------------------------ BurmaNet ------------------------ "Appropriate Information Technologies, Practical Strategies" ---------------------------------------------------------- The BurmaNet News: March 18, 1997 Issue #670 HEADLINES: ========== BURMANET: SITUATION UPDATE- REFUGEES FLEEING SLORC BUSINESS TIMES: MYANMAR MAY NOT LOSE GSP PRIVILEGES THE NATION: EU POISED TO RAP BURMA ON RIGHTS REUTER: BURMA MONKS PROTEST IN MANDALAY REUTER: AT LEAST 35 KILLED AS BOAT CAPSIZES IN BURMA DVB: SLORC TURNING MANERPLAW INTO MILITARY AIR BASE BEIJING XINHUA: LUO GAN TO VISIT BURMA VIENTIANE KPL: DRAFT OF BORDER AGREEMENT DISCUSSED BKK POST: POLICE 'TO CRACK DOWN ON ILLEGAL WORKERS' BKK POST: US-ASEAN GROUP BLASTED BKK POST: US MOGULS CREATE IMPRESSION OF GREED BKK POST: MILITARY RESHUFFLE IMMINENT RANGOON MYANMAR ALIN: "BELIEVING IN OMENS" NLM:MINISTER FOR NPED RECEIVES ASIAN CHEMICAL TEAM ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BURMANET: SITUATION UPDATE; REFUGEES FLEEING THE SLORC OFFENSIVE AGAINST KNU, MERGUI TAVOY DISTRICT. (4TH BRIGADE). March 16, 1997 Refugees arriving in Sangklaburi district, Kanchanaburi Province. Thu Ka refugee camp is located just south of Nai E Taung town, near Sangklaburi. Though located on the Burma side of the border, access to NGOs delivering assistance had never been denied. The camp has a mixed Karen and Tavoyan population -- up to February, the population had remianed stable at around 1000. In late February, SLORC troops entered villages located between Thu Ka and the top of the Tenassserim river ( an area known as Ke Maw Thway). Hence, in the early days of March new arrivals came to Thu Ka swelling the population to around 2000. On 9.3.97 SLORC troops of IB25 arrived at a village quite close to the camp, raising fears of attack amongst the refugees. On that day the refugees moved themselves across the border to the place known as Mong Soe Mine -- a short walk down the mountain from the border. Border Patrol Police told them that they has no permission to stay there. On 10.3.97 Thai soldiers from the 9th Division physically pushed them back towards the border. They were told that if SLORC troops actually arrive at Thu Ka then, and only then, would they be allowed to enter Thailand. The refugees currently occupy a spot right on the border on top of the mountain, afraid to go back to the original Thu Ka site where they fear attack by SLORC at any time. This hill-top site does not have adequate water for 2000 people. Refugees ariving at Kanchanaburi district, Kanchanaburi Province. The refugees at the Pu Muang site remain unsure of their future. They have been given no clear indication of how long they might be allowed to remain at that place. The fact that they are not allowed to set up any semi-permanent structures (even wooden platforms to raise themselves off the ground) leads them to believe that they will be moved to another place soon. Adult males (over the age of 13) are increasingly afraid of being caught by the Thai authorities and being asked to leave the camp. They hide in the bushes at the edges of the camp whenever Thai soldiers are around. Border sources report that the 9th Division army had announced in the camp that as of Sunday 16th March, such adult males should not be seen in the camp; furthermore, that if the authorities were to enter the camp after that date they could arrest males as being illegal immigrants. NGOs still have access for humanitarian assistance, water sanitation remains problematic. Refugees at Htaw Ma Pyo Hta, adjacent to Ratchaburi Province. The situation remains stable at this site. NGOs have access to deliver food and medicines though logistically the access road is difficult and will be impossible once the rains start. The Thai military authorities are said to have requested the KNU to keep a clear zone' of 5kms back from the border where large numbers of refugees should not be allowed to congregate. The diarrhoea epidemic has abated somewhat though many people remain sick. Areas with better water sources and adequate drainage are being actively sought to try to move some of the people to healthier spots. The whole area is old mine workings and much of the flat land is water logged making construction of latrines and wells difficult. SLORC military helicopters fly overhead at MawHta nd Htaw Ma Pyo area regularly which has led to erroneous reports of air attacks. Refugees arriving at Prachuab Kiri Khan Province. Border sources reported last week that a small number of displaced people had arrived at the Thai border, fleeing fighting, in the area adjacent to Pranburi town, Hua Hin district. SLORC troops began their offensive against the KNU township headquarters at Ler Ker, located near to the border on around 6.3.97. The fighting spread out and villagers started to flee from the many villages along this area of the border. On 10.3.97 it was reported that a small number of displaced people had crossed the border, at the points known as Ter Lwee and Thoo Rae, seeking safety. On 15.3.97 these people were told that they could not stay there and that they must go back to the Burma- side of the border. They crossed back to the Burma side and joined the now 300 or more people massing there just at the border line. Since some of the displaced people were sick and elderly, the Karen authorities asked for, and were granted, a few days respite so that they could rest before having to find a new safe site where they could receive NGO assistance. A new site has now been located at Htee Yaw Kee, some 2 days walk from the place where they are now. The new site is said to have good water and is some distance away from the fighting. NGOs can apply for permisssion to assist through this point on the border though logistics will be difficult since the dirt road on the Thai side stops short of the border. From the end of the dirt road it is said to be around 6 hours walk to the place where the refugees will settle. It will take some 2-3 days for all the 300 refugees to arrive there. If the fighting continues in the area, there could be many more displaced people coming to receive assiatnce at his place since the area has many large villages. Serious watery diarrhoea has been reported among the first group and there have been 9- 10 deaths so far. ---------------------- Interview with a refugee from Thu Ka. The following is an interview with a refugee at Thu Ka collected by an individual visiting the area between 13th and 15th March. The refugee's name has been withheld due to fear of reprisals against those talking to outsiders. Name: withheld Age : 34 Sex : Male Date of interview: 12.3.97 In the morning, after breakfast, on 9.3.97, I was in Thu Ka camp and was planning to go into the jungle to look for firewood. However, at that time everybody in the camp was talking about a possible SLORC attack against the camp and they were very frightened. We got a message that stated that the SLORC troops at Wa Loung Toe had gone into the jungle and were possibly heading towards Thu Ka. We left Thu Ka camp at 12 noon and when we arrived at Mong Soe Mine [on the Thai side of the border] we were met by four Border Patrol Police (BPP). The four BPP men immediately made a barrier of bamboo across the road, but none of us cared about the bamboo nor the Thai border police. One of the Thai border policemen even got pushed over by the crowd of us and fell on his back. The BPP said, "We cannot stop you, but you will have to return soon, as soon as the army arrives." We wanted to continue down past the Mong Soe mine, since there it might not be safe from SLORC mortars to stay at the mine. The BPP refused to let us proceed to this area. At this time many of the children were crying because of thirst and the heat, it was the hottest time of the day. There was a big tree there but impossible for all of us to receive enough shade. One spokesman went to the BPP to ask for permission to get drinking water from the nearby stream and they said that only three people would be allowed at a time. The BPP said, "I am worried that you will go inside our country." The spokesman got very angry and told him that we were already in Thailand. Three people then went to the stream to get water for the other thirsty refugees. We stayed at that hot place for about one hour and then a truck came with 18 soldiers wearing uniforms. The person I thought was the leader was using very sharp language and said, "you cannot stay here any more. I know that the SLORC is far from Thu Ka and you have to return to the camp. If there is fighting at Thu Ka we will allow you to come back." At this time I thought, "I know the situation much better than you," bu tI kept it to myself. At 2pm, the four BPP and the 18 soldiers started to push back all of us along the road towards Thu Ka. I saw a woman, 43 years old with a weak heart, when the Thai soldiers said, "go, go," she felt weak and dizzy. Her husband and I massaged and encouraged her. We stood up and slowly started climbing the steep slope towards the border. None of us wanted to go back because we are afraid of the SLORC more than we are afraid of the Thais. We delayed the process by sitting down. Some even lay down on the ground. We thought that if we proceeded like this, the Thais would not push us back. However, they continued to physically pushing us; they pushed me in the back twice, shouting , "go, go, go," in Thai. Some women dropped their loads onto the ground, and the soldiers put the loads back onto their heads. One of the refugees threw away her whole load in dispair when the Thais put her dropped load back onto her head. She was crying, but I had no time to take care of her because I was afraid and had to continue. Normally, it would take us 10 minutes to get up the first slope, to Ke Baw Yu Plaw [a flat field still on the Thai side of the border], but we arrived at the field at about 5pm; it took us three hours in all. Everybody was hungry, some people put down their belongings and started cooking and eating. Then it started raining which started a lot of activity to find shelter. Some had not received any plastic as they had just newly arrived at Thu Ka from their home. There were about 50 sheets of plastic on the ground, and I started sharing them with those who had nothing. We even gave some plastic sheets to the Thai soldiers who asked for some, so they would not get wet. It rained for about one hour. Even though we had plastic as a shelter from the rain, the ground got wet. After that we started cooking again. We slept on Ke Baw Yu Plaw that night. The night was filled with the cries of children and people were cold in the night. I could only sleep two hours that night. I thought about my life and I missed my baby very much. When we left our village my baby was only two months old, she got diarrhoea and died. My wife and I had now come to Thailand, and we were being pushed back. I though that the SLORC or DKBA could burn down the camp as happened in the Mae Sot area. After what I saw that day, I think that even if the SLORC or DKBA did this, the Thai soldiers would not care. I was thinking and worrying what would happen the next day, would they continue shouting, "go,go,go," and really push us all back to Burma? At 4am I fell asleep. In the morning we cooked and after breakfast we thought that the Thais would allow us to stay, so some people started cutting bamboo for huts. The Thais did not say anything so more of us began building slightly larger shelters. At around noon, the Thai soldiers started collecting the refugees again by using a loudspeaker. Most of the people had found shelter in the bushes and had slept spread out. Very slowly, people came out while others ignored the call. The commander said, "If you do not come out I will take you all to Nai-E-Taung by truck." [Nai E Taung is the SLORC base camp in the area].When we heard what the commander said,we all gotfrightened and came out onto the middle of the field quickly.The soldiers counted everybody and took photographs and video of us. Some people did not understand what the video camera was and thought it was a weapon and were very afraid. The recording of the refugees took about two hours and then the Thais allowed everybody to return to their posessions. I thought that the Thais would not push us back again, so I lay down to sleep while someothers started cooking dinner. At about 2.30pm I was still resting and others were eating when the Thai soldiers once again started ordering us to go back. A few soldiers cut down our bamboo shelter with their knives and again shouted, "go, go, go, quickly, quickly." Some people had to throw away their rice and collect their belongings ready to go. The people did not resist as much as the day before and the soldiers did not physically push them. Everybody went back to the Karen side of the border and once again started building new houses. We stay here until now, but in my opinion the SLORC will definitely attack and the KNLA cannot stop them, because they could not even stop the SLORC in Htee Kee [The KNU district headquarters recently occupied by SLORC].I hope that the SLORC do not come because I do not want to go to Thailand again, and I do not want to see the Thai soldiers pushing us back again. Here, everybody is frightened, even me. *********************************** BUSINESS TIMES: MYANMAR MAY NOT LOSE GSP PRIVILEGES March 7, 1997 Three countries said to block EC move to end concessions A proposal by the European Commission (EC) to strip Myanmar of millions of dollars worth of tariff preferences is being blocked by three countries and may not be adopted by European Foreign ministers later this month. International trade unions which are campaigniing for an end to Myanmar's access to the European Union's Generalised System of Preferences (GSP)- which gives developing countries tariff concessions in the European market- say that Britain, Germany and France are opposed to the proposal for economic and political reasons. The unions say the three countries may block the proposals when they come up for adoption by EU foreign ministers in Brussels on March 24. The international and European trade unions groups want the EU to withdraw tariff concessions given to Myanmar because of the country's use of forced labour and child labour in several key sectors. In a proposal sent to EU capitals earlier this year, the EC accepted the unions' complaint. It said it had obtained firm proof that Myanmar's ruling junta, the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) was using forced labout, defying standards set by the Geneva-based International Labour Office (ILO). But the proposal cannot be turned into EU law without all 15 EU governments endorsing it. In recent discussions, several EU countries have suggested thaat the European Parliament should have asked to give its comments on the Commission's plans. Others think the GSP sanctions must be part of a wider EU package on human rights. The unions say EU governments are using delay tactics to avoid a difficult decision. Germany and Britain have traditionally blocked any moves to link trade and labour standards. They made this clear at last year's World Trade Organisation ministerial meeting in Singapore. Both countries are also believed to be concerned that any punitive action approved against Myanmar could unleash a host of trade union calls for trade sanctions against other countries accused of using forced labour and child labour. French diplomats deny that Paris opposes the sanctions. "We are in favour of the Commission's proposals and hope that the concession will be withdrawn later this month," a diplomat said. The trade unions maintain that France is unwilling to endorse the trade sanction to protect French investments in Myanmar, but France insists such allegations are "completely untrue". French oil giant Total is working with US-based Unocal on a US$1.2 billion project to build a gas pipeline in the country. A British diplomat insisted that a final decision on whether or not to adopt the EC proposals will be taken by ministers later this month. Differences over policy towards Myanmar dominated a recent meeting of European and Asean foreign ministers in Singapore. In their ublic comments, EU governments have urged Asean to take a tougher line against SLORC and said that even if it joins Asean in July, Myanmar was unlikeley to become part of the EU-Asean cooperation arrangement. ************************************** THE NATION: EU POISED TO RAP BURMA ON RIGHTS March 17, 1997 Agence France-Presse BRUSSELS - The European Union will debate this week whether to strip Burma of its low-tariff access to European consumers over it use of forced labour, but the Southeast Asian nations fate is practically sealed, EU officials said. It seems "likely" that the move to expel Burma from the EU's Generalised System of Preference (GSP) will be approved without discussion by ambassadors from the 15 EU states, a European Commission source said. "The only problem could come from Britain, which has a policy of not linking trade and labour issues," he said. British officials however said London would not oppose the move. Wednesday's decision, which would hit both agricultural and industrial goods imported from Burma to the EU, will then go to EU foreign minister for formal approval on March 24. The European Commission called for an end to GSP privileges for Burma in February, following testimonies by 42 organisations to the widespread use of forced or child labour in the country. "The Commission asked to go to Burma to discuss this with the govnerment" but its request was turned down," said Gwynn Morgan, who heads the Southeast Asian section of the European Commission. The International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU) estimates that 800,000 Burmese are currently involved in various forms of forced labour, accounting for 10 per cent of the country output. If the GSP no longer applies to Burmese exports to the EU, Rangoon will find itself having to pay 2.262 million ECU (Bt70million) more in customs duties this year, according to EU estimates. According to the European Commission, about two thirds of Burma's exports to the EU are currently covered by GSP. More than half of Burmese imports are made up of industrial goods, mainly textiles, GSP officials say. While the lifting of tariff privileges would hardly affect EU importers - Burma is one of Europe's smallest Asian trading partners - Burma, one of the least-developed nations ion the region, can ill afford the loss of trade. The country's economic climate s "complete insane," one EU official said. "It's economy is slowing down... They have certainly not reached the stage of Indonesia 20 years ago." "Forced labour is practically tradition in Burma," another official said. "Instead of being left in peace to cultivate their hemp, farmers are moved by force to go and work on construction sites," he said. He said that although the GSP ban, if it goes through, is hardly likely to improve the lives of Burmese peasants in nay way, it might at least "weigh on the leadership. It is both an economic and political move." The EU's broader concerns over human rights abuses in Burma has created tension in its relationship with the Asean. The regional group oppose moves to isolate Rangoon, arguing that "constructive engagement" is the best way to open up and develop the country. Although no date has been set for Burma's entry into Asean, several EU experts believe it will come soon, maybe as early as April. Inn Kuala Lumpur in July Asean will celebrate 30 years of existence and is seen as being keen on bringing Burma, Laos and Cambodia in before the anniversary. (TN) ******************************************************* REUTER: BURMA MONKS PROTEST IN MANDALAY OVER WEEKEND March 17, 1997 RANGOON, March 17 (Reuter) - Buddhist monks demonstrated over the weekend in Burma's second city Mandalay, but the protests were quelled without incident, government sources said on Monday. The sources said the demonstrations were sparked by rumours that a young Buddhist girl had been raped by some Moslems. No further details were available and spokesmen for the military government were not immediately available for comment. A government source said officials were still looking into the protest, which apparently took place on Saturday. He said there was no shooting involved and there were no casualties. "We have now succeeded in quelling the riots," he said. Buddhist monks played a key role in 1988 national pro-democracy uprisings when hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets to protest against the military regime. The demonstrations were eventually quashed by the government which killed or imprisoned thousands -- including monks. Since then the Buddhist monks have been largely silenced but diplomats and analysts say there have been some signs of unrest among younger monks who want to see Burma return to democracy. Opposition sources say support from monks would be crucial for major change to take place in Burma. ********************************** REUTER: AT LEAST 35 KILLED AS BOAT CAPSIZES IN BURMA March 17, 1997 RANGOON, March 17 (Reuter) - At least 35 people were killed when a triple-decker ferry boat capsized on the Irrawaddy River in northern Burma during a sudden storm, officials said on Monday. The boat, run by the Ministry of Transport's Inland Water Transport (IWT), capsized on Saturday night while sailing from Katha, about 800 miles (1,290 km) north of Rangoon, to Burma's second city of Mandalay. State-run newspapers said on Monday that 502 passengers had been rescued and the bodies of 28 men and seven women had been recovered. An IWT official told Reuters that rescue workers were still searching for bodies, adding that it was not known how many passengers were on the boat when it capsized. ***************************** OSLO DEMOCRATIC VOICE OF BURMA: SLORC TURNING MANERPLAW INTO MILITARY AIR BASE WITH PRC AID (translated from Burmese) March 12, 1997 According to a Burmese border source a new influx of Karen refugees onto Thai soil is likely after the completion of an airport at the SLORC's [State Law and Order Restoration Council] Manerplaw military base being constructed in an attempt to eradicate the ethnic minority rebel group. The SLORC has stationed three army divisions at Manerplaw, the former headquarters of the KNU [Karen National Union] which fell to the SLORC-DKBA [Democratic Karen Buddhist Army] combined forces in January 1995, in an attempt to transform it into a central military base. The flat terrain around Manerplaw and the Thai-Burma border area makes it an ideal site for a military air base. The SLORC is trying to complete construction of the airport with Chinese financial assistance within the next three months. In this initial stage, four small patrolling aircraft and six helicopters already use Manerplaw as a base. Larger military aircraft are expected after construction is completed and Manerplaw base will help the Burmese junta send military reinforcements directly into the border area. The SLORC is urgently constructing the Manerplaw air base to send ammunition and supplies to the SLORC forces engaged in operations near the border in the rugged terrains of the Karen and Karenni regions. The Manerplaw air base will also serve as a launching pad for operations against the anti-Rangoon KNU, Karen National Union, and the KNPP, Karenni National Progressive Party, armed guerrillas, reports Assawin Pinitwong in today's Thailand Times. ********************************** BEIJING XINHUA: LUO GAN TO VISIT SRV, CAMBODIA, BURMA, INDONESIA March 13, 1997 Beijing, March 13 (XINHUA) -- Luo Gan, Chinese State Councillor and Secretary-General of the State Council, will pay a good-will visit to Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar [Burma], Bangladesh and Indonesia from March 17 to April 6. This was announced by Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Cui Tiankai at a routine press conference here today. Luo will pay the visit at the invitation of the government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, the government of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Secretary-General of the State Law and Order Restoration Council of the Union of Myanmar Lieutenant General Khin Nyunt, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of Bangladesh Abdus Samad Azad and Secretary of State of Indonesia Moerdiono. ************************************* VIENTIANE KPL: DRAFT OF BORDER AGREEMENT DISCUSSED WITH BURMA March 10, 1997 Vientiane, March 10 (KPl) -- From March 3-7, a draft agreement for border demarcation between Laos and Myanmar was discussed by representatives of the two countries. The discussion focused on drafting an agreement between the government of the Lao People's Democratic Republic and the government of the Union of Myanmar for management of the border area. Leading the Myanmar delegation at the talks was Mr Nyunt Maung Shein, deputy director general of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Union of Myanmar. The Lao side was led by Mr Oane Phommachak, director of Department of Treaties and International Law of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. On March 6, the delegation also called on Mr Phongsavat Boupha, deputy minister of foreign affairs. ************************************* BKK POST: POLICE 'TO CRACK DOWN ON ILLEGAL WORKERS' March 17, 1997 Yuwadee Tunyasiri Immigration authorities and the police will begin cracking down on the illegal employment of foreign labourers now that the deadline for the registration of immigrant workers has passed. National Security Council deputy chief Kachadpai Buruspat said the authorities concerned have been instructed to strictly enforce the law governing the employment of illegal immigrants. The government had agreed to allow the employment of illegal immigrants in 43 provinces provided that the employers registered them between September 1 and November 29, 1996. The deadline was extended to March 15 this year to allow the officials to complete registration cards for the workers. Mr Kachadpai said only half of the estimated 700,000 illegal immigrants registered with the Labour and Social Welfare Department despite the extended deadline. As a result, strict legal action will now be taken against the employers and the workers who have refused to register. Apart from the employers and their foreign workers, the crackdown will also be directed at rackets smuggling foreign labourers into the country. Mr Kachadpai said a large number of foreign labourers had been brought into the country by these racketeers and drastic action would be taken to prevent the problem developing into a threat to national security. "The prime minister considers this problem an urgent matter and officials concerned will have to come up with effective measures to arrest these people and send them home," he said. (BP) ******************************************************* BKK POST: US-ASEAN GROUP BLASTED March 17, 1997 AP Burma's government-in-exile criticised a group of United States business representatives yesterday for lobbying the Clinton administration against possible economic sanctions against Burma's military government. In a statement received in Bangkok, the National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma, a Washington-based group, blasted the US-Asean Business Council for "trying to sanitise the brutal image of the [Burmese] regime" in a "desperate" attempt to block sanctions. The NCGUB is comprised of members of parliament from a 1990 election the regime ignored. Fifty American corporate executives, including former Secretary of State Alexander Haig and Texas Senator Lloyd Bentsen, attended a recent meeting in Singapore of the Business council. At the meeting, Mr Haig urged the administration not to impose sanctions, calling those who supported them "arrogant, wrong-headed and short-sighted".(BP) ****************************************************** BKK POST: US MOGULS CREATE IMPRESSION OF GREED March 17, 1997 Editorial The US-Asean Business Council went firmly on the record to back trade with Burma and entry of the Rangoon to Asean. A Singapore meeting of the influential group also enlisted high-level US politicians to support them. The Council strongly supported the official Asean policy of constructive engagement. The purpose of last week's meeting of the US-Asean Business Council was to make it clear that America's top business leaders are insensitive, profit-driven capitalists, willing to trample on human rights and to abandon any principle if there is a dollar to be made. Or so it seemed, anyhow. The outpouring of rage against democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi at the group's Singapore conference was matched only by its intense support for the military junta which rules Burma. The volume of support for the Rangoon regime was so great as to be startling. The head of the council, George David, thought it would be "terrific" if Burma joined Asean this year. Mr David, who is chairman of United Technologies Corp, has lobbied the US Congress against imposing sanctions on Rangoon. Sanctions would "be adverse to the interests of all of us", he said in Singapore. Former Republican secretary of state Alexander Haig and former Democratic treasury secretary Lloyd Bentsen strongly backed the business group. Mr Haig, who personally imposed and backed sanctions on South Africa, Cuba, Libya, Iran, Vietnam, North Korea and other countries for republican presidents, told the businessmen what they wanted to hear: sanctions on Burma would be "knee-jerk populism". Mr Bentsen, who personally enforced sanctions on these countries plus Burma for President Clinton, said this of Mrs Suu Kyi: "We can't govern by the ideas and the recommendations of one person." It is usual for such US business groups to pay appearance fees to outsiders. While the US-Asean Business Council did not announce whether it paid for the speeches by Mr Haig and Mr Bentsen, the motive for their bipartisan change of heart since their government service is interesting. neither man said why he has changed his opinion about economic sanctions. Their public statements were clearly what the US business leaders wanted to hear. Reports from the Singapore meeting indicated 100 percent of the Council members agreed. Participants represented 400 of America's elite corporations. Some were merely offensive. Mr Bentsen may not agree with Mrs Suu Kyi, but in fact she is the elected leader of Burma. Unlike Mr Bentsen, the failed vice-presidential candidate, she prevailed by a wide margin in a secret, honest election. Mr Haig, a failed presidential candidate, shows his contempt for the voters, with his crack about "knee-jerk populism". Mrs Suu Kyi's election campaign in Burma was certainly popular; she won. If these two former, appointed officials have no respect for democratic elections, they should begin at home to overthrow that system. Equally offensive was Unocal vice-president William Ichord, who told colleagues that 'when we started in Thailand 25 governments ago, it wasn't a nice place either". Equating the brutal Slorc regime of today to the very worst Thai dictators is absurd. All governments have faults and should improve. This is far different from saying all governments are equally brutal to their own citizens. The corporations which make up the US-Asean Business Council will be judged by consumers. Fellow members like Pepsi have decided the price of making a fast buck is too high. Others, like Mr Ichord's Unocal, are plodding ahead with Burma projects. Such companies needn't fear government sanctions on Rangoon. Council members should only fear leaving the impression they are so hungry for profits they will abandon all principles to achieve them. (BP) **************************************** BKK POST: MILITARY RESHUFFLE IMMINENT March 17, 1997 Wasana Nanuam Blunder prompts personnel changes Fourth Infantry Division Commander Maj-Gen Prayuth Tapcharoen is expected to be transferred to the Army headquarters during the mid-year military reshuffle in connection with the cross-border raids by renegade Karen troops. Highly placed army sources said Maj-Gen Prayuth would be held responsible for the attacks carried out last month in Tak by the pro-Rangoon Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA). Maj-Gen Prayuth is likely to feel the heat after Army Commander-in-Chief Chettha Thanajaro was reportedly disappointed the Third Army's intelligence network had failed to provide advance early warning the renegade DKBA would attack Karen refugee camps in Tak province. However, the sources said the Third Army Region Commanding General Thanom Waraputh will be spared the wrath of the army chief. The Defence Ministry's order for the establishment of a joint intelligence unit to monitor the Thai-Burmese border instead of leaving it to the Third Army alone had prompted widespread speculation that Lt-Gen Thanom would be replaced in the mid-year reshuffle. But the army sources said Gen Chettha had decided to retain Lt-Gen Thanom in his present position because he did not want to hurt a former classmate. Both Gen Chettha and Lt-Gen Thanom are members of the Chulachomklao Academy's Class 9. Gen Chettha announced at a meeting of his subordinates last month that commanders in direct charge of border areas would be held responsible for border violations by foreign forces. The army sources said in sparing Lt-Gen Thanom, Maj-Gen Prayuth who is directly in charge of the border force, has to take the blame. The officer is expected to be replaced by his deputy, Col Chalor Thongsala. Except for the likely transfer of Maj-Gen Prayuth, the mid-year reshuffle which involves 300 military officers features no significant changes. The reshuffle list, which has already been sent to Prime Minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, is to be announced in the last week of this month. The sources said the "Top Five" army generals are expected to stay put although there was speculation earlier that Second Army Region Commander General Surayuth Chullanond might be promoted to take one of the posts. It was the policy of Gen Chettha not to effect any change at the top level at present, the sources said, while not ruling out the promotion of Lt-Gen Surayuth at the annual military reshuffle in October. It was also speculated that Armed Forces National Security Centre chief Thammarak Issarangkura na Ayutthaya will be promoted to full general as a show of Gen Chavalit's appreciation before his retirement next year. The sources said Lt-Gen Thammarat is expected to stay put for the time being because Gen Chavalit cannot find a trusted man to succeed the officer. Armed Forces' Deputy Chief of Staff Chainarong Noonpakdee is likely to be promoted Armed Forces chief of staff, replacing Orapan Wattanaviboon who is due to retire at the end of this year. Although highly respected by his subordinates at the Supreme Command, Gen Chainarong's career has been in limbo since his role in the "Black May" incident in 1991. (BP) ***************************************************** RANGOON MYANMAR ALIN: "BELIEVING IN OMENS" (translated from Burmese, abridged) March 12, 1997 Article by "a scholar" "During the reign of King Bagyidaw or Sagaing Min of Konbaung Dynasty, a sarong belonging to a female commoner, Mae Nu, blown by a whirlwind ended up on top of a decorative roof of the king's palace. Court Brahmins [advisers to the king] interpreted the event saying that the country would be in ruins because of destruction by a woman. This interpretation was not accepted by King Bagyidaw who was deceived by sycophantic Brahmins into looking for the owner of the sarong and honored her by marrying her and making her a queen. What was the result of this? Mae Nu, who became the chief queen from a humble background, brought about so many disasters that the country was almost in ruins. Had not King Tharawaddy Min come to the rescue, the destiny of the country would have been unthinkable. Mae Nu's sarong which was carried by a whirlwind to the top of the palace and the events that actually took place may have been a coincidence." "Before the ascension to the throne in Yadanabon Era by King Thibaw, the last king of Myanmar [Burma], there was a prophesy: Earthworm under the log chirps Rice cake cracks in the middle Distinguished son of a distinguished mother Shall lead the country to ruin I need not state whether or not this prophesy came true. Not only did the country lay in ruin during his reign, but the entire country was enslaved." "While I was pondering these historical events in relation to omens and prophesies, and wondering why the Myanmar people in the old days interpret the sayings of children, mad persons, expressions in the market place and in the theater, a rather unusual event took place in 1986. As I do not keep a diary of daily events I cannot recall the exact date, but there were many eyewitnesses who were present with me when the event took place. I recall quite clearly that among those present was a famous woman writer who won a literary award for writing a book on Myanmar horoscope and personnel at the National Museum." [passage omitted] "I was looking at the royal regalia on display on the ground floor when I was disturbed by a commotion. When I went to where the people were gathering I saw a deranged woman standing at the base of Thihathana Throne [royal throne of kings of Mandalay] trying to climb up the throne. She was heard murmuring plaintive pieces of poem. The people inside the museum were first taken by surprise but later realized what was really happening. The museum personnel, the security officers, and the people spoke nicely to the woman and tried to persuade her. As she was mentally deranged no one tried to drag her out at first. However, that woman did not listen and continued to utter her plaintive piece of poem. She got worse and tried to sit on top of the throne. By that time the people in the museum could no longer tolerate her and dragged her out of the museum, saying a mad woman does not deserve the throne. That woman did not stay still when she got outside. She rolled herself on the sidewalk and continued to sing her plaintive poem. She said she was the daughter of the king of Yadanabon [Mandalay] and asked why she was not allowed to sit on the golden throne. She then started swearing and finally left when she got tired. When I got home from the museum I tried to think whether what I had witnessed could be an omen because a throne is a symbol of sovereign power. I wondered what it could mean -- a deranged woman trying to sit on top of the throne. Well, after the 1988 events came the Western Madonna or returnee from Britain [referring to Aung San Suu Kyi] who is mumbling pointlessly about democracy, attempting to sit on the country's sovereign throne, and uttering her plaintive poem calling on the world to isolate the country and impose economic sanctions if her wish is not fulfilled." "After analyzing these events, I feel the 1986 occurrence involving the deranged woman attempting to sit on the throne at the National Museum is a premonition of the present Western Madonna problem. If my assumption is correct, the Western Madonna's future looks very worrisome. Well, back in 1986 museum officials and the people had to drag the deranged woman out of the museum; now too if the premonition is true the Western Madonna will definitely have a very grim finale." "How grim will the finale be?" I curiously asked. "If the Western Madonna continues her plaintive poem -- calls to impose economic sanctions against Myanmar, urging tourists to boycott Myanmar for gross human rights abuses, discouraging investments, and urging severe actions against the country -- and attempts to gain sovereign power which resembles a throne by means of a shortcut -- responsible personnel and the people will definitely drag the Western Madonna out of our mother country Myanmar in the near future." A very practical and scientific man who did not believe in omens and prophesies before made the above prophesy. ************************************ NLM:MINISTER FOR NPED RECEIVES ASIAN CHEMICAL INDUSTRY STUDY TEAM March 15, 1997 From: OKKAR66127@aol.com YANGON, 14 March - Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen Abel received Asian Chemical Industry Study Team led by Senior Managing Director Mr Yasushi Kajiwara of Tosoh Corporation at his office at 10 am today. Leader of the mission and members said that they came, here to study establishment of chemical industries in three countries- Philippines, Vietnam arrd Myanmar-for economic cooperation. They went on to say that; Japanese entrepreneurs wish to cooperate in chemical industry in Myanmar, adding that they wanted to know' about the situation in Myanmar and economic prospects. Minister Brig-Gen Abel poin,ted out that priorities should be given to some sectors according to Fiveyear Economic Plan and explained what sectors they could cooperate in He also replied to the questions of the guests. _____________________________________ http://www.myanmar.com/nlm/ *****************************