INSIDE BURMA************************** NLM/SLORC: KHIN NYUNT ON "WILY SCHEMES" [NOTE: The title given this article by BurmaNet is slightly different than the one which appeared in the New Light of Myanmar. The reason for the change is because NLM: SPEECH GIVEN BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE MYANMAR EDUCATION COMMITTEE SECRETARY-1 OF THE STATE LAW AND ORDER RESTORATION COUNCIL LT-GEN KHIN NYUNT AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE SPECIAL REFRESHER COURSE NO 14 FOR BASIC EDUCATION TEACHERS CONDUCTED BY THE CENTRAL INSTITUTE OF CIVIL SERVICE AT THE CICS IN HLEGU TOWNSHIP wouldn't fit in the subject line. Except for this, the article is unchanged.--BurmaNet] The New Light of Myanmar 18 February 1995 In his address, the Secretary-1 expressed belief that the trainees would be in great joy as their attendance of a course on which the State has laid a great emphasis had come to a successful conclusion and also that their nationalist fervour would further flourish as expected in accord with the lofty, noble aims of the course. He also said their resolution to serve national duties in the interest of the State and the people would be reaffirmed as they have come to realize objective situations, national objectives, requirements and long-term benefits of the State. Especially with firm resolution, he said, they would be able to discharge their main duty of turning out young intellectuals and intelligentsia who are also patriotic and would serve the welfare of the nation. He further expressed hope that the teachers would also be ready to take part in the measures taken by the State Law and Order Restoration Council for the Union to emerge prosperous and stand tall in the world. National aims or duties of a country are not the creation at will of a particular group of persons and are actually causes born of historic facts, he explained to them. He cited a proverb "Blood is thicker than water", speaking of Myanmar history in which the national races came together whenever the nation faced a crisis as in their repulsing of every invasion of aliens. The Secretary-1 spoke of a firm foundation of language, literature and culture laid by the national races and emergence of a well-structured Myanma cultural edifice. Following the invasion of the colonialists who attempted to cause disintegration of unity and breeding racism and regionalism, Myanma cultural traits cherished by all Myanmars such as traditional art of self-defence, traditional military science and indigenous medicine had diminished. Speaking of anti-colonialist and liberation struggle for independence, he said there was a tug-of-war between minions of the colonialists and patriotic forces who wished to establish the Union with the strength of unity. He spoke of armed struggle line taken by some national races due to suspicions and narrow racism bred by the colonialists and efforts made for securing peace in the post-independence period. In the time of Law and Order Restoration Council, Our Three Main National Causes have been laid as national policy guideline and tasks also laid down to translate policy into action. He dealt with other measures taken for physical and intellectual development of the nationals and for strengthening of their patriotism and Union Spirit. Peace Overtures Offensives against armed groups were suspended unilaterally on 28 April 1992 for national reconciliation, he said, and overtures were extended by responsible persons at Loikaw, Kayah State, on 17 November, 1993, at Thanbyu-zayat, Mon State, on 25 November the same year, at Hpa-an, Kayin State, the next day and at Myapadine Village in Kawkareik Township,te, on 5 April, 1994. He said altogether 13 armed organizations have returned to the legal fold and are joining hands with the government in development and continued to speak of the National Convention for writing an enduring Constitution. Taking advantage of the unilateral halt of offensives, the KNUs and some organizationsir influence attacked Htimukhee military camp, fired heavy artillery on towns and villages, looted travellers, killed or abducted innocent locals, forcibly organized recruits in villages, collected tribute money and committed destructive acts, harassing the people. While the invitation for making peace was being extended, Bo Mya, the KNU leader omdteNUB in which KNU's minion organizations DAB, NDF, NLD, (LA) and NCGUB were included and the NCUB launched diplomatic offensives to disgrace Myanmar and cause the Myanmar government to be shunned by the United Nations. The Secretary-1 said Bo Mya himself went to some countries and knelt down and begged for clamping sanctions on Myanmar --- to hinder foreign companies to invest in Myanmar, to keep Myanmar off the international circle, to stop other nations from assisting Myanmar in her anti-drug movement and to make other nations make direct contacts with the NCUB. He went on to explain that the NCUB scoured the world begging to obtain UN recognition and for providing it with money, rations and weapons. In the second phase of its strategy, the NCUB, he said, formed the Political Defiance Committee and distributed propaganda leaflets and planted bombs to cause misleading impression of the people on the government and instigate disturbances. Although Bo Mya and groups of expatriates under his influence continued to be engaged in anti-Myanmar movements, junior leaders and members of the KNU were found to have welcomed the government's invitation for peace. He said despite Bo Mya's comforting words to his members that he would make peace, he was actually demanding what could not be conceded and the KNU members' grievances over their leaders enjoying luxury, self-seeking and favouritism in giving promotions resulted in great explosion. Growing discontent The Secretary-1 spoke at length aboutsacrilege of Manggyingu Sayadaw's efforts o rmto f the Sasana and growing discontent of the Buddhist majority of the KNU of his high-handedness and Rambo monk's impudent manners in dealing with the Sangha. He dealt with the ensuing formation of DKBO by Buddhist Kayins, their opposition of Nga Mya, KNU's massive assault on DKBO and local residents and the Tatmadaw's assistance given to DKBO. The Secretary-1 explained to the teachers Buddhists and Christians in Kayin State have lived together in peaceful co-existence and there has never been religious contradiction and it was only the leadership of Bo Mya's KNU that practised dicrimination among the followers due to difference of faiths. There have never been eiiu suppresssion n ubn of freedom of faiths in Myanmar where the majority Buddhists live and everyone is enjoying equal rights, he remarked. Regarding organizations under KNU's influence, he said the organization led by Sein Win attempted to form a parallel government in Mandalay in September and October 1990, and following the failure, tasoddt Manerplaw, the KNU headquarters, whereh omd NGB, an illegitimate parallel government, with eight ministers including himself, which later increased to 11. He said there remains only seven ministers who are also divided into three groups which actually are now without base and home and NCGUB is in complete disintegration while Sein Win is still going around the US and begging for meals. Another group, he said, is ABSDF which was formed at a students' seminar at KNU's Wakha camp with Tun Aung Gyaw resident in Australia as chairman, 21 central excecutive committee members and 15 central exceutive committee members. He said that later, DAB, also under influence of KNU, coopted ABSDF under it as member and ABSDF battalions were organized beginning 1989 with areas designated but under control of KNU. Following the arrival of Moe Thee Zun in April, 1989, there was dissatisfaction among themselves and ABSDF split in four after its third meeting at Thanlwin camp in Manerplaw --- Moe Thee Zun group, Naing Aung group, Thant Zin Tun group and Thaung Nyunt Group. He said that four grups attempted to meet thrice for reuniting themselves but no coordinated solutions could be sought and moreover, Than Win and Aung Khin, CEC members of Moe Thee Zun group, broke away and set up ABSDF (Overseas), bringing the number of groups to five. He went on to say that KNU took over the matter of reuniting ABSDF groups with Tamla Baw as chairman of a committee and at present, Naing Aung's Dakwin camp has fallen, Moe Thee Zun's has moved to the southern region and the majority, without a place to settle, are collaborating with KNU, Mon and BCP remnants and collecting extortion money at sea. He explained to the teachers that another group is terrorist ABSDF (North) which was formed at KIA camp in Kachin State in 1989 and it has laid down as a military target to seize one of the largest towns in Kachin State in collusion with KIA for making demands to the government. The ABSDF (North), he sormed in June 1989 with Tun Aung Kyaw as chairman to move more actively in up-country. ater, there were clashsaogthem vying for power, and military-in-cag hnGoung accused some underground students inclusive of Tun Aung Kyaw of being government spies, arrested and tortured them and as a result, 32 student youths weere killed, he said. The Secretary-1 explained that though majority of the members of ABSDF (North) agreed with the KIA armed group's returning to the legal fold in 1994, their leaders did not want to abandon their armed struggle line. Continuing, he said the ABSDF armed group is about to terminate as and when there were clashes in their own organization vying for power and some groups on which they depend split and some returned to the legal fold. He explained that CRDB is an organization led by expatriates and its sub-groups were later formed in England, Germany, Australia and Bangladesh. Khin Maung Win and Tun Aung of CRDB (USA) are working for VOA and movement of CRDB diminished beginning 1994 and are now organizing the students who arrived from Thai- Myanmar border, he said. Aung Khin, Than Lwin Tun (a) Aung Naing and Khin Hla Tin who took part in the movement of CRDB (UK) in London are part-time producers of BBC Myanmar Programme and therefore reports of VOA and BBC Myanamar Programmes are opinions of CRDB (USA) and CRDB (UK), he said. CRDB (FRG) was formed with German citizen Myanmars and remaining expatriates and their movement became less as there is disunity among them, he said. CRDB (Australia), he said, was formed in 1989 and it also ceased to move in 1994. Various groups like BAG (Burma Action Group), INDB (International Network for Democracy in Burma) and BDCI (Burma Democratic Council International) were also formed later but they are just sub-groups of CRDB which are facing financial and other complicated problems, he said. It is evident that as the anti-government organizations are terminating on their own accord, goodwill of the government and its endeavours for national interest become more and more prominent, he noted. He stated that there is still the danger of destructive elements which are supporting the anti-government organizations like KNU and CRDB. He said it is found that such destructive elements will carry on wily schemes. The Secretary-1 urged teachers to be mindful of the movements of these destructive elements and to discern the attempts to interfere with the nation's internal affairs in politics, economy and religion and fabricated reports with intent to tarnish the image of the nation. He stated that the purpose to explain the intentions and movements of these destructive elements is to enable the teachers to lead their pupils away from the track of the dangers of their machinations. He underlined the pivotal task of teachers to nurture their pupils to be patriotic and instil in them the conviction to build a prosperous and modern nation. He also urged them to lead their pupils in the movements of the Union Solidarity and Development Association. In conclusion, he exhorted them to strive to implement tasks for realization of the aims of national education policies, to nurture their pupils to keep good code of conduct, observe discipline and become outstanding ones, to realize the government's goodwill and endeavours and explain them to their pupils and the public, to prevent the internal and external machinations of destructive elements with national awareness and explain the public about the truth, to lead their pupils in the national task for emergence of an enduring Constitution, and to organize and lead their pupils for realization of the aims of the USDA. *****************KAREN STATE/KAWTHOOLEI*********************** BKK POST: KAWMOORA FALLS TO RANGOON FORCES 22 February 1995 KNU leadership plays down retreat from last major stronghold as tactical withdrawal Mae Sot _In its second major military victory in less than a month, the Burmese Army captured the Karen guerrillas' stronghold of Kawmoora through a succession of massive artillery bombardments early yesterday. Kawmoora had been fircely defended, but the ethnic forces were eventually forced to abandon their headquarters after the incessant attack. Despite the devastating defeat, Karen National Union (KNU) leaders were defiant in a statement released yesterday. They insisted that their withdrawal from the camp must not be seen as a "defeat, but the next logical step in the reconstruction of the KNU, military as well as politically." The fall of Kawmoora appears to have given the Burmese junta full control, for the first time, of the 300-km stretch along the Thai-Burmese border, from Mae Hong Son province to Tak province's Mae Sot district. KNU leaders, in interviews yesterday, justified the pull-out, saying they had to consider potential losses if they were to continue defending Kawmoora. They said after a through military assessment, they realized they would have to bear a very "high cost" and "possibly severe casualties" if they did not abandon the outpost. Kawmoora is base for the KNU's 101st special military unit on the west bank of the Moei River. Leaders said they agreed that a withdrawal was "the best option at that time" to save both human and military resources. Ever since the Burmese assaults on the former KNU headquarters at Manerplaw in January, the leaders said they had decided to resort to "full mobile guerrilla warfare", the most efficient military strategy the Karen movement has employed in its armed struggle for greater autonomy. Manerplaw was abandoned by KNU forces on Jan 26, and was captured the following day by the Burmese army, which abandoned its two-year-old self-proclaimed unilateral ceasefire against armed ethnic groups. Karen and border sources said Kawmoora Camp Commander Brig Gen Taw Hla, who successfully defended his camp against heavy Burmese operations since 1989, ordered the evacuation of his 800 war-battered and die-hard forces at 4 am. The ethnic guerrillas began to cross the Moei River into Thailand at around 4.20 am. Brig Gen Taw Hla and his deputy, Maj Than Maung, also deserted the heavily-besieged Kawmoora and fled into Thailand. Their whereabouts, however, have not been disclosed. The sources said Thaw Hla's decision was made after the Burmese fired a large number of "time-delayed, fused shells from their field guns, which completely destoryed" all of the Kawmoora bunkers, defence lines and camp structures. The shells penetrated two to three feet into the ground and exploded three to four minutes later, wielding great destruction. Burmese troops also bombarded Kawmoora with "a number of tear-gas-like rockets" which caused "men's bodies to dysfunction immediately, eyesores and nausea" according to the sources. Thai Army and border patrol police forces, who had predicted the withdrawal of the Karen forces, searched and disarmed all of the guerrillas, some of whom fled with their assault rifles and other weapons, and later transported them out of the Kingdom. Col Direk Yaemngamreap, commander of Task Force 34 in Mae Sot, said yesterday that the Burmese troops, who resumed their shelling and ground assaults at around 4 am, after a brief lull from 10 pm Monday night, moved in and took full control of Kawmoora around 9.30 am. Border sources said three KNU soldiers were killed and an unknown number injured, while the Burmese casualities were still unknown. Altogether, the Karen faced seven Burmese battalions, or a total of between 3,000 and 3,500 troops from the 2nd, 44th and 77th divisions. They were deployed under the strategic command of maj Gen Maung Hla against some 1,000 KNU forces in a square-kilometre area at Kawmoora. Direk said about 500 artillery shells have been fired daily at Kawmoora, most falling on Thai territory. On Monday, Thai troops were provoked into firing warning smoke canisters at the Burmese after some 100 shells were launched into Thailand. Despite the withdrawal of the Karen , Burmese troops again deliberately fired 100 artillery shells into Thailand yesterday. The shells landed around Baan Wang Kaew, a small border village deserted by its residents after Burmese forces burned it down in a 1989 effort to capture Kawmoora. Thai border patrol police fired several rounds of mortars in retaliation. The Burmese began to fire the shells around noon and finished at 4.30 pm, after they had raised two military division flags above Kawmoora. At least four of the heavy Burmese shells landed near the Karen refugee camp at Baan Huay Kalok, 5 km from the border, prompting several Karen refugees to move to safe areas. According to border sources, most of the Karen's Kawmoora forces are in the process of uniting at the KNU Sixth Brigade area opposite the Umpang district in Tak. A smaller number have dispersed and moved deeper into Burma to launch guerrilla attacks against the "overpowered and outnumbered" Burmese troops. After heavy losses of weapons and heavy casulities in assaults earlier this month, the Burmese army stockpiled "an immense amount of millitary hardware" with the aim to crush the Karen forces and capture Kawmoora before the end of the month, the source said. Deputy Foreign Minister Surin Pitsuwan yesterday played down the impact on Thailand should the Karens' last stronghold fall to the Burmese junta. He said he did not a major influx of refugees crossing the border because most of the camp's residents are soldiers, not civilians. "We don't think there will be any serious problems stemming from an influx of Burmese people escaping across the border if Kaw Moo Ra falls. We are not too worried because most of the camp's residents are soldiers" he said. Surin also said the fighting could intensify if the last Karen stronghold is captured by Rangoon. (BP & TN) *****************KAREN STATE/KAWTHOOLEI*********************** BKK POST: THAI ENVOY WARNS BURMA OVER INTRUSIONS 22 February 1995 The Thai ambassador to Rangoon met leaders of the Slorc on Monday to reaffirm Thailand's warning to Burma against intrusions into Thailand by government troops involved in the suppression drive against the Karen national Union soldiers, Deputy Foreign Minister Surin Pitsuwan said yesterday. Mr Surin said he had yet to receive a detailed report on the meeting from Ambassador Poksak Nil-ubon. Commenting on the attacks against kawmoora camp opposite Tak's Mae Sot District which saw a number of artillery shells land on Thai soil, the minister said Thailand had already issued a warning. He said, however, that there are no reports of intrusions into Thailand by the Burmese military. Thailand would provide humanitarian assistance as necessary to karen refugees fleeing the attacks, he said, adding that on Monday artillery shells landed about 3-4 kilometres inside Thai territory, forcing Thailand to let the refugees seek shelter temporarily. Mr Surin said he did not expect the refugees to stay along in Thailand. He said he did not want non-governmental organisations to get involved as Thailand can handle the refugees by itself. "Our policy is that the refugees can safety stay in the coun- try without interference by foreigners or anyone else. The military and administrative officials will provide them with accommodation," Mr Surin said. (BP) *****************KAREN STATE/KAWTHOOLEI*********************** NLM/SLORC: MORE DKBO MEMBERS, FAMILIES RETURN, RESETTLED NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR (17-2-95) Yangon 16 Feb -- After members of the DKBO attacked and captured the KNU Hq at Manerplaw families of DKBO members, Buddhist Kayins and their families and others who were hiding at the camps in other country controlled by the KNU armed group, realizing the genuine goodwill of the Government and due to the organizational work of the DKBO which wants peace, are returning to the Myainggyingu Village in Myanmar every day. About 4,OOO members of KNU who oppose Bo Mya's leadership had left their main armed group and returned to the village where they formed Democratic Kayin Buddhist Organization (DKBO) on 21 December 1994. The KNU armed groups have been active along border areas in Kayin State. Altogether 2,375 males and 2,686 females of 1,025 households, totalling 5,061 have arrived back to date and were settled at the Myainggyingu Village systematically by the DKSO members and local people. -- MNA *****************KAREN STATE/KAWTHOOLEI*********************** NLM/SLORC: FAMILIES WHICH FLED TO OTHER COUNTRY RETURN TO MYANMAR NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR (18-2-95) Yangon, 18 Feb -- After the Democratic Kayin Buddhist Organization (DKBO) attacked and captured the KNU Headquarters at Manerplaw on 27 January 1995, peace and security have been restored to the area. Due to atrocities of KNU, those of villages at border region fled to other country. Families of Kayin national and those from so-called refugee camps of KNU returned to Myanmar to live in Manerplaw area. Altogether 1,020 persons comprising 502 males and 518 females of 126 households of 10 villages returned to Myanmar up to 12 February. They were: 55 males and 54 females of 20 households of Phada village; 28 males and 28 females of 10 households of Hti Wah Khee Village; 19 males and 18 females of 14 households of Tabawthaw Village; 26 males and 33 females of 11 households of Htipar Uhta Village; 105 males and 114 females of 40 households of Hteekane Village; 19 males and 18 females of 9 households of Nawkyawoe Village; 24 males and 25 females of 7 households of Khawhti Pawkho Village; 2 males and 5 females of 3 households of Wabwetu Village; le s and 45 females of 10 households of Mepalo Village; 5 males and 3 females of 2 households of Htiluthekhee Village, 185 males and 175 females of Thawlehta. They were warmly welcomed by officials and DKBO members and given necessary assistance. -- MNA *********************THE TENNASERIM*************************** BKK POST: MONS, KARENS THREATEN PIPELINE February 13, 1995 A special correspondent Embattled Mon and Karen separatists have begun making quiet enquiries about the possible reaction of foreign governments should any of their nationals be harmed during attacks on the planned Unocal/Total gas pipeline. The enquiries come as the Burmese army has launched a major offensive to wipe out the opposition groups while Thailand and the two companies inked the final pipeline contract. The enquiries, coming from lower-ranking members of the two ethnic groups, have drawn a private warning from one senior American official who said that any group targetting Americans in Burma would receive the "Khmer Rouge treatment." While the warning about threatening Americans was unambigious, no U.S. official has voiced any concern for the security of the controversial pipeline. The first threat against the pipeline came in August 1994 when the government officials attempted to coerce the New Mon State Party into signing a cease-fire by forcibly repatriating Mon refugees. Nai Pe Thein Zea, a Mon spokesman said at the time that "violence to destroy the pipeline would be our last option, but in the end we would have no choice....(the Slorc) will force slave labor on the people without payment. This violates our fundamental human right, so we will oppose the pipeline by any means." That threat has been repeated this week by both Mon and Karen rebels. Unocal's president, John Imle, responded to threats against the pipeline in January during a meeting with activists in Los Angeles. Imle told the activists that "my nightmare about this project is that threats of physical intervention of that pipeline will create a reaction from SLORC that could be tragic." He went on to warn that threats against the pipeline would only lead to more suffering on the part of the ethnic groups: "if you threaten the pipeline there's gonna be more military. If forced labor goes hand and glove with the military, yes, there will be more forced labor. For every threat to the pipeline there will be a reaction." Imle rejected allegations that human rights abuses in the area were in any way connected to the pipeline project and made particular reference to the charges of forced labor on the Ye-Tavoy railroad. Said Imle, ""We will not allow those [human rights] violations to take place to our benefit, meaning on our property." According to Mon intelligence sources, the Burmese army had stationed about 12,000 troops in the pipeline area prior to the current offensive against the Karen National Union. The Burmese army is plagued with a lack of mechanical transport and so according to the U.S. government, the United Nations and Amnesty International, regularly dragoons local villagers to carry ammunition and supplies into war zones. Human rights activists estimate that while in the field, the Burmese army uses about two porters for every soldier and that this forced labor can be attributed to "pipeline security." Environmental and human rights activists have criticized other aspects of the project as well. A spokesman for Green November 32, a Burmese environmental group mocked Unocal's public vow to obey all the environmental laws of Burma on their project, noting that the country has no environmenal protection laws. To date, Unocal and Total officials have also refused to meet with the indigenous peoples whose lands the pipeline will cross. ************************THAILAND****************************** BKK POST: RANGOON JUNTA HEAD TO VISIT AS ARMY'S GUEST 22 February 1995 A leader of the Burmese junta, Lt Gen Tin Oo, is scheduled to visit Bangkok later this week as a guest of the Army, an in- formed source said yesterday. The visit, at the invitation of Army chief Gen Wilmol Wongwanich, was planned for February 23-26, the source said. Lt-Gen Tin Oo's trip has not been officially, announced, however. Observers linked this to the Burmese government offensive against ethnic Karen rebels and other anti-Rangoon forces inn the Burmese border area next to Thailand, and said the visit might be rescheduled. A planned visit to Bangkok this month by Burma's powerful intelligence chief, Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, was postponed, as was a scheduled trip to Rangoon by Thai Deputy Prime Minister Supachai Panitchpakdi, amid border tensions. A Burmese ethnic minority leader has denounced the planned trip of Tin Oo. (BP) **********************INTERNATIONAL*************************** AFL-CIO: CALL FOR EMBARGO A letter from the President of the American Federation of Labor- Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) to the American Secretary of State. February 6, 1995 The Honorable Warren Christopher Secretary of State U.S. Department of State Washington, D.C. 20520 Dear Mr. Secretary: I write to you to express my strong concerns about the continuing egregious behavior of the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) regime of Burma. Directly contradicting its claims that it seeks peace and national reconciliation, SLORC sent the Burmese army to viciously attack, capture and sack Manerplaw, the headquarters of the Karen people and key base area for many groups, including the Federation of Trade Unions Burma (FTUB), seeking to restore democracy in Burma. We believe that the blatant, unprovoked attack on Manerplaw is a major setback for the cause of democracy in Burma and merits a strong response from the U.S. Government. In the "two visions" policy laid out by Deputy Assistant Secretary Hubbard during his visit to Rangoon, the U.S. indicated that, if progress by SLORC on issues of democracy and human rights was not forthcoming, the U.S. would renew its campaign to isolate the regime. In line with this policy, now is the time for the U.S. to show, by actions, that it is serious. Accordingly, we urge the U.S. Government to implement a full trade and investment embargo against Burma. Since most U.S. investment enters Burma through joint ventures with SLORC government agencies or entities wholly controlled by the regime, implementing sanctions would have a direct impact on the ability of SLORC to repress its people and conduct war on groups opposed to this illegitimate government. The withdrawal of the Commercial Officer from the U.S. Embassy in Rangoon would further underscore this message. We also renew our call for the U.S. Government to exert pressure to block development and aid projects of international institutions that benefit the SLORC. Sincerely, (signed) Lane Kirkland President ****************VISIT MYANMAR YEAR 1996************************ NATION: MOU SOUGHT WITH BURMA ON TOURISM 22 February 1995 Savit Bhotiwihok, the Minister of the Prime Minister's Office responsible for tourism affairs, yesterday proposed that Cambodia sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to foster tourism coodination between the two countries. Similar cooperation agreements have been signed with China, Vietnam and Laos. For Burma, negotiations are underway, he said. Savit yesterday met Cambodian Minister Veng Sereyuth. Savit said that he proposed that Cambodia allow Thai Airways International to operate flights from provincial airports such as Surat Thai, Chiang Mai and U-Tapao to Cambodia. He also talked to the minister about cooperation to boots tourism at Khao Phraviharn, which is located convenient to both countries. He suggested the Tourism Minister of Cambodia end that country's controversial aviation policy or it will negatively affect foreign investment. Savit, however, said that the Cambodian Government will have to ensure their decision processes, often criticised by foreign investors, are cleared of doubts and uncertainties. "I believe foreign investors need more transparency in the government because this is an important factor when considering projects in Cambodia," said Savit. (TN) **********************INTERNATIONAL*************************** BURMANET: LETTER--REGARDING BOB HAWKE February 23, 1995 [Former Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke recently visited Burma on a honeymoon/business scouting trip, prompting some criticism. The following letter relates to Mr. Hawke's ethical standards.] Thanks for the info on our esteemed Mr Hawke. They got a few of the details wrong. He has not quit the ALP. [Australian Labour Party?]. He is not held in high regard. The little prick was voted out as the Prime Minister by the Parliamentary Members of his own party. He then spat the dummy and dumped on his successor our now esteemed PM. He behaved like a real brat. I, like many of the party was calling for his expulsion. He sold his story for a million bucks, divorced his wife of 30 years and ran off with his biographer. Then he sold the story of the new love affair to 60 Minutes (40 minutes of bullshit and 20 minutes of ads). Very poor performance for a supposed socialist. **********************INTERNATIONAL*************************** AUSTRALIAN SENATE: QUESTION ON BURMA MONDAY, 28 NOVEMBER 1994. (QUESTION NO. 1720.) Senator Margetts: asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs, upon notice, on 20 September: (1) Has the Government changed its policy in relation to Burma; if so:(a) what are the changes; (b) what are the new directions that will impact upon decisions in the future; and (c) when did the changes come into effect. (2) What is the Government's view of 'constructive engagement' which is the policy of the Asian nations towards Burma. (3) Does the government believe that the polisy of 'constructive engagement' has been successful in; (a) moves toward freeing Aung San Suu Kyi; (b) improving the human rights record of Burma's ruling junta; and (c) improving th economic situation for Burmese minrities (3) What was meant by the Minister's comments, reported on page 29 of the Far Eastern Economic Review of 25 August 1994 that 'The notion of making some kind of better progress through dialogue, through communication, rather than through brick walls is one that has some merits. I am having to eat my words and I hope I don't get indigestion as a result'. (5) Which countries support the policy of 'constructive engegement' towards Burma. (6) (a) What is the policy of the European Union towards Burma; and (b) is the European Union considering changing its policy; if so, how is it considering changing it. (7) Have the European Union begun talks with w and Order Restoration Council(SLORC) in Burma; if so with what intention. (8) (a) Has the Australian Government or any government or i so with what intention; an (b)what as the nature of theura discussion. (9) What is the total number of political prisoners detained by the Burma Govenment in 1994. Senator Gareth Evans -- The answer to the honourable senator's question is as follows: (1) The fundamentals of Australia's policy in relation to Myanmar have not changed . We maintain the suspension of official bilateral development assistance, the ban on defence exports and the suspenefence visits from Australia, and our policy to neither encourage nor discourage trade. We also continue to use our best endeavours, in dialogur with the SLORC, in multilateral forums, and in discussion with other countries, notably in those in the region, to encourage political reform and respect for human rights in Myanmar. At the ASEAN Post Ministerial Conference in Bangkok in July, three themes wich underpin our approach t Manmar attracted general support: any progresss in Myanmar would be more likely to be achieved through dialogue and engagement by the international commnity, rather than through confrontation and isolation; "benchmarks"were a useful means of guaging movement; and there should be a relationship between concessions to the SLORC and progress in Myanmar. I identified possible benchmarks as: the unconditional release of Aung San Suu Kyi; the commencement of a serious dialogue with Aung Sun Suu Kyiabout the political and constitutional evolution of the country; access to political prisoners by the International Committee of the Red Cross. UN Special Papporteur and other outsiders; a review and reduction of sentences imposed for political activity; significant progress in the proposed dialogue between the SLORC and the UN; a clear timetable for the constitutional process, with delegates able to participate more freely; agreement by the SLORC to the inclusion of transitional provisions in the new constitution permitting further constitutional development; the provision of legal guarantees for the rights of the ethnic minorities; the cessation of forced labour and porterage beyond what are traditional practices; and the repeal of censorship and state protection legislation. (2) The 'constructive engagement' policy of the ASEANcountries seeks to integrate Myanmar into regional and broader international process as a way of exerting a positive influence on human rights and political reform. Australia has strongly encouraged ASEAN countries to use their contacts with Myanmar to send clear signals about respect for human rights and early movement towards a more participative political system in Myanmar and not to grant further 'rewards' to Myanmar until significant further progress has been made on the benchmarks. There is evidence that SA governments exercising it, a process that we have encouraged. (3) I would not wish to comment on the content or effectiveness of the Myanmar policy of our ASEAN neighbours, which have the sovereign right to conduct their own external affairs as they see fit. It seems , however, that international opinion does have some influence on the SLORC's approach, and that ASEAN countries have a particular significance in this regard. Recent events in Myanmar give some cause for hipe for furte steps in Myanmar 's political evolution. In particular, the meetings between the SLORC and Aung San Suu Kyi on 20 September and 28 October could lead to the commencemenogue of substance on political reform and national reconcilaition, which the Australian Government has been advocating for some time. I took the opportunity to encourage this dialogue in my meeting with Myanmar Foreign Minister U Ohn Gyaw in Mew York in early October. (4) I meant that pursuing a dialogue with the SLORC, and applying the 'benchmarks' approach, could be more effective than isolating and ostracising Myanmar in encouraging political reform and improving the human rights situation in that country. (5) The ASEAN countries characterise their policy as 'constructive engagement' with MYanmar. I am not aware of amy other countries which describe their policy in these specific terms. (6) As a reflection of its concern about the situation in Myanmar, the European Union(EU) suspened all bilateral aid programs; discontinued or limited aid hrough ultilateral bodies; cut defence links, and applied a total ban on arms sales. The EU actively participates in international efforts to press the Myanmar Authorities to improve their human rights performence and to institute democratic and economic reforms. MY understanding of current EU policy is that any fundamental change in its relations with Myanmar is unlikely in the absence of significant progress in a number of areas, including in such areas as respect for human rights and political reforms. (7) I am not aware of amy EU initiative for talks with the SLORC in Myanmar, although EU member countries with Embassies in Myanmar no doubt maintain contact with the SLORC. Moreover, the EU, represented by Germany, France and Greece, met with Myanmar Foreign Minister U Ohn Gyaw recently in Mew York to commence a process of critical dialogue with the SLORC. I understand that the purpose of dialogue is to ensure that the SLORC appreciates that the resumption of normal relations between the EU and Myanmar is dependent on improvements in theri human rights performance, and progress towards political liberalisation and national reconciliation. (8) Our Embassy in Yangon maintain a continuing dialogue with the SLORC, including on human rights and the need to expedite political reform. I have had meetings with Foreign Minister U Ohn Gyaw, including in Bangkok in July and again at the UN General Assembly in New York in October to sustain the dialogue. However, there has been no specific new Australian Government initiative to begin talks in Myanmar with the SLORC. Senator Hill visited Myanmar in July in a private capa9) It is difficult to specify with precision thenu mber of political prisoners currently in detention in Mynmar. 2,11 political detainees have been released since 1992 under SLORC declaration 11/92, but we believe that many remain in custody. *************************MISC********************************** BURMANET: CORRECTION TO "REGARDING IMET" February 23, 1995 In BurmaNet #113, Lt. Col. Than Zaw was incorrectly stated to have attended parachute training at Ft. Bragg, NC in the summer of 1984. Ft. Bragg is the home of the U.S. Army's 82nd Airborne Division, but the parachute training center is at Ft. Benning, GA, which is where Than Zaw was trained. BurmaNet apologizes for the error. *************************MISC********************************** BURMANET: LETTER--REGARDING SLORC ARTICLES ON BURMANET February 23, 1995 BurmaNet has received the following letter in response to an article posted by the SLORC and carried by BurmaNet: I have a question about the following text extracted from BurmaNet 18th Feb. 95% of the article is crap! Where did it come from? (apart from SCB). I hope people don't believe it. I'm sure they wouldn't, would they? I'm sorry, but I can't believe people (not BurmaNet) would post this and expect not to be shot down. " about 4000 mutineers" ......... Try 300 "4165 Kayins have returned to Myanmar"..........only 50 families had left by Jan 31, so I can't see how it could be more than 500! And most of them were families of DKBA soldiers. I also was interested to find out if the SLORC rep. was granted access to reg.burma, I followed the tread of messages, but didn't see the final decision. I guess Manaplaw falling stopped the discussion! In response: yes the SLORC representative is on the net. As the content of several recent postings have shown, so are at least two others who haven't formally identified themselves as such. The SLORC representative was allowed to subscribe for several reasons. The most compelling reason was that there is simply no way to keep the information posted on BurmaNet away from SLORC. SLORC articles are carried by BurmaNet not because they are true, but because they are useful. It is also useful for some analysts to have a sense of what and how the SLORC is thinking, which can sometimes be gleaned from articles appearing in the New Light of Myanmar. And besides, not every word of every article is untrue. BurmaNet makes no warrent that any article carried is accurate. But given the strong objections that some readers have to SLORC material, and especially material that is not clearly labelled as such by the author, BurmaNet will borrow a convention used to label pornography on some Internet newsgroups. A one word tag will be attached to the headline of any article coming from a SLORC source which is not already labelled as such, e.g. . If readers find material labelled as [SLORCITE] to be offensive, they can press the delete key without reading it. ************************************************************** NEWS SOURCES REGULARLY COVERED/ABBREVIATIONS USED BY BURMANET: ABSDF: ALL BURMA STUDENT'S DEMOCRATIC FRONT 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 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 KHRG: KAREN HUMAN RIGHTS GROUP KNU: KAREN NATIONAL UNION 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 MNA: MYANMAR NEWS AGENCY (SLORC) NATION: THE NATION (DAILY NEWSPAPER, BANGKOK) NCGUB: NATIONAL COALITION GOVERNMENT OF THE UNION OF BURMA NLM: NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR (DAILY STATE-RUN NEWSPAPER, RANGOON) NMSP: NEW MON STATE PARTY RTA.:REC.TRAVEL.ASIA NEWSGROUP SCB.:SOC.CULTURE.BURMA NEWSGROUP SCT.:SOC.CULTURE.THAI NEWSGROUP SEASIA-L: S.E.ASIA BITNET MAILING LIST SLORC: STATE LAW AND ORDER RESTORATION COUNCIL UPI: UNITED PRESS INTERNATIONAL USG: UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT XNA: XINHUA NEWS AGENCY **************************************************************