----------------------------- BurmaNet ------------------------------- "Appropriate Information Technologies, Practical Strategies" ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- The BurmaNet News: June 14, 1996 Issue # 443 Noted in Passing: There could be some disagreements among the leaders of Slorc, although they are certainly united when it comes to destroying the NLD and Suu Kyi. - a Bangkok-based diplomat (see THE NATION: BURMA ACTIVISTS BRACE FOR THE WRATH OF SLORC) HEADLINES: ========== NCGUB: DAW AUNG SAN SUU KYI'S PUBLIC ADDRESS - EXCERPTS REUTERS: US ENVOYS IN INDONESIA THE NATION: THAILAND MUST BE FIRMER ON BURMA THE NATION: KHUN SA HEALTHY AND FAT, CLAIMS AIDE THE NATION: SLORC RAISES ANTE IN BID TO DERAIL SUU KYI'S NLD THE NATION: BURMA ACTIVISTS BRACE FOR THE WRATH OF SLORC BKK POST: JUNTA STEPS UP SUU KYI ATTACKS REUTER: SLORC ATTACKED THAI LAND REUTER: BEYOND CRACKDOWN FEER: FEAR OF LOATHING REUTER: BURMA'S HEROIN PRODUCERS SAY PRODUCTION MONLAND RESTORATION COUNCIL: PRESS RELEASE NCGUB: DAY OF SOLIDARITY FBC: ACTIONS TO PROMOTE FREEDOM IN BURMA ------------------------------------------------------------ NCGUB: DAW AUNG SAN SUU KYI'S PUBLIC ADDRESS - EXCERPTS June 8, 1996 (rough translation) From: Soe Pyne ----------------------------------------------------------- We have received the following "rough translation" of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's public address in front of her residence on June 8, 1996. The address was the first since SLORC had asked that public gatherings at her home be banned. ----------------------------------------------------------- We always talk about the rule of law and try to persuade the authorities to do what is necessary to bring about the rule of law. We have never said anything that would have a negative effect on the rule of law. We always speak about how important the law is in a country and in society. We repeatedly say that the law must be equal for all. We gather here because we all want democracy. When we say we want democracy, we are not referring simply to a goal we want to reach. It is in fact a means through which we can bring about prosperity for our country. To further the peace and prosperity of the country is the responsibility of the people in this country. May I state this clearly: I want the kind of citizens who know their responsibilities. The citizens of this country must first of all know their responsibilities and then carry them out dutifully. Only such citizens can build a democratic country. I truly believe this. But there are some who don't believe in their countrymen and women and doubt whether the people can carry out their responsibilities. There are people both in Burma and abroad who doubt whether the Burmese are fit for democracy. But we believe the people have the ability. When I say that to believe in the people I mean that they have the ability to decide what is best for the country and that they have the ability to work toward what is best for the country (applause). I want you to understand how heavy the people's responsibility is. Don't be discouraged by this responsibility. Don't be discouraged that some people who want to take up that responsibility don't get the chance. Whenever you get the chance, take it up as a privilege (applause). I want people to understand that, the greater the people's responsibility, the greater it is a test of the people's ability (applause) That is why it is incumbent on me repeatedly to urge you to work toward a system that reflects the will of the people (applause). As for the NLD, also we have to repeatedly examine ourselves to make sure we are an organization that can carry out the will of the people. We cannot think that whatever we do will succeed just through a one-shot meeting. We have to gauge the situation every day and consider what is the best thing to do and decide as a group what we will do. We work on the basis of consensus in making our decision. That has been our practice since the founding of the NLD and it will continue to be so (applause). In the NLD there is no single person wielding the authority. Last week I mentioned that we were criticized for speaking ill of the Government, so I invited the audience to write in with whatever good points they could think of that the SLORC has done. That they held the 1990 elections is a good point. The open- market economy is also very good. To build bridges, roads, and pagodas is also good (I'll leave it at that for now on that point). To say they will all work together toward democracy is also very good. Another person wrote about what he considers the best thing the SLORC has done for the country: to have released Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, Ba Ba U Tin Oo, and Ba Ba U Kyi Maung and other political prisoners (applause). We have no reason to reject the open market system. The NLD came up with a party constitution written in l988, and we also announced the NLD's stance in 1990, just before the election. In both instances we mentioned the economic policy we had laid out. We said we wanted an open market economy, that we support it and would put it into practice. We also indicated we would encourage tourism in a way that would benefit the country and that we would invite foreign investment. So the open market system is in line with NLD policy. That's why we agree this is a positive point. The next point concerns the construction of bridges, roads, and pagodas. We can't deny that building these is good. We never said it wasn't, but we did indicate that the authorities should consider how these construction projects are carried out (applause). In 1988 and in 1989 before my house arrest, I went around campaigning. I never urged the people to vote for me and the NLD (applause). This was because the NLD's goal was not to win an election and gain power (applause). Our fundamental goal was to make headway toward achieving democracy. That is why in our campaigning we worked to explain what democracy is. Within the NLD we also insisted that, if we wanted a democratic country, we had to practice democracy among ourselves. We pointed out what democratic methods are, and we looked to see to what extent the people understood democracy. For we believed we could only achieve democracy to the extent the people understood it. This would also determine whether it would or not be a stable democracy. We were aiming at the people's political maturity because the country's progress depended on that (applause). We talked about what we considered was important by way of political psychology. Our work for democracy has not come to an end. We came to believe even toward the end of the election campaign that there would be more struggle ahead, and today we're still struggling. This is our responsibility because it is the promise we made to the people. We promised we would struggle until we achieved democracy. And we cannot break our promise (applause). The promise given by the NLD includes everyone in the NLD (applause). That is why I want to urge all NLD members not to forget that promise. I want you to remember that all of you who joined the NLD have given your promise to struggle until Burma becomes a democratic country. Even though you may have resigned from the NLD, your promise remains intact (applause). A promise given will always endure. Whether you keep it or not is the question, but the promise cannot be withdrawn (applause). That is why we won't withdraw our promise and instead renew our pledge to keep our word (applause). We must learn to respect every individual. We must be able to acknowledge and respect everyone as important nationals of this country. We must not see our people as anonymous or as a faceless crowd. When we gather here, while Ba Ba U Kyi Maung and Ba Ba U Tin Oo speak, I try my best to remember the faces in the crowd. I don't want to acknowledge you simply as part of a crowd but want to recognize and value you as your very individual selves. I want to acknowledge that each and every one of you who has gathered here is an individual human being and important in your own right. We do this because the NLD values every individual. Even if we don't get the name I want to know the face. If I don't recognize the face I want to have a notion of the person. I want to see each one of you as our co-workers and our supporters. Never doubt that we realize you are supporting our movement. Even if we don't get to know each one of you individually, I want you to know that we feel the power of your love every day (applause). There is but little time to talk about Nelson Mandela but I want to give you more on the topic. The Black leaders of South Africa together were sentenced to 27 years in prison. But the aim of those who were detained and of those who ware left behind became to grow in strength daily. Those who were left behind practiced through their continuing activities and those detained practiced their strength while being detained. Now there are many ways to exercise one's political strength. Some believe that engaging in political activities alone is to practice political strength. But to prepare oneself mentally is also a practice, because the mind is the most important. That is why I say that we don't believe in violent conflict but in a contest of minds (applause). Sometimes we have to change the way we think. There are times when there can be no success unless one's mentality can be changed. Actually, Mandela and his colleagues at one time believed that the apartheid system could be dismantled only through violence. There were those who agreed and planned to carry out an armed revolution. But when the white government began to change its attitude, blacks willingly accepted that armed struggle was unnecessary and were open-minded enough to accept working together with whites. This proves that everyone can become friends when friendship is based on truth and the right attitude. But friendship cannot be founded on devious attitudes (applause). What we want to say is that we will do our best. We will do our best to make this country into one that reflects the will of the people. But the people must also participate. I say this over and over again (applause). We don't want to hear comments suggesting the NLD said it would get democracy for us and yet it has not done anything. Don't say that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi said she would work for democracy and yet has done nothing for us. Because we never say we will work to achieve democracy by ourselves. Neither I nor the NLD promised this. What we did say is that we will try our best and that, with the participation of the people, we will surely achieve democracy As I mentioned earlier, if it is the path we choose ourselves, our efforts at working together will be valuable. There may be some who have to support us from the roadside, but this is also a form of participation. But don't just be an onlooker when you can be a participant (applause). Don't pretend that you cannot help build a road by putting on a false sling, but know thyself. Even if others don't know, you will know in your heart and you will not be happy (applause). Let me wish you the best with the pledge that we will never break the promises we have given to you. ************************************************* REUTERS: US ENVOYS IN INDONESIA June 14, 1996 From: John Scherb JAKARTA, June 14 (Reuter) - U.S. envoys seeking a coordinated regional response to tensions in Burma met Indonesian President Suharto and Foreign Minister Ali Alatas on Friday. Few details emerged of their discussions but Alatas said later that Indonesia's stand on Burma, along with other countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), would remain one of constructive engagement. ``Our position has been known. It will not change,'' he told reporters. Indonesia has been a leading advocate of ASEAN's policy of constructive engagement with the Rangoon government. *************************************************** THE NATION: THAILAND MUST BE FIRMER ON BURMA June 14, 1996 Kavi Chongkittavorn Theses days it is rare to see Thailand standing up for anything. However, of late, there has been some indication of a change of heart in Saranrom Palace on the situation in Burma. It seems now that the Thai government is taking a stronger and firmer stance towards this neighbouring country. Bangkok's current position is that any further deterioration of the political situation in Burma, which might disrupt the democratization and national reconciliation process, must be halted. The military junta in Rangoon must be encouraged to initiate dialogue with opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Furthermore, Thailand also thinks that Asean should have a pro-active policy towards Burma as part of its ongoing efforts to integrate it into the regional and international community. New Foreign Minister Amnuay Viravan obviously sees eye to eye with pre-decessor Kasem S Kasemsri when it comes to the country's latest stance on Burma. The absence of opposing views from the armed forces and the National Security Council - both of whom can influence any decision on Burma - is illustrative of the broad support for this new approach. When Amnuay meets Washington's special envoys, William Brown and Stanley Roth, tomorrow afternoon in Pattaya, he is likely to reaffirm the Thai government's view that every effort must be exerted to further advance the process of democratisation and national reconciliation through dialogue between the junta leaders and the National Democratic League. Thailand also believes that Suu Kyi is still the force to be reckoned with when it comes to guaranteeing long-term stability inside the country. Therefore, she must be allowed to conduct political activities peacefully and within the rule of law. Despite its tougher stance, however, Bangkok will continue to back Burma's seat in the Asean Regional Forum as well as its further membership in Asean. In addition, Thailand also believes there was a good reason why US President Bill Clinton chose Brown, a retired diplomat and ambassador to Thailand from 1988-92, to lead a three-man special team that visited Japan and Asean's members to sound out their opinions and coordinate their efforts at bringing about a peaceful transformation in one of the world's most reclusive countries. Obviously, Washington has been dissatisfied with the lack of progress in Burma since the visit of UN Ambassador Madeleine Albright to Rangoon last September. It wants to see more concrete steps being taken towards the implementation of political reforms there. There is presently a draft bill pending in Congress preventing US companies from investing in any infrastructure projects in the US, in view of the forthcoming presidential elections, the bill could sail through Congress. Therefore, it would be in Washington's interest to look for an alternative that is short of the above measure. Viewed in this light, Washington doubtlessly would like to link its current efforts with the countries in the region to its broad strategy of pushing for a collective Asean-led policy that would calm down US lawmakers. With the prevailing Thai attitude, Washington finds the situation encouraging and has expressed its support of this view. The US as well as other Western countries have learned from past experience the futility of clashing with Asean on forging a policy on Burma. It would be better to coordinate, if possible, their moves by bridging the existing gap between both sides. That way, collective pressure could be applied to Slorc in order for positive changes to be brought about in Burma. But to move further in this direction, Asean must get its act together. Asean's senior officials failed to adopt a common approach on Burma during last week's meeting in Bukittinggi, west Sumatra. The outgoing chairman of Asean, quickly rejected the offer to be the special envoy of Asean. So did Malaysian Foreign Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, the incoming chairman of Asean. Some Asean countries fear that sending an envoy to Burma now would be tantamount to yielding to US pressure. They also consider it as an act of interference in Burma's internal affairs. Be that as it may, such a circumstance should allow Thailand to play a higher profile and serve as a catalyst to Asean's policy on Burma. In the past weeks, Thailand has already established itself as a credible country as far as Burmese issues are concerned. It must have the courage to lead and take up further challenges on this front. Realistically. as Burma's closet neighbour any Thai approach would be viewed with deep scepticism by both Asean and non-Asean countries. Therefore, it is imperative, first and foremost, that Thailand stick to its current position without the usual dissensions from the concerned authorities. Given time, this approach can be built upon and subsequently gain acceptance from these countries. Perhaps the upcoming Asean foreign ministerial meeting, which will be held next month in Jakarta, would be an opportune time for Asean and its dialogue partners to discuss and review this issue. Asean's common position on Burma could be reflected in their joint communique. All said, Thailand must look for an alternative approach towards Burma that Asean and its dialogue partners can support since they also face a similar dilemma. Above all, more than we would like to admit, Thailand has a moral obligation to see to it that the Burmese peoples' aspiration to democracy, unity, prosperity and integration with the international community is fulfilled in the near future. (TN) **************************************************** THE NATION: KHUN SA HEALTHY AND FAT, CLAIMS AIDE June 14, 1996 Reuter (abridged) BANGKOK - Khun Sa, Burma's retired opium warlord, has recovered from a spell of poor health, is putting on weight and enjoys the company of young women who shuttle between Thailand and Rangoon, one of his aides said yesterday. The aide, who is based on the Thai-Burmese border, said Khun Sa was staying at a Burmese army guest-house in an exclusive neighbourhood on the shore of Rangoon's Inya Lake, but was building a house on a plot of land he had bought in the same area. "He's healthy now, he's getting fat," the aide, a former official in Khun Sa's guerrilla army, said. Khun Sa has not been seen in public since shortly after his surrender, but sources close to him said last month he was in poor health with diabetes and related eyesight problems. The aide said Khun Sa's young Shan wife and two other young Shan women take turns travelling from their homes in northern Thailand to Rangoon to be with him. ********************************************* THE NATION: BURMA ACTIVISTS BRACE FOR THE WRATH OF SLORC June 14, 1996 Rangoon was quiet last week but the air was pregnant with expectations that a fearful crackdown is imminent. Aung Zaw reports. In 1756, Dagon was renamed Yangon (Rangoon) by Burma's powerful monarch Alaungpaya. "Yangon" basically means "end of strife". Ironically, however, it seems strife will never end in Burma. Last weekend, approximately 6,000 people gathered at the home of Aung San Suu Kyi to hear her speak. The people who showed up "deserved an honorary award" said Kyaw Linn, one of those in the crowd. The reason: The Slorc passed laws last week that empower the Home Ministry to ban Suu Kyi's NLD party, from holding gatherings at her house on the grounds that they obstruct the government- sponsored National Convention's efforts to draft a constitution. The new laws, which mandated fines and prison terms ranging from five to 20 years to those found guilty of violating them , were introduced by the Slorc soon after Suu Kyi announced plans to draw up a constitution during her first congress. "An illegal regime passing laws to outlaw an elected party is like handing out speeding fines at Le Mans," commented one Western observer who recently returned from Rangoon. The NLD won a landslide election in 1990 but the result was ignored. Almost 300 of Suu Kyi's supporters and members of the NLD were detained prior to last weekend's gathering, although it is believed that half of them including some students have since been released. Those released, however, remain under strict surveillance and face rearrest. Popular comedian Thu Ya, better known by his nickname Zargana (Tweezers), was said by dissident sources to have been rearrested but this could not be confirmed. One activist who was released last week said: "I am always being followed. I don't feel secure." Rangoon sources estimated that at least 40 followers of Suu Kyi, including two aides, were still in Insein jail. In interviews last week, Suu Kyi charged some of the delegates were released on the condition they resign from the party. Suu Kyi said that despite the crackdown her party remains well- organised and united. While the Slorc has so far refrained from taking any action against Suu Kyi's gatherings, it doesn't mean that the junta's leaders will continue tolerating it, Slorc-watchers said. "I will be very surprised if they don't launch a crackdown soon," said a Bangkok-based diplomat. She speculated that the Slorc leadership is now discussing what steps to take nex. "There could some disagreements among the leaders of Slorc, although they are certainly united when it comes to destroying the NLD and Suu Kyi," she added. On Monday, the Slorc-controlled press warned that restraint by the government should not be mistaken for leniency. A veteran journalist in Rangoon noticed that the junta seems to be content for now merely keeping an eye on NLD members and Suu Kyi supporters. "Sooner or later they will take action," he added. He believes that the international outcry over Slorc's recent crackdown and Washington's decision to dispatch two envoys to the region promoted Slorc to hold off on taking action last weekend. Is the junta worried about the repercussions from US and international condemnation? "Burma's leaders remain confident," commented as Bangkok-based diplomat. "They know Asean isn't going to rally behind Suu Kyi," he said. A Burmese dissident and member of the All Burma Students' Democratic Front said: "Asean represents not only government officials, but also the 470 million people in Southeast Asia. This regional grouping should show its support and solidarity towards the people of Burma." A Western diplomat predicted that a crackdown will be launched even before Asean holds a meeting in July, which Burma is keen to attend. The diplomat expressed concern over the fate of Suu Kyi and the NLD's senior leaders. The Slorc press has told Suu Kyi "to go home". Suu Kyi lived in England for many years and is married to a Briton. Aung Naing Oo, a leader of the ABSDF said some dissidents are speculating she will be deported to London. Having declared 1996 "Visit Myanmar Year", the junta must be careful, however, about how it deals with the opposition. Troops opening fire on democracy activists in the streets of Rangoon wouldn't do much for the image of their country as a tourist destination. Suu Kyi's stand over the last two weeks has reinforced her popularity in the countryside. Sky-rocketing prices are another factor. "You see some people are very rich, there is a huge gap. People want change," said the Rangoon journalist. Analysts and activist in Rangoon said no one but Suu Kyi can challenge the regime. "Those who challenged the Slorc before were either cowed, killed or imprisoned," one said. "Because of her unique position and political background, the Slorc is reluctant to take strong action against Suu Kyi." Suu Kyi's father was Gen Aung San, a national hero and founder of the armed forces. In an editorial, the New Delhi-based The Asian Age wrote: "Though unarmed, she is the one who holds the advantage in the war of nerves. This, an only this, is the fragile shield behind which thousands of Myanmarese have taken cover in the unequal fight for democracy." At last weekend's gathering, Suu Kyi told the crowd: "This is a concrete demonstration of support for the NLD by the people. I would like to thank all our supporters for their presence here." Although Suu Kyi said she remained committed to bringing democracy to Burma, she refrained from direct criticism of the regime. "We never said a word to undermine the stability of the state," Suu Kyi told the crowd, referring to the new laws. Witnesses said that while the Slorc did not disrupt last weekend's gathering, they noticed the absence of barricades and traffic police, who previously helped ease human and vehicular traffic on University Avenue. Many see this as an omen, an indication that the junta is preparing for a fresh crackdown. To some Rangoon residents the situation is very similar to 1988 when troops withdrew from public and allowed anarchy to take over. When the soldiers moved in to restore order thousands of pro- democracy demonstrators were killed. The military rulers have made it clear that they no longer want to hear Suu Kyi's speeches. But Suu Kyi's supporters remained undaunted, chanting "democracy will prevail." The junta has vowed this will never happen. Democracy, and its supporters, according to Slorc, are common enemies. (TN) *********************************************** REUTER: SLORC ATTACKED THAI LAND June 14, 1996 From: Kyaw TINT MAE SOT, Thailand, June 14 (Reuter) - Burmese troops and their allies fired a dozen mortar bombs into a refugee camp on the Thai side of the frontier, wounding three people and sending hundreds fleeing in panic, a Thai army source said on Friday. The attack on the Shokhlo refugee camp in northwestern Thailand, home to some 7,000 Karen people from Burma, began late on Thursday and ceased after Thai border security forces fired mortar rounds at the attackers. The camp is only a couple of km (miles) from a border river. The Thai army officer said the attack was carried out by Burmese troops and their allies in the area, members of a Karen guerrilla splinter faction that broke away from the anti-Rangoon Karen National Union guerrilla group. Burmese authorities say Karen refugee camps in Thailand are centres of support for the anti-Rangoon rebel force. *********************************************************** REUTER: BEYOND CRACKDOWN June 14, 1996 (abridged) From: Kyaw Tint RANGOON, June 14 (Reuter) - Two more elected members of Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) have resigned bringing the total number to leave the party in recent days to 10, Burma's state-run media reported on Friday. The media said the two, both of whom won seats in a May 1990 election, had asked to step down, one for health reasons and the other because he no longer wanted to be involved in party politics. The country's official election commission, which organised the 1990 poll, agreed to their requests and let them resign as representatives-elect, the media reported. *********************************************************** FEER: FEAR OF LOATHING Asean keeps soft line on Rangoon junta June 20, 1996 By Rodney Tasker in Bangkok As the military regime in Rangoon tightens the screws on democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, it is facing strong condemnation from the US, European countries and Australia. But Burma's Asian neighbours have been far more circumspect. President Bill Clinton has dispatched two special envoys, William Brown and Stanley Roth, to the region to drum up a campaign to force the junta to go easy on Suu Kyi and her NLD party. But when the envoys visited Japanese Foreign Minister Yukihiko Ikeda in Tokyo on June 10, for instance, all he said was that Tokyo shared Washington's desire to prevent the situation in Burma from deteriorating. Roth and Brown were likely to receive similarly disappointing platitudes in the rest of the region. Asean's "constructive-engagement" policy towards Rangoon, initiated by Thailand, is still in place. And Burma, together with Laos and Cambodia, is poised to join Asean as a full member of the regional grouping. Suu Kyi, meanwhile, appeared to be thumbing her nose at the junta. In late may she criticized its obstruction of moves towards democracy in Burma before a crowd of 10,000 supporters outside her Rangoon home. Some 260 NLD members had just been detained by the military on the eve of a party congress at Suu Kyi's home, where she had been under house detention until her "release" in July 1995. Most of those detained had been candidates in the 1990 general election. The NLD won a landslide victory in the poll, but Slorc refused to relinquish power. The NLD congress went ahead despite the detentions, and adopted a resolution to draft an alternative constitution. This was seen as a snub to a government-controlled national convention which is drawing up a constitution that will ensure a political role for the military. Then came another blast from Slorc. On June 7, Slorc chief Gen Than Shwe issued an order empowering the government to ban any organization obstructing development of a new constitution or holding unlawful gatherings (no more than five people may gather legally). Members would face five-to-20 year jail terms if found guilty of "adversely affecting the national interest." Similar jail terms were decreed for those deemed to be undermining state stability. Yet on June 8 and 9 several thousand supporters still gathered outside Suu Kyi's house to hear her speak. She appeared to tone down her rhetoric when she mentioned her party's political programme. "We are not doing this to provoke the government; we are doing this as it is our responsibility to the people," she said. Suu Kyi may not have heard about remarks the previous day by Singapore's elder statesman and senior minister, Lee Kuan Yew. "If I were Aung San Suu Kyi I think I would rather be behind a fence and be a symbol," instead of being an "impotent" government leader, Lee told a group of foreign and local journalists in Singapore. Lee added: "Asean cannot rescue Burma even if it wants to, and I have the awful feeling rescuing Burma is beyond the capacity of even the US." (FEER) ***************************************************** REUTER: BURMA'S HEROIN PRODUCERS SAY PRODUCTION WOULD STOP WITHIN 10 YEARS June 14, 1996 From: JULIEN MOE RANGOON, June 14 (Reuter) - Leaders of Burma's main heroin producing groups have promised the military government they will eradicate drugs from their areas within 10 years, Burma's state-run media reported on Friday. The media quoted Home Affairs Minister, Lieutenant-General Mya Thin, as telling a Rangoon drug control meeting that ethnic minority leaders in the Kokang and Wa regions of northeastern Burma's Shan state had promised to wipe out the opium poppy. The U.S. State Department's bureau for international narcotics and law enforcement affairs said in a March report that the drug trade in Shan state continued ``virtually unchecked.'' ``Burmese authorities lack the resources, the ability or the will to take action against ethnic drug trafficking groups with whom they have negotiated ceasefires,'' the bureau said. The Wa and Kokang areas on the border with southern China were for years under the control of the Communist Party of Burma and its powerful guerrilla army. But the rank and file communist troops, most of them drawn from the patchwork of Shan state's ethnic minorities including the Wa, mutinied against their leaders in early 1989 and fragmented into several well-armed factions. The ruling military soon struck ceasefire deals with the factions, allowing them to keep their arms and to operate with a degree of autonomy in exchange for the truces. ``Groups known to be involved in the heroin trade, such as the United Wa State Army and the Kokang militia, remain heavily armed and enjoy complete autonomy in their base areas,'' the U.S. state department's bureau said in its report. ``The Burmese government has either been unwilling or unable to get these groups to reduce heroin trafficking or opium cultivation,'' it said. Burma is the world's largest source of illegal opium with a an annual crop of more than 2,000 tonnes, enough to produce more than 200 tonnes of heroin. Before his surrender in January, opium warlord Khun Sa, based in southern Shan state, was estimated to be responsible for approximately half of Burma's heroin output with the former communist groups responsible for most of the remainder. ******************************************************* MONLAND RESTORATION COUNCIL: PRESS RELEASE June 7, 1996 From: Honsawatoi@aol.com We, members of the Monland Restoration Council, join the Democratic Burmese Students Organization (USA) together with Free Burma Coalition (FBC) and begin today our fast in front of the White House in Washington, D.C. to protest against the SLORC's recent arrest of NLD's members and US corporations doing business in Burma. It is report that Burma's military regime known as the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) recently arrested 256 members of the National League for Democracy (NLD), a political party led by Aung San Suu Kyi, 1991 Nobel Peace Prize winner. In the May 1990 general election, NLD won a landslide victory gaining over 80% the seats in the parliament. However, the SLORC has refused to transfer political power to the people's representatives. Various types of human rights violations, including forced labor, forced relocation of villages, rapes, and tortures continue. The SLORC is reported to be one of the world's most brutal military regimes. Major US corporations such as TEXACO, ARCO,UNOCAL and Pepsi-Cola are continuing to support Burma's regime by investing millions of dollars in Burma. Texaco and other oil corporations provide one of the largest sources of income for the SLORC. Texaco is drilling for gas in gulf of Martaban -- Yetagun field-- 260 miles south of the capital city of Rangoon; its participation in this natural gas venture is supporting the SLORC to remain in power and to continue oppressing the people of Burma. The May 1990 general election has proved that we are a civilized nation determined to leading ourselves into a free society. But Burma's military regime is a giant obstacle on our way to our goal, democracy. Our nation has suffered long enough under the rule of a military dictatorship. Time has already come for the world's leading democracies to remove any form of dictatorship from the earth. We with great concerns for our nation urgently call for the United States government to: 1. Introduce a proposal that will deny membership of Burma's military regime at the United Nations until democracy is restored in Burma. 2. Impose a total economic sanction on Burma. 3. Urge Burma's military regime to begin negotiations with representatives of the NLD and ethnic nationalities. Central Committee Pon Nya (Pon Nya Mon) Chairman of Monland Restoration Council P.O. Box 50108 Fort Wayne, IN 46805-0108 Tel: (219) 471-3961 E-mail:honsawatoi@aol.com ******************************************************** NCGUB: DAY OF SOLIDARITY June 11, 1996 From: "soe pyne" ACTION CALL! ACTION CALL! ACTION CALL! ACTION CALL! The only reason that the military regime has not abolished the National League for Democracy outright and arrested its leaders is because it fears further international outcry which can withhold investment, loans and aid. In light of these developments, the National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma believes that if human rights and democracy are to be restored in Burma, it is crucial for the International community to continually express its iron-clad solidarity with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the National League for Democracy and at the same time to strongly condemn the ongoing repressive moves by the military regime. With this objective in mind, the National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma has designated June 19,1996 as the Action Day for Burma. The day also marks the 51st birthday of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. We call on Burmese communities, individuals and support groups helping Burma, and people who wish to see justice in Burma to hold commemorative activities on or around June 19 to celebrate Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's 51st birthday and to express their solidarity with the democracy movement in Burma. NATIONAL COALITION GOVERNMENT OF THE UNION OF BURMA 815 Fifteenth St NW, Suite 910, Washington DC 20005 Fax: (202) 393-7343 Tel:(202) 393-7342 (202)393-4312 ************************************************* FBC: ACTIONS TO PROMOTE FREEDOM IN BURMA June 14, 1996 zni@students.wisc.edu SUGGESTIONS FOR DAW AUNG SAN SUU KYI'S BIRTHDAY ON JUNE 19TH 1). Fax letters of support for Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to the Burmese desks at BBC and the Voice of America. In addition to simply saying you are in solidarity with her wishing her 51st birthday, include two points the following two points: a) why you (and/or group) are engaged in boycott campaigns throughout the world; and b) why you think the people of Burma themselves should participate in consumer boycott of foreign goods and services imported from companies and countries that do business with Burma's oppressors, Slorc. BBC Burmese desk: 011-44-171-836-9466 (Attn: U Than Lwin Htun or Daw Yin Yin May) 011-1-202-619-1840 (Attn: U Khin Maung Htay) 2) Address her, not just as leading activist or democracy advocate, but as Burma's sole legitimate leader who enjoys popular support of a great majority Burmese people. 3) Fax those letters to Slorc embassy in the country where you live. Also fax copies of the statement to embassies from ASEAN nations and Japan, specifically targetting governments frm Indonesia, Malaysia,the Phillipines, and Thailand. A perhaps brief cover letter will be of use expressing that you find utterly repugnant their position on "constructive engagement" and hands-off approach to Aung San Suu Kyi's extraordinary struggle to bring peace and freedom to Burma. If you are in one of the ASEAN countries, please fax or mail it to the head of state. 4) If you are part of a given religious community, say a few words about Aung San Suu Kyi and her struggle adherence to non-violence principles in Burma's quest for freedom. 5) If you are artistic and literary-minded, you acn come up with a zillion creative things: composing a song, writing a poem, an essay, letter to the editor,or opinion editorial pieces, and drawing a portrait. And letting us know that you have created something out of your desire to help fight Burma's struggle. This will allow us to write up a newsworthy story. 6) If you are a teacher, you can spend a few minutes on Aung San Suu Kyi and familiarize your students with her incredible efforts to restore freedom and peace in Burma. 7) Fax a copy of the statement/letter to Massachusetts Governor Weld who will make decision very soon RE: enactment of the world's first statewide economic sanctions bill ((H2833). Governor William Weld State House, Commonwealth of Massachusetts Boston, MA 02133-1053 (617) 727-3600 phone (617) 727-9731 NEW working fax number (617) 727-9725 old soon to be repaired fax number Send a copy to: Julia Carpenter, Issues Director Citizens for Participation in Political Action (CPPAX) 25 West Street, Boston, MA 02111 (617) 426 3040 (617) 338 3075 fax cppax@aol.com 8) Simply call your local media (call foreign news desk) and ask if they are doing anything on Aung San Suu Kyi's birthday. If they have no plans to publish anything, urge them to do a piece on her. You can offer your expertise on Burma and her struggle if they so desire. People of Burma really need your support in their darkest moments under thuggish Slorc generals. Your letters will go a long way in helping them persevere in their struggle. The Free Burma Coalition University of Wisconsin 225 North Mills Street, Madison, WI 53706 Tel: (608)-256-6572 Fax: (608)-263-9992 http://danenet.wicip.org/fbc/freeburma.html