------------------------ BurmaNet ------------------------ "Appropriate Information Technologies, Practical Strategies" ---------------------------------------------------------- The BurmaNet News: April 1, 1997 Issue #682 HEADLINES: ========== ABYMU: STATEMENT ON CURRENT BUDDHIST MONK PROTESTS IN BURMA ASIAWEEK: MONKS AMOK CHIN HUMAN RIGHTS ORGANIZATION: RELIGIOUS PERSECUTION BANGKOK POST: RANGOON SECURITY TIGHT FOR LAO PM AFP: ANTI-DRUG DEAL: ONLY ON THE BOOK OR FOR REAL? NLM: ASEAN FROM A MYANMAR'S PERSPECTIVE NLM: NEWS BRIEFS INDEPENDENT LETTER: INDO-BURMA POLICY? ANNOUNCEMENT: DEMOCRATIC BURMESE PROGRAM ON INTERNET ANNOUNCEMENT: CONFERENCE ON BURMA, KUTZTOWN, PENN ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ABYMU: STATEMENT ON CURRENT BUDDHIST MONK PROTESTS IN BURMA March 31, 1997 From: ABSDF ABYMU STATEMENT REGARDING THE CURRENT BUDDHIST MONK PROTESTS IN BURMA DATE: MARCH 31, 1997 1. The protest led by the Buddhist monks have been occurring and spreading through out the country since 16 March, 1997. 2. At least three monks were shot dead by the Slorc security forces, and more than 100 monks were arrested, according to reliable sources. 3. The monks who were killed sacrificed their lives for the cause of democracy and human rights and peace in Burma, and actively campaigning for the release of jailed monks. The ABYMU would like to express its deep sorrow at the deaths of the monks. 4. The monks were planning a demonstration for Burma's human rights day on March 13, 1997. However, the demonstration was postponed when the Slorc, with advance information, arrested some monks. As a consequence, the situation was highly tense between March 13-15. 5. In an attempt to prevent monks from engaging in political activity, Slorc has in the past plotted religious conflict between Buddhists and Muslims. Because of the March 16 incidents, monks in Mandalay held a meeting to discuss the deaths of monks in prison, the release of jailed monks, and also the incident in which precious gems were stolen by the Slorc officials form the famous Maha Myat Mu Nye Pagoda in Mandalay. During the meeting two Slorc officials arrived and stirred up religious conflict. 6. In the third week of March, the Slorc denied the news that sixteen monks had died in prison. However the ABYMU has strong evidence in relation to the reported deaths and it has already informed Amnesty International and the UN Human Right Committee. 7. If such human rights violations were not occurring in Burma's prisons, there would be no reason for the Slorc to refuse representatives from the UN Human Rights Committee and international human rights to inspect the jails and have access to prisoners. 8. On March 25 the Slorc announced that it would crush any demonstration by the monks. However, the ABYMU and monks inside Burma will, along with the people of Burma, continue to fight for the release of jailed monks and for human rights, peace and democracy. Central Leading Committee ABYMU ************************************************* ASIAWEEK: MONKS AMOK April 4, 1997 Did somebody incite the Maldalay unrest? Reported by Dominic Faulder and Roger Mitton The Monks of Mandalay have a long tradition of activism. They rebelled against British colonialists and they played a key role in the pro-democracy demonstrations of 1988. Once again they are on the warpath - but this time against local Muslims. In recent weeks, perhaps 100 monks have desecrated mosques and trashed Muslim property. Mandalay was placed under curfew late last month. One monk was subsequently reported to have been shot to death and another arrested. The trouble began when a Muslim allegedly tried to rape a Buddhist girl. But this may have been no more than the lack of economic and political opportunities is widespread. Officially, the junta blames the Mandalay uprising on shadowy forces intent on discrediting Myanmar, which hopes to gain Asean membership this year. One theory has it that a conservative faction allied to army chief Gen Maung Aye is actually behind the anti-Muslim unrest in an attempt to set off alarm bells in the capitals of Malaysia and Indonesia, Asean's two Muslim members. There has long been talk of a split in the regime's ranks, much of it unsubstantiated. Some observers, however, believe that the relatively pragmatic intelligence chief Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt is losing his clout and that Maung Aye is moving up. Meantime, the army has stepped up its presence in Yangon, where unrest has been reported, and three other cities. No member of the regime had yet connected the disturbances to the pro-democracy movement led by Aung San Suu Kyi. But the unrest may provide a further pretext for the government to crack down on dissidents. Whether that happens may well depend on who is calling the shots. (AW) ******************************************************** CHIN HUMAN RIGHTS ORGANIZATION: RELIGIOUS PERSECUTION February 1997 (BurmaNet Editor's Note: The Chin, many of whom are Christian, have been facing increasing persecution and human rights abuses over the past 2 years. While the Chin hills were largely ignored in the past, now the SLORC is cutting roads through Chin territory to increase trade access to India and to increase their control over the Chin population. The Chin National Front, a small resistance group lead by Chins who were students in 1988, has been operating out of the Chin hills.) (English slightly corrected by BurmaNet for easier reading) 1. CHRO Interview with a Chin pastor in December 1996 The monks who live at Zakam, Rezua, Leisen, Vangvai and Tinsi villages rule the communities. Anyone who doesn't abide by the monks' orders are reported to the SLORC army and he/she is punished by the army. The monks give judgement on all cases. For those who become Buddhist, they are free from any persecution such as forced labour, portering, extortion of money, etc. Whenever and wherever a monk visits, he is accompanied by the army and they arrange a porter to carry the monk's particulars. The villagers were forced to build a Buddhist monastery and temple. But they refused, insisting "we are Christians." Even though the army threatened action against them, they didn't build it yet. Now the monks and army are holding a meeting to discuss this. Nobody knows what will hapen. One pastor gave a sermon with reference to certain passages in the Bible. While he was giving the sermon, the monk entered the church and made him stop the sermon and scolded him saying, "You can't give a sermon with reference to the above verses of the Bible. If you continue, you will be imprisoned." Furthermore, the monks prohibited pastoral visits to families and prayers for them at every village where monks are living. 2. CHRO Interview with a Chin farmer in his 40s (name with held for security) from Matupi Township, in December 1996 [This man had often been elected as a community leader and worked in the Chin National League for Democracy party in 1990.] I was invited to attend social welfare training by the [SLORC] authority from Matupi on 27/2/95. When I arrived at the place, the authority told us that it is to attend Buddhist hill tract missionary training run by a Buddhist monk named U Razinn at Mindat. As we are Christian, we said we didn't want to go. But the monk persuaded us saying, 'it is no problem if you are Christian, it is just religious training.' So 5 other persons and I took part in the 10 day training. In the training, we were taught the 17 facts of how to attack and disfigure Christians. The facts were to be spread to the Chin Christian community (see the attached document). And we should not get involved in national politics. We were promised that 1200 kyats per month would be proviced to those families who became Buddhist and 800 kyats per month for those individuals who became Buddhist. Furthermore, we would not only be provided with rice and other materials, but we would also be free from portering, forced labour, and extortion of money. And our children would be provided with their education by the government. I became a Buddhist because of such privileges rather than becuase I think Buddhism is better than Christianity. And then I was called by Captain xxx, from Pakuku, and I was trained for 10 days. At the training, the captain taught me to report the activities of the Chin National Front and to create misunderstanding among Christian denominations. He told that now, Buddhism is supported by the government. The monk who lives in Matupi is a captian of Military Intelligence and the monks who live in Zakam, Rezua, Leisen, Vangkai, and Tingsi villages are sergeants in Military Intelligence. He encouraged me not to be afraid and said that whenever I needed assistance I could ask them and would be helped. After I had become a Buddhist, all the problems we faced in the kitchen disappeared. However, when I asked for assistance for my son who was studying in a theological college in Rangoon, they rejected my request and also told me not to let him continue his studies. I threatened that if you don't provide from my son, I will quit being a Buddhist. It is in vain, so I informed them that I had left Buddhism. They told me that if I wanted to join again, I could do so at any time and would be provided with more than before. For those who became a Buddhist together with me, they are provided with whatever they need and get many privileges from the government and now they are very happy. Now they became like real Buddhists. However, for Christians, the government doesn't allow them to ask for any assistance from foreign countries. As we are very poor and have sufferend under forced labour, portering, and the extortion of money, some people are interested in becoming Buddhists. 3. Translation of "The facts to attack Christians" Missionaries, Honorable Monks, Cleansing Organization The facts to attack Christians 01. To attack Christian families and the progress of Christians 02. To criticize against the sermons which are broadcast from Manila, Philippines 03. To criticize God as narrow-minded and egotistical who himself claimed that "There is no god except eternal God" 04. To be against corrupted youth and inappropriate fashion 05. To criticize the preaching of Christians wherever it has penetrated. 06. To criticize Christianity by means of pointing out its delicacy and weakness 07. To stop the spread of the Christian movement in rural areas 08. To criticize by means of pointing out "it is not salvation but purchased by blood" 09. To counterattack by means of pointing out Christianity's weakness and overcome this with Buddhism. 10. To counter the Bible after throrough study. 11. To criticize that "God loves only Israel but not all the races." 12. To point out ambiguity between the two testaments. 13. To criticize on the point that Christianity is partisan. 14. To criticize Christianity's concept of the Creator and compare it with the scientific concept. 15. To study and access the amount given in offerings. 16. To criticize the holy spirit after thorough study. 17. To attack Christians by means of both non-violence and violence. Recopy, Myo Chit, Wah Mah Tah, 2639 True Copy (Sa Win) ************************************************************ BANGKOK POST: RANGOON SECURITY TIGHT FOR LAO PM March 31, 1997 AFP Rangoon- Burmese authorities kept security tight for a visit by Laotian Prim Minister Khamtay Siphandone as communal unrest in the capital appeared to be winding down, witnesses said. Security forces surrounding the official visit supplemented those stationed near mosques and monasteries to stem a rash of attacks on Muslim property which began two weeks ago in the central Burmese city of Mandalay. Rangoon has been quiet for the past few days after a series of incidents in which Buddhist monks stoned and vandalised mosques and private Muslim homes, but curfews apparently remained in place in Mandalay and Toungoo. ***************************************************************** AFP: ANTI-DRUG DEAL: ONLY ON THE BOOK OR FOR REAL? March 31, 1997 Myanmar and Laos, the two largest opium-producing countries in the so-called Golden Triangle, have signed an agreement to crack down on illegal drug trafficking, according to official news reports yesterday. The pact was signed on Saturday as the highlight of an official visit by Lao Prime Minister Siphandone Tongvanh to Myanmar at the invitation of State Law and Order Restoration Council chairman General Than Shwe, said the New Light of Myanmar newspaper. Myanmar and Laos, whose remote hinterlands make up sections of the tri-border Golden Triangle area, produce about 2,500 tonnes and 200 tonnes of opium respectively per year. *************************************************************** NLM: ASEAN FROM A MYANMAR'S PERSPECTIVE March 18, 1997 (New Light of Myanmar) by Moe-MOFA I remember, I remember The memories left over >From carefree days in grade school Where I used to play the fool I remember, I remember Stories from my reader That took seed throughout my youth And emerge today as timeless truths I remember, I remember How six blind men endeavoured To describe a pachyderm To each other in no uncertain terms A wall, a fan, a rope, some said No, a snake, another professed Still others held forth without fear That elephants were like pillars and spears All found out when time was due That every assertion made was true An elephant was all of these Perception had shaped their hypotheses I remember, I remember Laughing at the six blind men What a child I was back then... Bad poetry, I concede, but a good way of recalling the story of the six blind men and their attempt to find out what really was an elephant. What struck me most at that time was how they could have stuck so stubbornly to their tactile observations without giving the benefit of the doubt to the opinion of others. Visualizing the story in the cruel frankness that only children possess, I was entertained countless times. As a result of these repeated readings, the moral of the story took root in my mind, to come up at the least expected moments like right now! Thinking about the story again from the perspective that more than two decades have brought, the moral remains the same: perceptions make all the difference in pronouncing an opinion of a truth that exists despite all the noises. Today, in Myanmar, the flavour of 1997 seems to be ASEAN and Myanmar's prospective membership into the Association. At this juncture in our preparations, different interpretations abound as to what the Association really is -- in both the national and regional contexts. Reading various literature on ASEAN affords the readers access to the different dimensions of the Association. However, at a time when identity needs to be forged -- identity as Myanmars, identity as sons of Southeast Asia, identity as part of the region and therefore part of what is going on in the region -- there is an increasing need to be aware of what it really means to be part of the Southeast Asian Nations. For this, we in Myanmar will also need to have a clear idea of what really is the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, apart from its historical development and institutional responsibilities. Is ASEAN like a wall against a common threat? Or is it more like a pillar that stands firm for the interest of the region? Would it seem to be a rope that binds all members together? Does it represent determination of purpose like that of a snake? Is ASEAN's thrust as sharp as that of a spear? Is it bringing that long-awaited cool breeze of development with it? There may be different perceptions as to what simile or metaphor would best describe the Association vis-a-vis Myanmar, but I feel that ASEAN is all these and more. ASEAN a wall [subhead] The Association of Southeast Asian Nations came into existence three decades ago as a response to the challenges the countries of the region faced then. At a time where the newly independent nations of Southeast Asia were still shaking off the dust of their chequered colonial pasts, the bi-polar struggles of the superpowers were also being played out in the region. Previous efforts for regionalism having failed to achieve the objectives they aimed for, ASEAN emerged at a time when the need was greatest for dialogue among each other as a mechanism against ideological threats and political rivalries that extended into the region. ASEAN today is ever a forum for dialogue among the members and their friends; it is not an alliance, but rather a security community that seeks to build more confidence into the formal interstate relations for the present than had been in the past. In the attempt to achieve regional resilience from the diverse national resiliences, ASEAN then, is the wall that stands strong and firm in the face of challenges and dictates from outside. It is the wall that protects and weathers those within from the harsh winds blowing without. It is the wall that tells everyone of the residences inside and that demarcates the extent of our domain. Myanmar is soon to be part of that domain, soon to be a residence safe within the security of the wall. It is up to us to prove worthy residents who contribute to the continuing security and stability that ASEAN as a wall provides. Myanmar is a participating member of the ASEAN Regional Forum, as well as a signatory to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in South-East Asia and to the South East Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone Treaty. Soon, we will also be finishing our part of the ASEAN wall. ASEAN as a spear [subhead] ASEAN's thrust in regional and international affairs has steadily increased over the years as the Association has progressed from achievements in both the political and economic arenas, gaining an increasing international recognition along the way. The three decades of regional peace point to ASEAN's major achievement in the political sphere. Not a single shot has been fired in anger in resolving disputes, which underlines the Association's track record of brotherly relations, even in the thick of an intra-regional conflict. The main business of ASEAN has never been disrupted from reverberations at the bilateral levels. Another feather in ASEAN's cap is the role the Association was able to play in managing the Cambodian conflict right up to the resolution phase. ASEAN's Dialogue Partners reveal the Association's emerging role as an important regional player. ASEAN's economic growth rate of 7.11 percent (between 1989-1996) and the increasing linkages with other trading and regional economic entities such as NAFTA (North America Free Trade Area), EFTA (European Free Trade Area), SADC (Southern Africa Development Community), SPF (South Pacific Forum), and other organizations in Central and South America, have earned ASEAN recognition in the economic arena as well. With its growth triangles and the well-planned implementation of the AFTA process, ASEAN has taken its place as the world's fifth biggest economic power after NAFTA, EU, China and Japan. With such "weight" and well-built "muscles", any thrust by the ASEAN spear must be sharp indeed. Soon, with the added strength from the CLM countries, the spear can reach even farther, and claim even more prowess. ASEAN as a pillar [subhead] It has been said that ASEAN is more of a "loose" organization in the sense that it is more or less loosely institutionalized, with the Bangkok Declaration of 1967 in the place of a formal Charter. Over the decades, there has never really been any strong centralization of authority -- no supranational authority, for that matter -- in ASEAN affairs. The modus operandi itself is "consultation and consensus" for any decision made by the Association. However, this alone constitutes the one constant factor across all the changing phases of members and nations in the region. The understanding that every issue should be discussed and consensus reached through frank and open consultation has become the one great pillar of ASEAN strength that converges all the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the members. ASEAN as a rope [subhead] For all its being big on process and small on institutions, ASEAN does possess a norm-reinforcing element in that the constant pillar of consultation and consensus stands tall for all members and friends of the Association. Another binding element can be found in the one representative institution of ASEAN -- the ASEAN Secretariat. To paraphrase the saying "All roads lead to Rome", it can be said of the Secretariat that "All ASEAN matters emanate first from the ASEAN Secretariat". With this as the locus of activities in the region's political, economic and social fabric, the rope that binds all members and partners together is the network of ASEAN National Secretariats in the capitals of member countries, and the ASEAN Committees in third countries. The initiative taken in Bangkok three decades ago is like a needle that first took up a strong and wonderful thread, with the aim to ultimately achieve a very special necklace of the ten colourful beads in the region of Southeast Asia. The thread or rope, which binds the member countries together is of course the Bangkok Declaration signed by the five founding members and all subsequent members to the Association. The safety chain that keeps the beads together can be found in the form of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation. Soon, the ASEAN necklace will be complete and the clasp will keep all the beads together. The binding element can be found in the fact that the beads alone are responsible for ensuring that the thread which keeps them together will not break. Indeed, the mission statement of the ASEAN Secretariat will act as the clasp of the necklace since it ensures "strengthening and intensifying of intra ASEAN cooperation". The rope is thus strong enough to thread three more beads who will help the others in striving for a Southeast Asia region beautiful in every sense of the word. ASEAN as a fan [subhead] The Bangkok Declaration of 1967 states the desire of the ASEAN Member Countries to work together to promote economic cooperation for the welfare of the people in the region. Indeed, the first of the three main objectives of ASEAN is "to promote the economic, social and cultural development of the region through cooperative programmes". As emerging economies still on the road to development, it is not surprising that economic, social and cultural development are stressed as preconditions to political stability. Indeed, in a region characterized by diversity in every sense -- geographical, cultural, ethnic, and political -- a common goal pragmatically focused on the shared destiny of the region, rather than on values and norms that differed according to the different "after-tastes" of colonial masters, naturally has a high potential of succeeding. In 1967, what was needed was that long-awaited draft of a sense of achievement -- of being able to deliver the goods to the people and to give them a stake in the future of their respective lands of residence. What better way than economic prosperity and a sense of belonging? Economic success in ASEAN has brought with it the waft of air that refreshes a body which has weathered the sun and wind. It is indeed like the soft breeze one gets from a fan when once one has entered the cool shade from a hot day outside. ASEAN's economic growth triangles in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia, the AFTA process falling into place as the Green Lane System to expedite customs clearance for Common Effective Preferential Tariff products is established, non-tariff barriers are eliminated and tariff nomenclatures harmonized; the ASEAN Industrial Cooperation Scheme, cooperation in investment, and the new initiative of ASEAN Mekong Basin Development Cooperation are all part of the economic achievement of the Association. Of equal importance is the promotion of functional cooperation which covers the areas of science and technology, environment, culture and information, social development, and drugs and narcotics control. Indeed, functional cooperation in ASEAN is the way to reach out and touch all the people in the region as part of the ASEAN family and a concrete example that ASEAN activities are not just limited to the soundbites of high-level summits broadcasted worldwide. Indeed, the decision of the Bangkok Summit of 1995 to elevate functional cooperation to a higher plane focused on this aspect of people-to-people contact in the effort to forge a common ASEAN identity as the people of the region move forward in search of convergence among divergences. To be ASEAN citizens is to know about each other -- the similarities and differences in the way of the life, traditions and cultural customs -- in every ASEANcountry. An ASEAN identity is to be aware of and to accept the differences while strengthening the similarities. What better way than through the contacts afforded by cooperation on functional matters? Thus, the prosperity achieved by individual and collective economic successes will be shared through human development, technological competitiveness and social cohesiveness. As a fan brings coolness, so does it shade the person from the heat and dust. ASEAN as a snake [subhead] Many equate snakes with more of a negative sense than the positive factors that a snake symbolizes for people of Asia. Where a pessimist would see cunning, ruthlessness and coldness, an optimist sees intelligence, determination of purpose and protection of one's own. Indeed, the snake stands for wit and wealth in Asian interpretation. ASEAN's "success factors" today reveal the wisdom of vision initiated three decades ago, combined with the determined effort of the Association's members to achieve the goals and objectives the founding fathers had formulated. The notion of a shared destiny has led to even closer coordination of efforts. This is illustrated by the political commitment demonstrated at the highest level among ASEAN leaders and countries in Southeast Asia. One of the principles of peaceful co-existence, non-interference, is also part of the ASEAN way -- creating a milieu where conflict does not emerge, or if it does, containing it so that it does not disturb the region as a whole. The stabilizing role assumed by a founding member of ASEAN ensures a focal point in the Association's intramural relations. Close consultation and cooperation among members, and the consensus approach ensures and enhances the united stand of sovereign nations. These success factors are the result of the intelligence born of experience. They are based on a sincere desire for the well-being of brethren. They have come about because of a consistent implementation of the common goals. In this, the Association is like a snake. I have always understood that snakes are different from serpents. In Myanmar, the flavour of 1997 is ASEAN and the CLM prospective membership to the Association. Different perceptions will still abound as to what the Association really means to and for Myanmar. However, the eternal truth of ASEAN will always exist for those who come into contact with the Association in big ways or small. Whatever a blind person touches, whatever the fingers can feel, a message is conveyed to stay forever in the mind's eye. Whatever we in Myanmar can feel from our "touches" or contact with the Association of South East Asian Nations, whatever our observations past, present and future define, my one wish is that the message conveyed will be one of shared peace, progress and prosperity when ten stand as one in the 21st century. (With this article, I pay homage to all in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who have given their best for Myanmar's ASEAN initiatives; as part of my contribution to the MOFA Golden Jubilee.) **************************************************** NLM: NEWS BRIEFS March 29, 1997 MIC CHAIRMAN RECEIVES TEXACO PRESIDENT YANGON, 28 March - Chairman of Myanmar Investment Commission Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Admiral Maung Maung Khin received President of Texaco International Production of US Mr Robert A Solberg and party at his office this morning. Exploration of oil and gas at offshore areas in Myanmar by Texaco and future programmes were discussed. Secretary of MIC Minister at Office of Deputy Prime Minister Brig-Gen Maung Maung, Deputy Minister for Energy U Tin Tun and officials were also present. PRC STATE COUNCILLOR AND SECRETARY-GENERAL OF STATE COUNCIL TOURS TAUNGGYI, THANDWE YANGON, 28 March State Councillor and Secretary-General of the State Council of the People's -Republic of China Mr Luo Gan and delegation, here on an official visit to the Union of Myanmar at the invitation of Secretary-1 of the State Law and Order Restoration Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, accompanied by Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyunt Swe and PRC Ambassador Ms Chen Baoliu, left here by special flight for Heho on 26 March morning. They arrived at Heho Airport at 9.30 am and were welcomed by Chairman of Shan State Law and Order Restoration Council Commander of Eastern Command Maj-Gen Tin Htut, Brig-Gen Pyi Zon and Tatmadaw officers, members of Shan State Law and Order Restoration Council, state level departmental officials. The delegation, accompanied by Commander Maj-Gen Tin Htut, proceeded to Inlay Khaungdaing Hotel in Nyaungshwe. They then arrived Inlay PhaungdawU Pagoda where they were welcomed by Tactical Operations Commander Col Ko Ko Kyaw and members of the Board of Trustees. First, the Chinese goodwill delegation offered flowers, lights and incense and paid homage to the Buddha image. The delegation gilded the Buddha image. The State Councillor Mr Luo Gan signed in the visitor's book and donated cash toward the pagoda funds. Board of Trustees presented a replica of PhaungdawU Pagoda to Mr Luo Gan.The goodwill delegation proceeded to Inlay Yayle Guest House where they watched Inlay traditional men's and women's traditional boat race, Inlay traditional style in conveying soon to monastery and Inlay traditional fishing. Mr Luo Gan, Deputy Minister U Nyunt Swe and PRC Ambassador Ms Chen Baoliu presented prizes and gifts to the demonstrators. The Chinese goodwill delegation proceeded to Taunggyi where they visited Mesia mini market, Chingmai store and other shops in Myoma Market, Taung. In the evening, Commander Maj-Gen Tin Htut hosted dinner in honour of the goodwill delegation at Than Lwin Hall. Mr Luo Gan and Commander Maj-Gen Tin Htut exchanged gifts. The Chinese goodwill delegation left Taunggyi by special flight for Thandwe yesterday morning. They arrived at Mazin Airport at 10.30 am and they were welcomed by Deputy Commander of Western Command Brig-Gen Yan Thein and Tatmadaw officers, departmental officials and members of Union Solidarity and Development Association. The Chinese goodwill delegation, accompanied by Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Yan Thein, arrived Annawa Yeiktha in Thandwe. They rested in Ngapali Beach and played tennis and volleyball. The guests, together with Deputy Commander Brig-Gen- Yan Thein, had souvenir photos taken in Annwa Yeiktha. The visiting Chinese delegation arrived back here this morning. MILITARY ATTACHES, FAMILIES VISIT DEFENCE SERVICES MUSEUM YANGON, 28 March- Military attaches and their families of foreign missions visited Defence Services Museum on Shwedagon Pagoda Road this morning and observed the 52nd Anniversary Armed Forces Day Exhibition at the museum. They were welcomed at the museum by Chief of Staff (Navy) Commodore Nyunt Thein, Chief of Staff (Air) Brig-Gen Kyaw Than, Director of Public Re5ations and Psychological Warfare Brig-Gen Aung Thein, Deputy Chief of the Office of Strategic Studies Deputy Director of Defence Services Intelligence Col Kyaw Win, Director of Defence Services Museum and Historical Research Institute Col Ye Htut. Col Ye Htut explained to the guests facts about the museum and booths on display at the museum. Defence Attache of India Col Blard Waj, Dean of Military Attaches, thanked officials. The guests, together with the senior Tatmadaw officers, had souvenir photos taken. Afterwards, officials conducted the guests around the museum. STUDENTS OF AZIN AND KYAIKDON REGIONS CONTINUE SIGHTSEEING (BurmaNet Editor's note: Azin and Kyaikdon were under KNU control until the recent offensive. They are now under SLORC control.) YANGON, 28 March Altogether 86 students and teachers of Azin and Kyaikdon regions in Kya-in Seikkyi led by U Pan Laung, accompanied by Major Zaw Win Kyu of No 44 LID, visited Maha Bandoola Park this morning. They visited Myanma Department Store on Shwedagon Pagoda Road and Bogyoke Aung San Market. They also went to Tiger Parahita School (Kyakyaung) of the Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs at Kamayut Station Road in Kamayut Township at 1.10 pm and they were welcomed by Director of Department for Development of Border Areas and National Races Maj Maung Maung Tin, Principal U Hla Nyein and officials and students. Director Maj Maung Maung Tin extended greetings and Principal U Hla Nyein explained salient points of the school. U Pan Laung thanked them. Then, the students inspected the school and had souvenir photos taken. ******************************************************* INDEPENDENT LETTER: INDO-BURMA POLICY? March 31, 1997 by Tint Swe (NLD MP, staying in India) (this letter has been sent as a letter to the editor to the Hindustan Times and the Asian Age in India) Indo-Burma policy? In this ever-changing world many people forget the past easily. I wonder how many Indians except journalists and scholars perceive Burma has been under a tyranny regime since before the death of J. Nehru. Student demonstrations in December, peasant marching in January and on-going monks protest are a few examples of how the general population of Burma are frustrated with the dictatorial regime. The incidents of such drew the media attention. But its just the ice-berg. Tanks are still at the heart of Rangoon. Curfew is still imposed in Mandalay. Many colleagues are still closed and the student and monk examinations are canceled. 100 monks and 100 elected MPs are still in the jails. More than 50,000 refugees are forced to live under the shade of trees inside Thailand. Being a tiny country with ethnic diversity Burma seems to be insignificant to India. But at a recent seminar in JNU many scholars and experts have been talking Indias security concern through Burmas deteriorating situation. The former Indian ambassador, I.P. Singh advocated for Constructive disengagement while a former Indian Army General recommended a Gradual approach and bilateral relation with Burma. Security alone should not be the interest of India. My observation is Image of India is the undeniable interest of India. Indias image means democracy. The great leaders of modern India had never been left behind to protect and to help restoring democracy in the world. When a Burma expert admitted that India's long strategic desire was for all her neighbors to be democratic, secular and united, a scholar raised a question on how should India act particularly on Burma to accomplish that goal. I rarely if not nothing heard from India expressing her concern on deteriorating developments under the military regime. When the recipient of the Nehru Award, Aung San Suu Kyi was physically assaulted by government-backed mob India was quiet. When 500 elected MPs were arrested Lok Sabh members kept silent. India should speak out for the cause of democracy and justice. As the State department or EU usually if not always pronounce their distress and anguish on such inside news, to whom the people of Burma should express gratitude? We do not need arms or money from India to be able to restore democracy. Please speak out! The United Nations forum is there. Just take initiative to implement the UN resolutions on Burma. If Indias interest is security, your borders and waters can be secured only when a democratic government is there. If trading is the priority, your business can be protected by a democratic government is there. There is no rule of law in Burma now. Tint Swe Member of Parliament (Burma) ================ Dr. Tint Swe K-146, Krishna Park Ext. Outer Ring Road New Delhi. 18 Tel/Fax: 514-5548 **************************************************************** ANNOUNCEMENT: DEMOCRATIC BURMESE PROGRAM ON INTERNET March 31, 1997 From: ausgeo@msn.com Subject: Mg Aye urged Than Shwe to retire in March 30 program Only one Democratic Burmese Program on Internet Dear friends, The March 16 program of the Democratic Burmese Radio originally on 2NBC in Australia, is now available for real-time playback via RealAudio from BurmaSong at This is a Burmese-language program featuring Burma news, views, and music of Burma presented by Burmese now living in Australia. It will be appreciated any suggestion about program , Please sends E-mail to (ausgeo@msn.com ). Many thanks to Mr Wrightson Tongue , Burma Net and all listeners. Democratic Burmese Program ***************************************************8 ANNOUNCEMENT: CONFERENCE ON BURMA, KUTZTOWN, PENN March 29, 1997 From: "John M. Sellers" A Conference on Burma will be held at Kutztown University on Saturday, 5 April 1997. Kutztown, PA is located along US 222 near Interstate 78 just west of Allentown, PA. Program: US Premiere showing of John Pilger's award-winning documentary "Inside Burma - Land of Fear" Speakers include: Bo Hla Tint, finance minister, NCGUB, the government in exile Dr. Richard Crooker, professor of geography, Kutztown University, heroin Julien Moe, electronic journalist and translator Brian Lipsett, Penn State student activist Dr. John MacArthur, physician just returned from working with Karenni refugees on the Thai border Ohmar Khin, Democratic Burmese Students Organization Joseph Silverstein, professor emeritus, Rutgers University, author, scholar, activist Sunda Khin, co-founder, Foundation for Democracy in Burma Registration Opens at 8:30 AM. "Inside Burma" video Panel 1 - History Panel 2 - Current Conditions Panel 3 - Prospects for Democracy Networking/Wrap-up at 3:30 PM Adequate time for breaks, networking and meeting each other. Registration: FREE (suggested donation $10) Hope you can attend the conference, and bring some friends! If you think you'll attend and want directions and/or further information, please contact me at or phone John Abrahall at 1 800 543 3764. Kind regards, John M. Sellers Berks Peace Community ***********************************************