-------------------------- BurmaNet ------------------------------ "Appropriate Information Technologies, Practical Strategies" ------------------------------------------------------------------ THE BURMANET NEWS: August 30 , 1995 Issue #210 NOTED IN PASSING: The only government capable of really and so swiftly achieving so much progress in promoting the people's living standard, in developing towns and countryside, in providing airports and seaports, and in building pagodas, monasteries, hospitals, dispensaries and parks, so far as I have clearly seen in my whole life as a clergy and later as a layman, is the present government. - U Phyoe in the New Light of Myanmar (quoted in The Irrawaddy) Contents: BKK POST: VOA, BBC BROADCASTS JAMMED IN BURMA BIG: THE IRRAWADDY, VOL. 3 NO. 21 BKK POST: MARITIME CAULDRON BKK POST: THAI-BURMESE JOINT VENTURE COMPANIES ---------------------------------------------------------- Produced with the support of the Burma Information Group (B.I.G). 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Sutcliffe" World Wide Web: FreeBurma@POBox.com Volunteering: christin@ksc.net.th [Feel free to suggest more areas of coverage] ---------------------------------------------------------- BKK POST: VOA, BBC BROADCASTS JAMMED IN BURMA 29 August 1995 VOICE of America radio broadcasts, a vital source in Burma for uncensored news and information, have been jammed since early August, listeners and US officials said yesterday. The interference is manmade, said an official of the United States Information Service in Rangoon, who requested anonymity. It started on August 8th. Voice of America officials have not commented. Last Monday, the British Broadcasting Crop said its World Service radio broadcasts in Burma were being jammed. Although the source of the jamming could not be identified, it started shortly after the BBC aired an interview with pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Mrs Suu Kyi was freed on July 10 from six years of house arrest. Many Burmese said they learned of Mrs Suu Kyi s release from either the VOA or the BBC. Mrs Suu Kyi said she relied on the two stations for news about Burma and the world during her detention. The US official said he heard that VOA was not the target of the jamming, and that it was caused by spillover from the attempts to interfere with the BBC. He said it was only jammed on one particular frequency. VOA, which broadcasts in both English and Burmese, is available on a total of seven frequencies at different times of the day. (BP) ******** ==========================THE IRRAWADDY======================= =================INDEPENDENT NEWS & INFORMATION============== VOL.3 NO.21 BURMA NFORMATION GROUP ============================================================= CONTENTS: COMMENT THIS WEEK STATE-OWN MEDIA WAR AGAINST SUU KYI LET THERE BE NO JEOLOUSY OR ENVY NE WIN SHAMAN SUU KYI IS GOOD FOR BUSINESS SLORC LAUNCH PR OFFENSIVE SUU KYI MIGHT START CAMPAIGN ============================================================== COMMENT Burmese democracy activists around the world marked the seventh anniversary of 8888 in cities. Seven years ago, ten of thousands of democracy-loving Burmese took to the streets. They asked for democracy, freedom and a better life but instead they received severe punishment: bullets, bayonets and prison. Thousands were murdered in broad day light. The present military leaders who were responsible for the killings never admitted the brutal massacre to the movement as disturbances. But the undeniable fact is that the spirit of 8888 is still haunting the junta leaders. Burmese at home and abroad continue to fight for their unfinished struggle. However, is no one knows when will they achieve what they seen. And most important of all, how long will they continue to suffer under the present repressive military regime? Burma's Gandhi, or Aung San Suu Kyi, was released last month. But she is still one of 45 million hostages under the regime, which refused to respect the outcome of the 1990 election. One month after her freedom the regime has shown no sign of sincerity nor a willingness to open a genuine political dialogue with Suu Kyi-led democratic forces. The truth in Burma is that genuine and peaceful political dialogue is the last bus or final resolution all parties must not miss out. All parties must believe in it and must work harder. Slorc itself and the opposition should have no reason to give lip-service to national reconciliation. As long as the junta leaders refuse to recognize the role of the opposition and fail to respect the will of the Burmese they will remain pariahs in the world. The strife in Burma is not over. The international community and Burmese opposition in exile should show their solidarity with Burmese at home. The Slorc leaders will surrender to the democratic forces, if they see a well-organized united front at home and abroad. The Editors -------------------------------------------------------------- STATE-OWN MEDIA WAR AGAINST SUU KYI Three weeks after they surprised the world by releasing Aung San Suu Kyi from house detention, Burma s military rulers renewed their propaganda war against the popular leader. An article in Tuesday s edition of the official New Light of Myanmar indirectly criticized Suu Kyi and suggested the military rulers have no intention of to relaxing their iron-fisted grip on the country. The article s author, U Phyoe, said that an ordinary Burmese has other things in mind despite her usual rhetoric about forgiveness, unity and cooperation. Unlike [Karen insurgent leader] Bo Mya and drug warlord Khun Sa, this person urged the international community to wait and see if the junta is laying the groundwork for democratization and national reconciliation before resuming aid to Burma, the article said. The article appeared the same day as Burmese Foreign Minister Ohn Gyaw reiterated Rangoon s position that Suu Kyi had no future in domestic politics. Speaking at the recently-held Asean annual meeting of foreign ministers in Brunei, he said that Suu Kyi s marriage to a foreigner and certain foreign assistance she has received were likely to preclude her from ever participating in politics. A constitution being drawn up by a military-appointed body contains a clause barring anyone married to a foreigner from taking part in politics. It also guarantees the military a leading role in politics. The article did not mention the Nobel Peace laureate by name, but referred to comments that were a hindrance to foreign assistance and were broadcast by the British Broadcasting Corporation on July 15. U Phyoe, a former Buddhist monk turned layman, said an attempt to dissuade other countries from helping Burma was being made by one person within the country. (BIG) -------------------------------------------------------------- LET THERE BE NO JEALOUSY OR ENVY BY U PHYOE On the night of 15 July, the BBC in its news programme, broadcast a news item aimed at hindering foreign countries helping and assisting Myanmar. I U Phyoe, personally heard it. What was astonishing to me in that was that the person who dissuaded foreign countries from helping and assisting Myanmar was not of the ilk of Khun Sa, the opium bandit or Bo Mya, the imperialist henchman terrorist. It was just one ordinary individual from among the masses who expressed that malice against the State Law and Order restoration Council and the masses of the people. That had been diametrically opposed to the person s usual rhetoric about forgiveness, unity and co-operation. Friends and governments who, with a sincere desire to help Myanmar in economic and social development, have been assisting the State Law and Order Restoration Council Government that has been effectively serving the interests of the country, are in reality contributing in one way to the welfare of the clergy and laity of Myanmar. It is the 45-million people of Myanmar who are going to directly benefit from such foreign assistance. The only government capable of really and so swiftly achieving so much progress in promoting the people s living standard, in developing towns and countryside, in providing airports and seaports, and in building pagodas, monasteries, hospitals, dispensaries and parks, so far as I have clearly seen in my whole life as a clergy and later as a layman, is the present government. The State Law and Order restoration Council is earnestly laying strong foundations and clearing the way for the future Myanmar to proceed in a democratic process harmonious to Myanma customs, Myanma habits and Myanma culture. The State Law and Order Restoration Council is completely rebuilding the country that had tottered in all respects. At a time when a government, capable of decisively implementing its noble intentions, is in power, there are certain financial and technological limitations restraining the government from doing everything it might wish to do every where. If not for such limitations and restraints, the State Law and Order restoration Council would have definitely achieved a higher level of development than has now been achieved. In recognition of this state of affairs, a number of sympathetic countries of the East, are now getting ready to help, as much as they could, the State Law and Order Restoration Council Government that has really, sharply and successfully been serving the interests of the peoples. At this juncture, as the Myanmars use to say, that a soup of Pyipannyo vegetable could have been quite sweet if not for an excess of salt in it, the above-mentioned hindrance was uttered by a person from inside the country, unafraid of the purgatory, unaware that it was a sin and unknowing that it was a mental defilement. In order that lessons may be taken from this episode by the pious keeping sabbath durin the Lenten Period, by the devout doing meditation and by all the benevolent and charitable Myanmars across the whole country, I might here offer some canonical advice as a gift. What is Defilement (kilesa)? It is something that scorches, that torments, that defiles, that causes sufferings. There are ten Defilements, as follows (1) Greed, covetousness (loba) (2) Anger, hatred (dosa) (3) Delusion, not knowing the truth (moha) (4) Vanity, with head in the clouds and feet off the ground (mana) (5) Wrong concept, wrong concept of nature of things (ditthi) (6) Cynicism, doubt (vicikiccha) (7) Sloth, torpor (thina middha) (8) Mental instability, wavering (uddhacca) (9) Remorse (kukucca) (10) Jealousy, envy (issa macchariya) Of the ten above defilements, Jealousy and Envy is most abominable. To resent some other person using what belongs to and what concerns one is known as jealousy (macchariya). Mortals are more or less guilty of this defilement. Be it more or be it less, a defilement is still a defilement. In this connection, envy (issa) is common mostly among those who do not know the Law. Just consider the matter which I, U Phyoe the ex-monk, mentioned at the beginning. The State Law and Order Restoration Council is striving to build up the country in all sectors and all aspects. It has successfully organised all national groups to reunite. This is where a rejoicing is due, but that person shows no rejoicing. This is where any possible help is due, but that person offers no help: indeed the person even tries to obstruct and impede. My heart goes out in pity to that person for a deed so vile and so abominable. During the current Lenten Period, May all creatures be able to ponder, practise and proliferate virtuous religious laws, may they be able to cleanse themselves of the evil laws of Defilement that are scorching and that are sinful, may those that are already thickly coated with such defilements be able to peel them off with attention and awareness, may they be able to shed their vanity that has put their heads in the clouds and their feet off the ground, may they be able to eschew envy and jealousy, and may they be able to repent and remedy any envy and jealousy had they already committed them. This is to be my spiritual gift. Reproduced from the The New Light of Myanmar, 1 August 1995. -------------------------------------------------------------- NE WIN SHAMAN Whether Burma s aging dictator Gen Ne Win is dead or still alive is a hot issue since popular leader Suu Kyi was released last month. Many speculated no international pressure could have forced Slorc leaders to free her but only the Ne Win and his former associates, Sein Lwin, Kyaw Htin and Zaw Win could have given permission.. Some sources in Rangoon reported that Ne Win and present leaders held a meeting last year. On behalf of Ne Win, Sein Lwin made analysis on current situation. Whatever the case, recent news is not good news. Ne Win has found a new shaman. Saya Myaing who was Ne Win's former shaman was as infamous as Ne Win during the uprising in 1988. But there is no more Saya Myaing, says a woman who has a vast interest in Ne Win.(Her plan is to write a book on him when he dies.) Daw Kyi from Moulmein, Mon state is Ne Win's latest shaman who tells him ways to defeat his foes and to live another 26 years or so. But Daw Kyi herself cannot read and write said the sources. (Inside sources) ------------------------------------------------------------ ------------ SUU KYI IS GOOD FOR BUSINESS Media source in Rangoon reported that some persons known to be anti-Suu Kyi are planning to release statements and articles in the state-run newspapers and television. Private magazines whose editors sought to interview Suu Kyi have also been threatened with closure, they said. However, the quickest way to make money and a fortune in Rangoon and other major cities and villages is selling and renting video tapes. Of course, not about triangle-love or Arnold's Terminator II nor the Batman Forever but the Aung San Suu Kyi tape . The footage shot on 11 July includes her speeches and interviews are selling throughout the country. (Inside sources) ------------------------------------------------------------ SLORC LAUNCH PR OFFENSIVE While Slorc-media campaign to undermine Suu Kyi s political popularity coincided with an increasing number of outings by high-ranking junta figures. New education minister U Pan Aung, has been touring and inspecting schools in Rangoon, telling teachers to keep students in the classrooms and to stay away from politics. A student said U Pan Aung told them not to visit the house at University Ave, a reference to Suu Kyi s residence. But a Rangoon source said many students have already been there. Recently, powerful military intelligence chief, Lt Gen Khin Nyunt, also paid numerous visits to Rangoon University. Khin Nyunt is chairman of the Myanmar Education Committee and patron of the Leading Committee for the celebration this year of Rangoon s university s diamond jubilee. Khin Nyunt himself is an alumnus of Rangoon University. After his visit, photos of Khin Nyunt posing with fellow alumni and new students at Sagaing, Bago and Inwa halls started appearing in state-controlled newspapers. But most students said they did not pose willingly with Khin Nyunt. We are afraid that we would be punished if we refused, said a student. Other senior members of the Slorc, including Vice-chairman Gen Maung Aye and Secretary Two Lt Gen Tin Oo, paid visits to upper, central Burma and the Irrawaddy delta regions. State-controlled newspapers have been filled with reports on the activities of the top brass. One Rangoon residents said Slorc s have been visiting and inspecting the same areas. Now that Daw Suu has been released, they (Slorc leaders) are busy brushing up their image, said another resident. On July 10, the day Suu Kyi was released from house arrest, Slorc Chairman Senior Gen Than Shwe addressed the opening ceremony of the Management Course No 6 for USDA Executive Committee members in Rangoon. The USDA is a mass organisation, which could be transformed into a political party. In his speech, Than Shwe said out of nearly two million candidates who have submitted proposals for membership, 1.67 million have been scrutinized for membership. He also noted that Tatmadaw or Armed forces confronted all eventualities because of its love for the nation. Two days before the release of Suu Kyi, the New Light of Myanmar ran a series of articles on the, Destiny of the Nation 24. The author, using the penname Nawratha and believed to be a military intelligence officer, implied that the Burmese people were delighted to see the meeting between Suu Kyi and Slorc leaders in 1994. The masses were delighted to notice a TV footage of this meeting in anticipation of a solution to the crisis. It described the second meeting, which was held on 28 October 1994, as focusing on discussions between the Nawata (Slorc) leaders and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in a process that would surely contribute to national reconciliation. However, Nawratha said all hopes were dashed when a press statement from Suu Kyi appeared in Bangkok in January, 1995 shortly after her husband, Dr Michael Aris visited her. Nawrata who may hold hatred against Michael Aris, [I hope he is not in one-side-love with Suu Kyi] also asked, Perhaps Mi-chael Aris who keeps roaming about the whle world? Has he been dominating his wife? and who has been dominating him? The Nawratha continued, But, allow Myanmar to be a Myanma way. Nawratha also kept to his style/spelling with Su not Suu. (Inside source) ------------------------------------------------------------ Suu Kyi might start campaign Aung San Suu Kyi and her party, NLD might start a campaign trip to upper Burma a source in Rangoon said, She may go to Kachin state. It is not known if it is true, why Suu Kyi would choose to go to Kachin state. Suu Kyi also said she will meet with well-wishers who come to listen her speeches only on Saturdays and Sundays.Recently, Kachin leaders Zau Mai and senior Kachin leaders came down to see Slorc leaders including Senior Gen Than Shwe who they have never met before. Lt Gen Khin Nyunt explained to Kachin leaders the development of national convention. Sources suggested the Kachins are attending the upcoming National Convention, which will resume in October. (BIG) ******************** BKK POST: MARITIME CAULDRON 27 AUGUST 1995 The recent killing of Burmese crewmen, allegedly by their Thai counterparts, has underlined long-standing problems between Thailand and Burma over fishing rights. Supradit Kanwanich investigates the issue. The possibility of Thai-Burmese conflict is real, and could be sparked by non-compliance with maritime agreement. Greed and dishonesty of fishing operators add fuel to the fire. In one of the latest incidents, three Burmese crewmen of a Thai fishing boat, JV 44, were beaten to death on August 5, allegedly by fellow Thai crewmen. The Thai trawler had been operating in Burmese waters under the licence of Myanmar Narong Fisheries Industry Co, a joint venture operation between NCC Asian Fisheries Indistries Co of Thailand and the Burmese Fisheries Department (see box). The killing took place after Burmese crewmen told Burmese authorities that the JV 44 had violated the contract by unloading its catch, mostly shrimp, to other Thai vissels before it was inspected at the Burmese port of Mergui. They also alleged that fishing devices prohibited by Burmese authorities had been used by the trawler. Three Thai crewmen were later arrested in connection with the killing when the JV 44 arrived at the southern Thai province of Ranong. According to Burmese who survived the attack, 18 Burmese crewmen were beaten by Thai counterparts and forced to jump overboard. Five of them were later plucked from the sea, tied, beaten, and then thrown into the sea again, according to survivors. One of the five managed to unite himself and escaped along with three others who were earlier forced to jump overboard. Three bodies were later found, but the fate of the rest is still not known. Underscoring this sad incident, the Burmese Government ordered about 150 Thai trawlers licensed under Thai-Burmese joint venture operations to leave Burmese waters by August 17. Burmese naval ships were placed on full alert to protect marine resources south of the Andaman Sea. Adverse effects: Burmese action is adversely affecting the fishery industry in ranong, which has an annual 10 billion baht turnover. The volume of marine catch has declined 3-4 times since the temporary fishing ban was declared by Burma. The province has 15 fishmeal plants, 9 ice-making plants, three processing plants, six cold storages and 50 unloading piers, all relying on marine catch from Burma. Fishery-related industries in other southern provinces and in the Central Plains are also likely to be affected. Fishermen in ranong told Sunday Perspective on Friday that they could only operate in Thai waters and the junction between Thai and Burmese maritime claims. They said about 400-500 trawlers and 200 long-tail boats that ply between Ranong and Victoria Point in Burma are now idle. Before an entry ban was imposed by the Burmese government, about 800 visitors travelled between Ranong and Victoria Point each day. About 2,000 fishing boats officially registered in Ranong are also hard hit by tightened Burmese naval patrol. These boats have ventured into Burma waters without permission because of rapidly depleting fisheries stocks in Thai waters. Apart from depleting marine resources, Thai trawler operators have faced an acute shortage of Thai labour during the past few years. To compensate for this, Burmese were hired as fishing crew. Prior to the August 5 incident, about 20,000 Burmese worked on Thai trawlers registered in Ranong. Longstanding problems: When Burma proclaimed a 200-mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in 1977, Thai fishing vessels were put in constant jeopardy as the maritime claims of both countries overload. Many fishing operators had to resort to negotiations with the Burmese government for fishing rights. Still, many of these trawlers were accused of illegal fishing. this resulted in arrests made on the fishing crews, seizure of trawlers and in many cases fighting which resulted in death, injury and others presumed missing. In March, the skipper of Thai trawler "K. Sapsiam" shot a Burmese crewmen and kicked him overboard, according to a report sent to the Fisheries Department. There was no mention of the reason for the shooting. When the boat arrived in Ranong, the rest of the Burmese crew hijacked it to Burma. In June, two Burmese navy men were wounded in a gun fight with armed Thai fishermen resisting arrest about 100 kilometres northwest of Ranong. The incident made Burmese authorities irate. There have been numerous incidents alleged by both sides during the past several years. Yet, no preventive measures were taken until the sad episode on August 5. Hunting grounds: The fishing gold mine for Thai fishermen is the waters around thousands of islands off the Burmese ports of Tavoy and Mergui. In these areas, about 30-50 miles inside Burma's EEZ, there are a lot of valuable fish. Besides traditional fishing methods, some Thai fishermen have adopted a devastating technique of "dynamiting" which kills all seizes of fish and destroys breeding and feeding habitats od all marine life. These "dynamite boats" hire sea gypsies to dive to the sea bed and plant explosives. They are well-versed in making a home-made bomb, which is a mixture of fertiliser (40-0-0 formular) and diesel fuel contained in a clay pot. Dynamite is installed around the blasting cap- These fishermen like to dynamite fish around a cluster of Burmese islands north of Ranong. This makes it easier to hide themselves from the Burmese coast guards. Undoubtedly, Burmese authorities deal harshly with these unscrupulous fishermen. Boats designed for fish dynamiting are easily recognised because they are normally manned by fewer than 10 men, and are equipped with fish-finding gear and a radio transmitter. When met with these fish bombers, Burmese soldiers will "shoot to kill". Call for sincerity: Mr Karin Thongpatchote, president of ONK Mining and Construction Co, which entered into a 30-year fishing joint venture with the Burmese Fisheries Department in March this year, said thew Thai Government must show its sincerity by taking legal action against those responsible for the killing of the three Burmese crewmen on August 5. He says the incident might have stemmed from personal dispute. The company which owns the trawler should pay compensation to families of the victims. he believes Deputy Prime Minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh's forth- coming trip to Burma will lead to better understanding between the two countries. Apart from fishing problems, Burmese authorities are still unhappy about land reclamation in the Moei River at Tak's Mae Sot District, where construction of the Friendship Bridge has been suspended. Burma's decision to halt fishing by licensed Thai companies has affected ONK's operations and projects, including construction of four mother ships of 5,700-ton gross each and 200 steel trawlers of 610-ton gross each in Europe. His co-investors in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, New Zealand and the US are worried about a halt on fishing, karin said. Karin, however, believes the Burmese government made the right decision. Because every Thai fishing trawler has Burmese crew, it's better to let the situation cool down before Thai and Burmese crewmen work together again. The temporary suspension of fishing rights would also enable authorities to investigate and seize trawlers which have operated illegally under the guise of licensed boats. There are about 100 of these "ghost boats" which are refurnished to look exactly like real licensed boats. Long-term solution: Dr Saran Petpiroon, an economist of the Fisheries Department said there must be better cooperation between Thai and Burmese officials in tackling long-standing problems. So far, contracts made between Thai fishing companies and Burmese authorities are not acknowledged by the Thai Fisheries Depart ment. If Thai authorities were told by Burmese counterparts about Thai companies wishing to enter joint venture ioperations, they could screen out those with bad records, said Dr Saran. Sustainable development must also be pursued. "Thai trawlers go into Burmese waters because our marine resources are scarce, while Burma has to protect them," he said. When a Thai trrawler fails to honoura contract, it affects everyone involved in the fishery industry. It's high time both countries adopted a new policy and approach to end existing problems, said Dr Saran. They could also try joint development that satisfies the fundamental interests of all parties. (BP) BKK POST: THAI-BURMESE JOINT VENTURE COMPANIES 27 AUGUST 1995 Five Thai companies have entered into joint venture agreements with the Burmese Government to undertake fisheries projects. They are: 1. ONK Mining and Construction Co. It signed a contract with the Fisheries Department of Burma in March this year to establish Myanmar ONK Fisheries Joint Venture with a resgistered capital of US$421 million. The operation involves a fishing concession in Burmese waters with 300 trawlers of 150-gross ton size, an ice-making plant of 400-tons capacity per day, a cold storage of 1,000-tons capacity, a canned food factory of 180,000-cans-per-day, fishmeal plant of 30-ton capacity per day and 5,000-arce shrimp farming. The Thai cpmpany holds 49 per cent of equities, and the Burmese 51 per cent. 2. NCC Asian Fisheries Industries Co. It signed a contract with the Fisheries Department of Burma in March to establish Myanmar narong Fisheries Industry Co. The operation involves fishing, cold storage, ice making, canned food, fishmeal, marketing in fish and shrimp products, and shrimp farming in Myeik. The Thai side holds 60 per cent, and the Burmese 40 per cent. 3. PP Bansuay Co (a joint-venture company of bansuay construction Co and International Fisheries Industry Co). It signed a contract with the Fishries Department of Burma in June to form Myanmar PP Fishery Industries Co to run a US$7.35 million fishery project. 4. TBE Co. It signed a contract with Myanmar Fisheries Enterprise in 1993 to form General Fisheries Co under the privileges provided by Burmese foreign investment law. 5. Hinthar Minn Co. It signed a contract with Myanmar Fisheries Enterprise in 1993 to set up Hunsawaddy Fisheries Co under privileges provided by Burmese foreign investment law. Under the terms of joint venture operations, Thai trawlers must operate in designated areas under Burmese laws and regulations. They cannot unload the catch before it has been inspected at designated Burmese ports. At least five Burmese must be among the fishing crew in a trawler, and fishing is limited to 25 days a month. Thai trawlers must pay 150,000-250,000 baht in annual fees to joint venture companies in addition to 30,000-50,000 baht in monthly fees when fishing in Burmese waters. The catch must be inspected to estimate the price, and commission will be deducted before the catch is transported to Thailand. (BP)