------------------------ BurmaNet ------------------------ "Appropriate Information Technologies, Practical Strategies" ---------------------------------------------------------- The BurmaNet News: November 30, 1996 Issue # 581 SPECIAL EDITION - FBC UPDATE HEADLINES: =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D FBC'S THANKGIVING NOTE=20 DEMONSTRATION SHUTS DOWN BERKELEY UNOCAL FOR 3 HOURS=20 INDIANA-PURDUE: PEPSI CAMPAIGN AND RESOLUTION UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO UPDATE U. WISCONSIN MADISON: REMOVES PEPSI PRODUCTS FROM CAMPUS PORTLAND FBC: BOYCOTT J.CREW - T-SHIRTS ARE FROM BURMA RECENT COMPANY PULL OUTS FROM BURMA RAN PROTEST OF SF'S PROPOSED CONTRACT WITH MITSUBISHI U.S. TEENS PROTEST AT STORE SELLING MITSUBISHI PRODUCTS FREE BURMA PUBLICATION BY A HIGH SCHOOL FBC MEMBER ACTIVISTS IN JAPAN URGE IMMEDIATE ACTION=20 BCN PROTEST ON THE DAM AGAINST TOURISM TO BURMA RALLIES AGAINST BURMA TOURISM IN LONDON AND BRUSSELS 10 DECEMBER BURMA PROGRAMME IN NEW DELHI FBC MASSACHUSETTS UPDATE ANNOUNCEMENT: AMERICAN UNIVERSITY CONFERENCE - BURMA BURMANET SUBJECT-MATTER RESOURCE LIST ---------------------------------------------------------------------------= - ---------------- BURMANET EDITOR'S NOTE: The Free Burma movement has achieved three importan= t victories this month with the pullout of Wente, Phillips, and Motorola. Moreover, Burma has received increasing media attention around the world. Australia's Dateline did a story on alleged links between a Singaporean government investment fund, reputed drug dealers from Burma, and the SLORC. The fact that heroin production rose in Burma this year, even though Khun S= a is now living in Rangoon, has not gone unnoticed. Recently, editorials and commentaries condemning Burma's drug trade appeared in the Wall Street Journal, the Far Eastern Economic Review, and the New York Times. Both President Clinton and Hillary Clinton addressed Burma in separate speeches in Thailand this past week, criticizing the SLORC's repressive policies and urging support for Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the pro-democracy movement. Th= e Free Burma movement's tourism boycott has significantly reduced the number of tourists visiting Burma, and Pepsi boycotts are continuing on numerous American university campuses. =20 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------= - ------------------ FBC'S THANKGIVING NOTE=20 November 27, 1996 (slightly abridged) From: zni@students.wisc.edu (zar ni) Dear Fellow Freedom Fighters: For the Free Burma Coalition, Thanksgiving signifies something important. Something that has already become a history. A tiny but still significant one that has become integral to, and inseperable from, my native country's freedom struggle, both within and without Burma. It was with the International Day of Action for a Free Burma--October 27, 1995, a month before last year's Thanksgiving--that we opened a new chapter in our freedom movement. Then spiders from seventy five colleges and universities joined hands to work toward a Free and Democratic Burma with the extensive use of the internet. Since October of last year, collective efforts by our spiders around the globe, have brought many victories - corporate withdrawal by such corporations as Apple Computer Inc., Oshkosh B' Gosh, Columbia Sportswear, Labatt's, Interbrewry, Heineken, Carlsberg, Motorola, Erickson, and Wente Vineyard are indeed concrete vitories. And so are Free Burma ordinances and laws at city, state, and federal levels. Additionally, our efforts, among other things, give the freedom-loving people of Burma a sense of hope and solidarity, and renewed strengths in their arduous fight for human rights and democracy. Indeed we have done much for, and with, Burmese people in their moments of need. We have grown to become the largest internet-based human rights struggle. And we have acted on a chillingly powerful idea, which Burma's fr= iend Vaclav Havel has so beautifully coined as "power of the powerless." Therefore, there is much to celebrate on this occasion. As you sit down with your families and loved ones at dinner tables tomorrow= , please observe a moment of silence or say prayers (or simply whisper "Free Burma,") for those who have sacrificed much in pursuit of a Free and Democratic Burma, for those faceless refugee children, men, and women from Burma, for those young women and girls who are forced into the life of sexual slavery in Thailand, for those Burmese students fighting against SLORC forces along Burma's borders, for those forced laborers within Burma working in tourism and Unocal-Total pipeline-related projects, and for thos= e in cities and rural areas of Burma who can not devour a nice warm meal for the profound fear of being taken away by SLORC's security forces and intelligence, and for those thousands of prisoners of consicene subjected to inhuman treatment, even as I write, in Burma's notorious jails and suffering in the hands of highly abusive and ruthless power. For all your committed efforts to help restore freedom in my beleagured homeland, I, on behalf of my fellow people whose voices have been effectively silenced and the Free Burma Coalition, would like to express my heartfelt thanks to all of you, my fellow spiders. I feel certain that my compatriots around the world and all the freedom fighters inside Burma, will join me in thanking you on this occasion, only if they know I am sending this note to you all. As the leader of our non-violent struggle Daw Aung San Suu Kyi would say, may you always be "free from fear and apathy"! ********************************************************** DEMONSTRATION SHUTS DOWN BERKELEY UNOCAL FOR 3 HOURS=20 From: orzech@well.com (Dan Orzech)=20 Nearly 40 activists demonstrated for three hours yesterday at the Unocal 76 gas station at the busy corner of Telegraph and Ashby in Berkeley, California. The demonstration was co-sponsored by the Bay Area Burma Roundtable, International Rivers Network, and the U.C. Berkeley Student Environmental Coalition. Our signs and banners attracted plenty of attention, and we educated a lot of people about Unocal's involvement in the Yadana natural gas pipeline project in Burma. We handed out flyers and there was lots of public support, with people driving by honking their horns -- hey, it's Berkeley -= - and only a few cars actually stopped to fill up while we were there. We contacted the station manager/owner the day before the demonstration. He was not familiar with the situation in Burma. We gave him some background information, and he was quite sympathetic, coming over to shake hands during the demonstration, and said that he had his own problems with Unocal Corporation. (The LA Times reported last week that Unocal is trying to sell its gas stations in California, in order to concentrate on oil and gas exploration abroad). The demonstration, and news on events in Burma, were the lead story on the evening's news on KPFA, the local public radio station. ***************************************************************** INDIANA-PURDUE: PEPSI CAMPAIGN AND RESOLUTION November 27, 1996 From: PON NYA =20 Hi there people. Anyhow, my name is Nick Normal and I'm a St. Louis, Missouri Spider. I'm only 16 and I'm trying to help push human-rights as much as I can in the local area. I am the editor and layout-artist and one of several writers for a non-profit fanzine, or independent publication. We're just a bunch of politically-minded teenagers trying to express our views with the world, and our views just happen to be, in our latest issue, Burma and the SLORC. It's a half-sized zine, or 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 and it is printed on newsprint with soybean ink. It's 32 pages thick and 12 of those pages are dedicated to the Burmese cause. I've sent several copies out and about but not enough and you are the people that made me write about Burma for the latest issue (#4) so I feel I should share what I have made with you. I would *love* to send out copies for free, but being a teenager with NO job money isn't all that common, so if possible, please send $1 or 2-32 cent stamps and I will send you a copy. If anybody would like to help distribute or pass on the word after reading their sample copy, I would be much obliged. Until then, the struggle continues... ***************************************************************** ACTIVISTS IN JAPAN URGE IMMEDIATE ACTION=20 November 17, 1996 brelief@gol.com More than 35 Burmese democracy activists gathered at Takaradera Temple in Kyoto to appraise the current situation in Burma at the seventh annual Burm= a Study/Action Weekend, sponsored by Burmese Relief Center,Japan. Following last weekend's attack on Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, instigated by the Slorc junta, and escalating threats of violence in the State controlled media, the group united in a call for international sanctions on the Slorc to be put in place immediately. Members of Burmese Relief Center -- Japan and the Tokyo-based National League for Democracy -- Liberated Area (Japan Branch) welcomed the formatio= n of Burma Citizens' Forum in Tokyo, and pledged their support for this new organization. Given the urgency of the present situation, members from Kansai and those from Tokyo resolved to increase their cooperation and to coordinate their activities in the following areas of concern: "Boycott Visit Myanmar Year 1996":=20 Since Japanese constitute the largest number of tourists to Burma, this boycott campaign is extremely important. Increased pressure on Japanese government to cease ODA: The Japanese government should unequivocally condemn the military regime by imposing sanctions and by withholding all Official Development Assistance (ODA) until positive steps toward democratization have been taken. Boycott of companies conducting business with SLORC: Members will redouble their efforts to call for boycotts of Japanese companies active in Burma, including Mitsubishi, Mitsui, Daiwa Securities, and Nippon Oil. Protest against Chuo Kanko Tour Bus Company: In a bid to attract more visitors from the Kansai region SLORC has designated the Chuo Kanko Tour Bus Company of Osaka as an agent authorized to issue tourist visas to Burma. Demonstrations for Human Rights Day: Coordinated demonstrations to mark Human Rights Day, December 10, 1996, focusing on Burma will be held in Tokyo, Kobe, and other cities around Japa= n. . Concern for Burmese Refugees: With the Burmese refugee situation again critical, discussions centered on more effective ways to raise money for relief activities. Participants als= o expressed deep concern was the inexcusable lack of protection accorded Burmese refugees in Thailand, Bangladesh, and India and the recurring dange= r of involuntary repatriation. http://www2.gol.com/users/brelief/Index.htm Burmese Relief Center--Japan 266-27 Ozuku-cho, Kashihara-shi, Nara-ken 634, Japan Tel: (07442) 2-8236 -- Fax: (07442) 4-6254, e-mail:brelief@gol.com ***************************************************************** BCN: PROTEST ON THE DAM AGAINST TOURISM PLANS=20 November 18, 1996=20 Twenty members of the Burma Centrum Nederland and sympathizers demonstrated= , dressed up as forced laborers, on the Dam (central-square with the monument of Freedom, GH) in Amsterdam, against the plans of the government of Myanma= r to develop tourism. A representative of the Burmese government in exile (NCGUB, GH) read out a statement by Aung San Suu Kyi not to visit the country. "Wait, do not visit Burma now. It would be a mistake to support th= e regime. A boycott by tourists is a sign of solidarity with the Burmese movement for democracy." Demonstrations also took place in London, Paris, Kopenhagen, Brussels and Geneva. This demonstration was a subject of the news on the regional television around Amsterdam, and made it to most newspapers (with brilliant pictures) the next day. ***************************************************************** RALLIES AGAINST BURMA TOURISM IN LONDON AND BRUSSELS November 20, 1996 In Britain, the Burmese Action Group, held a rally on November 20th to call= for a boycott on holiday travel to Burma as a protest against the suppression o= f political and human rights - including the enslavement of children and adults to build tourist facilities. Mairead Maguire, a Nobel laureate for services to peace in Northern Ireland read out a compilation of extracts from speeches and writings by Aung San Suu Kyi. And an interview with Aung San Suu Kyi was also shown. It was recorded earlier this month by Glenys Kinnock MEP and in the video, she urged a boycott of tourism, investment and trade. Four tour operators in Britian have dropped Burma from their schedules, but another 30 still offer travel packages to Burma. In Brussels on November 19th, Belgian MEP's Anne Van Lancker (socialist) an= d Magda Aelvoet (Green) however were present at a tourism boycott rally to read a statement by Aung San Suu Kyi. Also present was the British MEP Jame= s Moorehouse (Conservative), Belgian MP Lode Vanoost (Green) and U Aung Ko, Burmese actor (Beyond Rangoon). The demonstration was supported by KWIA Support Group for Indigenous Peoples, International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU), European Trade Union Textile, Garment and Leather (ORE/THC), International Christian Democrats. ***************************************************************** 10 DECEMBER BURMA PROGRAMME IN NEW DELHI November 29, 1996 From: home@league.unv.ernet.in (All Burma Students League) We are organizing a political programme on Burma on 10th December 1996 to mark the International Human Rights Day. The details of the programme are a= s follows: I. Political Programme on Burma (Discussion on Democratization in Burma) at the Deputy Speaker Hall, Constitution Club, New Delhi 10th December 1996, 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM This is a Political Programme on Burma in which we invite the leaders of al= l the major political parties of India and some influential intellectuals of India to participate and discuss the matters relating to Burma. Although the focus will be on Burma, some topics relating to Burma and the region will be discussed. The participants will discuss, as round-table discussion, the papers which will be submitted by the speakers. Objectives 1. To formalize the policies of Indian political parties on the restorati= on of =09democracy in Burma 2. To broaden Burma's democratic movement linking with people's movements in the region Speakers and Participants a) The Speakers will be both from Indian political parties and intellectu= als. b) The participants will be from political organizations, student, youth,= and=20 =09women's organizations, trade unions, NGOs and individuals. c) Guests will be invited from other countries, especially from South Afr= ica, the Palestine and the Philippines. Major topics of the programme 1) Militarization in Burma and in the region=20 =09-The Speaker is from the Jawaharlal Nehru University, India 2) India's support to democratization in Burma =09 -The Speaker is from the Janata Dal Party, a partner in the ruling =09coalition government of India=20 3) Border trade between Burma and India and the "Constructive Engagement Policy" with SLORC -The Speaker is Mr. George Fernandes, Member of Parliament and President of Samata Party, one opposition political party of India 4) Students' active role in the national politics of Burma -The Speaker is from the All Burma Students League 5) Global support to the struggle for restoration of democracy in Burma -The Speaker is from the International Union of Socialist Youth (= IUSY) Art Exhibition Paintings of the Artist Sitt Nyein Aye will be exhibited in the Constitutio= n Club on the same day. There will be 30 paintings (Oil on Canvas) and the paintings describe Burma's struggle for democracy and also the culture of Burma. The paintings will be on sale during the exhibition and the money from the sale of paintings will be used for the various political activities of the ABSL. II. The Peace March =20 Timing : 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM Place : Constitution Club-->Connaught Place--Constitution Club =20 To mark the International Human Rights Day, a Peace March will be organized jointly by the Amnesty International and International Union of Socialist Youth (IUSY) on 10th December 1996. The Peace March will be joined by students and youth of India, students and youth of Burma and members of Amn= esty International (India) and International Union of Socialist Youth. All the interested persons are warmly invited to join the Peace March. III. Celebration of the International Human Rights Day Venue : Deputy Speaker Hall Constitution Club, New Delhi Timing : 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM =20 After the Peace March, we will celebrate the International Human Rights Day at the same venue (Constitution Club) from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM on 10th December 1996. This will be jointly organized by the Amnesty International = and IUSY. All the interested persons are invited to celebrate the Human Rights Day by joining us. ********************************************************** FBC MASSACHUSETTS UPDATE November 27, 1996 From: simon_billenness@cybercom.net (Simon Billenness) 1. NEXT ROUNDTABLE MEETING:=20 Tuesday, December 4, 6:30 p.m. at Franklin Research and Development, 711 Atlantic Avenue, Boston, MA 02111, (617) 423-6655. Our special guest will probably be Marcia Poole of the BBC World Service, Burmese Section. We hope to see you there!=20 2. UPCOMING EVENTS: On DECEMBER 11, 1996, the Reebok Human Rights Awards will be held=20 in Boston. Thida Ma, one of Amnesty International's Prisoner of Conscience= =20 will be one of 4 individuals presented with Reebok's annual award. Thida M= a=20 is a doctor and short-story writer, aged 28, who was arrested with ten othe= r=20 activists in 1993 for activities in support of the National League for Democracy.=20 After a closed trial the following October, she was sentenced to 20 years i= n prison for "contact with illegal organizations, endangering public peace, and distributing banned literature to foreign-based opposition groups." Currently, She is in poor health, and has been kept in solitary confinemen= t for the past year. =20 There will be a candle light vigal and cultural presentation on December 10th to correspond with this important event. It will be held at Boston Common near the Park Street T-Station from 5:00-6:00 p.m. For more information, please contact Shalini Nataraj at (617) 868-6600, ext. 225.=20 On Sunday, DECEMBER 22, 1996, a presentation on Burma will be given=20 to the Ethical Society of Boston at 10:30 a.m. They will be meeting in=20 Cambridge at the Longy School of Music at 1 Follen Street, near Garden=20 Street and across from the Sheraton Commander Hotel. For more details,=20 contact Ed Roseland at (617) 479-2581. 4=09Update on New York Selective Purchasing Legislation The log jam on the New York City Burma selective purchasing bill seems to b= e breaking with the release of a report on the impact of the legislation by the Mayor's office. One contract affected by the selective purchasing bill in New York City, if passed, would be a $1.4 million PepsiCo contract with the Department of Corrections. The fact that the report was released means that the bill can now continue through the legislative process. There will probably be further hearings in January. =20 =09 For more information on the New York City bill, contact: National Coalition Government of the Union Burma (NCGUB)* Burma UN Service Office 777 UN Plaza, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10017 (212) 338-0048 (212) 338-0049 fax burma1un@igc.apc.org ***************************************************************** ANNOUNCEMENT: AMERICAN UNIVERSITY CONFERENCE - BURMA November 25, 1996 From: Jeremy Woodrum