------------------------ BurmaNet ------------------------ "Appropriate Information Technologies, Practical Strategies" ---------------------------------------------------------- The BurmaNet News: June 16, 1995 Issue #185 NLM: LAYING DOWN OF NATIONAL IT POLICY STRESSED BURMANET: REPORT ON RELIGIOUS HARASSMENT IN CHIN STATE NLM: ACTION TAKEN AGAINST PEGASUS KARAOKE LOUNGE NATION: SLORC SUCCESS IN INDONESIA AND SINGAPORE WORRIES WEST BKK POST: MALAYSIA UNCLEAR OVER LONG-TERM GAS SUPPLY FOR THAILAND BKK POST:PRESSURE ON CHINA NEEDED TO SOLVE BURMA PROBLEMS THE NATION:US CONGRESSMEN MOVE AGAINST PRIVATE INVESTMENT IN BURMA THE NATION:NEW GOVT URGED TO CHANGE BURMA POLICY ---------------------------------------------------------- o-------------------------------o The BurmaNet News is an | | electronic newspaper | Iti | covering Burma. 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If you have questions on any of the following subjects, please direct email to the following coordinators, who will either answer your question or try to put you in contact with someone who can: Arakan/Rohingya/Burma- [volunteer needed] Bangladesh border Art/archaeology/: [volunteer needed] Campus activism: Boycott campaigns: Buddhism: Buddhist Relief Mission, c/o NBH03114@niftyserve.or.jp Fonts: tom@CS.COLGATE.EDU History of Burma: zar1963@violet.berkeley.edu Chin history/culture: Kachin history/culture: 74750.1267@compuserve.com Karen history/culture: 102113.2571@Compuserve.com Karen Historical Society Mon history/culture: [volunteer needed] Naga history/culture: [volunteer needed] [Burma-India border] Pali literature: "Palmleaf" c/o burmanet@igc.apc.org Shan history/culture: [volunteer needed] Tourism campaigns: bagp@gn.apc.org "Attn. S. Sutcliffe" World Wide Web: FreeBurma@POBox.com Volunteering: Dr. Christina Fink c/o burmanet@igc.apc.org [Feel free to suggest more areas of coverage] ---------------------------------------------------------- NLM: LAYING DOWN OF NATIONAL IT POLICY STRESSED 1 MAY 1995 The All-Maynmar Computer Association Organizing Committee held its Meeting 5/95 at the Universities Central Council Meeting Hall of the Higher Education Department this afternoon, attended by Secretary-2 of the State Law and Order Restoration Council Lt_Gen Tin oo. Also present at the meeting were Minister for Trade Lt-Gen Tun Kyi, Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen Abel, Minister at the Prime Minister's Office Brig-Gen Lun Maung, Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs U Soe Tha, Deputy Minister for Education Col Kyi Maung and Dr Than Nyunt, Deputy Minister for Trade U Aung Thaung, members of the all Myanmar Computer Association Organizing Committee and officials. In his opening address, Lt-Gen Tin oo spoke of extensive applica tion of computers and computer technology all over the world, noting that progress of computer technology in Myanmar is not satis-factory on the present stage. He recalled computer history in Myanmar and evaluated that though it was not late to apply computers, there are only a few who can master computer technology. Some computer experts, he said, are eager to work abroad rather than to strive to disseminate the technology at home. He said computers are now widely used in various fields, speaking of the need to up-grade the technology to keep abreast with the times. It is essential for all State's functions, associations and private establishments to work under a network for extensive exchange of information, he said, speaking of the need to enter into an internet. He also spoke of development modern computer technology in many countries and stressed the need for computer experts to strive in unity for modernizing, extension and development of technology at home. he dealt with Information Technology (IT), which is crucial for political, economic and social development of a nation, and explained effective application of IT in the world. He suggested that National IT Policy should be laid down as the nation's future strategic aim and called for suggestions and coordination for emergence of Myanmar Computer Association. Chairman of the Committee Deputy Minister Dr Than Nyunt explained the tasks carried out by the Committee. A general round of discussions followed and the meeting came to a close with concluding remarks by the Secretary-2. Myanmar News Agency. (The New Light of Myanmar) BURMANET: REPORT ON RELIGIOUS HARASSMENT IN CHIN STATE [This report was written by a Chin person from an organization operating in the Chin State] Religious Harassment of the Slorc The Lashi Township in the Sagaing Division is the area in which the chrstian Naga people are living. It is a hilly region and the communication is very difficult. In October 94, the Slorc Infantry Battalion 229 lead by Maj. Khin Soe arrived Layshi Township. After IB 229 arrived, Maj. Khin Soe told that Burma is the Buddhist country and they made operations to Naga villages and forced to change Naga people from Christian to Buddhist. Konkailon village In December 1994, one platoon from IB 229 led by Lt. Myat Kyaw came to Konkailon village and arrested the Christian preacher U Maung Hlaing. U Maung Hlaing was pointed with pistol and com manded to change all the villagers from christian to Buddhist. It was lasting for whole night long. The villagers from Konkailon Buddhist Pagoda at the place of the church. The event was hap pened on 20 December 1994. Kuki Village The similar event was also happened in Kuki village. A platoon from IB 229 of Slorc came to Kuki village and arrested the Chris tian preacher U Pa Khaw. He was released after being forced to sign at gunpoint to accept the Buddhist. Then, 85 villagers were rolled being under gun point in front of the soldiers and to sign on a paper that they accept the Buddhism. U Pa Kyaw was ordered not to any Christian missionary works. Pansat village A troop from IB 229 of Slorc came into the Pansat village taking a Buddhist monk from Pau Mai village on 20 January 95. They ordered the christian preacher U Alan Paul to call all the vil lagers. When the villagers had gathered, the military men took the Buddhist monk in front of the villagers. The villagers were forced to warship the monk gave them "sila". The villagers could n't say "parli" words clearly and then all of them were beaten by the army personals. The soldiers also destroyed the "Cross for the Memorandum for the year 2000" at the entrance of the village. Konkailon, Kuki Nurnitmumpi villages In the first week of January 95, the Slorc troops came to the Konkailon, Kuki and Nurnitmumpi villages along with the Buddhist monks. They left a monk in each village and forced the villagers to Buddhist. The monks are staying in the churches of the vil lages and guarded by one section of army personals in each vil lage. The villagers have to send a pig or a chicken everyday for the monk and the soldiers. other villages The villagers from Sumra, Phon Tharet, Leyon, Chatkaran, Ngakyan, Hinkut, Mitmumi and Pansan villages are now forced by the Slorc to change from christian to Buddhist. Naga Baptist Council Most of the Naga people are the members of the Naga Baptist Council (NBC). NBC was also under suppression of the Slorc. During the March 95, when NBC called a meeting in Layshi, the committee members of the NBC were detained in Layshi for two days. The meeting had to be postponed for 8 days. The NBC meeting was held on 15 March. Government servants All the government servants in these Naga villages in the Layshi Township were forced to change to Buddhist. If they refused, they were forced to retire. Information from the field reporters of ABSDF Date:... 1995 April 7. NLM: ACTION TAKEN AGAINST PEGASUS KARAOKE LOUNGE New Light of Myanmar 6 MAY 1995 Authorities concerned today released a report that legal action is to be taken against a foreigner karaoke lounge owner, the manager and the young ladies on breach of public morals. A foreigner named Mr Lam is running Pegasus karaoke lounge at No 5, KabaAye Pagoda Road, Yankin Township, and he employed young ladies who sang karaoke, sat intimately with customers and wore defiled dresses. The ladies used to arrive at the lounge in the evening and some of them reportedly went along with the customers in their cars. Police and ward authorities raided the place yesterday. The interior of the lounge is not visible from outside because of tinted panes. There are dimly-lit dining rooms partitioned with the tinted glasses. Police found twenty-three ladies, ten of them with miniskirts, entertaining the customers, who visited the shop at the rate of K 1,000 an hour, with karaoke music and sitting questionably at the tables. It was also found that some 20 ladies went into the shop in the evening and some of them left in their customer's cars. Effective action is to be taken against the owner Manager U Tint Lwin and the young ladies. MNA (The New Light of Myanmar) PREPARATIONS FOR FOURTH WORLD WOMEN'S CONFERENCE DISCUSSED 7 FEBRUARY 1995 Secretary-1 of the State Law and Order Restoration Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt met members of the national committee for the Fourth World Women's Conference at the Social Welfare Department on KabaAye Pagoda Road this morning. First, Chairman of the national committee Deputy Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement U Win Naing explained preparations for the Fourth World Women's Conference. Next, the Secretary-1 gave suggestions on the preparations. He spoke of the need to highlight the rights enjoyed by women in Myanmar after studying discussions of the previous conferences. he noted the World Women's Conference are organized with the aim of enabling women to enjoy equal status and rights with men. As women in Myanmar have been enjoying their full rights, no special arrangements will be necessary for the purpose, he said. Myanmar women, he underscored, have been enjoying equal rights since the beginning of its civilization thousands of years ago. With the development of civilization, the role of women has also enhanced. In accordance with Myanmar cultural traditions handed down since the time of our ancestors, Myanmar women are under no restric tions, enjaoying equal status and equal rights, he said. Even at present, he said, Myanmar women are enjoying equal rights with men in political, economic, administrative, judicial and social aspects. There are many instances in which Myanmar women are assigned duties in the leading administrative positions, he pointed out. He went on to say that Myanmar women get social and legal protec tion, he called for preparations to ensure that such existing conditions of Myanmar women are vividly presented with firm evidence. Next, those present offered suggestions for the preparations. The Secretary-1 responded. The meeting ended at 10 am. After the meeting, the Secretary-1 and party inspected the KabaAye Youth Training Centre and Young Rehabilitation Centre. The meeting was also attended by Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Brig-Gen Thaung Myint, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw, Attorney-General U Tha Tun, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyunt Swe, Deputy Minister for Information U Thein Sein, Deputy Minister for Health Col Than Zin, Deputy Minister for Labour U Kyaw Aye, Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing, Deputy Minister for Education Dr Than Nyunt, Director General of the State Law and Order Restora tion Council Office Lt-Col Pe Nyein, departmental heads, the Presidents of Myanmar Red Cross Society, Myanmar Medical Associa tion, Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association and Myanmar Women's Sports Federation and officials. MNA (The New Light of Myanmar) NATION: SLORC SUCCESS IN INDONESIA AND SINGAPORE WORRIES WEST 13 June 1995 The Week-Long visit to Indonesia and Singapore by Burmese military leader and Prime Minister Than Shwe which ended on Sunday reconfirms a trend which Western governments fear the increasing recognition of the regime. The ruling State Law and Order Restoration Council (Slorc) is well aware of its strengths which are abundant natural resources and plenty of business opportunities for investors. During the visit, Rangoon and Jakarta signed an agreement to increase economic and trade ties, including the development of natural gas resources, and to explore ways to guarantee investment and avoid double taxation. Both sides also plan to increase air links and cooperate in the areas of forestry, telecommunications and fisheries. A similar agreement was also signed between Burma and Singapore to further strengthen economic cooperation and expand trade, especially in tourism and agricultural business. A joint ministerial body will be set up to oversee joint projects. The two countries also agreed to promote shipping and maritime services and to exchange technical experts and human resources training. It seems Rangoon is specially interested in Indonesia where the political scene is worth studying for Burmese leaders working out ways to legitimise their hold on power through the new constitution they are drafting. "The Slorc seems to be looking toward an Indonesian future - a military-dominated regime that appears externally to be civilian but in which power is clearly in the hands of the military establishment," said David Steinberg, representative of the Asia Foundation in South Korea. "This, the Slorc has publicly maintained, is the stability that Myanmar needs at this juncture," he told a recent conference on "Myanmar toward the 21st century: dynamics of continuity and change", in Chiang Rai. The Slorc seized power in September 1988 and has since steadfastly held on to it, ignoring the results of the 1990 multi-party election which saw a landslide victory of the National League for Democracy led by Aung San Suu Kyi. In contrast, increasing international recognition from the visit, as well as relatively stable conditions inside the country, are enough to make foreign investors comfortable in dealing with the junta. "Because of Myanmar's progress in political and economic fields, together with its military government's attempts to elicit recognition from other countries, many investors are now looking at Myanmar in a more positive light, expecting to see the country recognised internationally soon," an article in the Bangkok Bank Monthly Review noted. Natural resources, cheap labour and a big market of 42 million are enough to attract foreign investment to Burma. Its foreign investment now totals US$2.23 billion - leading investors are from the US, France and Singapore. Rangoon is clearly taking advantage of the lack of concerted efforts from the international community to pressure it to release Nobel peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations stands by its constructive engagement policy and, while many western countries ban political contact with the Slorc, they allow their private sector to have trade ties with Rangoon. The momentum is also shifting from total isolation after the European Union and the US have resumed direct talks with the junta, even though to convey their concerns over human Rights abuses and the fate the dissident leader Aung San Suu Kyi who is approaching her sixth year house arrest. Tanet Charoenmuang, a political scientist at Chiang Mai University who also attended the conference, proposed that since there is no unity in dealing with the junta, an alternative would be to face the reality of Burma's economic magnet and try to instill change at grassroots level for the long term. Tiled "the democratically constructive engagement" approach. it has one key element which is lacking from Asean's policy - clear objectives toward democratisation in Burma, Tanet told the conference. "Asean has the advantage of being able to have dialogue with the Burmese ruling regime, but it does not have concrete measures to improve the situation in the country, except for building close business ties," he said his paper. The alternative approach calls for close ties with the junta with the objective being to help it develop its economy, communication and transport system, bureaucracy, banking system, human resources and other aspects. "But opening up Burma in all aspects, especially with input from the outside, the Burmese in a new era should have new opportunities to build their nation," he said. (BP) IRATE VILLAGERS THREATEN PROTEST OVER STOPPAGE OF WORK ON MOEI RIVER BRIDGE 13 June 1995 Disgruntled villagers here have threatened to stage a protest against Burmese and Thai authorities in this northern province after the Burmese junta last week abruptly stopped the construction of a bridge linking the two countries. Local people including merchants have charged Thai authorities of the Highway Department of "selling off the Thai soil" to Burma, by digging up and using the earth from a Mae Sot mountain to build the bridge across the Moei River. In Bangkok Defence Minister Gen Vijit Sookmark has played down the Burmese decision to stop the project and expressed his optimism and confidence that the two countries could soon resolve the territorial dispute, which has brought the bridge construction to a complete halt. Vijit said yesterday he believed concerned authorities from both sides could soon find a solution to the territorial dispute in Tak's Mae Sot district where the Burmese junta has accused Thailand of encroaching on the Moei River. The river serves as the natural boundary between Thailand and Burma. The halt has created growing resentment among Mae Sot resident and merchants, who have charged the Burmese government of making an unreasonable decision in stopping the bridge project. They also accused the Thai Highway Department of "selling of the Thai soil" to the Burmese authorities by using the earth from Thailand to construct the bridge. They said about 600-truck-loaded soil was dug up from a mountain in Mae sot and taken over to Burma for the bridge project. After the project was stopped, the Burmese authorities have used the Thai earth to fill and construct Burmese roads, according to Mae Sot residents. The Burmese side did not give any share in the project, neither in term of finance nor material, they added. "In fact the Burmese should have pulled in some resources because the bridge will be used by both sides. Thai soil for the construction came from Thailand but the Burmese authorities, after stopping the construction, have used it to build roads in Myawaddy," they said. Burmese Construction Minister U Khin Maung Yin last week ordered a halt to the construction of the bridge linking Mae Sot and Burma's Myawaddy border town from June 5, charging that Thailand has refilled the bank of the Moei River for the building of shophouses. The land reclaim affected and diverted the flow of the river as well as destroy the Burmese bank. Myawaddy officials have asked Thailand to stop the construction of both the bridge, which was fully funded by the Thai Government, and the refilling of land and building of any structures. They also asked the Thai firm, which is responsible for the building of the Bt70 million bridge, to stop its operation and to pull back all its construction equipment from Burma. Mae Sot residents were also angry that the Burmese authorities had asked Thai authorities to pull down any structures built on disputed land saying that the Burmese should concern themselves only about their own land and not order Thailand to destroy the structures. Mae Sot District Chief Kasem Wattanatham said yesterday that he had tried to urge local people to stay clam and to stop their planned protest saying the whole incident was still unclear and that the Highway Department only followed the Thai Government's orders. "We [Thailand] still do not know what was the main conflict. I would like to urge all parties to stay clam and let the Thai and Burmese governments negotiate whether it is the [question of] border demarcation or the construction of Thai structures," said Kasem. Defence Minister Vijit said he did not know if the Burmese abrupt decision to stop the bridge construction stemmed from the displeasure over the border incidents and problems relating to the activities of the armed ethnic Karen guerrillas and opium warlord Khun Sa's Mong Tai Army. he said the changes of the Moei current was also another pending dispute which has not yet been resolved. "Thailand has had good relations with Burma and we have resolved the problems of the flow of Sai and Ruak river currents in Chiang Rai province. We have resolved them peacefully," he added. (TN) OFFICIAL PONDER INVITING BURMA FOR ASEAN SUMMIT MEETING 13 JUNE 1995 Thailand is still weighing up whether Burma deserves to be invited to a proposed informal meeting of 10 Southeast Asian heads of government on the eve of the Fifth Asean Summit to be held in Thailand in December. "We will go ahead with the planned meeting if no counter-productive incidents take place," Foreign Ministry Deputy Permanent Secretary Saroj Chavanavirat said yesterday at the end of the Asean senior officials' third two-day meeting of Asean heads of government. Saroj admitted the situation in Burma was a major concern and that the ministry would want to consult with the new government on this and other matters concerning preparations for the Fifth Asean Summit. Senior Asean officials decided to invite Burma to attend their annual ministerial meetings this July as a guest of Brunei, but were hesitant to include Burma in the 10-state meeting. After repeated violations of Thai sovereignty by the Burmese and ethnic Karen forces and the global condemnation of the regressing political situation in Burma, Thailand has become less vigorous in pushing for the informal gathering. The informal meeting, which will include Asean's present six members, plus Vietnam, to become a new member in July, Cambodia, Laos and Burma, will be held in between the fifth meeting of Asean heads of government which is scheduled between Dec 14 and 15. At the Asean preparatory meeting for the Fifth Summit here on Sunday, Asean officials assigned Thailand to work out concept papers which will embody the objectives of the 10-state meeting and how Asean should help Cambodia, Laos and Burma prepare for eventual integration into Asean. According to Saroj, Asean wanted to fulfil the objectives set out in Bangkok 28 years ago by Asean founding fathers to have one Southeast Asian community. He said the 10-state meeting would be a means to achieve this. "The 10-state informal meeting will expose the rest of Southeast Asian states to the direction Asean is heading and allow them to better prepare themselves," he said. Saroj said other Asean states so far expressed no opposition to Burma's attendance at the 10-state meetings did not indicate that there should by any review of Asean's constructive engagement policy with Burma. "We are different from Western countries. We will not pressure them [Burma] to do what we want. Rather we want to command their trust," he said. Asean senior political and economic officials at their joint meeting yesterday discussed political and economic documents to be issued at the end of the Fifth Summit by their leaders. So far Asean officials are aiming at moderate achievements in the Fifth Summit given the landmark agreements of Asean's political and economic cooperation produced at the Fourth Summit in Singapore in 1992. "We tend not to make it a tradition that we should have excitement every time there is a meeting," said Saroj. At the 1992 Fourth Summit, Asean leaders agreed to launch Asean Free Trade Areas and established an Asean security dialogue that included Asean and key regional players. The senior officials said the upcoming summit will be review and correct those agreements. However according to Saroj, the economic officials are considering a possibility to shorten a 10-year plan for Asean trade liberalization. Saroj added that any new initiative depends on the development up until the summit. "A lot of things depend on the decision of Asean foreign and economic ministerial meetings and on whether there might be another watershed," he said. (TN) Mail: (i)ndex (u)nread (w)rite (c)apture (d)elete (s)ave (h)elp (q)uit: Message 18 (217 lines) >From lurie@mozart.inet.co.th Wed Jun 14 07:42:28 1995 Date: Wed, 14 Jun 1995 19:55:28 +0700 (GMT+0700) From: Caroline Lurie To: strider Subject: Bkk Post on 14.6.95 Burmese notify Thais to stop bridge building Mae Sot Tak 14.6.95/Bangkok Post Burmese authorities in Myawaddy notified Thai officials on Monday to stop construction of the Thai-Burmese Friendship Bridge over the Moei River until the dispute between the two countries is settled. Highways Department Bridge Construction Division Director Bunsong Supamasdikul disclosed Thailand was informed about suspension of the construction work when his workers went across the river to collect construction material left at Myawaddy. Thai workers told Burmese local officials they would bring back the construction material to the Thai side, but the latter said since there was suspension of work on the Burmese side, work on the Thai side must cease. Rangoon's suspension of the work on its side has prompted Thailand to comply with its request by transporting all equipment and material from the Myawaddy site, digging out earth filled along the Moei River and removing all structures encroaching on the river , said Mr Bunsong. Since the Thai Government has not yet ordered suspension of work on its side, officials concerned must proceed with their work , said Mr Bunsong, adding that construction work on the Burmese side would resume after both countries reached an agreement . On the same day, Lt-Gen Sanan Kachornklam led a five-man committee from the Planning Division under the Joint Operations Centre of the Supreme Command [JOCSC] to inspect the border situation and construction of the bridge at Mae Sot District. According to Lt-Gen Sanan, the Thai-Burmese border policy is supervised by several committees, each consisting of cub- committee and working group members who monitor various fields. The Bridge Construction Committee and the Border Demarcation Committee , chaired by Deputy Foreign Minister Surin Pitsuwan , have been supervising the Thai-Burmese Friendship Bridge construction and its problems , he said. " Construction of the bridge has been undertaken in accordance with Thai-Burmese agreements to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in the fields of transportation, economics, tourism and culture. This bridge will link A 1 Route of the Asian Highway, starting from Vietnam's Haiphong to Bazagan , Iran . The Bridge Construction Committee is responsible for this work," explained Lt-Gen Sanan. The Border Demarcation Committee , in turn, has overseen the border deal, he said , adding that both countries have common borders stretching up to 2,000 kilometers , including sea boundaries and 50 other undefined spots. " If Burma just wants all disputes over border boundaries settled before resuming work on the Friendship Bridge , it may deem it unnecessary to build anything ," said Lt -Gen Sanan , noting the Thai-Burmese Border Demarcation Pact was signed in 1868, but now nobody knows how the border boundaries have changed. If any part of the border is found to be unclear , both agencies concerned should hold negotiations to solve the matter , he suggested. As for the border problem along the Moei River, Lt-Gen Sanan recommended that a joint border survey committee be set up to find out facts and details. Thailand has positive policies towards Burma, he pointed out ,such as its constructive engagement policy , to which the Association of Southeast Asian Nations has adhered. An invitation for Burma to observe the ASEAN meeting last year and the construction of Thai-Burma Friendship Bridge were also viewed as Thailand's good intentions to help its neighbours become an ASEAN member and also to jointly trade, said Lt-Gen Sanan. In a related development, Army Assistant Commander-in -Chief Gen Chetha Thanajaro said Burma's suspension of work on the bridge was being examined by the Foreign Affairs Ministry. Mr Surin was for the moment trying to hold negotiations on the matter, said Gen Chetha, believing the problem would be settled soon. ***************************************************************** Pressure on China needed to solve Burma problems 14.6.95/Bangkok Post The international community should put pressure on China to help resolve conflicts between the Burmese junta and ethnic minorities , according to Vitit Muntarbhorn . Relations between Beijing and Rangoon should be reviewed in the hope that the domestic situation in Burma can be improved ,the Chulalongkorn University law professor suggested. " Should the State Law and Order Restoration Council be solely blamed for human rights abuses in Burma.? Is history repeating itself, with a new colonialism from China?" he asked. He pointed out that the problem of ethnic minorities in Burma date back to the era of British colonialism ." At the time of the British the two biggest minorities, the Karens and the Kachins, were used to govern the Burmese," he explained. Today it is China that is using Burma, in order to gain greater access to the Indian Ocean for its own economic benefit , he argued . Prof Vitit raised these points during a panel discussion on what the new government's policy on Burma should be, or ganised by the Campaign Committee for Democracy in Burma. The Thai policy of constructive engagement with Rangoon is often criticised in the West because of the way in which it encourages the Burmese junta through economic cooperation while ignoring human rights violations. " The best way of putting pressure on China would be through the ASEAN Regional Forum, although Beijing has tried to play down the issue," he said. The Thai authorities never mention that the Sino-Burmese relationship is a possible threat to Thailand in the future, he said. China is reportedly trying to expand its influence in the South China Sea and is working on preserving good relations with Burma. Thailand could therefore find itself in a difficult position. The Thai Government should work to try to bring the Burmese junta, one of the world's top human rights violators, and ethnic minorities together at multi-level forums including the United Nations Security Council , in order to gain world attention for a permanent resolution of the problems. BKK POST: MALAYSIA UNCLEAR OVER LONG-TERM GAS SUPPLY FOR THAILAND Business Post/14.6.95 by Boonsong Kositchotethana MALAYSIA continues to send confusing signals as to whether it can provide natural gas on a long-term basic to Thailand. Senior Malaysia energy officials told their Thai counterparts at the recent regional energy meeting in Bangkok that Malaysia's entire gas production has been committed to several subscribers, according to Thai officials. Part of the natural gas is sold to domestic power producers and the private sector in Peninsular Malaysia in the form of piped gas, while the other portion is committed for delivery to Japan and South Korea in the form of liquefied natural gas(LGN). That contradicts a statement made last September by then Malaysian energy, posts and telecommunication minister Samy Vellu Sangkimuthu who told senior Thai officials in Bangkok that Malaysia could supply up to 500 million cubic feet per day (MMcfd) of gas to Thailand. Earlier, Kuala Lumpur said it could not meet the volume of natural gas supply requested by Thailand. A senior Thai official said Thailand, especially, the Petroleum Authority of Thailand, the natural gas distribution monopoly, should now drops its plans based on Malaysian natural gas as it is now quite likely that it is not available. Thailand planned to use the Malaysian gas to run power plants in its Southern region. A Thai energy officials working in Kuala Lumpur confirmed that the majority of Malaysian gas supply, coming from onshore field off the east coast of peninsular Malaysia, is subscribed by local users as part of Malaysia's presence to have the indigenous gas used domestically to spur its aggressive industrialisation programme . Therefore, the chance of Kuala Lumpur providing natural gas , via a pipeline proposed to be linked with Thailand's gas line system in southern Thailand, seems to be remote, at least for several years. Malaysia is one of the neighbouring countries from which Thailand has been seeking energy resource supplies to meet its energy demand growth. Already in place is the 30 year accord for natural gas supplies from Burma's Yadana offshore gas field and agreements for power supplies from two hydro-power projects in Laos. US CONGRESSMEN MOVE AGAINST PRIVATE INVESTMENT IN BURMA Clinton urged to coordinate sanction policy with allies in Asia 14 June 1995 Sixty-one US Congressmen have jointly urged President Bill Clinton to intensify US economic sanctions against Burma to discourage private US investment in the country. The sanction initiative, however, "must be coordinated with our allies [in Asia and Europe] in order ensure its effectiveness," said congressmen from both the Democrat and Republican parties in a letter submitted to Clinton on June 1. While the congressmen, which included chairmen of several powerful House committees, said they agree with the administration that the US policy towards Burma "must include both incentives and disincentives", they said "the terms must be clearly defined with a time limit attached." They also urged the US president and his administration to come up with "a detailed specific strategy regarding Burma". The letter was drafted and lobbied for by Democrats Tom Lantos and John Edward Porters, but Republicans including Benjamin Gilman, who is chairman of the House Committee for Foreign Affairs, Dough Bereuter, chairman of the House Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific, and Christopher Smith, chairman of the House Subcommittee on International Operation and Human Rights, also signed it. The bipartisan call for economic sanctions on Burma has been in discussion in the capitol during the past few months as political and human rights conditions in the country have clearly deteriorated with the ruling junta State Law and Order Restoration Council (Slorc) continuing to ignore international calls for the unconditional release of popular opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi and other political prisoners, as well as the transfer of power to an elected administration. Republican Senator Mitch McConnell, who is one of the key people in introducing comprehensive US economic sanctions against South Africa in 1986, is working out a similar bill on Burma. The sanction bill, if passed by the House and the Senate and subsequently wins an approval from Clinton, would effectively ban both private US investments and any economic relations with Burma. "Without tangible progress towards substantially improving their human rights efforts and restoring civilian, democratic rule, we urge you [Clinton] to intensify current economic sanctions by discouraging any new, private US investments in Burma. We also believe that these initiatives must be coordinated with our allies in order to ensure effectiveness," the congressmen said. In the letter, a copy of which arrived in Bangkok yesterday, the US House members said they "were deeply disappointed by the lack of progress" in Burma towards the protection of basic freedom, the restoration of political and human rights, and the release of Aung San Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate who has been unlawfully put under house arrest since July 1989, and other political detainees. Last month, Congressman Bill Richardson, a Democrat, the first non-family member to meet Suu Kyi twice in February last year, told a press conference in Bangkok after his brief tow-day visit to Rangoon that there had been "serious repression, regression and retrenchment by Slorc in the area of human rights and democratization" since the beginning of this year. Richardson, who was denied a meeting with Suu Kyi during his last trip, called for a tougher international approach and policy towards the Burmese junta and for "a voluntary, multinational code of conduct" in doing business with Burma. In the letter, the congressmen said they joined the US president in being "strongly opposed to the [Slorc] military assault [on Karen guerrilla's base of Manerplaw] and the subsequent loss of life and we urge you to clearly convey these sentiments to the Slorc leaders." Clinton was also urged to secure a commitment from the Thai government that it would "continue to provide a haven for the [thousands of] refugees and allow them access to humanitarian assistance" provided by private relief agencies. The letter also asked the US president to encourage US Secretary-General Bourtros Boutros-Ghali 'to take measures to halt further military offensives, secure regional peace and seek a genuine political settlement in accordance with the UN General Assembly resolution on Burma" which was adopted in a consensus last December. (TN) NEW GOVT URGED TO CHANGE BURMA POLICY 14 June 1995 Thailand's "passive approach of its constructive engagement policy" has been a "slap in the face" for the country as it has supported the Burmese junta's "increasing aggressiveness" in suppressing its people, an academic told a seminar discussing post-election Thai-Burmese policy. The "passivity" has also led to Thailand losing any "leverage" it could have had to encourage constructive political reform, a respect of human rights and freedom of speech, expression and public gatherings, the meeting was told. The call for change was made by Dr Vitit Muntarbhorn, law professor of Chulalongkorn University, at the seminar entitled "The New Government: How it should pursue a Thai policy towards Burma." Academics, researchers, social workers and a political adviser for the Democrat Party were invited to talk at the three-hour debate. The ruling Democrat Party, whose MPs make up the Foreign Ministry, assigned Dr Seubsaeng Bhomboon, a former university lecturer, to talk on its behalf. Vitit said the new government should drop its policy of "constructive engagement" and, instead, adopt "a humanitarian interaction" with Burma. It should also apply "humanitarian principles" in dealing with over 87,000 ethnic Burmese refugees by allowing them to stay on in over 30 border camps until the situation in Burma was safe for their "voluntary return". Seubsaeng said the Foreign Ministry has deliberately allowed the "constructive engagement" policy to be "evasively" defined, as any clear-cut definition would not provide "flexibility" for the government to implement it. The only shortcomings in pursuing the controversial policy was the absence of "efficient" individuals, officials or ministers with a good profound understanding of the complexity of the Burmese problem. The next government, he said, should review its current approach and the new foreign minister should cultivate a comprehensive knowledge of Burma, as well as setting up a good backup team to help conduct a national policy. Vitit said previous Thai governments had tried to avoid any criticism Rangoon in exchange for economic benefits. "Successive Thai governments have been silent over the detention of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, and it was surprising that no government had ever told Slorc to release her," he said. "It is very contradictory that the [current] elected democratic government of Prime Minister Chuan [Leekpai], which has tried to promote democracy at home, has failed to talk about democracy in Burma or to call for Daw Suu Kyi's release," he said. He said the constructive engagement has supported Slorc's "increasingly aggressive policy" and become a "slap in the face" for the country as Slorc has completely disregarded its neighbour's sovereignty or political and economic relations with Burma. (TN) BURMESE NOTIFY THAIS TO STOP BRIDGE BUILDING 14 JUNE 1995 Burmese authorities in Myawaddy notified Thai officials on Monday to stop construction of the Thai-Burmese Friendship Bridge over the Moei River until the dispute between the two countries is settled. Highways Department Bridge Construction Division Director Bunsong Supamasdikul disclosed Thailand was informed about suspension of the construction work when his workers went across the river to collect construction material left at Myawaddy. Thai workers told Burmese local officials they would bring back the construction material to the Thai side, but the latter said since there was suspension of work on the Burmese side, work on the Thai side must case. Rangoon's suspension of the work on its side has promoted Thailand to comply with its request by transporting all equipment and material from the Myawaddy site, digging out earth filled along the Moei River and removing all structures encroaching on the river, said Mr Bunsong. Since the Thai Government has not yet ordered suspension of work on its side, officials concerned must proceed with their work, said Mr Bunsong, adding that construction work on the Burmese side would resume after both countries reached an agreement. On the same day, Lt-Gen Sanan Kachornklam led a fiveman committee from the Planning Division under the Joint Operations Centre of the Supreme Command (JOCSC) to inspect the border situation and construction of the bridge at Mae Sot District. According to Lt-Gen Sanan, the Thai-Burmese border policy is supervised by several committees, each consisting of subcommittee and working-group members who monitor various fields. The Bridge Construction Committee and the Border Demarcation Committee, chaired by Deputy Foreign Minister Surin Pitsuwan, have been supervising the Thai-Burmese Friendship Bridge construction and its problems, he said. "Construction of the bridge has been undertaken in accordance with Thai-Burmese agreements to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in the fields of transportation, economics, tourism and culture. This bridge will link A1 route of the Asian Highway, starting from Vietnam's Haiphong to Bazagan, Iran. The Bridge Construction Committee is responsible for this work," explained Lt-Gen Sanan. The Border Demarcation Committee, in turn, has over seen the border deal, he said, adding that both countries have common borders stretching up to 2,000 kilometres, including sea boundaries and 50 other undefined spots. "If Burma just wants all disputes over border boundaries settled before resuming work on the Friendship Bridge, it may deem it unnecessary to build anything," said Lt-Gen Sanan, noting the Thai-Burmese Border Demarcation Pact was signed in 1868, but now nobody knows how the border boundaries have changed. If any part of the border is found to be unclear, both agencies concerned should hold negotiations to solve the matter, he suggested. As for the border problem along the Moei River, Lt-Gen Sanan recommended that a joint border survey committee be set up to find out facts and details. Thailand has positive policies towards Burma, he pointed out, such as its constructive engagement policy, to which the Association of Southeast Asian Nations has adhered. An invitation for Burma to observe the Asean meeting last year and the construction of Thai-Burma Friendship Bridge were also viewed as Thailand's good intentions to help its neighbour become an Asean member and also to jointly trade, said Lt-Gen Sanan. In a related development, Army Assistant Commander-in-Chief Gen Chetha Thanajaro said Burma's suspension of work on the bridge was being examined by the Foreign Affairs Ministry. Mr Surin was for the moment trying to hold negotiations on the matter, said Gen Chetha, believing the problem would be settled soon. (BP) PRESSURE ON CHINA NEEDED TO SOLVE BURMA PROBLEMS 14 JUNE 1995 The international community should put pressure on China to help resolve conflicts between the Burmese junta and ethnic minorities, according to Vitit Muntarbhorn. Relations between Beijing and Rangoon should be reviewed in the hope that the domestic situation in Burma can be improved, the Chulalongkorn University law professor suggested. "Should the State Law and Order Restoration Council be solely blamed for human rights abuses in Burma? IS history repeating itself, with a new colonialism from China?" He asked. He pointed out that the problem of ethnic minorities in Burma date back to the era of British colonialism. "At the time of the British the two biggest minorities, the Karens and the Kachins, were used to govern the Burmese," he explained. Today it is China that is using Burma, in order to gain greater access to the Indian Ocean for its own economic benefit, he argued. Prof Vitit raised these points during a panel discussion on what the new government's policy on Burma should be, organised by the Campaign Committee for Democracy in Burma. The Thai policy of constructive engagement with Rangoon is often criticised in the West because of the way in which it encourages the Burmese junta through economic cooperation while ignoring human rights violations. "The best way of putting pressure on China would be through the Asean Regional Forum, although Beijing has tried to play down the issue," he said. The Thai authorities never mention that the Sino-Burmese relationship is a possible threat to Thailand in the future, he said. China is reportedly trying to expand its influence in the South China Sea and is working on preserving good relations with Burma. Thailand could therefore find itself in a difficult position. The Thai Government should work to try to bring the Burmese junta, one of the world's top human rights violators, and ethnic minorities together at multilevel forums including the United nations Security Council, in order to gain world attention for a permanent resolution of the problems. (BP) NATION: NEW GOVT URGED TO CHANGE BURMA POLICY Yindee Lertcharoenchok 14.6.95/The Nation THAILAND'S " passive approach of its constructive engagement policy " has been a " slap in the face " for the country as it has supported the Burmese junta's " increasing aggressiveness " in suppressing its people, an academic told a seminar discussing post-election Thai-Burmese policy. The " passivity " has also led to Thailand losing any " leverage' it could have had to encourage constructive political reform , a respect of human rights and freedom of speech , expression and public gatherings ,the meeting was told . The call for change was made by Dr Vitit Muntarbhorn , law professor of Chulalongkorn University , at the seminar entitled " The New Government : How it should pursue a Thai policy towards Burma." Academics, researchers , social workers and a political adviser for the Democrat Party were invited to talk at the three -hour debate . The ruling Democrat Party , whose MPs make up the Foreign Ministry , assigned Dr Seubsaeng Bhomboon, a former university lecturer, to talk on its behalf. Vijit said the new government should drop its policy of " constructive engagement " and , instead , adopt " a humanitarian interaction" with Burma. It should also apply "humanitarian principles" in dealing with over 87,000 ethnic Burmese refugees by allowing them to stay on in over 30 border camps until the situation in Burma was safe for their " voluntary return" Seubsaeng said the Foreign Ministry has deliberately allowed the " constructive engagement " policy to be " evasively" defined, as any clear-cut definition would not provide " flexibility " for the government to implement it . The only shortcomings in pursuing the controversial policy was the absence of " efficient " individuals , officials or ministers with a good profound understanding of the complexity of the Burmese problem, The next government , he said, should review its current approach and the new foreign minister should cultivate a comprehensive knowledge of Burma, as well as setting up a good backup team to help conduct a national policy . Vitit said previous Thai governments had tried to avoid any criticism Rangoon in exchange for economic benefits . " Successive Thai governments have been silent over the detention of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, and it was surprising that no government had ever told Slorc to release her, " he said. " It is very contradictory that the [current ] elected democratic government of Prime Minister Chuan [Leekpai], which has tried to promote democracy at home, has failed to talk about democracy in Burma or to call for Daw Suu Kyi's release ," he said. He said the constructive engagement has supported Slorc's " increasingly aggressive policy" and become a " slap in the face" for the country as Slorc has completely disregarded its neighbor's sovereignty or political and economic relations with Burma. ************************************************************** The BurmaNet News is an independant organization and can be contacted in Bangkok, care of Burma Issues, or in Washington, care of the National Coalition Government of Burma--Information Office. Burma Issues Tel: 662 234 6674 Fax: 662 631 0331 NCGUB Information Office 815 Fifteenth Street NW Suite 910 Washington, DC 20005 Tel: (202) 393-7342 Tel: (202) 393-4312 Fax: (202) 393 7343 Burma Issues is a non-governmental organization that archives information on Burma. The NCGUB is Burma's government in exile and consists of members elected to Burma's parliament in 1990. Burma's ruling junta has to date, refused to honor the results of that election. 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