They noted that the diminutive dissident could always be arrested on new charges if she pushed too hard in her drive for democracy. ===== item ===== ~OPEC IN SECOND $10 -MILLION LOAN TO RANGOON 14.7.95/The Nation Rangoon - The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries has extended a total of US $ 20 million in loans to Burma to upgrade its commuter railway system, the New Light of Myanmar reported yesterday. Opec has made project loans to Burma worth US $ 59.5 million for water supply, energy, education and transportation, the state-run daily said. The latest US$ 10 million loan agreement was signed on July 7 at Opec headquarters in Vienna by Burmese Planning and Development Minister Brigadier General David Abel and Opec official Osama Faquih, the paper said. Opec extended a first loan of US$ 10 million in 1990 for the first phast of the railway renovation, it added. The latest loan would go towards purchasing materials and equipment to repair seven locomotives and 19 passenger coaches as well as for local assembly of 13 new coaches, the report said. Western countries suspended assistance to Burma after the junta crushed a nationwide-pro-democracy movement in 1988 and 1989. ===== item ===== ~SUU KYI'S RELEASE "ONLY THE FIRST STEP" FOR BURMESE JUNTA 14/7/95 The Nation THE release of Burma's pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi on Monday is a step towards democratization, but other unresolved issues still need to be tackled by Burmese leaders, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Suvidhya Simasakul said yesterday. Thailand applauds the release of Suu Kyi after six years of house arrest although it regards the matter as a Burmese internal affair. "We are happy that Burma has taken such a positive step forward and Asean countries welcome the decision by Burma's State Law and Order Restoration Council," Suvidhya said. It should be noted that Suu Kyi said in public, after her release, that she was ready to talk with Slorc leaders in order to work towards peace and prosperity, the spokesman said. Thailand has always stated the importance of peace in Burma and the region as a whole, he said adding that if the internal problems there could be solved, both countries could enjoy mutual benefits. It was now up to Slorc, Suu Kyi and ethnic group leaders to try to solve the country's internal unrest that was in existence long before Suu Kyi was first arrested, he said. Suvidhya said credit for the release should not solely be given to Asean's constructive engagement policy, but also to Western countries who have put continuous pressure on Burma over the issue. ===== item ===== ~ASEAN CLAIMS CREDIT FOR DECISION TO RELEASE SUU KYI 14.7.95/The Nation Burma's release of democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi was heralded by Southeast Asian nations this week as a vindication of Asean,' constructive engagement policy. However, Suu Kyi herself attributed her release to worldwide pressure and urged foreign investors to study the situation carefully before committing themselves to Burma. Association of Southeast Asian Nations [Asean] ministers, academics and diplomats agreed that by freeing her, Burma's ruling generals appeared to be responding to Asean efforts to maintain a dialogue with one of Asia's pariah governments. "I think certainly the release responded to the pervasive effort on the part of the Asean organization to pursue constructive engagement," said acting Thai foreign minister Surin Pitsuwan. Burma's State Law and Order Restoration Council [Slorc] has faced international condemnation since it took power in a bloody crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in 1988 and placed Suu Kyi under house arrest a year later. But Asean, which groups Burma's neighbor Thailand with Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, the Philippines and Indonesia , has steered a more cautious line, preferring to gently coax the impoverished regime into relaxing political controls. Indonesia Foreign Affairs Minister Ali-Alatas told a news conference that political stability in Burma and said the Asean should take some of the credit for its efforts to secure change. "It is certainly a welcome development, a development that on the one hand reflects the growing stability in Myanmar [Burma] itself, but also reflects the way that Asean has tried to address some of the questions relating to Myanmar through its so-called constructive engagement policy," Alatas said. Singapore predicted Asean's diplomatic policy towards the military junta in Rangoon would encourage it to push ahead with liberalization. "Singapore continues to believe that Asean's policy of constructive engagement with Myanmar [Burma's official name ] will help encourage Slorc to continue to open its economy and society and progress like the other countries of Southeast Asia," a Singapore foreign ministry spokesman said on Tuesday. Academics and diplomats say the surprise release of Suu Kyi boosted Asean's position before this month's Asean-hosted talks with several western nations in Brunei. Some US Congress, however, are moving to increase pressure for democratic reform in Burma rather than back off in the wake of Suu Kyi release . Sen Mitch McConnell, the Kentucky Republican, said he will go ahead with tough legislation he planned prior to Monday's release. He announced a hearing on Burma July 25. McConnell's bill would ban US trade with Burma unless all political prisoners are released, power is transferred to elected opposition leaders and progress is made against drug trafficking. It would also prohibit aid to any country that provides arms or nonhumanitarian aid to the military regime in Rangoon. ===== item ===== ~SUU KYI STILL MOVES THE HEARTS OF THE BURMESE The Nation/Article/15.7.95 The release on Monday of pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi has injected new hope into the Burmese struggle. Yindee Lertcharoenchok writes on the latest political development in that country. After nearly six years of house arrest, Burma's opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi triumphantly emerged this week to declare to the cheering world that her resolve and commitment to pursue the non- violent struggle for democracy and human rights have never been weakened by the unlawful incarceration and nerve-breaking separation from her beloved family. More joyful was her discovery that the Burmese people whom she has devoted her life to, are as determined as ever to fight along with her despite years of severe crackdown and repressive laws imposed by the country's military junta known as the State Law and Order Restoration Council (Slorc). The unwavering popular support and love given to the 1991 Nobel Peace laureate, evident this week in Rangoon and across the globe, are clearly indicative that Slorc's unsparing efforts over the years to erase Suu Kyi from the people's minds were futile. But sensing the persuasive power and the gift of communication she has with the Burmese people, amidst the possibility of a backlash from the Slorc, Suu Kyi immediately pleaded with them to pursue their cause with "patience and courage." "You must have patience and courage, and control yourselves," is the message she repeats at every given opportunity to crowds of supporters who gather everyday at the front gate of her residential compound on University Avenue. The courageous daughter of Burma's independence hero Aung San is still as popular as ever. The Slorc on Monday surprised the world with its unexpected decision to release the 50-year old political figure. Considering the military junta's past records, many believe Suu Kyi's release was well calculated with time and not taken without hidden motives. Suu Kyi, who expressed no surprise that the Slorc has completely blacked-out her release from local media, simply said, "I think they thought probably this is the right time because I should have been released three years ago. They changed the law. I should have been released last year but interpretation of the law has been changed to hold me further." "They would have had to change the law again to hold me further. Legally this is the right time," she said. The charismatic leader, whose selfless personal sacrifice has been a ray of hope and political inspiration for the peace-loving Burmese people, said she "must work out which I think is the right answer" but believes that "international opinion always counts." While Burmese opposition movements and diplomats believe that the Slorc ceded to international pressure, Asean capitals were quick to claim that their controversial "constructive engagement" policy played a key role in securing Suu Kyi's freedom. Burma watchers point to the combination of both pressure and upcoming international events as important factors for the regime's change of heart. Possible tougher measures and condemnation from western countries including a pending US economic sanction bill, and the likelihood of the Clinton Administration downgrading its diplomatic relations with Burma to support its arguments, were all cited by the observers. Besides these, the Slorc delegation which is due to attend the upcoming Asean Ministerial Meeting later this month, would have been grilled by the regional grouping's Western dialogue partners. The United Nations, where the Slorc still occupies Burma's seat, was even contemplating a strongly-worded diplomatic statement against Suu Kyi's prolonged imprisonment. But Asean, as always, has attributed the move and other "positive" political developments in Burma to the policy of "constructive engagement," which, they claim, is aimed at encouraging the Slorc to engage in dialogues with the world community. Critics, however, argue that the Asean policy was devised to allow the regional grouping to economically exploit the rich natural resources of the Southeast Asian nation. Interestingly, a number of western envoys and diplomats have been visiting Suu Kyi's home since Tuesday, joining the waves of well- wishers, the opposition leader's political colleagues and supporters, and hordes of local and foreign journalists. "Diplomats from Burma's neighbouring countries were conspicuously absent," noted a member of diplomatic corp, who was present at Suu Kyi's news conference. The diplomat did not name the countries. "Most diplomats were impressed by her patience and self- composure, despite the fact that she had less than 24 hours to prepare herself for this [press conference], she still behaved [conducted the interviews and meetings] like a head of state," commented the same diplomat. At the height of the 1988 nationwide pro-democracy uprisings in Burma, while European envoys flocked to Suu Kyi's house to consult with her and other politicians of their political views and agendas, those from China, Laos, Thailand and other Asean member states ignored and shunned contacts with Suu Kyi. Instead, they belittled her in the same manner as the military rulers, saying she had no proper understanding of Burmese politics, as she had lived most of her life abroad and is married to a foreigner. They also questioned her popularity among the Burmese people. Some analysts in Thailand who have been closely monitoring the evolving political scenario in Burma, however, have ruled out external factors saying the Slorc has "an unbroken record" of never bowing to public international pressure or threat. Instead, they say, the regime with a devious hand has been able to twist- and-turn domestic affairs and international events to suit their own will and agenda. The analysts who include some Thai intelligence officers believe that the Slorc has, over the years, grown militarily stronger. They believe the military junta has the confidence it has the domestic situation very much under control. In fact they argue, Suu Kyi's freedom has automatically averted, at least for the time being, mounting international outcry and the planned tough actions against the regime. "The Slorc, in fact, has more to gain than lose from the release which was well timed, taking into account both domestic and international factors. Once again the Slorc is going to score some marks and also get away with it." said one officer. Several analysts and diplomats shared the views that Suu Kyi appears to avoid making "any confrontational remarks or direct attacks" against her captor and has cultivated a "more conciliatory tone" in calling both the ruling military junta and political activists as well as the Burmese people of all ethnic nationalities to reconcile and work out through dialogues, their objectives of peace, democracy and human rights. The officer even interpreted her latest statement, which usually carry and convey hidden messages to wider public, as "tacit or de facto agreement" between the two political antagonists to avoid any confrontation which could once again plunge the country into turmoil and violence. Despite her long absence from the public scene, Suu Kyi has neither strayed from her basic beliefs and principle nor been unrealistic to the changing political scenes at home and abroad. Her public remarks after the release echo the message she gave in January during her six-year incarceration. " There has not been and there will not be any secret deals with regard either to my release or to any other issue. I adhere to the principle of accountability and consider myself at all times bound by the democratic duty to act in consultation with colleagues and to be guided by the aspirations of those engaged in the movement to establish a truly democratic political system in Burma. I remain dedicated to an active participation in this movement." True to her words, Suu Kyi, immediately after her freedom, asked for a period of one to two weeks to study the overall situation and to consult with her political colleagues before deciding on her next move. Her daily schedules have been fully booked with meeting appointments with the elders and fellow politicians from mainly the party she co-founded, the National League for Democracy [NLD]. Her tight schedules are interrupted only by media interviews, guest visits and her brief ventures to greet, across from the front gate, incessant waves of well wishers and supporters who long to see her in person. Despite the apparent "political freedom" in Rangoon for the past few days, activists fear that the honeymoon between Suu Kyi and the SLORC might soon be over. The military junta they point out could reinforce its tight grip again through various military laws. Pro-democracy activists are cautioning the people saying the struggle is far from over and the path to achieving their goals and objectives is still a long and difficult one. The people on the other hand are watching with awe and concern as to how long and how far the Slorc will continue to tolerate Suu Kyi's courage in speaking out her mind and her frank opinions about the Burmese political situation . "There is always the danger. The way is not going to be all smooth. I would like to warn my supporters not to expect too much too quick," she told reporters at her residence. "As long as we have a will and as long as we go about it intelligently we will get there." Suu Kyi also warns members of the international community especially the fiercely competitive business sector against rushing into Burma. "It is the word rush I object to. I think you've got to study the situation much more carefully," she told the BBC in an interview. Despite Suu Kyi's freedom, exiled Burmese dissidents and politicians have urged the would community to keep up its pressure for further progress on democratization and human rights in Burma. Suu Kyi, they said, is still restricted to conduct political activities and moreover the Slorc is devising laws and a Constitution to ban her from any future political role. Bo Hla Tint, minister in charge of foreign affairs of the exiled NLD government, said in an interview from Washington DC that the pressure should continue in order to force the Slorc to engage in "substantial political dialogues" with Suu Kyi. The Burmese opposition leader had indicated her willingness many times, on a dialogue with the military junta. She expressed hope that similar dialogues among all parties concerned would take place to resolve the country's decades-long political turmoil and ethnic conflicts and said she is working out a list of about 40 well known political detainees still in prison . Suu Kyi, the national politician, whose unwavering efforts in non-violent struggle to bring about peace, democracy and human rights through peaceful dialogues and national reconciliation has won her numerous would acclaimed awards and prizes, said both the Slorc and the Burmese people share the same political objective, "to return power to the people." But despite SLORC leader Gen Than Shwe's request for her "to help towards achieving peace and stability in the country" the regime has yet to show signs of political goodwill and readiness to engage her and other parties concerned in dialogues on national reconciliation . She never ruled lout the military's future role and as she once mentioned " I feel strong attachment for the armed forces. Not only were they built up by my father, as a child I was cared for by his soldiers.... May I appeal to the armed forces to become a force in which the people can place their trust and reliance? May the armed forces become one which will uphold the honour and dignity of our country." Perhaps the informidable political strength and force in Suu Kyi enables her win the hearts of the wider populace as well as members of the armed forces who jointly and wholeheartedly voted for her NLD party in the 1990 May general election. Her inspirational public statements have injected new life into the sagging morale of the Burmese, at home and abroad, who believe that the people's rights and justice will prevail. There is a window of opportunity now for the Slorc to respond to overtures for national reconciliation in Burma. The world is watching very closely how the junta will react in the next few weeks. ===== item ===== ~THAILAND WOULD "MORE THAN" WELCOME BURMA INTO ASEAN The Nation/15.7.95 Thailand said yesterday it would "more than" welcome Burma's joining Asean, saying Burma's proposed accession to the group's Treaty of Amity and Cooperation was a step toward a 10-member Asean. Foreign minister spokesman Suvidhya Simasakul said he understood that Burma had informed this year's Asean chairman, Brunei's foreign minister Prince Bolkiah, of its wish to sign the treaty. Accession to the 1976 Asean treaty is a prerequisite for joining the six-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations. "Thailand regards Burma's move as a positive sign for regional peace and prosperity," Suvidhya said. He said Thailand began to encourage Burma to join Asean when Thanat Khoman was foreign minister. Asean senior officials will discuss Burma's approach when they meet in preparation for the Asean meeting in July, according to Suvidhya. A Bangkok-based Asean diplomat meanwhile said the Burmese ambassador to Jakarta had informed Asean Secretary General Ajit Singh a few weeks ago of Burma's intention to sign the treaty. "I don't think Burma wants only to probe the possibility, but it is willing to do so," said the diplomat, who asked not to be named. This is a good thing that Asean will not deny. This indicates that Burma is willing to take on a certain commitment." Prior to his attendance at Asean's annual meeting last year, Burmese Foreign Minister U Ong Gyaw said Burma was interested in joining Asean but would need time to study process. Suvidhya said, "Thailand has long wished that all 10 southeast Asian countries would join the grouping, which could then be called the Asean 10. Rangoon's willingness to participate in Asean is an important development which could bring Asean 10 into reality." Asean now comprises Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. Vietnam, now an Asean observer, will become the seventh Asean member at the July meeting in Brunei, while Cambodia will become an observer. Burma will also attend the annual meeting as guest of the host country. It will be the second time the country has participated in an Asean meeting, after attending the meeting in Bangkok last year. According to Suvidhya, Rangoon's willingness to sign the treaty clearly shows that it is prepared to comply with the principles envisaged in the treaty, which include non-interference in international affairs, non-aggression, non-use of force against other Southeast Asian States, and adopting peaceful means for solving problems. However, he said it was unlikely that Asean could obtain a consensus on Burma in time for its accession to the treaty at the upcoming Asean ministerial meetings starting on July 29. ===== item ===== ~TROUBLED THAI-BURMESE TIES NEED REVIEW The Nation/15.7.95 Reuter The new Thai government needs to review its troubled relation with Burma and boost economic links with Rangoon following the release of top Burmese dissident Aung San Suu Kyi, a research group said yesterday. Problems arising from Burma's military campaigns against ethnic minorities living in the border areas, closure of some border check points, a campaign to boycott the Thai goods and halting of work on a border bridge have all disrupted relations, Thai- Farmers Research Centre said in a study. But bilateral commerce and investments have been growing despite all this and new Prime Minister Baharn Silpa-archa should move to resolve these disputes to take advantage of Burma's strategic location, it added. "The new government of Thailand has to face the important issue of foreign policy to rapidly ease problems and misunderstandings with Burma," it said. Aung San Suu Kyi was unexpectedly released by the Burmese military government on Monday after six years under house arrest. In an interview on Wednesday she urged foreign firms rushing to do business in her country to study the situation before deciding whether the time was right for investment. Thai-farmers said resource-rich Burma had been liberalizing its centralized its system since late 1988 and was now looking for foreign investments, which provided opportunities for Thailand. Thailand recorded a trade surplus of Bt 595 million(USS24 million) with Burma in the first quarter of this year and its exports to Burma last year increased sharply in value to Bt6 billion ($240 million)against Bt 3.9 billion($ 156 million) in 1993. In main exports to Burma were chemical products, rubber, plastics, textile and fibres. Thailand was the second largest investors in Burma after Singapore with 23 projects valued at $ 265 million at the end of 1994, Thai farmers said. ================================================================