------------------------ BurmaNet ------------------------ "Appropriate Information Technologies, Practical Strategies" ---------------------------------------------------------- The BurmaNet News: May 2, 1997 Issue #710 HEADLINES: ========== ABSL REPORT: NEW KABAW VALLEY PROJECT IN SAGAING AFP: 66 BURMESE REFUGEES RETURN HOME BFDB PRESS RELEASE: COLORADO SENATE RESOLUTION NLD STATEMENT: MAY DAY 97 - NLD AFP: SLORC USES MAY DAY TO WARN WORKERS THE NATION: OHN GYAW THANKS ASEAN SF BAY GUARDIAN: UNOCAL ACCUSED IN FEDERAL COURT BKK POST: ELEPHANTIASIS PROGRAMME STARTS NEAR BURMA THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR: NEWS BRIEFS ----------------------------------------------------------------- ABSL REPORT: NEW KABAW VALLEY PROJECT IN SAGAING DIVISION May 1, 1997 From: shar@league.unv.ernet.in NEW KABAW VALLEY (OR) DEATH MESSENGER PROJECT BY THE MILITARY REGIME IN BURMA Kabaw Valley, a fertile agricultural place, is situated in Sagaing Division and borders India. The present military regime, SLORC, has been trying to establish this deserted valley as a human-settlement. This project, namely "New Kabaw Valley Project" is being assisted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Although the regime officially stated the objective of the project as a part of its "border developmental programme", the two ulterior motives behind the project are : (1) to counter armed groups based in the region, and (2) to prevent any external invasion (of India, in this case) in the future. However, the SLORC, starved with the foreign exchange reserves at hand, has been misusing the financial assistance provided by the UNDP. Instead of spending the money for its stated objective, SLORC is using it for the military expenses of its armed forces. The prisoners, mostly political prisoners, are being used in the construction works under the project. The villagers from the Upper Burma were lured by promises of money and job opportunities to settle and work in the Kabaw Valley but later they were forced to work as "voluntary labourers" without receiving any of the financial and material benefits promised. Hundreds of local people in the region, particularly from Sagaing Division, are being forced to work in the various construction projects as "voluntary labourers" as the government terms it. The "New Kabaw Valley Project" was started in 1990. It is being monitored and implemented by the Office of Regional Control under the army based at In Thein Kyi in Kalay Township of Sagaing Division. In the beginning of the project, the authorities lured the farmers from Shwe Bo, Mon Ywa, Ye Oo, Pa Le townships with (20) acres of land, Kyat 5,000.00 for house building and materials for farm ploughing for each person to come and settle down in the valley. New villages, such as "Aung Zay Ya", "Ba Yint Naung" and "Yan Gyi Aung" were set up in the valley and the farmers were moved into the new villages. However, after some time, they ran away from the villages to other parts of the region due to the difficult terrain, problems with several diseases and the absence of the promised assistance from the authorities. "Prisoners Camps" are set up in the townships of Aung Zay Ya, Yan Gyi Aung, Watt Shu, Myo Thit, Tha Nan, Yar Za Gyo, Sa Khan Gyi in Sagaing Division for the use of labour of the prisoners in the construction works of the project. The camps are under the control of Prison Department and the various units of the Office of Army Regional Control. Makeshift huts are made inside the camps for the prisoners to stay in. The camps are surrounded by three-layers of barbed wire. About 250 to 300 prisoners are put into a camp and a total of 4,000 prisoners are in all the camps to serve the New Kabaw Valley Project. According to the information given by an escapee from a camp, between 1 and 5 prisoners die in a week due to mal-nutrition, over-fatigue, malaria, typhoid and other seasonal diseases and lack of medicine. Sometimes, in bad weather, from 15 to 20 people die in a day. The escapee who was interviewed by the members of ABSL in Moreh said that half of the prisoners either died or ran away during the past four years. The vacancies left by the dead or escapees are filled up by the new prisoners from Insein (Rangoon) Jail, Tharawadi Jail, Myin Gyan Jail, Mandalay Jail and Mon Ywa Jail. Between 1,000 and 1,500 prisoners whose jail sentence are above one year are rotationally sent to the camps every six months for the New Kabaw Valley Project. A prisoner has to bribe the concerned jail authorities with 25,000-30,000 Kyats to avoid being sent to this infamous project. Therefore, the project is named by the prisoners as "Death Messenger Project". One of the escapees from these camps is Maung Maung Oo, aged 18, from Dawae Township. He escaped from Kan Gyi Village Camp in 1995. Due to his family's economic hardships, he decided to board a boat as a boatman at the age of 14. He only realized after he was at sea that the boat he had boarded was a smuggling boat. On his very first trip, he, along with 15 boatmen were caught by a Burmese navy boat. While others were released by bribing the concerned persons, he without any money, was arrested and sentenced to 7 years imprisonment by a trial court in 1992. His age was 15 at that time. After serving one and half year in Insein Jail, he was sent to the Kabaw Valley to use as a labourer. He ran away from the camp in July 1995. The Imphal-based ABSL members interviewed him in 1996. According to him, a camp has only one tractor intended for use in ploughing new land. However, this single tractor was usually occupied by Camp Officials for their trips and transportation. Therefore, most of the hard work was done by the labour of the prisoners. The prisoners were made to work in digging, ploughing, cutting trees and clearing forest in the areas. For ploughing purposes, iron roles of length-six feet and weight-500 to 750 Kilos with four people sitting on it were pulled by four prisoners. The prisoners were forced to work from 7 A.M to 4 P.M with one hour lunch break from 11 to 12 noon. Moreover, the prisoners were being shackled while working. The prisoners suffered from mal-nutrition, typhoid, malaria, skin diseases and there was not enough medicines for them. When they could not bear any more of pain and suffering, the prisoners had to take care of themselves with whatever medicinal leaves and fruits available in the jungle. Although a prisoner got two sets of rough clothes at the time of their arrival at the camp, their clothes were easily torn apart within 3 months of their work in the area. They did not have spare clothes and had to wear the same clothes all the time. Sometimes, they had to dry themselves under the sun without any clothes. The regular meal for them is rice, watery peas and Ngapi. One civilian who took part in the project estimated that a total of 3500 to 4500 prisoners died between 1990 and 1996 and 6000 acres of agricultural land were explored in the above-mentioned period. News came out that in March 1997, a 12 year-old prisoner died because of the camp officials' beating in Yar Za Gyow Camp situated on Kalay-Tamu road. The prisoners of this camp are made to work in the farms owned by the Burmese Army. It was estimated by the officials that they had a stock of more than 3000 Tins (one Tin is approximately equal to a bushel) of peas. However, in reality, only 1500 Tins of pigeon pea were found when the army came and to collect. The prisoners were accused by the camp officials of stealing the peas and the said 12-year old prisoner was beaten to death in the process of investigation. In fact, the prisoners were often beaten to the point of vomiting blood if they were caught eating peas even before they were reaped. Usually, camp officials and concerned departmental personnel smuggled the peas out of the camps and the prisoners were made the victims of their actions. Therefore, the project being done by the military government as a part of their "Border Area Development Programme (BADP)" is given a new name by the local people and prisoners as "UN-sponsored BAD programme). Compiled by : News and Information Bureau All Burma Students League ******************************************* AFP: 66 BURMESE REFUGEES RETURN HOME FROM BANGLADESH April 30, 1997 CHITTAGONG, Bangladesh, April 30 (AFP) - A group of 66 Moslem refugees were repatriated to Burma Wednesday from frontier camps in Bangladesh, refugee officials said. With the departure of the refugees, known as Rohingyas, the number of returnees in the past five years has totalled 229,100 with more than 21,800 still to go, they said. The refugees fled their homes in Burma's predominantly Moslem Arakan province in 1992 and took shelter in 20 makeshift camps in Bangladesh's Cox's Bazar region, alleging persecution by Burmese troops. Burma had denied the allegations. Rangoon later agreed to take them back following an April 1992 repatriation agreement signed in Dhaka during visit of Burmese foreign minister. Bangladeshi repatriation officials claim the slow pace of return was mainly due to delayed clearance by Burmese authorities. But others have blamed the reluctance of the refugees to return to the rigorous life inside Burma after years in camps supported by the Bangladeshi government, the United Nations and other refugee agencies. Many have also opposed repatriation because they fear for their safety. The speed of repatriation picked up a year ago when Rangoon agreed to allow the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to supervise the return and oversee their safety inside Burma. ******************************************** BFDB PRESS RELEASE: COLORADO SENATE PASSES RESOLUTION AGAINST BUSINESS WITH BURMA May 1, 1997 The State of Colorado has joined other states, counties and cities in the United States in expressing concern about Burma's dismal human rights record. On May 1, 1997, Colorado Senate Resolution 97-5, originally introduced by Senator Dorothy Rupert (D - Boulder) and Senator Tilman Bishop (R - Grand Junction), was passed unanimously (35 - 0). The Resolution noted that Burma has "institutionalized torture and rape as political instruments and embarked upon campaigns of forcible relocation, forced labor and slavery, persecution of ethnic minorities, and other human rights violations". It cited the February 1997 report of violations of human rights in Burma to the United Nations Human Rights Commission by Special Rapporteur Lallah. The Resolution noted that former U.S. Senator Hank Brown from Colorado made an emotional appeal to his Senate colleagues to encourage and support democratic efforts in Burma during Senate debate in July of 1996. Major corporations that have voluntarily pulled out of Burma were listed. By this measure, the Senate of the Colorado General Assembly "strongly discourages both public and private entities from purchasing tangible property and services from persons who conduct business in Burma". In addition, "the State of Colorado is especially discouraged from purchasing any good or service from any persons or entities currently involved with Burma". Boulder, Colorado passed (in December, 1996) a selective purchasing ordinance prohibiting the city from doing business with companies having direct investment or employees in Burma. May 1, 1997 Boulder Friends for a Democratic Burma P.O. Box 21146 Boulder, CO 80308 (303) 543-8939 ********************************************* NLD STATEMENT: MAY DAY 97 - NLD May 1, 1997 From: osolnick SEAL of the NATIONAL LEAGUE for DEMOCARCY National League for Democracy 1997 Workers Day (Mayday) Statement Statement No: 3/97 1) Through the strength of more than 600,000 workers uniting in a strike, on May 1, 1886, in the United Sates of America the working hours were agreed upon as 8 hours in a day. With regard to the blood spilled to achieve this victory, the first of May was recognized as the "Worker's Day" by the Second Conference of the International Workers League held in 1890 at Paris and has been celebrated worldwide everywhere since then. 2) In Burma, May Day was initiated and celebrations held by the Oil Field Workers in May 1, 1938. At that time, although Burma was under British rule, more than 2000 white and blue collar oil workers of the oil fields in Yaenanchaung and Chauk entered into a strike and succeeded in demanding higher wages and annual increments. 3) In 1945, the Second World War was over and Burma again fell under British rule. In 1946/47, based on the sound national spirit and for the national cause, Government servants from many ministries and departments including the Police, Post and Telegraph, Railways and workers from the companies made a general strike unanimously opposing the White Paper Project of the British Government. As a result, the colonial government had to allow General Aung San, the national leader of Burma to form and lead a government and to have a right to form and shape the future of Burma. 4) In 1948, a constitution was promulgated, by which Burma was to be formed as a democratic country guaranteeing the basic human rights of all races and walks of the people including equality, freedom of organizing, freedom of expression, freedom of livelihood, equality under the law. In the same year, Burma joined the United Nations as a member. 5) After independence, in February of 1949, under the AFPFL ( Anti-Fascist People's Freedom League) government, a nation-wide general strike of all walks of government servants was held expressing dissatisfaction at lay-offs and reduction of salaries and through this freedom of expression, their demands were achieved. 6) In 1946, the ILO , which was founded in 1910, was recognized as a special institution of the United Nations. From Burma, a representative of the Trade Union Congress of Burma TUCB, a representative of employers and that of the government started regularly attended the ILO Annual Conference held at Geneva in every June. In accordance with the resolution of that ILO Committee, the government's role was to guarantee the security of the workers' lives promulgated laws. The living standard of the workers in Burma was highly regarded in the world and looked up to by other countries. 7) But, after the military coup in 1962 by the Revolutionary Council, the democratic constitution and laws were revoked and the country was ruled by decrees and orders. Since then, the freedom of association once exercised by the workers has disappeared and guarantees for the life of workers and job security have become almost non-existent. The Workers' Association formed by the authorities only do what the authorities like to see. 8) The Burma Socialist Program Party (BSPP) promulgated the constitution of the Socialist Republic Union of Burma, with the aim of withholding the power forever. Under their rule, Burma, which was one of the richest countries in the region, became a least developed country (LDC) status. The life of the workers became very harsh and government service personnel were reduced to corruption to fulfill their daily life. 9) In 1988, the State Law and Order restoration Council (SLORC) made a coup after the people's democratic movement. Since the coup, the authorities have been using "forced labor" including children in infrastructure projects of transport and communication, dams and reservoirs, roads and bridges and construction projects. It also has been using people of all ages and sex as forced conscripted porters for military offensives and operations at the border. Due to these situations, the United Nations, ILO and the human rights organizations have pointed out and denunciated its human rights record. ILO has urged the SLORC not to continue the practice of forced labor, in accordance with the resolutions in its 29th convention. 10) ILO has also urged the SLORC to abide by Convention No. 87 and 98, which concerns the right of freedom in organization, which is instrumental for the full guarantee of the workers' rights. 11) ILO has pointed out and objected to the violation by the Burmese authorities of the resolutions prohibiting children 18 years old and under from joining the labor force. 12) In accordance with the policy of the NLD on workers affairs, there must be the right of the worker's unions and trade unions to participate and demand in the legal fold in its' proper accredited rights in the democratic system. 13) NLD has been striving for a genuine democratic state which will guarantee full workers' rights. On this auspicious 108th anniversary of the World's Workers' Day, the NLD calls upon all the workers from all walks of life to join hands with us in our struggle. Central Executive Committee National League for Democracy Rangoon 9th waning day of Tagoo, 1359 May 1, 1997 ********************************************* AFP: SLORC USES MAY DAY TO WARN WORKERS OF ANTI-DEVELOPMENT FORCES May 1, 1997 RANGOON, May 1 (AFP) - Burma's top general Thursday urged workers to "crush" forces seeking to block investment and thus hinder the company's development. In a May Day message published on the front page of the official New Light of Myanmar, Senior General Than Shwe, chairman of the ruling junta, said the threat came both from inside and outside the country. He named no names, but his mention of efforts to discourage investment clearly referred to the US announcement last week of a ban on new investments in Burma as a protest against human rights abuses. Foreign efforts to hinder Burma's development were supported by colonialist "lackeys" inside the country, as well as government opponents who had fled abroad and who had also resorted to "destructive and terrorist acts," he said. Burma faced a "danger of internal and external destructive elements in political, economic and social spheres," Than Shwe added. These elements were trying to "prevent and hinder the flow of technology and investment from outside that will provide the workers with skills and technological know-how, improve their living standards and contribute towards national development," he alleged. "It is time to oppose and crush the stooges of the colonialists who are obstructing improvement of the workers' living conditions and jeopardizing national development," Than Shwe said. May Day is a holiday in Burma. ***************************************** THE NATION: OHN GYAW THANKS ASEAN May 1, 1997 Agence France-Presse RANGOON - The Burmese govnerment has expressed its "sincere appreciation" for the "support and understanding" of Asean in planning to admit Burma to the regional group, the official press said yesterday. Foreign Minister Ohn Gyaw made the comments on Tuesday at a meeting of Burmese and Asean officials here, a week after the US imposed an investment ban on Burma and appeal to the regional grouping to bar Rangoon's admittance. "We are indebted to the Asean secretariat, as well as to our Asean friends" for their support, Ohn Gyaw said, adding Tuesday's consultative meeting served to provide a vital link between Burma and the Asean countries. "It illustrates the kind encouragement on the part of our Asean friends, as well as our sincere commitment regarding Myanmar's (Burma's) membership," Ohn Gyaw was quoted as saying in the New Light of Myanmar. He did not, however, mention the investment ban on US companies in Burma, which was announced by Washington a week ago in response to the junta's continued repression of the pro-democracy opposition. Most of the countries of the Asean have already rebuffed the US appeal to bar Burma's entry into the group, which is expected to occur later this year. (TN) **************************************************** SF BAY GUARDIAN: UNOCAL ACCUSED IN FEDERAL COURT OF CONSPIRING WITH NARCO-TRAFFICKERS IN BURMA April 23, 1997 by Dennis Bernstein and Leslie Kean Los Angeles-based Unocal has become an active player in the expanding global heroin trade as a result of the oil giant's business activity with the narco-dictatorship of Burma (also known as Myanmar), according to an affidavit filed as part of an ongoing federal lawsuit. The affidavit - filed April 7 with the U.S. District Court in Los Angeles - states that the government-controlled Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise (MOGE) "has been the main channel for laundering the revenues of heroin produced and exported under the control of the Burmese army." The legal document was filed in support of a suit that seeks to hold Unocal - the largest American investor in Myanmar - liable for widespread human rights abuses allegedly committed by the Burmese regime. Francois Casanier, an associate researcher for the Paris-based Geopolitical Drugwatch, wrote the affidavit. Unocal and the French oil giant Total are partners in a joint venture with MOGE to build a $1.2 billion gas pipeline project through southern Burma. The 14 plaintiffs in the federal lawsuit are ethnic minorities who live in the region where the pipeline is being built. They charge that the Burmese military, in providing security and infrastructure support for the pipeline's construction, is committing human rights abuses, including forced labor, forced relocations, rape, torture and killings. A little-noticed March 25 ruling by Federal District Judge Richard A. Paez held that Unocal and its executives could be held liable for illegal and repressive actions committed by the Burmese government in the course of their business dealings. The court action, the first of its kind, was reported by several newspapers in mid April. But the explosive contents of Casanier's affidavit, which have received virtually no coverage, paint a disturbing picture of an oil giant benefiting from the international drug trade. According to a 1996 State Department report, Burma now supplies over 50% of the world's heroin and 60% percent of the heroin sold in the United States. "Drug traffickers and their families are among the leading backers of high-profile infrastructure projects in Burma," said Robert Gelbard, Assistant Secretary of State for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs. "They launder their money with impunity in banks controlled by the military," he says. In announcing sanctions against Burma on April 22, President Clinton stated "The regime has shown little political will to stop the narcotics exports from Burma and prevent illicit drug money from enriching those who would flaunt international rules and profit by destroying the lives of millions. " These sanctions are not retroactive, and will not affect companies like Unocal who are already invested in Burma. The plaintiffs have submitted Casanier's sworn affidavit in support of a request for a preliminary injunction that would prevent Unocal from doing any further business in Burma pending the outcome of the case. In his affidavit, the French researcher lays out a compelling case that the foreign partners of Burma's ruling State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) provide "big shields for [the] money laundering" of drug dollars. Casanier states that because "heroin has become the country's highest valued export, accounting for 50 percent to 70 percent of the cash flow into the country," money laundering strategies have become an integral part of government operations. "MOGE has transferred hundreds of millions of dollars into Singapore banks since setting up the joint venture," states the affidavit by Casanier, "[yet] it has no assets other than the installments of its foreign partners and makes no profit." According to Casanier's four year investigation, MOGE has been able to purchase military hardware from Portugal and Poland, run embassies in Europe, and invest in companies at home, all through the use of drug money. Randy Renick, an attorney with Hadsell & Stormer handling the federal lawsuit, said that the drug allegations are directly related to human rights aspects of the case because the military has used its extensive arsenal, purchased with profits from the drug trade, against the Burma people while protecting foreign investments. According to Renick, Casanier's sworn declaration to the court "provides irrefutable evidence that Unocal is in partnership with criminal drug dealers who are making profits off the backs of the indigenous people of Burma." In January, the SLORC launched a series of on-going military offensives against the Karen and Mon, ethnic minorities living in the area surrounding the pipeline, sending thousands of refugees fleeing into Thailand. The Karen, who have been struggling for autonomy and democracy in Burma for decades, have been hit particularly hard by the assaults. "UNOCAL and TOTAL knew or should have known that MOGE has been heavily involved in laundering the proceeds of SLORC's heroin trade," states Casanier's affidavit, 'both at the time they originally contracted with MOGE and in January of 1997 when they signed additional [business] contracts." In December - the month before Unocal signed those new contracts - a Unocal shareholders' resolution based on the drug allegations was introduced by the 90,000 member Oil, Chemical and Atomic Workers International Union (OCAW). The resolution calls for Unocal board members to investigate whether MOGE is a drug money-laundering front for the Burmese junta and also "the extent to which Company officials have been aware of any facts linking MOGE to drug laundering." Unocal's board of directors said that the company has yet to investigate the money laundering allegations. "Proving or disproving these allegations would require an investigation that is not only illegal but would subject Unocal officers and directors to criminal penalties [in Burma]," a board statement explained. OCAW spokesperson Joe Drexler said he found that suggestion ridiculous. "It is absurd that Unocal would be concerned about legalities of conducting an investigation in a country controlled by an outlaw regime which deals in drugs, violates international law continuously and creates its own laws to suit its own purposes," Drexler said. Both the Burmese government and Unocal deny all charges. "The charges are politically motivated," said a spokesperson for the Burmese Embassy in Washington, D.C., who asked not to be identified by name. "MOGE is a state run company - run in accordance with rules and regulations - and it can't do anything outside the law." Barry Lane, a Unocal spokesperson in Los Angeles, said that the charges are "absolutely false and outrageous...It's an insult to think we'd involve ourselves in the drug trade." On March 5, Unocal was handed two major setbacks by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC}. It denied the the oil company's request to exclude the OCAW resolution from its upcoming June 2 shareholder's meeting. On the same day, the SEC also gave the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility, composed of 256 religious groups who control assets of $50 billion, the go ahead to introduce a second shareholders resolution attempting to restrain Unocal from doing business with Myanmar. "If the drug-laundering allegation is true, it is very unlikely that this could have occurred without the knowledge of Unocal officials," said Robert Wages, president of the OCAW. "Uncovering the truth may mean that Unocal bears direct responsibility for the rise in heroin use in the US." In an interview on April 19, Casanier expressed concern that if Unocal and Total are allowed to move forward unchecked, "it will be a green light for everybody to jump into the Burmese market and develop activities which will be definitely connected with drug money laundering on a big scale." And, Casanier said, "not only in Burma, but everywhere where there is dirty money involved, the Burma case will be considered an example." Meanwhile, the great oil rush to Burma continues with Arco following Unocal's lead. In partnership with MOGE since 1995, ARCO notified the SLORC in late March about a new gas well just discovered off Burma's coast. On February 12, Reuters reported that Texaco signed a deal with Thailand to sell that country natural gas drilled in the same area as the Unocal drilling fields. Dennis Bernstein and Leslie Kean have reported on Burma's heroin trade in the Boston Globe, The Nation, and for Pacific News Service, where Bernstein is an associate editor. ********************************************* BKK POST: ELEPHANTIASIS PROGRAMME STARTS NEAR BURMA BORDER May 1, 1997 The Ministry of Public Health recently began distributing anti-elephantiasis drugs to Burmese and Thai residents living in areas prone to the disease. Communicable Disease Control (CDC) director-general Damrong Boonyuen said diethylcarbamazin citrate (DEC) tablets are being given out to villagers in Kanchanaburi and Narathiwat provinces. Elephantiasis is caused by dysfunctioning of the lymphatic system, leading to heavy swelling of body organs such as legs and scrotum. Dr Damrong said though the government was closely monitoring alien workers throughout the country to keep the disease under control, extra attention was being paid to immigrant workers in Mae Hong Son, Tak, Kanchanaburi, Surat Thani and Narathiwat provinces. Last year the government allowed illegal aliens to work in 27 provinces of the country for a period of two years to solve the problem of labour shortage, and asked them to register with provincial authorities. There are an estimated 700,000 immigrant workers in the country but only a small percentage of them registered with the authorities. As such the ministry decided to distribute DEC en mass, particularly to Burmese immigrants who are considered prime carriers of the parasite. "We can't only rely on the registration list because not all people who illegally entered the country registered themselves," said Dr Damrong. As of December 1996 only 313,671 illegal immigrants underwent blood tests to check for communicable diseases. The figure represents only 44.81 percent of the actual number of illegal immigrants in Thailand. The elephantiasis parasite is usually active late in the night, during midnight to 2 a.m., as such it is difficult to detect, but according to Dr Damrong there is no reason to worry as each DEC tablets costs only 40 stang and preventive treatment on a mass scale was the best way to deal with the problem. Dr Damrong said it is important to control the disease from the initial stage to prevent micro filaria from developing into filariasis.If a six milligram DEC tablet is given to a person diagnosed of carrying the parasite every six months for a period of two years, it would be controlled to a level that can not be transmitted. On the other hand, a person diagnosed of carrying Wuchereria bancrofti is treated with DEC continuously for 12 days in every six months, for a period of two years. A person diagnosed of Brugia malayi is given a tablet of DEC for continuous six days, every six months for a period of two years. Brugia malayi, elephantiasis which causes swelling of the legs and feet has been in the country for a number of years and is mostly found among Thai residents in Southern provinces like Narathiwat, Nakhon Si Thammarat and Surat Thani. Wuchereria bancrofti, which often causes swelling of the sex organ among males is reportedly found among Burmese workers in Thailand, particularly in border areas like Ranong, Samut Songkhram, Samut Sakhorn, Kanchana Buri and Ratchaburi. Dr Damrong said Thailand is in a status where it can control elephantiasis, but it needs cooperation from neighbouring countries. (BP) ****************************************************** THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR: NEWS BRIEFS (28, Monday April, 1997) ______________________________________ EXTENSION OF BO AUNG KYAW CONTAINER BRIDGE INSPECTED YANGON, 27 April- Minister for Transport Lt-Gen Thein Win inspected extension of Bo Aung Kyaw container bridge of Myanma Port Authority in Botahtaung Township this morning. The minister was welcomed by Managing Director of MPA U Tin Oo, Project Manager, Mr Lu Zhia Long of China Harbour Engineering Corporation, Project Manager Chin Wai of Yunnan Machinery &. Equipment Import and Export Corporation and officials. Managing Director U Tin Oo reported on the project. He said the project is being undertaken by CHEC with the loan of 27 million US dollars by YMEC. The container bridge is 183 metres long and 30 metres wide and has one grantry crane and one portal crane. Construction started on 21 May 1996 and is expected to complete in January 1998. ____________________________________ MYANMAR AGRICULTURE DELEGATION ARRIVES BACK FROM LPDR YANGON, 27 April- Three-member delegation led by Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation U Tin Hlaing arrived back here by air yesterday evening after visiting Lao People's Democratic Republic to further strengthen friendship and cooperate in agriculture between the LPDR and the Union of Myanmar. ______________________________________ CSO STUDY TOUR DELEGATION LEAVES FOR THREE ASEAN COUNTRIES YANGON, 27 April-A six-member study delegation led by Dr Sein Tin, Director-General of Central Statistical Organization left this morning by air to study vital registration and statistics system and social statistics in three Asean countries the Philippines, Malaysia and Singapore, under Myanmar-Unicef Country Programme of Co-Operation 1996-2000. The delegation includes Daw Khin Khin Nyunt, Director of CSO, Dr Win Lwin Nyunt, Magway Division Health Director, Dr Bo Kywe, Rakhine State Health Director, U Chit Yin, Assistant Director, and U Aung Naing, Staff Officer of Immigration and Population Department as the members. _________________________________________ (29, Tuesday April, 1997) DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER RECEIVES PRESIDENT AND CEO OF SSANG YONG INVESTMENT AND SECURITIES CO LTD YANGON, 28 April - Member of the State Law and Order Restoration Council Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of Myanmar Investment Commission Vice-Admiral Maung Maung Khin received President and CEO of Ssang Yong Investment and Securities Co Ltd Mr Milton S Kim and party of the Republic of Korea at his office this morning. They discussed investment opportunities in Myanmar. Present also were officials of Government Office and MIC Office. ________________________________________________ LPDR MINISTER OF JUSTICE AND MRS BOUPHA VISIT SHWEDAGON YANGON, 28 April- Minister of Justice Mr Kham Ouan Boupha and Mrs Vanmely Boupha of Lao People's Democratic Republic and members visited Shwedagon Pagoda this morning. The visiting minister later called on Chief Justice U Aung Toe at his office in Supreme Court. They discussed judicial and legal affairs, treaty for extraditing offenders who cross the border, maintaining of bilateral goodwill relations along the border, legal development in introduction of market-oriented economy and exchanged views. _________________________________ SEMINAR ON INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES HELD AT IBC YANGON, 28 April-A seminar on investment opportunities for Myanmar's economic development was held at the International Business Centre on Pyay Road today. In his opening address, Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen Abel spoke of the location, population, national races and other salient points about Myanmar. The minister called for open and frank discussions on mutual cooperation, investment and businesses. Also present were Ministers at Office of Deputy Prime Minister U Khin Maung Yin, Secretary of Myanmar Investment Commission Minister at Office of Deputy Prime Minister Brig- Gen Maung Maung, Deputy Minister for Transport U Sann Wai, officials of various ministries, Secretary General of the Ministry of Defence and Security of Indonesia Lt-Gen Sugeng Subroto (Retd), local entrepreneurs and entrepreneurs from Australia. __________________________________ SINGAPORE AGRO-BUSINESS MISSION CALLS ON MINISTER FOR LIVESTOCK AND FISHERIES YANGON, 28 April-An 18-member agro-business mission led by Director Mr George Tay of Primary Production Department of Ministry of National Development of Singapore called on Minister for Livestock and Fisheries U Aung Thaung at his office this morning.They discussed processing of Myanmar's marine resources, establishment of cold storage, ice factories and fish powder factories, raising of poultry, mutual cooperation and exchange of technique for development of meat and fisheries sector. Present were Deputy Minister U Aung Thein and directors-general and managing directors of departments and enterprises. ____________________________________ (30, Wednesday April, 1997 ) MYANMAR MAKING MANY SIGNIFICANT STEPS FOR INTEGRATION INTO ASEAN FOLD YANGON, 29 April-The opening ceremony of Myanmar-ASEAN Consultative Meeting on Myanmar's Integration into ASEAN was held at the Traders Hotel this morning, with an address by Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw. Present were directors general of ASEAN member countries' ASEAN Departments, one official of the ASEAN Secretariat and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of ASEAN member countries led by Director-General of the Malaysian ASEAN Department Dato Abdul Majid Ahmad Khan, Ambassadors of Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore, Charge d'Affaires ai of Brunei Embassy, officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and representatives of departments. _____________________________________ SECRETARY-1 RECEIVES RADIO FRANCE INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT YANGON, 29 April Secretary-1 of the State Law and Order Restoration Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt received correspondent of Radio France International Ms Helen da Costa at Dagon Yeiktha of the Ministry of Defence this morning. Minister for Foreign Affairs U Ohn Gyaw and Director-General of Protocol Department Thura U Aung Htet were also present. ______________________________________ MINISTER FOR FORESTRY RECEIVES OFFICIALS OF JAPANESE CORPORATIONS YANGON, 29 April Delegation led by vice-president of Tokiwa Corporation of Japan Mr Naoyuki Soga and General Manager of Kinsho Mataichi Corporation Mr H Hashimoto paid a courtesy call on Minister for Forestry Lt-Gen Chit Swe at his office this morning. Investments for mutual benefit were discussed. ____________________________________ MINISTER RECEIVES AMBASSADOR OF ITALY YANGON, 29 April .s . Ambassador of ltaly Dr Benito Volpi called on Minister for Forestry Lt-Gen Chit Swe at his office today. They discussed strengthening of bilateral friendly ties environmental and forest conservation and cooperation in wood-based industries. _________________________________________ GOLDEN ASIA MD CALLS ON MINISTER FOR H & T YANGON, 29 April -Minister for Hotels and Tourism Lt-Gen Kyaw Ba received Managing Director of Golden Asia Inter Co Ltd Mr Dhirah Taechalertpaisarn and party at his office today. Construction of world class hotel in Tachilek Township, Shan State, was discussed. Director-General of Directorate of Hotels and Tourism U Khin Maung Latt and Managing Director of Restaurant and Beverage Enterprise U Myo Min were also present. ___________________________________ MINISTER FOR NPED RECEIVES INDONESIA ENTREPRENEURS YANGON, 29 April Indonesian entrepreneurs led by Chairman of PT Multi Satel Ekakama of Indonesia Mr Rahardjo Tjakraningrat paid a courtesy call on Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig-Gen Abel at his office this morning. They discussed cooperation for mutual interest in Myanmar's mining, communications, textiles and pharmaceutical industries. Officials of the ministry were also present. _______________________________________ English : http://www.myanmar.com/nlm/ German: http://www.myanmar.com/nlm/gnlm/ **************************************************