------------------------ BurmaNet ------------------------ "Appropriate Information Technologies, Practical Strategies" ---------------------------------------------------------- The BurmaNet News: March 20, 1997 Issue #672 HEADLINES: ========== ABYMU: UPDATE AND STATEMENT-MONKS' DEMONSTRATIONS REUTER: MARTIAL LAW AND A CURFEW IN MANDALAY ABSDF: PLEADING NOT GUILTY IN INSEIN (PRESS RELEASE) JAPAN PARLIAMENT STATEMENT: BURMA'S ASEAN ADMISSION BUDDHIST RELIEF MISSION: PRESS RELEASE BKK POST: FUGITIVE TRAFFICKER SIGHTED IN BURMA THE NATION: US, BURMESE SURVEY OPIUM CROP NATION: US LOOKS TO BRIDGE GAP WITH ASEAN ON BURMA BKK POST: LONG-NECK KARENS MAY LOSE ID CARDS BKK POST: BURMESE ASK THAIS TO KEEP BOMB WATCH K. LUMPUR THE STAR:COMPANY VIEWS BURMA POTENTIAL VOICE OF AMERICA: BURMA/U.S. BUSINESS ANNOUNCEMENT: DUTCH BURMA ROUNDTABLE MEETING ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ABYMU: UPDATE AND STATEMENT-MONKS' DEMONSTRATIONS March 19, 1997 From: 8888 ABYMU UPDATE ON THE CURRENT SITUATION IN MANDALAY This information was received by telephone from Mandalay on 19 March 1997 at 2:10 p.m., and updates the information put out in the ABYMU statement of 18 March 1997 [text follows]. 1. The Slorc have begun arresting the monks involved in the demonstration of Monday, 17 March 1997, and have divided them in two groups, now under detention. 2. 15 of these detained monks have already been given summary trials and sentenced to lengthy jailterms. 3. The other detainees are still being tried or awaiting trial within the prison. 4. It has not yet been confirmed exactly how many monks are under arrest. 5. Afraid of public involvement or censure, the Slorc have continued to say that the issue is the result of Muslim-Buddhist conflict. It is should be noted that many believe the Slorc were actually behind fro the bomb explosion at Kaba Aye Cave in December 1996, which took place shortly after the December student protests in Rangoon. The Slorc claimed that the All Burma Students' Democratic Front and the Karen National Union were responsible for the blast. The ABYMU believe the Slorc may use similar tactics at this time to weaken or destroy this movement by the Sangha. Central Leading Committee All Burma Young Monks' Union 19 March 1997 -------------------------------------------------- STATEMENT OF THE ALL-BURMA YOUNG MONKS' UNION REGARDING THE DEMONSTRATION BY BUDDHIST MONKS IN MANDALAY ON 17 MARCH 1997 18 March 1997 1. Buddhist monks began a demonstration in Mandalay on 17 March 1997 which subsequently spread to all the major cities in Burma. 2. The demonstration was sparked by the deaths in prison of 16 monks, who had been brutally beaten, forcibly disrobed, and sent to concentration camps, where they were made to do hard labour and serve as porters for military operations. 3. The monks who joined in the demonstration requested from the ruling SLORC (State Law and Order Restoration Council) a list of the names of all monks currently detained and demanded their unconditional release. In the past, the SLORC had announced that a total of 3,115 monks had been arrested and detained. 4. The SLORC authorities have tried to deflect possible criticism and disavow any role in the matter by saying that the demonstration broke out when the monks became angry over the alleged rape of a Buddhist woman by a Muslim man. This same kind of dissimulation was employed by SLORC authorities in Taunggyi and Prome in 1988, when the people rose up in peaceful protest to demand their democratic rights. 5. The monks willingly join hands with the students, workers, members of the NLD (National League for Democracy), and the ethnic nationalities' forces in the struggle for justice and rights. 6. We strongly urge the SLORC to immediately halt all action against the country's Buddhist monks. We further caution the SLORC that they alone must be held responsible for repercussions resulting from any action they take against the Sangha. Central Leading Committee All Burma Young Monks' Union (Liberated Area) 18 March 1997 ************************* REUTER: MARTIAL LAW AND A CURFEW IN MANDALAY March 19, 1997 RANGOON, March 19 (Reuter) - Burma's military government imposed martial law and a curfew in its second city of Mandalay following recent demonstrations by Buddhist monks, residents and diplomats said on Wednesday. Residents said a curfew was imposed from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. in five townships in Mandalay, effective from Monday. They said Mandalay newspapers reported that martial law was also in place, effective on March 18. Diplomats said they had not heard about martial law being imposed, but said barricades had been set up on some Mandalay streets and that the main market had been closed. ``The government is worried about unrest, so they are being very cautious about security,'' one diplomat said. Government spokesmen were not available for comment despite repeated attempts to reach them. But earlier this week government sources confirmed there had been a demonstration by monks in Mandalay over the weekend. The officials had said the protest was quelled without incident. Diplomats said the restrictions came after weekend riots between Buddhist monks and Moslems. At least two mosques were destroyed and several people were injured in attacks that appeared to be in retaliation for the rape of a young Buddhist girl by a Moslem businessman, one diplomat said. ``My understanding is that there were riots on the 15th and 16th. It seemed to be more of a socio-religious problem than a political protest,'' said another diplomat. Sources in the military government had said the monk demonstration occurred on March 15. Mandalay is the cultural centre of Burma and is home to a large number of monks. Buddhist monks played a key role in the pro-democracy uprisings that began in 1988, when hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets to protest against the military regime. At the time, prominent monks appeared on television and appealed to the public to stay calm and pursue their cause peacefully, while at the same time urging military leaders to listen to the people and not use force. The demonstrations were eventually quashed by the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) in a bloody crackdown that left thousands of people -- including monks -- dead or in jail. Shortly after the 1988 demonstrations, monks continued to be involved in protests against the military, especially in Mandalay. Their protest tactics included a boycott on performing religious services for soldiers and their families. But since then the Buddhist monks have been largely silenced, partly through intimidation and in part through offerings given to top monks by SLORC. But diplomats and analysts say there have been some signs recently of unrest among younger monks who want to see a democratic Burma. Opposition sources say support from monks would be crucial for major change to take place in Burma. ********************************** ABSDF: PLEADING NOT GUILTY IN INSEIN (PRESS RELEASE) March 19, 1997 From: "All Burma Students' Democratic Front" ALL BURMA STUDENTS DEMOCRATIC FRONT (ABSDF) PRESS RELEASE WEDNESDAY MARCH 19, 1997 -------------------------------------------------------- New Report Shows Corrupt State of Burma's Judiciary -------------------------------------------------------- A new report published this month on a summary trial of political prisoners in Burma provides a rare insight into the corrupt workings of the country's judiciary and the maltreatment of Burma's political prisoners. The report, 'Pleading Not Guilty In Insein', published by the All Burma Students Democratic Front (ABSDF), is a translation of an official court document which details the trial of 22 political prisoners and which was written by the judge presided over the trial. It is the first time under the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) that such an official court document has made its way to an opposition group and been made public. The trial was held in a closed session in the notorious Insein Prison in Rangoon a year ago in March 1996. The trial followed a series of raids on the cells of the 22 political prisoners during which pro-democracy magazines, news bulletins and other materials were seized, including a message to former UN Special Rapporteur to Burma, Professor Yozo Yokota, regarding prison conditions. Each prisoner was subsequently charged under Section 5 (E) of the Emergency Provision Act for disseminating or planning to disseminate false information. Naing Luu Aung who translated the trial document said the report shows the lack of due process of law in Burma and the complicity of the judiciary. "Prisoners were denied access to legal counsel which is contrary to one of the most basic legal rights. Prison authorities also used interrogations, beatings and torture as a means to obtaining confessions for use against prisoners in the trial," Naing Luu Aung said. "All this was mentioned in the judge's report but he still managed to find all 22 political prisoners guilty and sentenced each of them to a further seven year imprisonment with hard labor. This is a clear example of how the SLORC through a compliant judiciary uses its repressive laws to suppress political opposition." Among the 22 accused were prominent political prisoners including journalist U Win Tin, magazine publisher Myo Myint Nyein, and National League for Democracy (NLD) parliamentarians U Hla Than and Dr. Zaw Myint Maung, both of whom won seats in the 1990 election. Since the trial, U Hla Than died in custody. His death certificate stated that he died of pulmonary tuberculosis and his request to be allowed to die at home was rejected, reportedly because he refused to resign from the NLD. "Despite the threat of further torture and punishment the prisoners showed true courage by boldly defending themselves and criticizing the authorities. Some prisoners complained of the beatings in prison and called for prisoners' rights and access to legal counsel for their defense," Naing Luu Aung said. Dr. Gothom Arya, Chair of the Program for the Promotion of Non-Violence in Thai Society, provided the preface for the report, and in it he praised the courage of the prisoners. "Not only have they pleaded not guilty to the trumped up charges of the SLORC, they spoke out in their defense, defending their basic human rights and dignity and denouncing the unfair trial." All Burma Students Democratic Front (ABSDF) For Further Information Contact Naing Luu Aung Tel:0000000 ------------------ "Pleading Not Guilty In Insein" Selected Quotes From The Official Trial Report ---------------------------------------------- Page 28 Htay Win Aung Testimony "Htay Win Aung testified that on November 12, 1995 he was taken away from his cell, his head having been covered with a mask, and was beaten during an interrogation. He also told the court that on November 16, 1995 he was treated in the same way during another interrogation. He said six officials interrogated him using threats and torture." Page 33 "The testimonies of defense witness U Saw Nay Dun and U Tin Maung Lwin could only verify the accused were put in solitary confinement and tortured during their interrogation. They were not able to tell the court anything that would support the defense case against the other charges." Page 34 Soe Htet Khaing Testimony " He siad their testimonies were based on his confessions which were made during his interrogation. He therefore pleaded not guilty." Page 34 Aung Kyaw Oo Testimony " He said everyone has strength and requested that the court rule give prisoners the right to read and write if they are convicted under the present charge." Page 35 Htay Win Aung Testimony " Htay Win Aung told the court that he was not allowed to hire a lawyer to represent him. He pleaded not guilty on the ground that the charge against him were unfounded, that there was no proof to back up the accusations, and that the prosecution testimonies were based on information obtained through interrogation." Page 35 Yin Htway Testimony "Yin Htway stated he was not allowed to hire a lawyer to represent him...He asked the court when it sentenced the prisoners to urge the authorities to allow him and the others full rights of prisoners in prison." Page 35 Win Thein Testimony "He said he did not participate in the publishing of the magazine because he was too tired - both body and mind - due to his constant torture in prison." Page 36 Win Tin Testimony "Win Tin said he did what he believed was right and there was not a single fact written that was incorrect. He told the court that the loss of human rights an torture in prison were all genuine and added that the prosecution could not prove that these points were inaccurate." Page 38 "The judicial officer told the court that all the writings - poems, articles, descriptive pieces, aesthetic writings, cartoons, short and long stories - contained in the 102 page Diamond Jubilee magazine were aimed at defaming and discrediting the government." Page 41 "To analyze all the testimonies and the materials shown as evidence... they are all damaging to the State. Furthermore, they contain fabricated news broadcasts from foreign broadcasting stations. The content and style of writing in the magazines is also detrimental to the State> It is evident that although the accused had reason to believe that what they were doing was incorrect, they were distributing and planning to distribute false news not only within the prison but to organizations outside." ******************************* GROUP OF CONCERNED NGOS: URGENT APPEAL FOR ACTION IN SUPPORT OF ETHNIC KAREN REFUGEES ON THE THAI-BURMA BORDER March 19, 1997 Short Background: As a result of the current military offensive by the Burmese army into the Mergui/Tavoy District, Tenasserim Division controlled by the Karen National Union (KNU), thousands of civilians have been displaced. We have documentation of Refugees presently staying in four areas. 1. Thu Ka camp, adjacent to the area between Kanchanaburi and Sangklaburi towns, Sangklaburi Distric, Kanchanaburi Province. Approximately 2,000 refugees (in Burma) 2. Pu Muang camp, Kanchanaburi District/Province. Approximately 2,300 refugees (in Thailand) 3. Htaw Ma Pyo Hta, adjacent to Ratchaburi Province. Approximately 4,000 refugees (in Burma) 4. Ter Lwee Arca, opposite Hua Hin, Prachuab Kiri Khan Province. Approximately 300 refugees (in Burma) Residents of camps 1 and 4 had previously escaped to Thailand and all refugees were forcibly repatriated on 9-10.3.97 and 15.3.97respectively. Camp 2 is still in Thailand but males between 15-60 have not been allowed to enter Thailand or have been forcibly repatriated into active war zones. Camp 3: Approximately 900 women and children, out of about 4,000 refugees, were forcibly repatriated from Bong Tee camp in Thailand in late February. The additional population consists of men, women, and children escaping the SLORC offensive. In these areas the Ninth Division of the Thai Army has a clearly stated policy of only allowing women and children, and has stated that men between 15-60 years old will not be allowed to enter Thailand. The US and UK embassies are well informed about the situation and we appeal to you to contact Burma desk officers at these embassies for a coordinated effort in the matter. THIS APPEAL URGES YOUR EMBASSY TO RAISE THIS MATTER WITH THE THAI AUTHORITIES, INFORMING THEM THAT YOU ARE AWARE OF THE PRESENT SITUATION AND THAT YOU EXPECT THEM TO ALLOW CIVILIAN MEN, WOMEN, AND CHILDREN, FROM HTAW MA PYO HTA CAMP, TO CROSS THE BORDER, FOR SAFETY ON THAI SOIL. 19.3.97 4 pm It has been reported that the Burmese army is approaching the defending line of the KNLA from two directions. A spokesperson at the office of the Thai Army Commander-in-Chief Gen. Chetta Thanajaro's office, claimed earlier today when asked about the refugees from Htaw Ma Pyo Hta, "they are in no immediate danger yet..." and continued, "...they will be allowed sanctuary on Thai soil when they are in immediate danger." They did not, however, specify whether ALL refugees, including civilian men, would be granted refuge under these circumstances. The statement creates two main questions which need to be assured and specified as soon as possible: 1. Will ALL refugees be allowed sanctuary on Thai soil, civilian men, women, and children? 2. What does the phrase "imminent danger" mean to the Thai armed forces? The refugees at Htaw Ma Pyo Hta already consider themselves as being in imminent danger, which they demonstrated by moving towards the border late last night, and some continuting across the border this morning. It has been reported that the refugees are within shelling range of the Burmese army mortars at the moment. With regard to possible future repatriations of refugees, the phrase "imminent danger" may very well again be applied by the Thai army, thus the need to imminently receive this clarification from the Thai authorities. The incident at the Mon refugee camp Hlockhani, in 1994, should be recalled. A column of the Burmese army entered the camp, arrested several refugees, and burned the camp to the ground. The refugees had been repatriated by the Thai authorities. ************************************************************ JAPAN PARLIAMENT STATEMENT: BURMA'S ADMISSION TO ASEAN March, 1997 (rec'd March 19) Burma-UN Service Office DECLARATION The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) at its regular conference of foreign ministers to be held this July plans to simultaneously accept as members the current observer status nations Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar, while promoting active diplomacy between heads of state to realize the "ASEAN 10" organization of 10 Southeast Asian states, which will signify a "unified Southeast Asia" in the true sense of the word. In particular, all ASEAN leaders are scheduled to pay their first visit to Myanmar from the end of January through June, to take part in talks with Chairman Than Shwe of the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC). With regard to the issue of democracy for Myanmar, ASEAN has adopted a policy aimed at fostering the process of transition to civilian government through "constructive engagement." However, in a February 12 meeting between Indonesian President Suharto and Chairman Than Shwe, no request was made for dialogue with Aung San Suu Kyi, nor were any other appeals issued in support of the democracy movement in that country. On the contrary, discussions were held between President Suharto and former President Ne Win, the one-time dictator who is still viewed as a backer of the military government, with absolutely no expression made of any stance of "constructive engagement" in the push for democratization. Under the current conditions, it is clear that if Myanmar were to be accepted for ASEAN membership and SLORC failed to organize some sort of movement to advance the process of transition to civilian government, international criticism would come to focus on the heads of ASEAN, who would indeed bear a heavy responsibility for this outcome. On this January 16, the Karen National Union (KNU) in Bangkok issued the "MaeThaRawHta Declaration" to SLORC, calling for trilateral talks with the ethnic minority organization and the National League for Democracy (NLD). In response to this movement, at a February 12 party commemorating the 50th anniversary of the republic held in front of her home in Yangon City, Suu Kyi voiced support for this declaration and proposed the trilateral conference. However, SLORC has made absolutely no comment on this matter, and rather stepped up its military offensive against KNU from February. We strongly condemn the stance of SLORC in rebuffing KNU and making no attempt whatsoever to create an opportunity for dialogue, a reflection of its obstinate refusal to enter into compromise. SLORC is once again requested to take prompt action in opening political dialogue toward the transition to civilian government, in accordance with the results of the general election of 1990. At the present time, in light of the general principles applied to Official Development Assistance (ODA), Japan has joined with the United States and Europe in freezing development assistance to Myanmar. In view of the present attitude exhibited by SLORC, no progress can be seen in the process, with this rather appearing to consist primarily of efforts bent on forcing democracy into retreat. During his visit to the ASEAN countries this January, Prime Minister Hashimoto issued the following comments concerning the move toward ASEAN membership for Myanmar: "Japan gives high marks to this movement from the perspective that Myanmar must not be isolated from the international community. Yet at the same time, it is also hoped that ASEAN will not act as a cover for the oppression taking place in Myanmar, and instead handle this membership issue in a means which will contribute to improving the conditions in that nation." The Prime Minister deserves to be commended for this statement. Nevertheless, at the 12th regular ASEAN-EU Minister's Meeting (AEMM) convened in mid-February, no penetrating discussions were held to address the issue of democracy for Myanmar. In view of this situation, we strongly request that the Japanese government adopt more concrete and positive diplomatic measures in the quest to encourage political dialogue on the part of SLORC and the NLD alike. March 1997 Alliance of Diet Members Supporting Democracy for Myanmar Yukio Hatoyama Deputy Chairman Yasuko Takemura Secretary-General ******************************** BUDDHIST RELIEF MISSION: PRESS RELEASE March 18, 1997 From: Ken and Visakha Kawasaki Buddhist Relief Mission Supporting the Buddha Sasana Worldwide 266-27 Ozuku-cho, Kashihara, Nara 634, Japan Tel: (07442) 2-8236 -- Fax: (07442) 4-6254 e-mail: brelief@gol.com Directors: Ken and Visakha Kawasaki Buddhist Relief Mission wishes to express its deep concern over SLORC's latest suppression of protests, officially characterized as riots, by Buddhist monks in Burma's second largest city, Mandalay. Being well informed of the volatile situation in the country at this time and being fully aware of the Mandalay Sangha's courageous commitment to democracy and human rights, we are convinced, first of all that SLORC's official explanation for the monks' demonstration is unreliable and secondly that the military's quelling of the protest poses great danger to members of the Sangha and to other pro-democracy activists. Buddhist monks played a key role in 1988 national pro-democracy uprisings when hundreds of thousands of people dared to demonstrate against the military dictatorship. When these demonstrations were brutally suppressed, thousands of unarmed citizens, including monks and novices were arrested or killed outright. In 1991, Buddhist monks, especially those in Mandalay, organized a boycott to resist and oppose the military junta which resulted in the imprisonment and forcible disrobing of many hundreds of monks. There have been signs of unrest among younger monks who want to see a restoration of democracy in the country. Because the Buddhist Relief Mission regards the situation in Mandalay as extremely serious, we strongly urge the international community to show support for the monks as they protesting against the SLORC. We also urge the media to pay close attention to events in Mandalay, the imposition of a curfew, troop movements, roadblocks, arrests, and human rights abuses. http://www2.gol.com/users/brelief/Index.htm ******************************* BKK POST: FUGITIVE TRAFFICKER SIGHTED IN BURMA March 19, 1997 Thirawat Khamthita, Chiang Rai Li Yung-chung, the fugitive drugs suspect, has been sighted in Burma, an assistant police chief said yesterday. Li, indicted in the United States on charges of importing 486kg of heroin, was recently spotted in Tachilek, opposite Mae Sai, said Pol Lt-Gen Prasarn Wongyai. Police have been told to keep watch on relatives of Li, or Pongsak Rojanasaksakul, who jumped bail while fighting extradition proceedings. Pol Col Panurat Meepien, superintendent of Mae Sai, said Li had been spotted in the district but he thought he had taken refuge in Tachilek. (BP) ******************************** THE NATION: US, BURMESE SURVEY OPIUM CROP March 19, 1997 AP Rangoon - US and Burmese experts have concluded a joint field survey to gain a better idea of the size of the opium crop in Burma, believed to be the world's biggest source of the illicit drug. The survey was carried out between March 9 and March 13 in Shan state in northern and northeastern Burma, reports in the country's state-owned press said yesterday. The US State Department says such surveys give both governments a more accurate understanding of the scope and magnitude of the crop. It was not known when the results will be made public, but the team explained its mission on Monday to a high-ranking member of the country's junta, Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, the reports said. It was the third such survey carried out by the two countries, whose relations are strained because of Washington's disapproval of Burma's repressive military government. The junta, which seized power in 1988, allows almost no political dissent and refuses to turn over power to a democratically-elected government. Direct US anti-drug aid to Burma has been suspended since the military seized power in 1988. This has halted aerial spraying to eradicate opium poppies, a programme the State Department described as effective in containing the expansion of Burmese opium cultivation. US government assistance to Burma now is limited to humanitarian and minor counter-narcotics aid, and funds for the promotion of human rights and democratic values. The State Department's annual report on narcotics, issued last month, said Burma provides the bulk of the world's opium supply, producing about 84 per cent of the opium cultivated in Southeast Asia. It said that last year's crop could yield up to 2,560 metric tonnes of opium gum, "enough to produce 250 metric tonnes of heroin and to satisfy the US heroin market many times over". The two previous joint surveys were conducted in 1993 and 1995. The State Department report said the Burmese government cancelled a planned survey last year at the last minute, shortly after the surrender of drug warlord Khun Sa. This month's survey included an aerial inspection of opium poppy cultivation and soil samples from 221 illicit opium poppy plantations, the Burmese newspaper reports said. The surveyed areas included territory previously controlled by Khun Sa, who surrendered with his guerrilla army. The US indicted Khun Sa for drug trafficking several years ago and requested his extradition, but the Burmese government has declined to turn him over. Burmese authorities have not charged him with any crime, and he is believed to be living in seclusion in Rangoon. (TN) **************************** NATION: US LOOKS TO BRIDGE GAP WITH ASEAN ON BURMA March 19, 1997 Kavi Chongkittavorn Back in 1991 in Kuala Lumpur, Asean foreign ministers confronted the United States and other Western dialogue partners on the issue of Burma. Asean was severely criticised by former US state secretary James Baker and his colleagues among the Western dialogue partners. Asean was on the defensive, especially Thailand which was singled out by the West. That was one year after the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) refused to honour its own election results and robbed the Burmese people of their democratic aspirations. Six years have elapsed since and both sides are still trying to bridge the seemingly unbridgable gap over their different approaches to Burma, despite their commonly professed objective of seeing stability and prosperity in the beleaguered country. However during that time, these ensuing divergent views have also emerged among the Western states and become increasingly visible. Their economic interests inside Burma underline their inability to forge a united stand against the Rangoon regime. The European Community is struggling to impose harsher sanctions against Burma, not without opposition from its own members. The EU's latest move would be the possible suspension of its generalised system of preferences, or GSP, for Burmese exports, worth about 2.2 million ECU or Bt70 million in customs duties. Australia, Canada and Japan are more moderate in their approach toward Burma, seeking to accommodate Asean's views and policies. They are confident that Asean knows best when it comes to Burma. Washington's stance But Washington's position regarding Burma is by far the strongest. With the new US Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright, whose tough positions against the Slorc were widely known from her years at the UN, the US must maintain its posture. Despite her tough talk, she is practical enough to seek an understanding from Asean, which will admit Burma as a member in the next three months, along with Cambodia and Laos. Albright is scheduled to attend this crucial annual Asean ministerial meeting in Kuala Lumpur, and hold talks with Asean foreign ministers for the first time. The first indications of her stand on Burma came from the letter she wrote to all Asean foreign ministers immediately after she was sworn in as the new US secretary of state in the middle of last month. Her letter to Thai Foreign Minister Prachuab Chaiyasan was the most revealing. Calling the Burmese issue the ''thorniest issue" confronting Asean and the US, Albright expressed the hope that ''Asean member states will continue to press the Slorc to improve its international situation, cease repression of the democratic opposition and move toward a more just society." She stressed that the US does not question the right of Asean to determine which countries it will admit into its ranks. However, she added that an Asean decision to admit Burma on what appears to be an ''expedited basis could inadvertently convince the Slorc that its policies meet with Asean's approval." This is a sticky point. As Asean accelerates the admission process of Burma, the member countries have not yet shown any serious concerns over the grievous violations of human rights in Burma; neither have they urged the Slorc to begin meaningful dialogue with the National League for Democracy (NLD) and representatives of the ethnic minorities. As it stands, it is as if Asean has endorsed what the Slorc has been doing. In fact, it is not. Even though not all Asean countries share the enthusiasm of Malaysia over Burma's membership, they have successfully managed their differences to avoid any further exploitation by outsiders. To them, cracks opening up under pressure from the West is by far a more serious threat to the organisation than adding Burma. Asean cannot appear weak in front of the West. Different kind of trade sanctions Within Asean, Thailand's stake is the highest because it is a neighbour of Burma. Bangkok is facing a huge narcotics problem, especially from the trade in amphetamines. Of late, Burma has become a major producer of amphetamines, known locally as ya baa (mad drugs). It is widely known that the Slorc has failed to address this issue seriously. The military junta has also been reported to be benefiting financially from this illicit production. The upcoming visit of Prime Minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh to Burma is crucial in gauging the level of cooperation Rangoon is willing to render Thailand in combatting this new menace. Thailand has already gone out of its way to cooperate with the Slorc to get rid of the Karen rebels along the Thai-Burmese border. At this juncture, however, it is hard to predict what would happen in Burma once it joins Asean. In fact, Asean is also crossing its fingers. Some Asean members think that they can better pressure or influence Burma as a member than leaving it outside. One thing is obvious though, the Slorc leaders will be stronger and have less to worry about from Western or even Asean pressure as they consolidate their grip on power. The opposition could be wiped out in no time at all, if they so wish. Despite the pressure from Washington and other Western countries, the final onus is on Asean to demonstrate that the Asean way of responding to Burma will produce a better result within a reasonable time-frame. Otherwise, Asean itself will become an international pariah. Pragmatically, Washington's main interest is to look forward to future cooperation with Asean that includes Burma in addressing illicit narcotics problems and exploring new trade opportunities. Despite growing public pressure, it is doubtful whether the US would go as far as to adopt investment sanctions on Burma as has been advocated by some US politicians. The reality of Asean-US relations also dictates that the issues of human rights and democracy, in Burma or in other Asean countries, has no place in a bilateral relationship. (TN) ****************************** BKK POST: BURMESE ASK THAIS TO KEEP BOMB WATCH March 19, 1997 Mae Sot, Tak Burmese authorities in Myawaddy have asked for the cooperation of their Thai counterparts to strictly screen goods for bombs following Monday's bomb explosion along the border. The request, which was made in a letter signed by Thai-Burmese Border Committee chairman Lt-Col Saing Phone, was yesterday sent to Thai border committee chairman Cool Suwit Maenmuen, said a border official. The move follows a bomb blast near a river landing along the border in which six people - four Thai men and two Burmese women - were wounded. Two sticks of dynamite were found hidden near the small landing on the Moei River in Ban Tha Ard, Tambon Tha Luad in Mae Sot district. The incident prompted Col Suwit to put border patrol police on bomb alert along the border. Earlier, Myawaddy had issued warnings to its officials and Burmese civilians to beware of bomb attacks following intelligence reports that the Karen National Union was planning acts of sabotage inside Burma. (BP) ********************* KUALA LUMPUR THE STAR: COMPANY SECURES CONTRACT IN UAE; VIEWS POTENTIAL IN BURMA March 15, 1997 Kuala Lumpur: MEC Bhd has secured a contract worth US$500 million (RM1.25 billion) to supply electrical products to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). MEC president and chief executive officer Datuk Seri Teong Teck Leng said the group would sign an agreement soon with a Dubai-based company. He did not give details. In another foreign venture, Teong said that MEC Sales & Service Sdn Bhd (MEC Sales) was expected to corner 10 per cent of the electrical appliance market in Myanmar. The company yesterday signed a distribution agreement with Formula Unit Sdn Bhd, which is incorporating a joint-venture company to deal in electrical products in that country. Teng said, after signing the accord with Formula Unit chairman Dr Choy Fook On, that MEC's products had tremendous potential in Myanmar which has a population of about 50 million. The company, he said, would also set up after-sales service centres in major towns in Myanmar like Yangon a?d Mandalay. Teong said that MEC had been exporting products such as air-conditioners, television sets, refrigerators and rice cookers to Singapore, Brunei and Indonesia since February. He said the company had received "very positive" response from its distributors, adding that eventually MEC aimed at exporting 70 per cent of its electrical products. Teong said that MEC would be able to produce five billion units of various electrical appliances a year when its expansion is completed in the next three years. ***************************** VOICE OF AMERICA: BURMA/U.S. BUSINESS March 19, 1997 Aung Hla In California and Connecticut, bills have been introduced to prohibit the governments of those states from doing business with companies operating in Burma. As Aung Hla of VOA's Burmese service reports, legislators concerned about political repression and human rights violations in Burma are trying to follow the examples of Massachusetts and 11 US cities where "selective purchasing laws" were approved: Text: State Representatives in California and Connecticut introduced their bills shortly after the New York City council held a second hearing on a proposed selective purchasing bill. In California, Representative Dion Aroner, who introduced the bill in the state legislature, explains what the legislation will do if it becomes law: Triple eight (888) is the number of the bill here in California. And it also prohibits the state from doing business with any entity which has economic ties to Burma. So it is a very straightforward measure, looks very much like what we did about South Africa many years ago when we were trying to have an economic impact on South Africa so that they would change their political regime. // end act // California has the seventh largest economy in the world. As the annual budgets of California and Connecticut are 45 billion and 10 billion dollars respectively, legislators sponsoring the bills say they could have a big impact. Jessie Stratton introduced the bill in the Connecticut State Legislature. In a VOA interview, she says it will send a message to the military government in Burma: Not only have I got a very positive response to my introducing this bill in Connecticut, but it is clear that corporations are indeed responding and that it is having an effect. And then you start to see major giants, like Kodak and Hewlett Packard, pull out of Burma in response both to legislation like we proposed and also to political pressure from Americans, just saying we don't want to be a part of supporting this. I think that has to be a very positive message to the people in Burma who are trying to restore democracy to their country. // end act // The selective purchasing campaign in the United States is continuing -- despite protests by Japan and the European Union that a similar law approved in Massachusetts violated World Trade Organization (WTO) rules. California Governor Pete Wilson stirred controversy in January when he said, during an Asian tour, that selective purchasing laws are unconstitutional. Activist Jane Jerome is a member of the (San Francisco) Bay Area Burma Roundtable -- one of the organizations leading selective purchasing efforts. She says the Supreme Court has ruled that such laws are constitutional. And she describes Burma as a special case compared to other countries that might be affected by such legislation: Burma is an exception, and exceptional cases require special effort, given that the National League for Democracy and other democracy supporters have called for sanctions, and given that there was an election in 1990 whose results have not been upheld. I can't say there have been elections elsewhere, in Indonesia or in China. So the results of the elections really have to be honored and Slorc (Burma's ruling State Law and Order Restoration Council) hasn't done that. // end act // If selective purchasing bills are enacted in Connecticut and California, markets worth billions of dollars will be closed to companies that have business ties to Burma. Meanwhile, in the eastern state of Vermont, state legislators concerned about the situation in Burma say they intend to introduce a similar bill. . ************************************** ANNOUNCEMENT: DUTCH BURMA ROUNDTABLE MEETING March 19, 1997 From: "Mevr A.J. Sloot-v.Dijk" Please note that the next meeting of the Dutch Burma Roundtable will be held on Saturday 22nd of March 1997, from 14:00 (2:00 pm) till 16:00 (4:00 pm)at: Burma Centrum Netherlands Paulus Potterstraat 20, 3 high 1071 DA Amsterdam (31)20-6716952 (tel) (31)20-6713513 (fax) From: bcn@xs4all.nl (Burma Centrum Nederland) ***********************************