------------------------ BurmaNet ------------------------ "Appropriate Information Technologies, Practical Strategies" ---------------------------------------------------------- The BurmaNet News: April 21, 1996 Issue #388 Noted in Passing: The integrity of all capital markets depends on the integrity of financial reporting. There is no move towards this here. - a foreign executive in Rangoon (see THE NATION: IS BURMA READY FOR A STOCK MARKET?) HEADLINES: ========== BKK POST: REGIME DETAINS CONSUL AND FRIEND OF SUU KYI SNLD: LETTER TO GENERAL THAN SHWE ABSDF (DAWN GWIN): COMMENT ON SNLD'S LETTER THE NATION: SHACKLES TIGHTEN AROUND SUU KYI THE NATION: IS BURMA READY FOR A STOCK MARKET? NATION: LACK OF DIALOGUE WITH SUU KYI DISAPPOINTS UN THE NATION: SLORC'S SNUBBING OF SUU KYI SEEN AS NEW AFFRONT INDEPENDENT LETTER: RE STRACHAN'S DEFENCE OF SLAVE LABOUR NATION: LETTER - SLORC SUPPORT BKK POST: RANGOON ROULETTE BKK POST: BOOK REVIEW - A JOURNALIST, A GENERAL AND AN ARMY NATION: LETTER - STILL DETAINED ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ BKK POST: REGIME DETAINS CONSUL AND FRIEND OF SUU KYI April 20, 1996 A WELL-KNOWN Burmese businessman and close friend of democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi has been detained by the military government, diplomats said yesterday. Bangkok-based diplomats and democracy supporters in Rangoon told Reuters that 65 year-old Leo Nichols, who also serves as honorary consul or contact for several European nations, was taken into custody earlier this month and has not been heard from since. "I have heard he was arrested," a Norwegian diplomat said. "We have approached the authorities ... we are waiting for their reply. I understand several other countries are doing the same thing." He said he had heard various reasons for the detention and was not sure where Nichols was being held. Other diplomats and democracy sources in Rangoon said Nichols was being held for having two fax machines in his house, and for alleged bribery. Burmese authorities have not commented. Nichols served as honorary consul-general for Norway and also represented or served as contact person for Denmark, Finland and Switzerland. A relative of Suu Kyi's said Nichols had lent the Nobel laureat a car but did not have any formal financial ties to her National League for Democracy party. "He is not related to the NLD. But he is very close to Suu Kyi,"the relative said. "We heard about his arrest but we are not sure what is going on." Diplomats said representatives from the countries Nichols worked for were expected to seek ways to help him. "We would like to help. He's our consul person and has been for many years, so we want to help him," one ambassador said. Nichols was detained previously, diplomats said, but they did not have any further details. _ ***************************************************************** SNLD: LETTER TO GENERAL THAN SHWE March 25, 1996 Shan National League for Democracy Head Quarters Office RE 036/Ya Ta Da Pha/ Admn/96 25th March 1996 To, Senior General Than Shwe Chairman State Law and Order Restoration Council Union of Burma Subject: To refrain from laying down basic principles that will be detrimental to National Solidarity regarding the regional administration in the on-going National Convention. (1) It is our understanding that Slorc and the people of Burma are eager to achieve a solid, strong and long-lasting National Constitution. In like manner, SNLD, a political party, wishes strongly for the emergence of a constitution which is just, reliable and acceptable to all nationalities. In accordance with this strong wish, SNLD has been constructively participating in the National Convention. (2) The Chairman of the National Convention himself has emphasized: Drafting a Constitution is a very grave and delicate matter, and we cannot afford to allow even the slightest mistake. If a person errs, it is easy to remedy the error. But if the Constitution is defective and inadequate, there will be great repercussion and adverse effect on the entire nation and the people. We are now at an extremely delicate and grave juncture. To maintain National Solidarity it is necessary for all nationalities to espouse genuine love and mutual respect, to be able to elect real representatives at all levels in their respective regions, to be able to create an atmosphere that allows for the survival and growth of justice, freedom and equality. We will need to put our heads together to discuss the laying down of basic principles for a constitution, a legislative system, and administrative system and a judicial system that embody justice, freedom and equality. (3) However, the Chairman of the Working Committee in his explanation with regard to the constitution has said that the administration of districts and townships will be through appointed government servants and not through elected representatives. SNLD has already pointed out twice that these administrative posts should be filled by peoples' representatives elected through secret ballots. In like manner, several National Convention delegates have voiced the same idea. (4) In addition, basic principles have been laid down for the composition of the highest organs- the legislative, the executive and the judiciary- with representatives elected by the people. However, having the higher governing bodies composed of elected representatives while the lower ones are composed of appointed government servants indicates a clear lack of consistency. It is also unsystematic. In other words, some democratic links are missing. This is contrary to the avowed aim of multi-party democracy. Besides, it is in conflict with one of the basic principles that have been laid down: State authority is derived from the citizens and remains with the entire nation. Giving some government servants administrative power while depriving others of it can cause disunity among them. Only elected representatives should be vested with administrative power. Even in the BSPPs 1974 constitution, township organs of power were composed of elected representatives directly elected by the people. Only if elected representatives are vested with the administrative power will power lie with the persons responsible to the people. (5) If administrative power were to given to the government servants, the role of ethnic nationalities will be overshadowed and this will have an adverse effect on national solidarity. If national solidarity is impaired, other objectives will also be in danger. This is in conflict with the basic principle of division of power between the Union and the States and Divisions. A botanical garden with only one variety of flowers will not be as beautiful as it should. Only if all ethnic nationalities are permitted to manage their own affairs will the Union garden be pleasant and beautiful, and only then will there be justice. (6) Only if the regional administration is in the hands of the peoples representatives elected by the respective local people will it be in accordance with the speech of the Chairman of the Commission: To maintain national solidarity, it is necessary for all nationalities to espouse genuine love and mutual respect, to be equal under the law, to be able to elect real representatives at all levels in their respective region. We will need to put our heads together and discuss the laying down of basic principles for a constitution that embodies justice, freedom and equality. (7) In submitting our above-mention views to the Chairman of Slorc, we have not the slightest intention to injure anybody. We have done this out of genuine desire for a just and long-lasting constitution. Since our country is wedged between two most populous nations we understand that it is of paramount importance that there is national unity in the Union of Burma. (8) Hence, we, the SNLD ardently and in all honesty, request the Chairman of Slorc to issue guidelines not to lay down principles that will pave the way for government servants to be appointed as regional administrators, but to adopt the ones that allow only representatives elected by the local people to govern their own regions. signed Chairman Shan National League for Democracy Rangoon. cc. 1. Chairman National Convention, Kyaikkasan Ground, Rangoon. 2. Chairman National Convention Working Committee, Kyaikkasan Ground. Rangoon. 3. Office copy. *************************************************** ABSDF (DAWN GWIN): COMMENT ON SNLD'S LETTER April 19, 1996 from [BurmaNet Editor's Note: From now on, BurmaNet will refer to the faction of ABSDF led by Dr. Naing Aung as ABSDF (DAWN GWIN). Dawn Gwin is the name of their former main camp which was located north of Manerplaw and overrun by the SLORC over a year ago.] Although Slorc is repeatedly claiming that so-called National Convention is going well for the future constitution in Burma, there is some dissatisfaction among the participants in the process of drafting constitution. The lack of democratic procedures and structure can be clearly seen during the draft constitution. For example, the administration of districts and townships will be through appointed government servants and not through elected representatives. Having the higher governing bodies composed of elected representatives while the lower ones are composed of appointed government servants indicates a clear lack of consistency. In response to this, U Khun Htun Oo, Chairman of the Shan National League for Democracy submitted a letter asking to refrain from laying down basic principles that will be detrimental to national Solidarity regarding the regional administration in the on-going National Convention. ABSDF (DAWN GWIN) ********************************************************* THE NATION: SHACKLES TIGHTEN AROUND SUU KYI April 19, 1996 The military government is slowly closing off all avenues of contact between the opposition leader and the outside world. Aung Zaw reports. Burma's opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi confided to a visitor recently that she believed the military government had grown even more repressive since she was released. Shortly after, the junta, which has ruled the country in the absence of a constitution for almost seven years, proved it. Four of Suu Kyi's supporters, including two comedians were given long jail terms. They were arrested on Jan 7 after participating in performances at Suu Kyi's house in Rangoon. Their crime was to make fun of the military government. Another 21 political prisoners were given additional sentences for passing information about the state of their jail to a UN human rights investigator. One of the 21 prisoners is Win Tin, a senior leader of the National League for Democracy and a well known journalist. About two weeks ago, one of Suu Kyi's main financial backers disappeared, also believed to have been arrested. More than 60 years old, he is a former diplomat who became a successful businessman and was a leading bankroller of Suu Kyi's party, the NLD. Last week, Burma celebrated the traditional lunar new year, but there was no respite in the government clamp down. On Tuesday, Suu Kyi and NLD members planned to see a famous monk in Rangoon after freeing fish near the Shwedagon pagoda to make merit. Slorc officials, according to sources, didn't want the NLD to take political advantage of the ceremony. Shwedagon pagoda was were Suu Kyi made her first public speech during the 1988 uprising. Thousands of people visit the pagoda to pay their respects during the new year. Slorc's fear was apparently aroused by a visit Suu Kyi made two weeks ago to Bogyoke market, where she drew a huge crowd. "Not only Slorc but everyone here is focussed on her. Wondering what her next move will be," said a veteran Burmese journalist. In 1989, three months before Suu Kyi was put under house arrest, the NLD organized a Thingyan new year celebration at their office. The performers were later rounded up on a charge of ridiculing top military leaders, including Gen Ne Win, who is still alive and believed to wield considerable influence over the junta. Traditionally Burmese have used Thingyan to joke, mock, and ridicule the country's rulers, government, and the economy. The NLD had planned to hold a small ceremony to mark the day but were forced to abandon the plan after visitors were turned away from Suu Kyi's house. Suu Kyi and NLD members, according to one source, were surprised by the junta's new restrictions. "We don't need to explain how our country's current human rights situation is getting worse," said one Rangoon resident, a member of NLD. But he complained that Slorc's recent crackdown was without reason. "Why can't one person make merit during the Thingyan?" The junta, though, apparently has its reasons. Since her release, the junta has been sending messages to Suu Kyi and her supporters and the public that they would not tolerate any dissent or political activism in the nation. Since her release from house arrest last July, Suu Kyi has enjoyed little freedom of movement. Her repeated calls for a meaningful political dialogue have been met with total silence. And now it appears more restrictions are to follow. She has been placed off limits for certain foreign visitors. UNDCP executive director Georgio Giacamelli was vilified in the state-controlled newspapers after he visited her. The Burmese foreign ministry informed him that the UNDCP should have no dealings with her. In February, the head of the World Health Organization made arrangements to meet Suu Kyi on his way back from Mandalay. But his plane was inexplicably delayed for two hours so he missed his appointment and had to continue on board without being allowed to even phone her. In March, Suu Kyi and several party members booked seats on a train to Mandalay. When they arrived at the station they were confronted by a notice on their carriage saying: "This coach is out of order". The train left but the carriage was detached from the rest of the train. It was the second time she was foiled trying to leave Rangoon. As soon as Suu Kyi steps out of the grounds of her home she is no different to any other Burmese -one more citizen of a police state who can be intimidated or harassed by officials, possibly even imprisoned or tortured at will. According to sources, the carriage was obviously fine but the authorities didn't want her to travel. Suu Kyi commented. "To speak frankly, they (Slorc) did that because they don't want me to get in touch with the people. The move also shows that the regime lacks confidence." Suu Kyi believes the Slorc has become nervous about people making contact with her. Even her husband, Dr Michael Aris was denied a visa to enter Burma to visit her. Until recently "the Lady" had been free to talk and express her opinions at her house. She has given speeches at her gate every weekend since the release. But the question remains, how long this liberty will last? The two incidents at the Rangoon railway station and the Thingyan festival suggest that Suu Kyi's former captors are angry with their erstwhile prisoner. Seemingly, the junta leaders are not interest in sitting down and talking with Suu Kyi, nor do they want her to be involved in politics at any level. The military-run constitutional convention recently endorsed measures that would bar Suu Kyi from becoming a president or prime minister. The main reason is her marriage to Aris, a British academic, and her years abroad. The NLD walked out of the National Convention in November. In Suu Kyi's own words, 1996 will be a make or break year. She said it would be critical for the stability of the regime, and curtailing investments would be a big setback for the government. The junta's most influential backers are, according to Slorc watchers and senior NLD members, Japanese businessmen and Tokyo itself. Some observers attributed Suu Kyi's release last year to behind the scenes pressure from Tokyo. Subsequently Japan resumed its official assistance to Burma, which had been frozen since 1989. Giant Japanese trading companies such as Mitsubishi, Mitsui, Marubeni are among the leading investors in Burma with millions of dollars pledged. Their chairmen have been given red-carpet treatment on visit to Burma. Burma's war veterans, including Gen Ne Win, enjoy a close historical connection with Japan. Critics say the investment is helping prop up the junta. "Japan is even more important than China, which has maintained and developed a strong relationship with the junta over the past six years," one said. (TN) ***************** THE NATION: IS BURMA READY FOR A STOCK MARKET? April 19, 1996 Michael Vatikiotis AP-Dow Jones RANGOON - Any flicker of life in the Burmese economy ignites investors' hopes that the region's most reluctant emerging market is finally about to emerge. So when Japan's Daiwa Institute of Research signed a joint-venture agreement on April 5 with the state-owned Myanmar Economic bank to set up a stock market, investors were giddy. Rangoon-watchers say this is evidence that Burma is moving ahead of other emerging market like Vietnam and Cambodia in developing a capital market, the Far Eastern Economic Review reports in its Shroff column in its edition published yesterday. "It would not be a surprise to see something happen in Burma more quickly," says Eugene Davis, chairman of Bangkok-based merchant bank Finansa Thai. Indeed foreign investors often give Burma the edge over Vietnam and Cambodia. The country's commercial laws are said to be better, English is widely spoken, and regional businessmen see the government as stable-despite its human-rights record. Now, according to Hisao Katsuta, chief representative of the Daiwa Institute of Research in Bangkok, a vibrant stock market is in the making. Katsuta expects an over-the-counter market to operating by June and says the government wants a fully fledged stock market operating within five years. Daiwa has 50 per cent of the equity in the Myanmar Securities Exchange Centre Co. The company has paid-up capital of 20 million kyats (Bt8.33 million at the official rate). Burma's Finance Minister brigadier Win Tin was quoted in the local media as saying that Daiwa would provide "technical assistance" to help set up a stock exchange. According to katsuta the new company is empowered to act as an over-the- counter market, and to underwrite and broker equities and securities. A stock market just like that? Katsuta is sanguine. He points out that shares in two or three private companies are already trade privately, a securities-exchange law is close to enactment, and he believes that the military-led government is "serious" about privatization. However, one market-maker doesn't a market make. Some observers in Rangoon question whether conditions for launching a stock market really exist. For one, the accounting standards on which a fair and equitable market should be built are non-existent. "The integrity of all capital markets depends on the integrity of financial reporting. There is no move towards this here," says a foreign executive in Rangoon. Besides, finding companies to float could be a problem. Optimists point to First Myanmar Investment (FMI), which owns the private Yoma Bank and was the first group to begin trading shares privately. (TN) ****************** NATION: LACK OF DIALOGUE WITH SUU KYI DISAPPOINTS UN April 20, 1996 The following is Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali's report to the UN Human Rights Commission. Following the adoption of resolution 50/194 by the General Assembly, the Permanent Representative of Burma to the United Nations was approached with the proposal that a new round of talks be held in Rangoon, so as to enable me to report to the commission at its 52nd session. The government of Burma responded that due to the tight schedule of its leadership, it would not be able to receive my representative in Rangoon until after August of this year. My representative expressed deep disappointment at this reply stressing the importance of a new visit to Burma in advance of the new session of the commission. After further consultations, it was agreed that a meeting between the Foreign Minister of Burma U Ohn Gyaw, and my representative would be held at the United Nations in New York on April 4. The discussions at the meeting centred around the basic matters of concern covered in the resolution adopted by the 50th session of the General Assembly and which had remained largely unchanged from prior resolutions, notably the lack of a substantive dialogue between the State Law and Order Restoration Council (Slorc) on the one hand, and the principal political leaders including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and representatives of the national races and ethnic groups on the other; the composition, procedures and functioning of the National Convention; restrictions on freedom of assembly and other basic political freedoms; matters relating to political prisoners, including the desirability of granting the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) free and confidential access to prisoners and detainees; and reports of attacks by the Burmese armed forces on the Karens and the Karennis, resulting in further refugee outflows. My representative also referred to the issue of reintegration of the national races into the political life of the country. Views of the government The government's position on the question of a dialogue with political leaders, including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi continues to be that the National Convention is the forum for such dialogue. Burma's priority was "national reconciliation" and the eradication of national insurgencies. It was "the political party that the international community assured had legitimacy" that had disturbed this step-by step process, by not waiting, after the 1990 elections, for the completion of the necessary procedures, which in Burma and other countries in the Orient could take a considerable amount of time. There had been no functioning constitution at the time of the 1990 elections but the term of the elected representatives under other constitutions was normally four to five years. It was thus not logical to suggest that a legislature should be formed based on the result of the 1990 election, since almost six years had elapsed in the interval. According to the foreign minister, while messages between the government and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi could be and had been conveyed through contacts, a dialogue with her was not acceptable since this implied that she would be treated on an equal footing with the government. The government's position regarding the national races and ethnic groups which had taken up arms was that they would lay down their arms when the Constitution was adopted and that they would only do so with a disciplined government and not a civilian government at the helm. Military rule was thus necessary until the constitution was firmed established. Thereafter, the military did not intend to form a political party, but would continue to take part in the political life of the nation. It was the view of the government that the recent fighting on the Thai border was a consequence of a split that had taken place within the Karen National Union (KNU) and which had led to the creation of the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA). The DKBA was not receiving support from the government. The government and the KNU, on the other hand, had met on three occasions in government controlled territory, and it was a matter of time before the KNU returned to the legal fold. As for the Karenni National progressive Party (KNPP), it had come back to the legal fold as a result of the government's persuasion, and not under a ceasefire agreement. According to the foreign minister, the KNPP was now claiming sole control of the area concerned and was declaring that the government side had broken a ceasefire agreement which had never been signed. With respect to freedom of assembly and the continuing applicability of Slorc Martial Law Order No 2/88 (which, inter alia, forbids outdoor gatherings of more than five people), issues that my representative raised at the meeting, the government's priority was to maintain law and order. Since 1990, meeting indoors were allowed without restriction, but prior permission was still necessary for gatherings of over five people outdoors, although no political party to date had asked for such permission. The government, however, had been allowing regular gatherings in front of Daw Aung Suu Kyi's residence, although they were a source of nuisance to the neighbourhood. My representative had referred to reports according to which a number of inmates in Insein Prison had been penalized for allegedly passing on information on prison conditions to the special rapporteur on Burma and had suggested that international concern on the issue of political prisoners and prison conditions could best be allayed by granting independent access to prisoners and detainees to an internationally recognised organisation such as the ICRC. The foreign minister replied that he was unaware of the particular case mentioned by the representative but that his government made no distinctions between political or common prisoners. People whose behaviour was not in line with the law were punished. Though Burma had to adhere to its own internal laws and regulations, it had not closed its door to the ICRC. The government was studying a counter-proposal it had recently received from the ICRC, though no time-frame for its response could be given. Concluding observations I welcome the willingness of the government of Burma to pursue its dialogue with me and my representative and I am thankful to the Minister for Foreign Affairs for travelling to the United Nations to meet with him. Nevertheless, I regret that it was not possible for my representative to visit Rangoon prior to the submission of this report. I must also express disappointment at the lack of substantive steps toward alleviating the concerns reflected in the resolution of the General Assembly. In particular, I regret that the government has not found it possible to follow up on its welcome release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and other prominent political leaders with the opening of a substantive dialogue with them as well as with other political forces and national races as called for by the General Assembly and the commission. ***************************************************************** THE NATION: SLORC'S SNUBBING OF SUU KYI SEEN AS NEW AFFRONT TO DEMOCRACY April 19, 1996 Yindee Lertcharoenchok THE Burmese junta has taken a tougher stand against the pro- democracy movement by officially rejecting the possibility of any future meetings with popular opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi. The Slorc said any dialogue with the Nobel peace prize laureate would put her on "an equal footing with the (military) government". According to the Slorc, the National Convention-whose members were hand-picked by the military leaders - was the forum in which political leaders, including Suu Kyi, could engage in dialogue. The announcement was made in response to queries posed by Alvaro de Soto, a representative of UN Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali, during his meeting with Burmese Foreign Minister U Ohn Gyaw on April 4 in New York. The response has confirmed the international community's fear that the Slorc has no intention of holding any more dialogues with Suu Kyi. Boutros-Ghali was asked by the UN General Assembly to continue discussions with the Slorc to assist implementation of the UN resolution on Burma and the country's efforts to achieve "national reconciliation". "The government's position on the question of dialogue with political leaders, including Aung San Suu Kyi, continues to be that the National Convention is the forum for such a dialogue," Boutros-Ghali quoted Ohn Gyaw as telling de Soto, the assistant secretary-general for political affairs. "While messages between the Government and Suu Kyi could be and have been conveyed through contacts, dialogue with her was not acceptable since this implied that she would be treated on an equal footing with the government," the Burmese minister was quoted as saying. Boutros-Ghali record the conversation between his representative and Ohn Gyaw in a report he is submitting to the UN Commission on Human Rights, a copy of which was obtained by the Nation. The Commission in Geneva is debating the human rights situation in Burma. In his report, Boutros-Ghali expressed regret that the Slorc did not open "substantive dialogue" with Suu Kyi, other political leaders and ethnic groups. He said he appreciated Ohn Gyaw's travelling to New York for the meeting with de Soto, but regretted it did not take place in Burma where the UN representative could see what development had been made and have in-depth talks with "the highest (Slorc) leadership echelons" and other politicians. During the meeting, Ohn Gyaw also informed de Soto of Rangoon's position on other issues including the development on the drafting of a new constitution, political freedom in Burma and access to prisons by the Geneva-based International Committee of the Red Cross. According to the Burmese minister, the National Convention, which began its work in January 1993, was to draft constitutional guidelines. "The actual writing of the Constitution would be undertaken by legal experts provided by the government in addition to the people designated by the National Convention," said Boutros-Ghali's report. "The convention would determine whether the Constitution would eventually be approved by referendum or some other form of popular vote," it added. In the six-page report, Ohn Gyaw was said to point out that the Slorc expected all armed ethnic groups to "lay down their arms when the Constitution was adopted" and that these groups would only do so with a "disciplined government, not a civilian government, at the helm. "Thereafter, the military did not intend to form a political party, but would continue to take part in the political life of the nation," the report stated. In reply to a question about penalties imposed on a number of inmates insein Jail for allegedly to a UN special human rights rapporteur, Ohn Gyaw said he was not aware of that particular case. (TN) ***************** INDEPENDENT LETTER: RE STRACHAN'S DEFENCE OF SLAVE LABOUR April 20, 1996 By Bertil Lintner From: Bertil Lintner (BurmaNet Editor's Note: Bertil Lintner is the author of Outrage: Burma's Struggle for Democracy, Land of Jade: A Journey Through Insurgent Burma, The Rise and Fall of the Communist Party of Burma, and Burma in Revolt: Opium and Insurgency Since 1948) Dear Zunetta, Paul Strachan's defence for slave labour is quite appropriate: he's cheated everyone he's done business with in Singapore, Burma, Thailand, Europe and Australia. Obviously, he expects people to work for nothing for him as well. I wouldn't mind if you posted this message on the BurmaNet - under my name, because I am one of many who have been used as unpaid labour by Strachan and his criminal outfit, Kiscadale, which owes thousands of dollars to people all over Southeast Asia. He'll be arrested the moment he steps off the plane here in Bangkok. Bertil Lintner ******************************************************** NATION: LETTER - SLORC SUPPORT April 19, 1996 Much has been said over the past year about the role of the UNDP in Burma. Some people say the UN agency should stop all work there so as not to show support to the ruling Slorc. Democracy leaders have questioned whether UNDP support has been withheld from those who represent par ties in townships of the country, but this criticism is no well placed. The UNDP is a least using the Human Development Initiative approach trying to reach people at the grassroots level. On the other hand, the UN health organization WHO is working hand-in-hand with the ,Slorc. Their director recently visited Burma as the Slorc's guest and was seen embracing Slorc Secretary One Lt Gen Khin Nyunt. Every year the WHO gives all its money for Burma directly to the Slorc Ministry of Health. Maung Maung California ***************************************************************** BKK POST: RANGOON ROULETTE April 19, 1996 CALLING Rangoon? You'll have to learn a lot of new numbers. The Burmese capital now has six-digit phone numbers, replacing the five-digit ones. One would think the easiest thing for the state phone company to do would be to add a digit to everyone's number. But things are never easy in Burma. Myanmar Posts and Telecommunications created all new numbers using a special formula. Users have to consult a table to convert old numbers to new ones. "I can't seem to remember the converted numbers without checking them in the table," said one Rangoon businessman. "I think I'd better learn this table by heart or I'll need to take it with me wherever I go. The extra digit will allow up to 800,000 more telephones to be installed in the greater Rangoon area. Seven digits seem a way off- Rangoon now has only 70,000 phones. (BP) ************************************************* BKK POST: BOOK REVIEW - A JOURNALIST, A GENERAL AND AN ARMY IN BURMA (by U Thaung, published by White Lotus in 1995) April 17, 1996 By Sandy Barron From: U Thaung U Thaung worked in the Burmese media, such as it is, for 30 years until the late 1970s when he decamped to America. He was a newspaper reporter when the country gained independence from Britain, the feisty editor of a daily paper during much of the 1950s and early '60s, and a prisoner in Insein Jail for a few years before General Ne Win placed him in the Ministry of Information, where he quickly rose to the top, censoring and nationalizing newspapers until he finally threw in the towel and quit the country in 1977. In his own rueful words: " I was not only executioner to the state journalists, but also hangman for foreign correspondents." Today, the elderly exile works for opposition newspapers and campaigns from America for a democratic Burma. As a high-profile newspaper man and then unhappy government lackey, not only was U Thaung a witness to all the big political upheavals -- and cover-ups -- in Burma since independence, but he knew many of the major personalities, including, slightly, General Ne Win, whom he now despises. All of which should make for fascinating reading -- insider stories of the ultra-secretive world of Burmese politics and propaganda are as rare as uncensored writers. Die-hard Burma watchers will find much of interest, but this is pretty sketchy and anecdotal account, and assumes a good deal of prior reader knowledge. One fascinating story -- of how the Cold War in the '50s resulted in an unprecedented and happy period of floods of cash and world travel for Burmese writers and intellectuals who were being wooed by the American, Chinese, Russians and especially -- gosh -- the North Koreans -- is just a side issue but sounds like the basis for a great movie. The scribblers never had it so good again -- they (including U Thaung) were among the first to be personally and professionally ruined after being dumped in Burma's overcrowded jails when General Ne Win took over in 1962. Things haven't improved for writers in the almost 35 years since. ******************************************************* NATION: LETTER - STILL DETAINED April 19, 1996 April 24 marks the anniversary of the Slorc's 1992 declaration announcing that all political prisoners deemed not be a threat to state security would be released. By April 1993, official reports stated that about 1,450 political prisoners have been released under this declaration. Amnesty International still knows of at least 1,500 who are still detained. One of them is Pyi Soe, a student arrested on Dec 10, 1991, in Rangoon. Of the thousands of students demonstrating for the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, it is estimated that 900 were arrested during, or immediately after, the peaceful demonstrations. In 1992, a military tribunal in Insein Prison sentenced Pyi Boe to 15 imprisonment. The sentence was later reduced to 10 years. Our local group has been writing for over a year to more than 10 government officials but we have received no reply. We are seeking assurances that Pyi Soe has been given access to his family, to a lawyer and to a doctor. Amnesty International Group 13, US