------------------------ BurmaNet ------------------------ "Appropriate Information Technologies, Practical Strategies" ---------------------------------------------------------- The BurmaNet News: October 29, 1995 Issue #265 Noted in Passing: "I'm concerned that a certain country in this region is still spending a huge budget on building up its arms which we are concerned about. - Thai Defense Minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, in reference to Burma. (quoted in: NATION: CHINA TELLS CHAVALIT AID TO BURMA ENDED) HEADLINES: ========== NMSP: NAI SHWE KYIN'S SPEECH TO THE SLORC IN RANGOON INDEPENDENT REPORT: REPORT FROM INDIA ISBDA: NICHIMEN OF JAPAN TO COOPERATE SLORC IN AGRICULTURE ISBDA: JAPAN TO HELP SLORC IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY INDEPENDENT LETTER: IMF SUPPORT FOR SLORC ASAHI EVENING NEWS: JAPAN TO RESTORE AID TO BURMA INDEPENDENT REPORT: TOUR TO BURMA INDEPENDENT LETTER: RE: TIME MAGAZINE PERSON OF THE YEAR NATION: CHINA TELLS CHAVALIT AID TO BURMA ENDED NATION: THIRTY RELEASED EARLY FROM BURMESE PRISON BKK POST: BURMA ALSO TO BLAME FOR RIVER ENCROACHING ************************************** Produced with the support of the Burma Information Group (B.I.G) and the Research Department of the ABSDF {MTZ} 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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For a free subscription to the BurmaNet News, send an e-mail message to: majordomo@igc.apc.org In the body of the message, type "subscribe burmanet-l" (without quotation marks) Letters to the editor, comments or contributions of articles should be sent to the editor at: strider@igc.apc.org ------------------------------------------------------------- INFORMATION ABOUT BURMA VIA THE WEB AND GOPHER: Information about Burma is available via the WorldWideWeb at: FreeBurmaWWW http://sunsite.unc.edu/freeburma/freeburma.html [including back issues of the BurmaNet News as .txt files] BurmaWeb: http://www.uio.no/tormodl Burma fonts: http://www.cs.bham.ac.uk/~lka/burmese-fonts/moe.html Ethnologue Database(Myanmar): http://www-ala.doc.ic.ac.uk/~rap/Ethnologue/eth.cgi/Myanmar TO ACCESS INFORMATION ABOUT BURMA VIA GOPHER: gopher csf.colorado.edu. Look under the International Political Economy section, then select Geographic Archive, then Asia, then Burma. ---------------------------------------------------------- BURMANET SUBJECT-MATTER RESOURCE LIST BurmaNet regularly receives enquiries on a number of different topics related to Burma. If you have questions on any of the following subjects, please direct email to the following volunteer coordinators, who will either answer your question or try to put you in contact with someone who can: Arakan/Rohingya/Burma- Michael W. Charney: GoMaha@aol.com Bangladesh Border Campus activism: tlandon@ewu.edu Boycott campaigns: [Pepsi] wcsbeau@superior.ccs.carleton.ca Buddhism: Buddhist Relief Mission: brelief@gol.com Chin history/culture: plilian@asc.corp.mot.com Fonts: tom@cs.colgate.edu History of Burma: zni@students.wisc.edu Kachin history/culture: 74750.1267@compuserve.com Karen history/culture: Karen Historical Society: 102113.2571@Compuserve.com Mon history/culture: [volunteer needed] Naga history/culture: Wungram Shishak: z954001@oats.farm.niu.edu Burma-India border [volunteer needed] Pali literature: "Palmleaf": c/o burmanet@igc.apc.org Shan history/culture: [volunteer needed] Shareholder activism: simon_billenness@mail.cybercom.net Tourism campaigns: bagp@gn.apc.org "Attn. S.Sutcliffe" World Wide Web: FreeBurma@POBox.com Volunteering: christin@ksc.net.th [Feel free to suggest more areas of coverage] ************************ NMSP: NAI SHWE KYIN'S SPEECH TO THE SLORC IN RANGOON August 30, 1995 The Speech of Nai Shwe Kyin, President of the New Mon State Party, at the Ministry of Border Development in Rangoon August 30, 1995 (Nai Shwe Kyin orally translated his speech from Burmese to English, and I transcribed his translation. Any errors are my mistake. - Christina Fink) Respected senior general Khin Nyunt, all other members of the State Law and Order Restoration Council, and ministers and officers of your respective ministries: For eternal peace in the country, for the development of the country into a modern state, and for reconciliation in the whole country, we have come here to meet with the officers of the State Law and Order Restoration Council. During the Thaton, Suwannaphumi, and Pagan periods and again today, we Mon and Burman brethren have worked together. We have jointly struggled for the existence of our country. We have both inherited Buddhism, which came from India 2000 years ago, and together we have spread it all over the country. United through Buddhism, we have experienced good and bad together. During the latter part of our history, in the Hongsawaddy, Toungoo, Ava, and Konbaung dynasties, the Mon and the Burmans became less united because of the ambitions of Mon and Burman kings. In 1885, we became a colony under imperialist rule. Refusing to be dominated by the colonial powers, we fought together against the imperialists. Mon anti-imperialist leaders include a rich man by the name of Nai Auk, who struggled against the British in the Irrawaddy inland waterways, and he also used his riches to built pagodas and other religious structures for Buddhism. Another, Thammada Chit Hlaing, set up a petroleum factory in Thilohwa to compete with the British Oil Company, which ended up resulting in his bankruptcy. He was also known as Wathanu U Chit Lyne, and his name was known all over the country when he worked as a national leader. Before World War II, he even became the chairman of the legislative council. During the period of rebellion against the imperialist powers, when the Thirty Comrades fought against the British and the Japanese, thousands of Mon worked together with the Burmans. After independence in 1948, even though other nationalities were accorded their respective rights, the Mon were not. So because of dissatisfaction from that time onwards, the Mon have had to engage in a civil war in Burma for nearly half a century. We brethren have had to fight against each other. Just as good citizens from our side were lost, so the Burmese Army also lost several lives because of the civil war. The people countrywide suffered too, and development in the country has stagnated. That is why all the people wanted this abominable civil war to stop so that they might achieve lasting peace. They were longing for peace, and we should not leave a legacy of war to posterity. To upgrade the quality of life for the people and to serve them again, we should sacrifice our selfishness together with our parties'' narrow interests. And we should respect the wishes of the people rather than the interests of individuals and political parties. Instead of resolving our differences through arms, we should resolve them through a dialogue in which we have equal status. The international community demands that we two groups meet together to bring about peace in the country instead of continuing to fight with weapons. That is why on June 29, the New Mon State Party and the SLORC came to a successful cease-fire agreement. We should forget all the losses suffered on both sides. We should forgive each other. We should stop hating and start loving each other. We should treat each other as brothers again. With our reconciliation we should endeavor to develop our country. The world today is also looking forward to the end of armed conflict and the expansion of economic development. We should rebuild the country so that it is economically independent and can be accepted in the international community as one of the progressive countries. Only with a modernized open-market economy can we raise the standard of living of the people. Because ours is a country of many nationalities, the unity of all these ethnic nationalities is very important. We should work from the basic principle of the equality of all brethren so that we can build up a true union. Only after a brotherhood of equality has been established can a true union be built. We should not pride ourselves for being in the majority instead of the minority or being part of stronger rather than weaker groups. We should give up all these attitudes. Instead we should follow the Burmese saying that the crow and the wild pheasant respect each other. We should adopt that attitude and put love first. We must not destroy our nest, but find a way to go on living together. I would like to relate an experience I had. In 1992, I went to the Moral Re-armament Association Conference in Switzerland. Switzerland is united into a federation with more than 20 cantons. In that country there are four official languages: German, French, Italian, and a native language mixed with Latin. At that conference, a professor from a Swiss university came and gave a lecture. He said, "my country is a small country, but we have 4 official languages. Is that too much?" He explained that the three former languages are quite stable, but the native language is used less and less, so now the Swiss government has to actively support it so that it doesn't die out. Because the government is looking after that language, it is still alive. In our country, we should adapt what they've been doing in Switzerland. We shouldn't copy their policies exactly, but we should adapt them to the situation in our country. I urge that we preserve the various languages, cultures, and literatures of our country just like the progressive countries of the world are doing. Even though we Mon have a long history of having our own language, literature, and culture, because we don't have the privilege of developing them, they are lagging behind other languages and other people. We Mon haven't received our due rights under the previous governments. Only in 1974 did the Mon State come into existence. Only then were the Mon recognized as a separate people. Former governments failed to stop the armed conflict, and it has only been during the SLORC period that this cease-fire agreement was able to be reached. The realization of this cease-fire has been gladly welcomed not only by the NMSP, but also by other armed organizations and other political parties as well as the monks and the people. To retain our sovereignty, the unity of all ethnic groups is the primary objective. Only after that can peace and tranquillity, an open market, and regional development materialize. The negative effect of the armed conflict has been that our country's progress has been slowed down. To rebuild our country, we must take 10 steps forward for every one step that other peoples take, so that we can catch up with them. We should try our hardest, both physically and spiritually. I have full confidence in the SLORC, so on behalf of the Mon people and the New Mon State Party, I have come to meet the head of SLORC and the SLORC leaders. To attain harmony among all the ethnic nationalities, the New Mon State Party will try its best to encourage them to accept cease-fire agreements. I strongly believe that if the SLORC, together with all the other ethnic groups and other political parties can sit together and discuss possible solutions, we can surely find a workable policy for the future of our union. In conclusion, in order to have very warm relations between all ethnic groups, to ensure the longevity of our sovereignty, to uplift the standard of living of the people, and to rebuild our country into a moral and progressive nation, the New Mon State Party will work together with the State Law and Order Restoration Council to the best of its abilities. With that, I conclude my speech. Thank you all very much. ***************************** INDEPENDENT REPORT: REPORT FROM INDIA From: Michael Beer October 27, 1995 Nonviolence International funded by the National Endowment for Democracy sent Bob Helvey, Dr. Vum Son and myself to India to respond to the request of pro-democracy groups for a course in nonviolent struggle. We taught a 14 day course in late September and early October which was attended by 80 participants. Participants came from a large spectrum of the anti-SLORC groups including: NLD/LA NCGUB ABSL- All Burma Students League ABSDF (Western Border) Chin Liberation Organization Chin United Movement Chin National Front Overseas Chin Organization Arakan Students Congress All Burma Young Monks Union (Arakan) All Burma Young Monks Union Arakan League for Democracy Kachin Student Congress Federation of Trade Union, Burma (Western Border) WRWAB-Women's Group Independent Students and people The number of groups is an indication of the growing strength of the anti-SLORC forces. Demonstrating in New Delhi is as easy as demonstrating in Washington, DC. On Sept 18, 1995, 80 Burmese demonstrated on the streets near the Burmese embassy. The police were most cooperative and blocked off a major road to allow the one hour demonstration. Burmese are not hassled, jailed, or extorted by the Indian authorities as they are in other countries such as Thailand. The course was held in New Delhi where a few hundred Burmese live. A number of new initiatives are worthy of notice. 1) The Committee for Nonviolent Action in Burma. This is the first coalition of groups in India. It will facilitate and coordinate activities on the border and inside Burma in support of Aung San Suu Kyi. All of the major groups participate.=20 2) The Computer Coordinating Committee, made up of a coalition of groups which will coordinate computer and internet resources. 3)The Chin National Council, formed a New Delhi chapter at a meeting of about 50 people. Swedish, German, US, and other chapters are in formation. 4) The Chin Student Congress formed with more than 40 students attending an opening congress. 5) A number of working committees of the Committee for Nonviolent Action in Burma have been set up including a refugee committee, (there are 40,000 Chin refugees in Mizoram), a boycott Pepsi committee, a lobbying committee, and an artists/musicians/poets group. There are conflicts between the different pro-democracy groups in India. This is quite normal and OK. They all support Aung San Suu Kyi. The biggest changes going on is the increased communication and cooperation between the Chin groups and the Burmans. This is what SLORC most fears. Forced labor and many forms of onerous taxation and restrictions continue in western Burma. Ethnic Burman have been moved into the Chin Hills as a provocative attempt at Burmanization. Border trade increases but not greatly. Indian authorities are less friendly when dealing with the CNF, the NUPA, National United Party of Arakan, or the Arakan Liberation Party, ALP. These groups have armed units along the border and have been accused of cooperating with Indian (and Bangladesh) insurgent groups. India tortured and killed a few CNF leaders this April. India is seen as the best ally for the pro-democracy movement because of the concerns that Burma will increasingly become a client state of China and that a democratic government in Burma will be good for India's interests. My experience there leads me to the same conclusion. Burmese activists in India need resources. Money, computers, and more money. They deserve the kind of support we have given the Thai side. Michael Beer mbeer@capaccess.org ***************************** ISBDA: JAPAN TO HELP SLORC IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY October 26, 1995 Japanese Business and Technology newspaper 'Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun' reported today that Japanese government is planning to help the Burmese military regime through a pseudo-governmental body named 'Kokusai Johoka Kyoryoku Senta' (Center for International Cooperation in Communication) CICC. According to the report, the Center guides various projects on modernization of communication structures in the countries of Asia, Middle East and Latin America regions through their governments. As preliminary work has been done in Tokyo, CICC will send its representatives to Burma for hearing (interviewing) and opinion exchanges with the military-controlled government agencies. After these visits, CICC will send Japanese experts to Burma to give technical seminars and also to set collaborative research programs for implementation of the proposed projects. The plan also includes categorical acceptance of technical trainees sent by SLORC, opening of technical seminars in Burma, and offering hi-tech instruments required by the government agencies. Although the report did not mention the name and total cost of project, it is expected that to power-up SLORCÕs intelligence branches, the CICC will offer the regime a duplicate of the 'IT2000 Program' designed for increase of computer facilities like those which are used by the Government of Vietnam. *************** ISBDA: NICHIMEN OF JAPAN TO COOPERATE SLORC IN AGRICULTURE October 27, 1995 (abridged) Nichimen's president Mr. Akira Watari and his group are planning to see SLORC leaders in November. Although the details prepared for the closed-door meeting are not available, it is expected to make agreements for trade and investment in Burma. Japanese giants such as Marubeni, Mitsui & Co, Mitsubishi Shoji, Nissho Iwai and Sumitomo Shoji have recently signed agreements to work with the military government in Burma. All these conducts followed after Japanese government's encouragement in February to do business with SLORC by issuing insurance policies for Japan money to be invested in Burma. It is important to note here that the Japanese business watchdog body has decided this week to punish all these trading houses to return a total of 1.6 million dollars as a fine to the government because misconduct practiced by these companies in sharing Japanese ODA funds was partly exposed. ************************ INDEPENDENT LETTER: IMF SUPPORT FOR SLORC From: simon_billenness@cybercom.net (Simon Billenness) Dear Burma Activists: I have just received a copy of a press story that appeared recently in the Japanese press. According to the story, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is seriously considering a package of assistance for the SLORC. If this assistance is granted by the IMF, it would greatly improve the SLORC's chances to attract foreign investment. Since releasing Aung San Suu Kyi, the SLORC has been working hard to obtain assistance from the IMF and World Bank. IMF and World Bank officials have visited Burma in the last few months and have met repeatedly with SLORC officials. Ironically, the IMF appears to be giving the SLORC extra consideration for its release of Aung San Suu Kyi even though she has specifically stated that nothing has changed in Burma since her release and that governments and corporations should not "rush" to invest in Burma. The story names Japan, France, Germany and Switzerland as some of the countries that support this assistance package. It should be noted that, although the United States has opposed IMF and World Bank assistance to Burma in the past, the United States represents only 18% of the vote on the IMF Board. Consequently, the IMF could approve the assistance package to the SLORC over US opposition. I would suggest that Burma action groups and concerned individuals in Japan, France, Germany and Switzerland lobby and organize demonstrations against their government to stop supporting IMF assistance to the SLORC. The Massachusetts Campaign for a Free Burma will deliver letters of concern to the Japanese, French, German and Swiss consulates in Boston to protest this action. We urge other Burma action groups to take similar action. Please post details of your actions on Burmanet. Please email me directly if you have any questions or ideas on how to move forward this new aspect of the campaign for a Free Burma. Simon Billenness Massachusetts Campaign for a Free Burma --------------------------------------------------- Subject: Myanmar Central Bank Governor on IMF Aid Source: Tokyo-based Japanese-lanaguage daily newspaper, NIHON KEIZAI SHIMBUN 21 October 1995 morning edition, page 7 Author: Katsuhiko Iino Text: Myanmar (Burmese) Central Bank Governor Kyi Aye, in a 20 October NIHON KEIZAI SHIMBUN interview, said that the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) Board of Executive Directors has decided to provide assistance to Myanmar, and has submitted a proposal to the IMF's Board of Governors. This is the first time the IMF has formed a policy to assist Myanmar since the 1988 military coup took place in the country. It is said that the IMF appreciated the progress in Myanmar's shift to a market economy and the release of Aung San Suu Kyi, leader of the democratization movement, from house arrest. If the Board of Governors approves the proposal, Myanmar's change to a market economy is likely to be further accelerated, and the introduction of foreign investment will be spurred as well. According to Kyi Aye, the proposal submitted by the IMF's Board of Executive Directors to the Board of Governors is a technical assistance program called a "Fund Monitoring Program", in wich the organization will inspect Myanmar's economic situation and compile the necessary proposals for structural reforms and funding. If the Board of Governors, wich will hold a meeting as early as within the next two weeks, approves the program, the assistance program for Myanmar will officially begin, and eventually open the way for financial aid to the country. Kyi Aye, expressed confidence in the Board of Directors' approval of the program, because 1) the program is "strongly pushed" by the Board of Executive Directors, and 2) Japan, Germany, France, Switzerland and other countries support Myanmar. Myanmar has been trying to eliminate its double exchange rate, wich constitutes one of the stumbling blocks for the introduction of foreign investment. It has asked for IMF's assistance as a "safety valve," to prevent inflation, which is anticipated in the process of solving the double rate problem. Having two exchange rates -- an official exchange rate of 5.75 kyats per dollar, and a parallel exchange rate of around 120 kyats per dollar -- is "a little incovenient for foreign investment," Governor Kyi Aye stated. It also results in a radical reduction of the tariff rate in real terms. While the Myanmar Government has clearly stated that it will aim at unifying the exchange rate, it was concerned that the forcible implementation of the unification policy would cause a steep increase in the prices of imported goods and would therefore bring about inflation. Kyi Aye expressed his concern about the high rate of consumer price increases, which is 22 percent at present, and disclosed a plan to raise the intervention interest rate, which is 10.5 percent at present, to over 13 percent as early as next month to control inflation and raise the savings rate. At the same time, the Governor stated that the government takes the rice price increase seriously, and thus, "It has decided to put priority on the supply for domestic consumers and will export only surplus rice."(end) ********************************* ASAHI EVENING NEWS: JAPAN TO RESTORE AID TO BURMA October 28, 1995 Japan will resume non - humanitarian foreign aid grants to Burma next week despite reports of continuing human rights abuses there, the Foreign Ministry said Friday. Initially, Tokyo will commit to 1.62 billion yen in aid. The papers for the aid will be signed Monday in Rangoon. Japan, Burma's largest donor, suspended non - humanitarian grants in September 1988 after a brutal military crackdown on a pro - democracy uprising. It did not cut off humanitarian aid, but those projects have been small -scale. After Burma's leaders freed opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi from house arrest in July, Japan said it would begin giving Burma non - humanitarian grants again. The grants will be used to build university buildings, to train nurses and to purchase medical equipment, Japan's Foreign Ministry said. It said the need is critical because there are only two nurses for every 10,000 people in Burma. - end of article- brelief@gol.com (Ken and Visakha Kawasaki) added the following: Letters protesting this unwarrented and untimely resumption of ODA to the SLORC may be faxed to the following Japanese officials in Tokyo. (N.B. Foreign Minister Kono will be meeting Gen. Maung Aye, No. 2 in SLORC, in a few days). Prime Minister Tomiichi MURAYAMA: Fax: +81 3 3508-3502 Foreign Minister Yohei KONO: Fax: +81 3 3508-7503 Cabinet Secretary Kozo IGARASHI: Fax: +81 3 3502-5817 ********************************** INDEPENDENT REPORT: TOUR TO BURMA October 25, 1995 From Chochowin@aol.com Mountain Travel-Sobek, "The Adventure Company" ,is offering a 16 day photo trip to Burma(6-21 January '96), to be led by Nevada Wier. Land costs begin at $3590. As the prospectus says, "A visit to Myanmar (formerly Burma) is a chance to glimpse one of the last unspoiled, exotic areas of the world. ...the tour will focus on in-depth, cross-cultural experiences , and there will be ample photo opportunities with personalized attention gear to the needs of individuals..." etc. etc. If we would like to write them a letter to set them straight, Richard Weiss is Mountain Travel-Sobek president. Address: 6420 Fairmount Ave., El Cerrito, CA 94530-3606. Phone: 510-527-8100 or 1-800-227-2384. Fax: 510-525-7710. Nevada Wier's phone number (in New Mexico) is 505-982-0877. Her partner, Tom Stanley, can be reached at 800-282-8747, ext.3004 Editor's Note: Coban Tun added the following: If you want send a fax to the people above, e-mail me the text and I will be more than happy to do it for you. It is in my local area-code!!! They will sure cancel tour if they know that they are getting a lot of negative publicity. Or you can fax via e-mail, by sending to: remote-printer.Richard_Weiss/President@0.1.7.7.5.2.5.0.1.5.1.tpc.int If it bounces, let me know. Thanks Ct From: tun@macpsy.ucsf.EDU (Coban Tun) **************************** INDEPENDENT LETTER: RE: TIME MAGAZINE PERSON OF THE YEAR October 26, 1995 from Edith Mirante Last Saturday, while camping at Bear Trap, Montana, I had a dream about TIME Magazine's annual "Person of the Year" cover story. I woke up thinking we should at least try to campaign to get Time to feature Daw Aung San Suu Kyi as Person of the Year for 1995. Letters from readers do seem to influence the decision process; at least the magazine publishes some of them around the end of the year. And what's the competition this year -- Newt? OJ? Colin Powell? Bill Gates?? So it would be nice if people could write to them with reasons why Daw Suu should be Person of the Year -- her courage in the face of oppression, unbroken spirit, link to Beijing womens' conference, universality of human rights, message of nonviolent resistence, etc. Materials such as previous Time (international) cover stories, Vanity Fair article, etc. could be enclosed. The address to write to is: Time Magazine Letters, Time and Life Building, Rockefeller Center, New York, NY 10020 USA; fax 1-212-522-0601; e-mail: Timeletter@aol.com Thanks, Edith Mirante Project Maje 14 Dartmouth Rd. Cranford, NJ 07016 USA ******************************* NATION: CHINA TELLS CHAVALIT AID TO BURMA ENDED October 28, 1995 Reuter Defence minister relieved to learn of arms restrictions DEFENCE Minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh said yesterday he has won an assurance from China that Beijing would cease supporting the military build-up of "a certain neighbour" of Thailand. Chavalit, returning from an official visit to Beijing, did not name the neighbour but was clearly referring to Burma when he said he had raised Thailand's concern about an arms build-up in his talks with Chinese leaders. "We discussed my concern about the arms build-up in this region, especially in our neighbouring country," he told reporters. "I'm concerned that a certain country in this region is still spending a huge budget on building up its arms which we are concerned about," he said. Diplomats in Rangoon say Burma's military has spent more than US$1 billion since the early 1990s on weapons, including jet fighters, artillery, armoured vehicles and naval patrol boats. Chavalit said China had given him its assurance that it would cease supporting the military build-up in that country. "From now on I can reassure you on behalf of China that it will be no more, definitely no more," he said in reference to China's support for the arms build-up by Thailand's neighbour. Most of Burma's arms come from China, but Singapore and various European countries have also been selling weapons to Rangoon. China's close military ties with Burma have raised concerns in both south and southeast Asia that Beijing might be seeking access to Burmese ports on the Bay of Bengal. Chavalit said that Chinese officials had denied they were seeking an outlet to the sea via the unnamed "certain country". The New Aspiration Party leader, who has tried to increase his local and international profile, visited Beijing with a senior entourage including the chiefs of the Thai armed forces. They met senior military and civilian leaders of China. "We [Thai and Chinese officials] agreed that although there have been some trouble spots in this region, things are moving towards peaceful solutions," Chavalit said. China also sells arms to Thailand and Chavalit's trip had prompted speculation that the visit might be linked to weapon deals. (part missing here) officials denied that relations have been strained since the beginning of the year over various problems along the long, common land border and maritime boundary. Both countries beefed up their forces along the border earlier this year after a series of raids into Thailand by ethnic minority guerrillas allied to the Rangoon government. Chavalit visited Burma when tension peaked, and his personal connections with some military leaders in Rangoon helped calm down the volatile situation. ## Associated Press reports from Manila: Exiled Burmese opposition leaders yesterday called for international pressure on the military rulers of Burma to hold a dialogue with pro-democracy groups. Meeting for the third time to draft a model constitution for their country, exiled leaders of the National Council of the Union of Burma said they were proposing a federal form of government. "Only when Burma has a democratic constitution that guarantees the human and civil rights of all people and safeguards the legitimate rights of the ethnic minorities will there be peace in the country," said Teddy Buri, of the National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma. ***************************************************************** NATION: THIRTY RELEASED EARLY FROM BURMESE PRISON October 28, 1995 Reuter, AP AUTHORITIES in Burma released 30 prisoners, including two women, from a southeastern prison after their sentences were reduced, state media reported yesterday. The 30 were freed from prison in the city of Moulmein on Thursday, the newspaper reports said. The reports did not identify any the 30 or provide any details about their crimes except to say they had been sentenced under existing laws. Authorities have freed some 2,000 political prisoners since a 1992 decree allowing the release of detainees deemed no longer a threat to the state. The London-based human rights organization Amnesty International said in a report released on Thursday that thousands of political prisoners remain behind bars in Burma. Gen Than Shwe, government leader, said in April 1992 that political prisoners who are not national security threats would be released. The number freed has now reached 2,277. They include pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, released from house arrest in July. Human Rights Watch Asia estimated in July that at least 1,000 political prisoners were still in jail in Burma. ***************************************************************** BKK POST: BURMA ALSO TO BLAME FOR RIVER ENCROACHING October 28, 1995 Mae Sot THE concrete structures protruding into the Moei river do not violate Burmese territorial sovereignty and were constructed to prevent soil erosion on the Thai side, according to a report by the committee investigating Burma's allegations regarding alleged acts of encroachment on the river. During the three months since June, the 15-member committee chaired by Foreign Ministry Inspector-General Yont Sunthornsarathoon has reviewed nearly 100 pages of documents, 62 photographs and more than 10 maps and official papers as well as held interviews with those concerned. According to an informed source, the report admits that rocks were laid on the Thai side but said this was done right on the bank to prevent soil erosion due to changing river currents caused by Burma sinking stakes on its side for the same reason. Since 1977, stakes have been placed in more than 20 locations which has affected the river's course and led to soil erosion on the Thai side. The report also stated that the bank on the Thai side of the river had lost large amounts of soil, as much as 100 metres of land in some places. In certain locations, the stakes placed by both countries were located very close to each other and obstructing navigation. After the problem had progressively worsened over the years, the Thai side decided in 1992 to reinforce the river bank with rocks. The report also stated that every time the Thai side has reinforced the river bank it has informed the Burmese via the Regional Thai-Burmese Border Committee. There have been no objections since 1992. The source said that in the Thai-Burmese Treaty of 1868 it was clearly stated that the Moei river shall serve as the border line between the two countries and that each country's territorial sovereignty would be limited to where its land meets the water. Thailand is also able to raise the argument that half of Myawaddy is actually part of Thailand because the 1936 border line was set at Wat Suan Noi in present-day Myawaddy. Two Thai nationals who live in the area, born in 1923 and 1926, can confirm this. Thailand also has aerial photographs dating from 1954 showing how the river's course has gradually changed over the years, but the Kingdom has never raised the issue. The report has been forwarded to Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Gen Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, chief adviser to the foreign minister Gen Siri Thiwaphan and deputy army commander Gen Chetha Thanajaro. Gen Chetha is due in Mae Sot on Monday to discuss the demarcation of the common border with the commander of Burma's Southeastern Force Maj Gen Khet Sein. The source said the two sides have different perspectives on the issue. Burma accuses Thailand of encroaching on the river. *********************************************