From: BurmaNet ------------------------ BurmaNet ------------------------ "Appropriate Information Technologies, Practical Strategies" ---------------------------------------------------------- The BurmaNet News: August 25, 1995 HEADLINES: ========== THE NATION: SUU KYI BEATS BAN TO GET TAPE TO BEIJING THE NATION: CATERING TOWARDS A GREATER ASEAN IN THE 21ST CENTURY THE NATION: OPIUM PRODUCTION OUT OF CONTROL IN BURMA THE NATION: BURMA STUDENTS ASK SLORC FOR THREE-WAY PEACE NEGOTIATIONS BKK POST: THAILAND RENEWS KHIN NYUNT INVITE BKK POST: SHAN STATE'S CEC CLAIMS CONTROL OF DRUG WAR LORD'S MONG TAI BKK POST: BURMA MOVES TOWARD MORE OPENNESS ---------------------------------------------------------- Produced with the support of the Burma Information Group (B.I.G). The BurmaNet News is an electronic newspaper covering Burma. Articles from newspapers, magazines, newsletters, the wire services and the Internet as well as original material are published. 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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] ---------------------------------------------------------- ===== item ===== THAILAND RENEWS KHIN NYUNT INVITE 25 AUGUST 1995, Bangkok Post Thailand will reissue invitation to powerful Burmese military officer Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt to pay a visit before the Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit in December, Foreign Minister Kasem S. Kasemsri announced yesterday. M.R. Kasem made the announcement after a courtesy call from Burmese ambassador to Thailand Tin Winn, who said that Lt- Gen Khin Nyunt, first secretary of the ruling State Law and Order Restoration Council (Slorc), would visit Thailand as a guest of Deputy Prime Minister Somboon Rahong before the Asean summit in Bangkok on December 14-15. Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt is the chief of Burmese intelligence and one of the most powerful generals in Burma. His invitation is certain to stir up controversy in Thailand given Slorc's poor human rights record. Thailand will invite government leaders from Burma, Cambodia and Laos to join the meeting of Asean leaders as guests of the grouping. Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt is the chief of the Directorate of Defence Service Intelligence, the most powerful unit in the Burmese military, and plays a key role in checking dissent within his country. However, he was also instrumental in talks between the military regime and Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, leading to her release on July 10 after nearly six years of house arrest. M.R. Kasem said Mr Somboon had agreed to be the Burmese officer's host but added that the proposed plan still needed the green light from Prime Minister Banharn Silpa-archa. He said he discussed the issue with the House Committee on Foreign Affairs yesterday. The Burmese envoy raised the question of invitation during his first call on the minister since the latter took office in July, according to M.R. Kasem. Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt had agreed in principle last January to visit Thailand as a guest of the then Deputy Prime Minister Chamlong Srimuang, but the plan was shelved due to border tension between the two countries. The then Foreign Minister Thaksin Shinawatra had presented Chamlong's invitation letter to the influential Slorc leader during his visit to Burma later that month. M.R. Kasem supported the idea of Prime Minister Banharn visiting Rangoon to hold talks with Burmese government leaders, saying it would strengthen ties between the two countries which still had some problems. A visit by the Prime Minister this year would be appropriate as Thailand will invite Burma to attend the Asean summit and use the opportunity to improve relations, the minister added. M.R. Kasem said he was ready to visit Burma but added the schedule has yet to be set. Thailand hopes to improve its soured relations with Burma which have been deteriorating since early this year due to attacks along the common border. Relations worsened even further after Burmese fishermen were killed on a Thai fishing vessel this month. Attempts to improve ties with the Burmese military regime will begin with a two-day visit to Rangoon by Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh begin ning next Friday. The murder of the Burmese crewmen and Burma's rejection of a visa application by Supatra Masdit, a Democrat MP from Nakhon Si Thammarat, were also discussed during the visit. After the visit, Mr Tin Winn expressed confidence in the Thai government's handling of the investigation into the matter, which could be resolved peacefully. M.R Kasem assured that the Government would do its best regarding the investigation into the murder of the Burmese crewmen and attempt to prevent such incidents from taking place in the future. "We will not let such things happen again, " he assured. M.R. Kasem said that Burma is considering allowing Khunying Supatra to enter the country to meet Mrs Suu Kyi. "Burma is considering the process," he quoted the envoy as saying. Mr Tin Winn clarified to the minister that his embassy delayed Khunying Supatra's visa because she had applied for a tourist visit. The minister explained to the envoy that her mission had nothing to do with the Government or the Parliament and that Khunying Supatra would be going in her capacity as the chairperson of the Forum on Women, a non-govermental organisation. Khunying Supatra was planning to meet mrs Suu Kyi to video tape her speech which will be broadcast during the women's conference staged by NGOs form August 30-September 8 in Beijing. Mrs Supatra, however, said yesterday that Mrs Suu Kyi has already sent a video tape of her speech to the Women's Forum to Beijing. (BP) ====item==== SHAN STATE'S CEC CLAIMS CONTROL OF DRUG WARLORD'S MONG TAI ARMY 25 AUGUST 1995, Bangkok Post Shan State's Central Executive Reform Committee (CEC) has claimed full control over the Mong Tai Army (MTA) in a bid to pressure opium kingpin Khun Sa to give up power. However, the CEC insists it still leaves an open door for Khun Sa to assist in its work. The committee aims "to act in accordance with the sentiments and wishes of Shan people of all races" and to consolidate efforts to fight for larger autonomy from the ruling Burmese regime. The 10-member committee is chaired by Shan State National Congress (SSNC) president Gunjade. Committee executives are key men from the SSNC and prominent MTA administrators including Zarmmai, Falang (vice chairmen), Khwamong (secre tary-general), and Saengyord (assistant secretary-general). Other committee members are Khunduan, Kyaw Myint, Kawfah, Kyaw Maung and Sarya. The exclusion of Khun Sa from the committee raises fear that some of the warlord's loyalists in the Mong Tai Army may stage a revolt to bring their boss back into power. The CEC, however, maintained that so far there has been no sign of resistance from the force, adding all sides con cerned have thrown their solid support behind a plan to give the MTA a new facelift in an attempt to create a more positive image in the eyes of the global community. All sides, including the ordinary Shan people, have welcomed the takeover of the MTA, according to the CEC. The committee secretary-general Khwamong said the administrative change in the MTA is justified because it is what most Shan people want. The CEC would ensure sincerity and consistency in its efforts to restore Shan State's sovereignty. "I have no intention to apply pressure on any single person. We are well aware of the fact that the people in Shan State are now no longer attached to an individual who may think he could still lead them as in the past," said Khwamong, apparently referring to Khun Sa. "They [the people of Shan State] want to see the MTA being managed by a team of devoted people. We believe we will be able to administer the force with utmost efficiency," added the CEC's secretary-general. It is necessary, however, that the CEC be allowed some time, at least until it can draft important legislations, to get things off the drawing board and accomplish its tasks. Khwamong said the fate of Khun Sa in the MTA is still hanging in the balance. He conceded the rebel army, which Khun Sa has commanded for many decades, has no desire to see him leave the force permanently. The CEC secretary-general said it would be in the best interest of the MTA if the warlord could contribute to the committee's work "once in a while." "Most people still respect him. We don't want to limit his role or shun him from participating in the MTA activity altogether. But if he insists on stepping down and leaving for good, then I have no idea how I can talk him into changing his mind," said Khwamong. he believes, however, that Khun Sa would choose to remain in the force in some capacity rather than withdrawing his support from the MTA. Meanwhile, the fighting between the MTA and the Slorc-backed United Wa State Army (UWSA) continues opposite Mae Ai district, Chiang Mai. The clash has left six MTA army personnel dead. Because of intervention by the Slorc, both sides have failed to hold talks on a ceasefire agreement. The Slorc has reportedly given the MTA two weeks to withdraw from its stronghold at Yon. Fierce fighting is expected if the MTA refuses to pull out within the given deadline. Khwamong accused the Slorc of trying to subotage the MTA by instigating disunity within the force, a tactic proven effective in reducing the power of the Karen National Union. A recent breakaway of 500 personnel from the MTA was also the work of the Slorc, said the CEC secretary-general. (BP) ====item==== BURMA MOVES TOWARD MORE OPENNESS 25 AUGUST 1995, Bangkok Post Interview: Minoru Kiryu, Former U.N. Adviser to the Burmese Government In addition to releasing Aung San Suu Kyi, the Burmese military has prepared the nation to enter the regional economy.By Amy Shiratori, Asahi Evening News Q: Since pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi was freed in July after six years of house arrest, are Japanese firms moving into Burma? A: There's a flurry of activity. Japanese trade missions are arriving every week. Companies from every sector of indus try, including auto-mobile, electronics, metal and plastic, are conducting feasibility studies. Many are considering setting up supporting industries that make components for assembly lines in Thailand or Singapore. I expect that within a year, Japanese direct investment will have reached $1 billion (Yen 100 billion) in 30 contracts. Japanese firms rushed to invest in China and Vietnam, but found out it was not to so easy to operate under communist rule. Plus in Vietnam, overheated investment has driven up wages and lessened the country's appeal. Then Burma became politically stable, and gained comparative advantage. Q: Are other nations also closing in ob Burma? Will there be a heated competition between the United States and japan? A: Right now japan is lagging behind others in investment there. Britain has the largest investment at $634 million (Yen3.4 billion), followed by France at $456 million, Thailand at $418 million, Singapore at $337 million, the United States at $226 million and Japan at $101 million, at of the end of May. But Japan and United states will not be at loggerheads in Burma, nor in other Southeast Asian nations. What the United States does in these nations is to go in touting their famous brands, like Coca-Cola or Pepsi, or venture firms tapping into energy or other resources. The U.S. interest is in China. What it does in Southeast Asia to let japan and Korea develop the nations, and after that try to sell their competitive products, like computers or telecommunications equipment_these are also their brand products. The few markets where the japan and U.S. interest might coincide is computers, telecommunications and petrochemi cals. Q: The Japanese government has indicated it is considering resuming full-scale official development aid to Burma, but wouldn't Burma's accumulated debt to Japan pose a problem? A: Japan has required two conditions for resuming aid_democratization and human rights improvement. The latter has been largely met with Suu Kyi's release, so japan should give it high praise. Yen loans should center on areas of basic human needs, such as hospitals, water systems, education and rural develop ment. But before yen loans are resumed, the Japanese and Burmese governments need to discuss means for Burma to repay its debt to japan, totaling Yen 180 billion, including Yen 80 billion that is past due. There should also be multilateral talks about aid to Burma under the auspices of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund before starting yen loans. Q: Do you think Suu Kyi's release will lead to the end of military regime? A: Yes. I think it will happen within two years. The ruling military say that they will accept a parliament where they have 25% of the seats_I think you can call this a shift to civil government_after they establish a constitution. The road is now clear toward establishment of a constitution because they military has virtually reconciled with all racial minority groups. So a constitution will be passed with agreement by all parties. Another reason is that the military is confident that the constitution they have written will be passed unmodified. That constitution stipulates that to be elected president, the person must have lived in Burma for at least the last 20 years and must be someone free of political influence from foreign countries. The first condition guarantees that Suu Kyi cannot become president for the next 12 years. A very slight chance of destabilization could be in possible divisions within the military_between those who pushed for and those who opposed Suu Kyi's release_and within the opposition_between Suu Kyi and senior democracy advocates who are trying to quell her desire to try to topple the military regime. Q: Is Burma set to join the Association of Southeast Asian nations (Asean) or the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)? A: Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore insisted during the foreign ministers' meeting in late July that Burma join Asean as an observer in two years. Burma is anxious to join to end its isolation and become integrated into the regional economy, to bring in technology and import products and components. It does not see any merit in joining Apec, but will do so if it is a condition for joining Asean. Q: What kind of economic and trade policy will Burma take? A: Burma will develop as an agricultural-based economy, processing food and lumber and exporting them. Tourism will be a source of earning foreign currencies and repaying debt. Burma can expect more than 100,000 visitors this year, eventually 400,000 visitors a year. (BP)Minoru Kiryu, 54, completed his graduate work at Dhaka University in 1970. He was in Burma as economic attache to the Japanese Embassy from 1979 to 1982, as an economic consultant to the World bank in 1983 and as coordinator of ESCAPE in 1984. From February 1991 to November 1992 he was adviser to Burma's Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development under auspices of UNDP. He is a professor at Chubu University and belongs to Burma study groups of several Japanese ministries. ====item==== SUU KYI BEATS BAN TO GET TAPE TO BEIJING 25 AUGUST 1995, The Nation A video of a speech by Aung San Suu Kyi, Burma's pro- democracy leader, has arrived in Beijing where it will be broadcast later this month to more that 40,000 participants in the international Forum on Women' 95. An attempt by Thai MP Supatra Masdit to videotape Suu Kyi's speech in person on Tuesday was thwarted when the Burmese Embassy in Bangkok did not issue an entry visa for her. Supatra was earlier given a visa for a brief trip to Rangoon on Aug 7-8 to invite Suu Kyi to participate in the Beijing conference. Suu Kyi declined all invitations to travel abroad, but agreed to send a videotaped message to the conference. The embassy has also delayed approving visa applications for the group of The Nation reporters and cameraman to accompany Supatra to film Suu Kyi's message. Supatra, convenor of the Aug 30-Sept 8 international gathering of private organizations for women, told a press conference yesterday that the videotape of Suu Kyi's speech arrived in Beijing yesterday. She declined to reveal how the 20-minute speech on women's role in politics was sent out of Burma. Suu Kyi was asked to make the videotape herself because Supatra is scheduled to go to Beijing soon and her Burmese visa is still pending, the Democrat MP added. She said she would not bother asking whether her Burmese visa would be granted because she decided not to go to Burma. Supatra tried to allay the Thai government's concerns that Suu Kyi's speech would adversely affect Thai-Burmese relations, saying her visa application was not submitted through the Thai Foreign Ministry. She added that she would attend the women's conference as a convenor and not as an elected parliamentarian. A government spokesman on Wednesday asked her to clarify the whole episode, she said. Suu Kyi's speech, to be broadcast on Aug 31, would stress women's role in the fight for democracy and advocate women's participation in politics, according to Supatra. A lack of or decrease in women's interest in politics would negate any moves towards desired social changes, she said. The Thai MP will leave today for Beijing. Burmese Ambassador to Thailand U Tin Winn yesterday denied that the Slorc had refused to grant visas to reporters or singled out The Nation in particular. "No, no, no. This is an incorrect report by the newspapers. We never denied visas for The Nation or for any other reporters," said the envoy after a courtesy call on Foreign Minister Kasem Kasemsri. He said the embassy was still considering the visa applications of reporters who were to accompany Supatra. he also denied that his mission had not issued a visa to The Nation reporter who would accompany Defence Minister Gen Chavalit yongchaiyudh on his visit to Burma on Sept 1-2, saying he was not included on the list of reporters from the Thai Ministry of Defence. A senior Defence Ministry officer said the Burmese Embassy urged them to drop The Nation reporter from the entourage. Another reporter from Krungthep Thurakij, The Nation's Thai- language sister paper, was also dropped from the list. Both reporters were never even given visa application forms. "The list from the Ministry of Defence does not include The Nation," said Tin Winn. We haven't singled out any newspa pers. The previous visit [to Burma] by the Thai Foreign Minister included correspondents from The Nation," he added. (TN) ====item==== CATERING TOWARDS A GREATER ASEAN IN THE 21ST CENTURY 25 August 1995, THE NATION DESPITE international recognition as one of the most important regional organizations in the world, the Associa tion of Southeast Asia Nations (Asean) has yet to become a household name among its own people. The political will of number countries to cooperate and promote in what is hoped will contribute to regional peace and prosperity has earned it recognition and support from individual countries, as well as the United Nations. Way back in 1979, Asean received the prestigious Magsaysay Award for its contribution and success in instilling the spirit of cooperation, friendship and goodwill among Asean members and between Asean and other countries in the region. But in spite of international acclaim, Asean leaders have yet to make their own people fully realize the meaning of the deliberations that led to the group's founding in 1967. The success of the annual meeting last month in Brunei, where Vietnam formally became the Asean's seventh member, where Burma made known its accession to the 1976 Treaty of Amity and Cooperation, and where Cambodia and Laos indicated a time frame for their planned entry into the grouping, has given additional impetus to the organization. Asean leaders realize that more participation from people in the grassroots level will bring profound changes to the region. During the 28th Asean meeting last month, Thai Foreign Minister Kasem S Kasemsri stressed on the need to forge a common political culture to ensure Asean's success. He had proposed the setting up of a regional parliament or council to be drawn from various groups, including political parties, parliamentary groups such as the Asean In ter-Parliamentary Organization, media and business organiza tions, as well as grassroots movements. He also believe that the idea of broadening participation in Asean by people from all walks of life would give Asean a moral force and cohesiveness, strengthen its fabric and enable it to participate in other discussions. With the first Asean summit to be hosted by Thailand in December, much thought has been given to the theme Towards One Southeast Asia---Thinking a new Asean. Bearing in mind the challenge to realize regional peace and prosperity by the turn of the century, Asean think-tanks gathered here last week to discuss inputs for consideration by the Bangkok Declaration. Indonesian Center of Strategic and International Studies chairman Jusuf Wanandi said Thailand's idea of having a consultative assembly will be further developed by academ ics. The Asean-Institute of Strategic and International Studies (Asean-Isis), a non-government organization, has provided useful ideas and proposals for political and security cooperation since its establishment in 1988. Though more discussions by Asean-Isis will be conducted before final suggestions are made for the Bangkok Declara tion, the main points to be included in the declaration would contain a Plan of Cooperation/ Action in social, political and economic fields. Sarasin Viraphol, director general of the Foreign Ministry's department of American and South Pacific Affairs, said that while the concept of a parliament or consultative body may not materialize at the Bangkok summit, the suggestion of such an idea was important to Southeast Asia as an expanded Asean is expected in 2000. The idea is expected to be included in the Bangkok Declara tion. One important event at the Asean summit will be the signing of the Southeast Asian Nations Nuclear Weapon Free Zone Treaty (SEANWFZ) that will declare the region as a nuclear free zone. Sarasin said Asean officials are trying to get the SEANWFZ ready for signature. Expected to be signed in December, the treaty is timely in light of continued nuclear testing by France and China, and reaffirm's Asean's support for the non-proliferation treaty of nuclear weapons and the conclusion of the comprehensive test ban treaty next year. While discussions on what wouldbe included in the Bangkok Declaration are still going on, certain statements will be adopted from previous declarations to reiterate and remind Asean's members of the principles laid down by its founders. Statements covering the promotion of economic cooperation, establishment of the Asean Development Cooperation Program for Southeast Asia, setting up of the Asean University, as well as poverty elevation, will be reintegrated to remind Asean governments of their responsibilities. The fifth Asean meeting should prepare the grouping for the entry of three more countries into its fold. That is why there is an emphasis on the theme Towards one Southeast Asia--Thinking a new Asean. Asean-Isis had also proposed that in order to cope with the new changes and prepare for the incorporation of all 10 countries, Asean would needed to review its role and function and enhance its organizational efficiency. They suggested various ways of increasing the efficiency of the Asean secretariat. On the issue of the Asean Free Trade Area (Afta), while member countries had originally agreed that the ideal reduction to tariff should be from 0-5 per cent by 2003, Vietnam will be allowed a moratorium of at least six per cent, although the period could be shortened as suggested by Brunei. Asean's role will be more prominent in the multilateral trading system, especially in relation to Apec. Asean's private sector will be encouraged to play a bigger role in bringing customs harmonization. To create an Asean identity, the establishment of an Asean University will be encouraged. There is also a proposal for media to participate and increase its role in the region. To foster an Asean identity, academics suggested that practical measure, such as having immigration lanes at airports, could be adopted, and exchange programmes, sports and cultural activities be promoted. The Asean-Isis proposal is a recommendation on how Asean can respond to some of the challenges in order to achieve a more optimal output. (TN) ====item==== OPIUM PRODUCTION OUT OF CONTROL IN BURMA 25 August 1995, THE NATION DRUG addicts in the United States, Europe, Asia and else where are scoring heroin so pure and cheap they can afford to sniff or smoke it- instead of injecting-because the world's biggest opium crop is blossoming out of control in Burma. Most of the heroin is refined from poppies grown in the rugged green hills of northern Burma where first-sized, black blobs of opium are weighed against fanciful, ani mal-headed bronze weights on hand-held scales made of bamboo, metal and string. One of the biggest enemies facing the international drug enforcement agencies are battle-hardened Wa tribesmen who dominate much of northern Burma's guerrilla-infested opium fields. International drug organizations, such as that at the US Drug Enforcement Agency also fear Nigerian and other international heroin gangs are exploiting Burma's makeshift air and sea ports, while wealthy Asian dealers are launder ing vast drug profits by constructing big hotels and offices in the capital, Rangoon. Opium production is out of control, said Robert Gelbard, US assistant secretary of state for international narcotics and law enforcement. It has more than doubled in the past decade. In the streets of America and Europe today, we see a degree of purity in heroin undreamed of ten years ago. And it no longer requires a needle to inject. Highly potent heroin is now being snorted and smokes, he told the Senate on July 24. Burma's role in the heroin trade dwarfs that of any other country, Gelbard added. America's expensive war against heroin has failed party because China has opened up as a major smuggling route, allowing Burmese heroin to pour through Hong Kong and other busy ports while DEA officials are left grappling with older, active routes such as Thailand and India. In addition to new smuggling routes, the so-called opium rich Golden Triangle of Burma, Laos and Thailand is swelling to become a pentagon, with China and Vietnam joining the illegal poppy growing region. The DEA and the US State Department are meanwhile feuding over whether or not to fund major anti-drug efforts in Burma, where an unelected military junta recently freed pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi after she languished for six years uner house arrest. The State Department opposes giving money to the regime until it recognizes Suu Kyi's 1990 landslide election victory, because the cash could strengthen the military. The State Department recently said, Burmese eradication remains so limited it has no impact on the massive opium cultivation. While direct government complicity in the drug trade does not appear to be a problem among senior officials, narcotics corruption is a problem among lower level officials. The DEA argues that carefully audited training and equip ment, including helicopters, could be targeted to fight Burma's drugs and not end up in the pockets of the junta or be used to kill Burmese struggling for democracy. A diplomat who asked not to be identified, said he person ally believes it was possible to administer counternarcotics said without putting money into the pockets of the govern ment. We can have safeguards to make it corruption free. Referring to concerns about human rights abuses in Burma, the envoy added, There are human rights problems that US citizens face because of the addition caused by Burmese heroin used by Americans. DEA and US Customs officials meanwhile are sending a training team to Rangoon to teach Burmese about airport interdiction, and to show them, this is where you can secrete things on an aircraft and this is how you do a frisk, the envoy said. International investigators are also trying to track Burma's heroin profits. Several of the large hotels in Rangoon are rumoured to have drug money behind them which enable them to be built, the diplomat said. Huge opium crops in northern Burma have produced tons of heroin dubbed, Southeast Asian Number Four, which can be snorted because it is so pure, he added. Burma's most infamous opium warlord is Khun Sa, 60, who was indicted in a Brooklyn, New York court for smuggling tons of heroin to the United States. He commands an estimated 15,000 man iron-legged Shan United Army which he claims uses opium and heroin money to finance his greater cause: the minority ethnic Shans' fight for autonomy or independence in northeast Burma. But Khun Sa's drug empire is eclipsed by the larger amount smuggled by the Wa who have 20,000 to 30,000 men under arms. The Wa are number one for the amount of opium under their control or influence. The Wa have 50 to 70 per cent of the country's crop, the diplomat said. Khun Sa is number two. Other ethnic minority groups such as the Kokang tribe are also actively involved. (TN) ====item==== BURMA STUDENTS ASK SLORC FOR THREE-WAY PEACE NEGOTIATIONS 25 August 1995, THE NATION A BURMESE student group yesterday called for the military government in Rangoon to open three-sided peace talks with democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi and Burma's numerous ethnic groups. The All Burma Federation of Student Unions (ABFSU) urged the junta to make several concessions to get the talks going, including releasing student leader Min Ko Naing, suspending the constitutional convention, executing a nationwide ceasefire and restoring political and press freedoms. We believe the democratic organizations led by Aung San Suu Kyi and all nationality groups who had been resorting to armed struggled and the Slorc have to set up a climate of mutual respect and being a dialogue, the ABFSU said in a statement. It referred to the junta by its formal name, the State Law and Order Restoration Council. All are responsible for (the) inauguration of such a tripartite negotiation, it said, adding that the Slorc has to realize that it is the most responsible party of all. Among the eight things it said the Slorc should do were declaring an agenda for the negotiations and letting international organizations news agencies monitor events in Burma. The Slorc ended six years of house arrest for Suu Kyi on July 10. Burma's ethnic minorities have been battling for greater autonomy for decades. The ABFSU is one of numerous Burmese dissident groups operating from the Thai-Burma border area. It is one of the smaller groups and is believed not to have been part of the armed struggle, but little is known about its composition or leadership. Reuter adds from Hong Kong: Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi has indicated that international economic involvement in Burma could be one way to hep liberalize the nation, the Far Eastern Economic Review said on Wednesday. In an interview to be published on Thusday, the Hong Kong-based Review said in a statement that Suu Kyi was asked what other countries could do to help Burma. There has been a debate over how far pressure and construc tive engagment have worked, she was quoted as saying. These days when economics and politicals are so closely linked, those who are involved economically can hardly avoid being more positive in bringing about the necessary changes, she said. Regional governments have pointed to Suu Kyi's release in July following six years of house arrest as vindication of constructive engagement with Burma's military rulers and investment interest from businesses has picked up. But Suu Kyi herself has been more wary, questioning who benefited from such activities and urging governments, international agencies and businesses to wait before rushing in with money. (TN) ------------------------------------------------------------