------------------------ BurmaNet ------------------------ "Appropriate Information Technologies, Practical Strategies" ---------------------------------------------------------- The BurmaNet News: April 16, 1997 Issue #696 Noted in passing: "Human rights is not an "optional extra"; indeed, respect for human rights is a prerequisite to genuine development." (see ALIRAN TO UN COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS) HEADLINES: ========== BOSTON GLOBE: MASSACHUSETTS TO BE WARNED ON BURMA THE NATION: GROUP RALLIES AGAINST GAS PIPELINE UN HUMAN RIGHTS BRIEFING - DR SEIN WIN'S PAPER ALIRAN TO UN COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS THE NATION: "GOLF TALKS" FOR MEKONG RIVER NEIGHBOURS THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR : NEWS BRIEFS ***************************************************** BOSTON GLOBE: MASSACHUSETTS TO BE WARNED ON BURMA LAW April 15, 1997 Frank Phillips US trade officials target sanctions Alarmed by Massachusetts' efforts to press economic sanctions against military dictators in Burma and Indonesia, a top US trade official has scheduled a round of meetings in Boston today to talk state officials out of their renegade foreign-policy initiatives. Sources said yesterday that Rebecca Reese, director of procurement affairs for the US trade representative's office, and a State Department trade official will warn that President Clinton believes Massachusetts is violating international trade agreements. The messengers are expected to face a cool reception at the State House. "We're not backing off this," said Representative Byron Rushing (D-South End), who sponsored the Burma sanctions bill. "My message to them is they should not stand in the way of elected legislatures," Rushing said. "If they wish to engage in this type of activity, it is undemocratic." Rushing said aides to Governor William F. Weld have assured him they have no plans to back down either. At issue is Massachusetts' first-in-the-nation law that bans state agencies or authorities from contracting with companies that do business in the military-ruled Southeast Asian nation. The law has created an international furor among America's trading partners and a migraine headache for the Clinton administration, which has come under heavy pressure from allies and US multinational corporations to bring Massachusetts into line. Since it seized power in 1987, the military-led State Law and Order Restoration Council in Burma has been assailed by human-rights groups for suppressing political opposition, including attempts to silence Aung San Suu Kyi, the pro-democraacy leader and Nobel peace laureate who won a 1990 election and has since been under house arrest. Burma has also been under fire for what federal drug officials have called its growing reliance on the heroin and cocaine trade to fuel economic development. Reese and a State Department trade official are scheduled to meet with legislators who have sponsored sanctions bills, House Speaker Thomas M. Finneran, and senior representatives of Weld and of Attorney General Scott Harshbarger. The State Department is especially worried other states will follow Massachusetts' example. Three states are considering similar bills. The two Washington officials reportedly also want to press Massachusetts officials about a pending sanction bill that would bar state contracts with firms doing business in Indonesia and require pension funds to divest of stock in such corporations. The bill targets what critics call Indonesia's heavy-handed efforts to quell opposition in East Timor. The European Union and Japan, pushed by their multinational corporations, have protested the Massachsuetts sanctions on Burma and the proposed sanctions on Indonesia, claiming they violate the World Trade Organization's rules. *************************************** THE NATION: GROUP RALLIES AGAINST GAS PIPELINE April 14, 1997 THE Kanchanaburi Environmental Group began its march yesterday to protest the controversial Thai-Burmese gas pipeline, its leader said. Phinan Choterosseranee said the group would warn people living close to the pipeline's route about the possible risk of gas explosions and other negative impacts. A total of 15 campaigners started off with a rally at Thong Pha Phum and then moved off to Sai Yok district, before passing through Daowadung Cave, Sai Yok Yai National Park, Thung Kang Yang, Kor Ror Por Klang and end in Ban Tha Sao village. Phinan said the group intended to provide villagers with the necessary information about the project, some of which they had never heard about before including its history, main purpose and impact on the surrounding area. "Many villagers have joined our group since we began campaigning, after they found out what they could be facing during the building and after. "We will continue to rally until the pipeline's route is changed," she promised. "Some villagers became worried that the project would lower the price of their land. We are also concerned about the possible risk from gas explosions, and we who live and work here should have the right to ask and find out what those risks are," she said. The campaigners carried protest signs and leaflets for distribution as they set off. Some villagers said they had not been informed about the possible risk from gas explosions, and were only told that the pipeline would pass though their land. "If it's true what the campaign leaflets say, our life here is at risk from now on," one villager said. Amnart Rong-arwut, a 23 year old farmer in Tha Khanun Sub district, said he was aware of the project's dangers to those living near the route. "The Petroleum Authority of Thailand (PTT) is selfish and careless when it comes to caring about our lives. The company told us it was a good project. Yes, it is a good project-for them, but not for us," he said. Phornnipha Saetan, a 19 year old student, said she believed the project was not as good as the PTT claimed. She said if it was that good there would not have been any opposition form local villagers. "Who do they (the PTT) think we (Kanchanaburi people are? Uncivilised people? They decided not to tell us about the pipeline's risks. We are not stupid. I will sign my opposition to the project with the group," she said. A number of other environmental and conservation organisation were scheduled to join up with the Kanchanaburi Environment Group at a meeting in Kanchanaburi on April 22 Earth Day. ************************************************************ UN HUMAN RIGHTS BRIEFING - DR SEIN WIN'S PAPER April 8, 1997 From: darnott@iprolink.ch (David Arnott) The following is the paper presented by Dr. Sein Win, Prime Minister, National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma (NCGUB), at the Briefing on Human Rights in Burma, at the UN Human Rights Commission in Geneva. PROSPECTS FOR DEMOCRATIC CHANGE IN BURMA AND THE ROLE OF THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY By Dr. Sein Win Prime Minister, National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma (NCGUB) April 8, 1997 First of all, I would like to say thank you for your interest in the situation of human rights in Burma. As Daw Aung San Suu and Saw David Taw have already said, the situation in Burma is now moving from bad to worse. In December of last year, there were renewed student and peasant demonstrations against the ruling military regime, and recently there was Muslim and Buddhist religious unrest. As a result of the demonstrations, universities and some high schools were closed, and many have yet to be reopened. In recent months, prices of basic commodities have shot up, rumors abound, and a general air of discontent permeates the society. Many of the same conditions that formed the basis for protests in Burma in 1988 such as rampant inflation and perceived injustices still exist today and are, in fact, worse. The political temperature is rising and more clashes are likely because SLORC seems to be intent on provoking the people by imposing harsher and harsher restrictions. Equally disturbing is the apparent inability of the Burma's generals to respond to political developments in Burma in any way except by resorting to force. Instead of learning from the past, the military seems to be intent on handling new situations in the same way as it did in 1988, except that the oppressive actions are increasingly sophisticated. Unfortunately, SLORC's repressive measures which are supposedly being taken to defuse tensions are in fact adding fuel to the already uneasy situation. The current crackdown against Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the National League for Democracy is totally unnecessary. This would seem to suggest that the military is panicking. The political tension could instead be defused very rapidly by simply beginning a dialogue with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and leaders from the ethnic nationalities. However, SLORC seems to be confident that they will be able to control the situation by force, and that it is not necessary to have a dialogue with opposition groups. SLORC is concerned with its legitimacy and power, though they say they are concerned with Burma's economy and national integrity. Legitimacy, as far as we understand it, descends from the will of the people. But, in SLORC's way of thinking, legitimacy seems to be interpreted as recognition at the UN and the achievement of observer status of ASEAN. And as far as SLORC is concerned, a decent economy is having enough hard currency to run the army and to support the military elites. I have no doubt that a transition to democracy in Burma will take place because of the democratic aspirations of the people. The main question is "what form will the transition take?" The current situation in Burma is very tense and very similar to the period before the 1988 democratic uprising. If the situation remains unchecked, it could lead to another round of bloodshed and total devastation. When we look at the international responses to the situation in Burma, statements range from the US policy of "not encouraging or discouraging trade and investment", to the European Union's policy of "critical dialogue", to the "quiet diplomacy" of Japan, and the ASEAN policy of "constructive engagement". In United States, President Clinton has already signed the Bill Section 570 of the Foreign Operations and Appropriation Act that calls for the conditional sanctions. A debate is still going on at the US State Department on the question of whether it is more effective to keep the sanctions legislation as a threat or to actually impose sanctions. The legislation asks the President to impose sanctions against SLORC if Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is rearrested or forced into exile or if she faces physical harm or if there is a large scale crackdown against the democracy movement. We are of the view that the conditions set out in the legislation have already been met, and therefore sanctions should be imposed now. Sanctions should not be measured just by calculating their economic cost to SLORC. We should not overlook the psychological impact they will have. We also welcome the resolution of the European Parliament that calls for sanctions and acknowledge the initiative of Denmark to raise the issue of economic sanctions at the EU. However, we are disappointed to know that some EU members, such as the United Kingdom, France and Germany, have taken the view that actions such as economic sanctions should not be taken by regional blocks but should only be part of multilateral action taken by the UN Security Council. Despite such reluctance to impose sanctions, during the last week of March, the European Union decided to suspend the General System of Preference (GSP) for Burma based on SLORC's widespread practice of forced labor. Even though there might not be a significant economic impact on SLORC, the suspension of the GSP sends a strong political message to the regime. Since the beginning of ASEAN's Constructive Engagement policy towards Burma, we have stressed that there should be engagement, not only with the Burmese generals, but also with the Burmese people or the representatives elected by the people. There should be a dynamic engagement with SLORC that raises fundamental questions and actively attempts to improve the situation instead of the current policy which passively engages the generals with the sole aim of paving the way for business. We are seriously concerned that ASEAN's is considering the admission of Burma as full member to the regional bloc. Premature admission would have a detrimental impact on the development of democracy in Burma. ASEAN should postpone Burma's full membership and try to influence the military regime to take some positive incremental steps toward democracy prior to entry into ASEAN. Such steps could include (1) Cooperation with the UN (to accept the visit of the Special Rapporteur and the Representative of the Secretary-General) (2) Full access for the International Committee for the Red Cross and other international groups to political prisoners and ethnic nationality areas where human rights abuses are routine and (3) Dialogue with the NLD and leaders of ethnic groups as mentioned in the UN General Assembly resolution. While I am talking about the policy of governments, I should not leave out the role of grassroots action in influencing policymakers. Internet technology has been very instrumental in promoting public awareness about the human rights situation in Burma. Burmanet and the Free Burma Coalition are at the forefront of using this technology to launch boycott campaigns, shareholder resolutions and selective purchasing laws at the city and state levels. The immediate result of these campaigns has been increased media awareness and public education through the conventional media. During the last two years, Burma support groups have exerted effective pressure on the corporate community. As a result, some US companies (Pepsi Cola, Apple, Motorola, Liz Clayborn, and Eddie Bauer for example) and some European companies (Heinekin and Carlsberg for example) have pulled out of Burma. Six cities in the US have passed selective purchasing laws penalizing companies doing business in Burma, and the state of Mansachusette passed a similiar sanctions bill. In conclusion, we strongly believe that grassroots action and economic sanctions combined with UN efforts seeking mediation and conflict resolution will help bring change to Burma. The international community's efforts do make a difference in our struggle for democracy and lasting peace in Burma, and we thank you for your support. Thank you. ************************************** ALIRAN TO UN COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS April 11, 1997 (received) From: darnott@gn.apc.org ALIRAN On the roster of the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations P O Box 1049, 10830 Penang, Malaysia Tel/Fax: +60-4-641 5785 United Nations Commission on Human Rights Agenda Item 10 Oral Intervention by Ms Debbie Stothard, ALIRAN KESEDARAN NEGARA Mr. Chairperson, I speak on behalf of ALIRAN, a Malaysian NGO, one of the 227 organizations and individuals from member states of ASEAN (Association of South-East Asian Nations), who have endorsed the Alternative ASEAN Declaration on Burma, which is attached, for your information. We wish to lodge our gravest concern at the deteriorating human rights situation in Burma as documented by the Special Rapporteur and many international organizations. We view the inference that the right to development somehow justifies widespread human rights violations in Burma as misleading and in direct contradiction to the Declaration on the Right to Development as adopted by General Assembly resolution 41/128 of 4 December 1986. Article 9, Paragraph 2: "Nothing in the present Declaration shall be construed as being contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations, or as implying that any State, group or person has a right to engage in any activity or to perform any act aimed at the violation of the rights set forth in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and in the International Covenant on Human Rights". Human rights is not an "optional extra"; indeed, respect for human rights is a prerequisite to genuine development. Slorc's (State Law and Order Restoration Council's)stated priority to ensure food and shelter for Burma's citizens is perplexing in light of the fact that Slorc recently willfully deprived tens of thousands of people in Burma of these very rights. As I speak, hundreds of unarmed civilians are losing their families, food, shelter and possessions to looting and military attack by the Slorc. Testimonies from recently- arrived refugees at the Thai-Burmese border clearly show that there has not been any abatement in the Slorc's horrific human rights abuses including arbitrary killings, torture, rape and assault. We are deeply concerned that the so-called development taking place in Burma has failed miserably to ensure, the objectives outlined in the Declaration on the Right to Development: "...equality of opportunity for All in their access to basic resources, education, health services, food, housing, employment and the fair distribution of income." as stated in Article 8, paragraph 1.In fact, the irresponsible and destructive development currently taking place in Burma is a significant source of human rights violations. About 2 million people have been used as forced labor for infrastructure development projects. The Special Rapporteur also reports that forced labor continues to be used throughout the country. Evidence indicates many people were repeatedly used as forced labor. This practice is clearly a contravention of the Convention Against Forced Labor ILO No. 29 to which Burma is a party. Under this Convention, forced labor means "All work or service which is exacted from any person under the menace of any penalty and for which the said person has not offered himself (or herself) voluntarily." Article 2(1). Faced with evidence that the army forcibly recruits labor, guards them at gunpoint and uses deadly force against those who attempt to escape, we can only view with amazement Slorc's assertion that such labor is "voluntary". Assertions that this practice is "traditional" can only be seen as insulting to both Burmese culture and our intelligence. Villagers are terrified to refuse to work on Slorc projects because of the severe brutality inflicted by troops against anyone who does not comply. Forced labor is a common practice, even occurring on joint ventures with multinational companies. Documented abuses along the route of a gas pipeline project in southeastern Burma exemplify the tragedy of Slorc's version of "development". Since 1991, Slorc and its multinational business partners have militarized the region with more than 5,000 troops to secure and guard the 39-mile pipeline route. The region's 35,000 people have suffered a plethora human rights abuses, including forced labor to build Slorc military camps and the infrastructure for the pipeline. Forced labor is also routinely used to improve tourist facilities, including cleaning pagodas and renovating the national palace moat in Mandalay. Large populations in popular tourist cities have been forcibly evicted to clear the way for tourist facilities and relocated to satellite towns where malnutrition and appalling conditions prevail in these new locations. At least 500,000 people have had their economic, social and cultural rights abused in this way. We are concerned that the beneficiaries of such development are the Slorc, their families and associates, as well as foreign companies. We condemn this greedy and deadly exploitation. We are particularly ashamed to note that companies working in active complicity with the Slorc include those from ASEAN member states. Recognizing that the peaceful resolution of the crisis in Burma can only be achieved by tripartite dialogue, we call upon the Slorc to immediately commence dialogue with the National League for Democracy, the one party which won 82% of the seats in the 1990 election, and ethnic nationality groups. We call upon the United Nations Human Rights Commission and the United Nations General Assembly to continue ALL efforts to encourage the Slorc to immediately cease its human rights violations. We respectfully urge the member states of the United Nations, which include ASEAN member states, in their individual and collective capacities to engage in formal and informal efforts to facilitate the process of tripartite dialogue in Burma, further we urge them to discourage their citizens from engaging in business ventures which result in human rights violations in Burma. Thank you Mr. Chairperson. ******************************************************* THE NATION: "GOLF TALKS" FOR MEKONG RIVER NEIGHBOURS April 15, 1997 THAILAND will this weekend host a round of "golf diplomacy" that will for the first time involve five Mekong River basin countries. The event to take place in Bangkok and Pattaya will include talks on the progress of Cambodia, Laos and Burma towards their membership in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Informed sources said that Thai Foreign Minister Prachuab Chaiyasarn will ask his Cambodian counterpart, Ung Huot, and Burmese counterpart U Ohn Gyaw about the internal situation of their respective countries after a series of violent episodes recently. Prachuab, an avid golfer extended invitations to the ministers of Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam and Burma at the recent non-aligned ministerial meeting in New Delhi. Sources said that Prachaub will use the occasion to discuss the possibility of setting up an economic circle among Mekong River countries that he recently initiated. The proposed cooperation will initially involve northeast Thailand with southern Laos and Northwest Cambodia with possible extension to central Vietnam. The meeting is scheduled for April 20 and April 21 in Bangkok and Pattaya. Golfing has been part and parcel of Asean meetings and an informal way to settle unfinished business from the meetings or to lobby some new initiatives. ******************************** THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR : NEWS BRIEFS April 7, 1997 MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS LEAVES FOR INDIA YANGON, 6 April Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw left here this morning by air for India to attend the 12th Meeting of Foreign Ministers of Non Aligned Movement to be held in New Delhi. The Minister was accompanied by his PSO U Zaw Myint Oo. Myanmar delegation member Director of Political Affairs Department U Pe Than Oo left here by air on 2 April to attend the high-ranking officials' meeting of Non-Aligned Movement held from 4 to 5 April. The delegation includes Myanmar Ambassador to India U Win Lwin, Myanmar Ambassador to Pakistan U Pe Thein Tin, Myanmar Ambassador to South Africa U Hla Myint Oo and Myanmar Ambassador to Indonesia U Nyi Nyi Than. ___________________________________ MYANMAR DELEGATION LEAVES FOR PHILIPPINES YANGON, 6 April Myanmar delegation led by Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen Abel left here yesterday by air for Philippines to attend the Seventh Ministerial Meeting to be held from 7 to 11 April in Manila, Philippines, under the programme of promotion of economic cooperation of six countries in Mekong Region. Myanmar delegation includes Deputy Director-General of Directorate of Hotels and Tourism U Naing Bwa, Deputy Director-General of Waterways Department U Win Thein, General Manager of Myanma Posts and Telecommunications U Khin Soe, Director of Foreign Economic Relations Department U Maung Maung Lay, Vice-Chairman of Union of Myanmar Chamber of Commerce and Industry U Htain Win, committee member U Tun Aye and the Minister's PSO U Khin Maung Lat. ********************************** THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR (8 April, 1997) MIC CHAIRMAN RECEIVES JAPANESE ECONOMIC MISSION YANGON, 7 April - Member of the State Law and Order Restoration Council Deputy Prime Minister Chairman of Myanmar Investment Commission Vice-Admiral Maung Maung Khin received Japanese economic mission led by Vice-Executive Chairman of Itochu Corporation Mr Tadayoshi Nakazawa from the Japan and Tokyo Chambers of Commerce and Industry at his office this afternoon. They discussed promotion of mutual economic cooperation between the two countries and investment matters. Minister at the Office of Deputy Prime Ministers Secretary of MIC Brig-Gen Maung Maung and officials were also present. _________________________________ MYANMAR ENERGY DELEGATION ARRIVES BACK FROM ROK YANGON, 7 April-The six-member Myanmar energy delegation led by Minister for Energy U Khin Maung Thein arrived back this evening after studying energy sector in the Republic of Korea at the invitation of Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Mr ChangYuel Lim. During their stay in Korea, the two ministers discussed investment in energy and industry sectors and cooperation on 31 March. Present were Myanmar Ambassador U Phone Myint and members of the delegation, Director- General Mr J G Kim of Trade and Cooperation of ROK and officials. Minister U Khin Maung Thein and Chairman of Daewoo Group Mr W C Kim-discussed investment and cooperation in oil, natural gas, electricity and industry. The minister also discussed investment and cooperation in energy and construction between the two countries with the group led by Chairman of Hyundai Corporation Mr S Y Park. Minister U Khin Maung Thein discussed cooperation in energy sector with Chairman Mr J J Song of LG Group. On 5 April, Minister U Khin Maung Thein inspected construction of platforms for Yadana Natural Gas Project of Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise in Berton Island, Indonesia. Project Manager Mr A Lepage of Total Myanmar Exploration and Production and Project Director Mr J E Parker of Mc Dermott Co of US reported on progress of work and completed plat-forms and laying of pipelines. In Singapore, Minister U Khin Maung Thein met officials of organizations of Singapore and Japan working together with the Ministry of Energy. _____________________________________ SEVEN INNOCENT PERSONS SERIOUSLY WOUNDED IN TWO SEPARATE KNU ATROCIOUS ACTS YANGON, 7 April - KNU terrorists have been constantly collecting extortion money, destroying bridges, planting mines and killing and injuring people including the Kayin nationals while claiming that they are working for the welfare of the entire Kayin people. At midnight on 20 March, a group of KNU terrorists fired at the house of Daw Ma Htaw, who was cooking rice and curries with others for the wedding ceremony of her daughter Ma Mu Thay, aged 16, and Maung Hla of Bilin Township the next day, at Hti Swan Village in Kawkareik Township. The armed men then fled. Atrocious acts of KNU terrorists left six persons U San Tin, 68, Daw Ma Htaw, 60, Ma Myint Khin, 29, Daw Hla Way, 48, Ma Yi Yi Win, 11, and Naw Hla Cho, 8, seriously wounded. They were sent to the People's Hospital in Kawkareik. In another incident, Myint Wai,28, son of U Tin Shwe of Dingaseik Village, Thaton Township, had his left leg severed from the knee-cap as he stepped on a land mine planted by KNU terrorists in the compound of Phalu Monastery in Myawady Township at 7 am on 23 March. He was rushed to the Myawady People's Hospital. The mine exploded as he removed branches under a tree. ____________________________________ AMBASSADOR U TUN NGWE ACCREDITED TO BELGIUM YANGON, 8 April-The Chairman of the State Law and Order Restoration Council of the Union of Myanmar has appointed U Tun Ngwe, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Union of Myanmar to the Federal Republic of Germany, concurrently as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Union of Myanmar to the Kingdom of Belgium. ******************************************* THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR (9 April, 1997) MIC CHAIRMAN RECEIVES DIRECTOR OF Y T L CORPORATION BHD YANGON, 8 April Member of the State Law and Order Restoration Council Deputy Prime Minister Chairman of Myanmar Investment Commission Vice-Admiral Maung Maung Khin received a delegation led by Director of Operation Mr Tan Check Hong of Y T L Corporation Bhd of Malaysia at his office at 3 pm today. They discussed production of cement in Myanmar in accordance with Foreign Investment Law and investment prospects in establishment of generators. _________________________________________ SECRETARY-1 RECEIVES VICE EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN, OF ITOCHU CORP YANGON, 8 April - Secretary- 1 of the State Law and Order Restoration Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt received Vice Executive Chairman Mr Tadayoshi Nakazawa of Itochu Corporation of Japan and party at Dagon-Yeiktha of the Ministry of Defence this morning. ________________________________________ MAIDEN VOYAGE OF MV MONGLA WELCOMED YANGON, 8 April-A ceremony to welcome the maiden voyage of Myanma Five Star Line cargo vessel mv Mongla was held at the Nanthida Jetty yesterday morning. It is the second of the two 3,300-ton multi- purpose cargo vessels built by Yunnan Machinery Import and Export Corporation of the People's Republic of China for MFSL. _____________________________________ MOU FOR PRODUCTION OF PCV FLOORING SIGNED YANGON, 8 April-The Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings Ltd and Hanwha Chemical Corporation of the Republic of Korea signed a Memorandum of Understanding for production of PCV flooring in the meeting hall of UMEHL on Shwedagon Pagoda Road this morning. Chairman of UMEHL Advocate-General Maj-Gen Than Oo and Chairman of Hanwha Chemical Corporation Mr Lee Jong Hak signed the MoU. __________________________________ MIC SECRETARY RECEIVES EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN, PARTY OF EMERCON CONSOLIDATED SDN BHD YANGON 8 April - Minister at the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of Myanmar Investment Commission Brig-Gen Maung Maung received Executive Chairman Mr Y M Dato Haji Tengku Putra and party of Emercon Consolidated Sdn Bhd of Malaysia at Myanmar Investment Commission Office at 4 pm today. They discussed establishment of industrial zone and construction of apartments, offices and markets. _____________________________________ MINISTER FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY RECEIVES EXECUTIVE VICE-PRESIDENT OF ITOCHU CORPORATION YANGON, 8 April - Minister for Science and Technology U Thaung received a high level economic mission of the Japan and Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry led by Executive Vice-President Mr Tadayoshi Nakazawa of Itochu Corporation at his office at 3 pm today. They discussed cooperation in science and technology between the two countries and technological matters. Present also were Rector of Yangon Institute of Technology U Kyin Soe (attached to the Ministry's Office) and Rector Dr Kyaw Thein of Institute of Computer Science and Technology. ___________________________________________ JAPAN BUSINESS MISSION CALLS ON MAYOR OF YANGON YANGON, 8 April- A 30 member mission of Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry led by Executive Vice-President Mr Tadayoshi Nakazawa of Itochu Corporation called on Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Mayor U Ko Lay at the City Hall this afternoon. They -discussed economic cooperation on mutual basis and development affairs. _________________________________________ MINISTER FOR H & T RECEIVES BICB CHIEF REPRESENTATIVE YANGON, 8 April Minister for Hotels and Tourism Lt-Gen Kyaw Ba received Chief Representative (Yangon Office) of Brunei Investment and Commercial Bank Mr Bahrin Hj MD Yusof and party at his office yesterday. Mr Bahrin said Audley Hotels and Resorts Asia Pte Ltd, a subsidiary of the bank, is specially interested in Myanmar's hotel business, inquiring about the investment opportunities. The company is operating many hotels in Asia. ****************************************** THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR (10, Thursday April, 1997) SECRETARY-1 RECEIVES PRESIDENT OF SASAKAWA PEACE FOUNDATION YANGON, 9 April-Secretary- 1 of the State Law and Order Restoration Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt received President Mr .Akira Iriyama of Sasakawa Peace Foundation of Japan and member of the Board of Directors Mr Michael S Dobbs-Higginson at Dagon Yeiktha of the Ministry of Defence this evening. _____________________________________ KYAW-ZEBYA RAILROAD OPENS YANGON, 9 April - Launching of Kyaw-Zebya Railroad today has added another 31.46 miles of completed sections to ChaungUPakokku- Gangaw-Kalay Railroad, passing over 260 miles through a rough terrain of mountain ranges, valleys, rivers and streams. Construction of -the railroad has been completed 110 miles from ChaungU to Zebya and 83 miles from Kalay to Gangaw making total completed length to 224.46 miles, said Minister for Rail Transportation U Win Sein at the launching ceremony this morning. MR personnel and the Tatmadawmen have faced many difficulties since finding of the axis of the road, braving the hostile weather and the rough terrain in implementing the project, he said, thanking local people for rendering assistance. __________________________________ LAUNCHING OF AQUA-TOURISM IN MYANMAR DISCUSSED YANGON, 9 April - Director of Marketing Mr Maarten N Brusselers of Fantasea Divers paid a courtesy call on Minister for Hotels and Tourism Lt-Gen Kyaw Ba at his office today. Mr Brusselers said he is interested in launching aqua-tourism services including transporting vacationers in powered yachts in Kawthoung District in southern Myanmar, adding his company has been running this kind of services in Phuke Thailand, for a long time. Minister Lt-Gen Kyaw Ba assured to make arrangements for successful launching of the business in Myanmar. ____________________________________ FOUR INCLUDING MONK SERIOUSLY WOUNDED BY KNU MINES, ANOTHER SHOT DEAD YANGON, 9 April Members of the KNU armed group, which is engaged in destructive acts without benefiting the nation, have persisted in committing evil deeds such as exacting protection money, setting villages on fire, destroying bridges, planting mines, murder, etc with intent to cause casualties to the people including the Kayins, neglecting the positive endeavours and successes being achieved by the Government after laying down the 12 political, economic and social objectives for emergence of a peaceful, modern and developed nation and for national reconsolidation. U Kyee Maung, 50, of Thaye Thamein Village, Waw Township, was returning home together with three other villagers at 6.30 am on 27 January after picking soap acacia at Wingalon area to the northeast of- Kwinzeik Village, Shwegyin Township, when he stepped on a mine planted by the KNU and was hit by shrapnel, suffering wounds to the left eye, the right calf and toes. Also at 9 am on 29 January, U Sasana, age 21 and vassa 2, a trainee monk of Taungzun Village monastery, was on his way to Khaleday Village when he accidentally trod on a mine planted by the KNU and his right leg was severed from below the knee. Similarly, U Mu Toe, 50, of Kyettuyway Village, Hlinebwe Township, stepped on a mine planted by the KNU and his right big toe was blasted off at 9.30 am on 31 January while he was on his way to the foot of Metabu Hill to fell trees. He was also hit by shrapnel on his right calf, left thigh and right palm. U Khaung Pya, 60, of Labat Village, Kyaukkyi Township, was on an uphill road to fell trees and bamboo at noon on 5 February when he stepped on a mine planted by the KNU and his left ankle was blasted off. Authorities concerned sent the wounded to the nearest township hospitals. At about 5 am on 8 February, three KNU members entered the house and shot Joker (a) Moe Swe, 35, who was sleeping together with his family members. He was hit on his cheeks, left arm and right thigh. He succumbed to his wounds at Shwegyin People's Hospital. ______________________________________ EIGHT KNU MEMBERS EXCHANGE ARMS FOR PEACE YANGON, 9 April-The State Law and Order Restoration Council, or the Tatmadaw Government, has joined hands with the national races and is implementing the 12 political, economic and social objectives of the nation for, emergence of a peaceful, modern and developed nation. It is also endeavouring all-out to enable all the national races to safeguard the Union of Myanmar with Union spirit for its perpetuity and for emergence of an enduring constitution. Realizing the Government's endeavours with right attitude and the Tatmadaw's genuine goodwill and no longer winning the support of local people to the insurgent organizations who are engaged in destructive acts, eight members of the KNU gave in to the military camps of the South-East Command. Officers at the camps warmly welcomed them and provided assistance. The KNU members included U lavana (Medical Officer San Thein) and privates Shwe Daung, Aye Lwin and-Aung Than of Brigade 7, U Kheminda (Cpl Pha La Phae) and Pvt Kyaw Swe of Battalion 2, Brigade 1, Pvt Maung Kho of Win Moung area and Pvt Nyunt Win of Michaungwin area. More of the KNU members are expected to follow suit *********************************** THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR (11, Friday April, 1997) MINISTER FOR H & T RECEIVES SOUTH-EAST ASIA YACHT GM YANGON, 10 April General Manager of SouthEast Asia Yacht Co Lt Mr Graham Frost called on Minister for Hotels and Tourism Lt-Gen Kyaw Ba at his office today. Mr Frost said Myanmar's tourism industry and regional economy has much prospects for development as- visitors are specially interested in aqua-tourism along Myanmar's coastal areas. Minister Lt-Gen Kyaw Ba said Kawthoung area is developing with tourism. __________________________________ WORKSHOP ON ASEAN'S STRUCTURE AND MECHANISM COMMENCES YANGON, 10 April two-day workshop on ASEAN's Structure and Mechanism: Planning Issues for Myanmar's Membership, jointly sponsored by the Myanmar Institute of Strategic and International Studies (MISIS) and the Hanns Seidel Foundation (HSF), Singapore, in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, commenced at Traders Hotel here today. Dr Termsak Chelermpalnupap from the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta and Regional Coordinator of the HSF Mr Thai Quang Trung also spoke. The workshop has two components. The first consists of briefing sessions by officials from the four bureaus of the ASEAN Secretariat. The second is a panel discussion on the AFTA process and relates to priorities in personnel training for the CLM. The representatives from the CLM countries-Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar will take part in the panel discussion, outlining their priorities in their personnel training for the AFTA process. This workshop is the second in a series of work shops that will be organized in cooperation with the HSF in preparation for Myanmar's entry into the ASEAN. It is being attended by the ambassadors and the charges d' ai of the Seven ASEAN countries, the Ambassador of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, focal points from various ministries, personnel from the Office of Strategic Studies, the National Defence College, the Research Branch of the Ministry of Defence, academic institutes and the MISIS and the officials responsible for the ASEAN from the Kingdom of Cambodia and the LPDR. ____________________________________ CUSTOMS DEPARTMENT HOLDS THIRD FOUR-MONTHLY MEETING YANGON, 10 April The Customs Department held third four-monthly meeting for fiscal 1996-97 this morning with an address by Minister for Finance and Revenue Brig-Gen Win Tin. Principles of the department should be amended in accord with the changing conditions of world trade in implementing the market-oriented economic system, he said. Over K 7.731 billion has been collected as tax revenues during fiscal 1996-97 exceeding the target by 200 per cent, he noted, urging them to stay clear of bribery. ______________________________________ MITSUBISHI CORP, YIT SIGN AGREEMENT ON STIPENDS YANGON, 10 April Mitsubishi Corporation and Yangon Institute of Technology today signed an agreement on presenting stipends to outstanding students. According to the agreement, Mitsubishi Corp will provide $ 45,000 to Yangon Institute of Technology and beginning 1997- 98 academic year, an award of $ 250 or cash equivalent to that value will be presented to each of the students selected for respective academic years- 72 in 199798, 54 in 1998-99, 36 in 1999-2000 and 18 in 20002001. General Manager of Mitsubishi Corp Mr Yamanokuchi and Rector of YIT U Nyi Hla Nge signed the agreement and exchanged gifts. ************************************ THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR (12, Saturday April, 1997 ) MINISTER FOR HOTELS AND TOURISM RECEIVES CHAIRMAN OF BAN PONGPETCH CO OF THAILAND YANGON, 11 April Member of the State Law and Order Restoration Council Minister for Hotels and Tourism Lt-Gen Kyaw Ba received a delegation led by Chairman Mr Wira Osathanond of Ban Pongpetch Co Ltd of Thailand at his office at 11.30 am today. They discussed construction of international level resort hotel in Kawthoung District and running coastal cruise services for tourists. Present also were Director- General U Khin Maung Latt of Directorate of Hotels and Tourism and Managing Director U Soe Thein of Myanma Hotels and Tourism Services. ______________________________________ PARACHUTISTS OF FRIENDSHIP AIRBORNE TOURS OF US DEMONSTRATE JUMP YANGON, 11 April Paratroopers of Myanma Tatmadaw and a group of parachutists led by Dr Franklin Mark Osanka of Friendship Airborne Tours, Inc, the United States, performed a friendly jump demonstration at Hmawby this morning. It was witnessed by Commander of No 4 Military Operations Command Brig-Gen Tin Aye, Tactical Operations Commander Col Aung Myint, General Staff Officer (Grade I) Lt-Col Soe Hlaing, Commandant of the Land-Air Warfare and Paratrooper Training School Commander of Hmawby Station Lt-Col Aung Than Tun and other officers. __________________________________ GRANTS OF HOUSING ESTATE HANDED TO BUYERS YANGON, 11 April-Olympic Co presented grants and houses to those who purchased buildings of Dagon University Yeikmon Housing Estate at the estate in front of the Dagon University today. The company constructed the housing estate. __________________________________ CEC MEMBERS OF USDA RECEIVE PRESIDENT OF JAPAN TOTAL MANAGEMENT YANGON, 11 April -Central Executive Committee members of Union Solidarity and Development Association Minister for Live stock and Fisheries U Aung Thaung and Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing received President of Japan Total Management Mr Tsuyoshi Watanabe and party at the Minister's Office this morning. They discussed mutual cooperation between the Japan Total Management and Myangonmyint Company. **********************************