------------------------ BurmaNet ------------------------ "Appropriate Information Technologies, Practical Strategies" ---------------------------------------------------------- The BurmaNet News: July 2, 1997 Issue #763 HEADLINES: ========== THE DAILY YOMIURI: 58 SAID SLAIN BY MYANMAR TROOPS AFP: ASEAN THROWS LIFELINE TO FUTURE MEMBER VOA: U-S/BURMA/DENIALS RANGOON TV MYANMAR NETWORK : OFFSHORE OIL CONTRACT KNU: BATTLE NEWS ITAR-TASS: TALKS WITH BURMESE DELEGATION ON PROMOTING BKK POST: EX-COURT JUSTICE DISMISSED OVER GRAFT BKK POST: KARENNI PARTY VOWS TO CONTINUE FIGHT BKK POST: POLICE ARREST TWO WITH B8M AMPHETAMINE PILLS BKK POST: SIX CAR SMUGGLING RING MEMBERS HELD BKK POST: WHO DOES BURMA THINK IT'S KIDDING? ----------------------------------------------------------------- THE DAILY YOMIURI: 58 SAID SLAIN BY MYANMAR TROOPS July 2, 1997 MAE HONG SON, Thailand (Reuter)—The ethnic Shan resistance faction on Tuesday accused Myanmar troops of massacring 58 civilians in Shan State last month, Shan and Thai Army sources said. The Shan State Army (SSA) said in a statement that on June 6, Myanmar troops arrested 26 people in Chianglom village of Kunhing district. The troops said the people had relocated without permission. The statement said all 26 villagers were tied up and shot dead at close range. "The Myanmar soldiers have seriously violated human rights in Shan State," it said. "The Myanmar Army...tied up 26 people and killed them in cold blood at close range. The people were only accused of violating an order not to relocate." Similar incidents occurred on June 10 and June 16 when 32 people were killed in two villages of Kunhing district, the statement added. Myanmar government officials were not immediately available for comment. A Thai Army source based on the border said he had heard about the incident from Shan refugees who fled to Thailand, but added he had not been able to confirm the number of victims. A veteran Shan guerrilla said from the border that the massacres occurred after Myanmar's military government, known as the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) began its "four-cut" operation against the rebels, who are fighting for autonomy for central Shan State. "The four-cut operation began since May as the SLORC is trying to cut the people from the resistance groups," the guerrilla said. The operation is intended to deprive the rebels of information, supplies and other assistance, and to block their recruiting and propaganda efforts, he said. The Myanmar government said last month that the former Mong Tai Army (MTA) guerrillas of opium warlord Khun Sa had killed 25 civilians in eastern Shan State in early June. The SSA is a loose grouping of fighters who broke away from the MTA before Khun Sa surrendered to the Myanmar troops in January 1996. ************************************************** AFP: ASEAN THROWS LIFELINE TO FUTURE MEMBER July 1, 1997 [abridged] The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) on Tuesday threw a lifeline to future member Cambodia, offering to help run its general elections next year to prevent it sliding back to civil war. At an informal meeting in Hong Kong to address the organisation's growth pains, Asean foreign ministers also addressed matters related to the other two candidate members - military-ruled Burma and fellow economic backwater Laos, the ministers said. Asean sent Malaysian Foreign Minister Abdullah Badawi on a fact-finding mission to the three nations last month, and on Tuesday current members Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam voiced apprehension over developments in Phnom Penh. ''We discussed his report extensively, including possible types of assistance which Cambodia might need to help them in their present difficulties,'' Philippine Foreign Secretary Domingo Siazon said. Mr Abdullah recalled Asean's key role in a 1991 United Nations-brokered accord which ended the Cambodian civil war, ''so naturally we are concerned and have told them so''. However he insisted that Cambodia's internal situation did not jeopardise its Asean membership. ''We in Asean have enough experience'' in elections, he said. ''If we can help by offering them some training, then that would be possible.'' He stressed that no help had so far been extended in this area, ''but our view is that we should be ready to extend co-operation.'' Asean members were already helping the candidate members on a bilateral basis, particularly in human resource development, Mr Abdullah said. The foreign ministers also discussed international concerns on Burma's human rights record, and problems that would be faced by Laos, the officials said. Mr Abdullah said he conveyed to Rangoon's junta ''some of our concerns about what's happening there and with particular reference to the constructive engagement policy that we have with Myanmar (Burma).'' Western nations have criticized Asean's decision to admit Burma, saying it would only embolden its military leaders who are accused of repressing its population. Asean insists drawing Rangoon into dialogue would help persuade it to reform its ways. The Philippines' Mr Siazon said in a separate interview on Monday that Laos ''will have problems'' after gaining entry into the organisation. ''Economically, it's probably the least prepared, together with Cambodia,'' to accede to the other members' Asean Free Trade Area commitments, he said. ************************************************* VOA: U-S/BURMA/DENIALS June 27, 1997 [excerpts only] The United States is sharply denying allegations by a top member of Burma¹s military government that Washington has been supporting terrorist activities in Burma. Mr. Wiedemann [US charge d’affaires in Burma] said US funds, aimed at promoting democracy and human rights in Burma, are allocated to groups on the Thai border for humanitarian assistance to refugees. Organizations named by Khin Nyunt have called his allegations of a widespread conspiracy to commit terrorism in Burma ªridiculous.ª An informed observer at the American Labor Federation -- AFL/CIO -- categorically denied any involvement with terrorist acts inside Burma. AFL/CIO has supported the Federation of Trade Unions of Burma. Its associated organization -- the Bangkok-based Asian America Free Labor Institute -- was mentioned by Khin Nyunt as being involved in attempts to stage terrorist attacks in Burma. A spokeswoman for the American Refugee Committee (Karen Johnson Elshazlyy) contacted by VOA on Friday, described as ªabsolutely untrueª Khin Nyunt¹s allegations that it was involved in distributing funds to anti-Slorc groups for terrorist attacks. She said the group is involved only in humanitarian assistance and training for refugees in Thailand. She adds that US government funding agencies have never asked groups to provide intelligence information. ************************************************** RANGOON TV MYANMAR NETWORK : OFFSHORE OIL, GAS CONTRACT SIGNED WITH MALAYSIAN FIRM June 27, 1997 [translated from Burmese] A ceremony to sign a production sharing contract between the Myanmar Oil and Gas Enterprise [MOGE] and a Malaysian company--Dataran Isibumi Sdn Bhd--to explore and extract oil and natural gas in four blocks--M-15, M-16, M-17, and M-18--off the Tenasserim coast in Myanmar [Burmese] waters was held at the Energy Ministry's Yatana Hall on Prome Road this morning. Energy Minister U Khin Maung Thein delivered the opening address. Next, MOGE Managing Director U Kyaw Nyein, and Malaysian Company Chairman Mr Ab Aziz Bin Hussin also spoke on the occasion. The personnel concerned then signed the respective contracts and exchanged the documents. The ceremony ended after Energy Minister U Khin Maung Thein presented the permit to the company. ************************************************* KNU: BATTLE NEWS June 30, 1997 From: Simon_Po@sala.icn.net (Simon Po) BATTLE NEWS 1.6.97 (KNLA, No(7)Bri, Pa-an district Area) At 1545 hours, KNLA troops attacked SLORC troops at Lo Baw. SLORC casualties are unknown. LIB (97) stepped on a KNLA mine at Htee Wah Klu. One SLORC soldier was killed. 2.6.97 (KNLA, No(4)Bri, Merguie/Tavoy district Area) A clash broke out between KNLA troops and SLORC troops at Hno Hta. Two SLORC soldiers were injured. (KNLA, No(7)Bri, Pa-an district Area) At 1020 hours, KNLA troops attacked SLORC troops at Pa Wee Plaw. At 1325 hours, a battle broke out again between the KNLA troops and SLORC troops at Lo Baw. Three SLORC soldiers were injured. (KNLA, No(5)Bri, Mu Traw district Area) At 0900 hours, KNLA troops attacked LIR (703) at Dwe Li Lu. At the same day, at 1300 hours, KNLA troops attacked SLORC troops again at Ler Mu. Casualties are unknown. KNLA troops ambushed LIR (708) at Sho Per Kho. Two SLORC soldiers were killed and six SLORC soldiers were injured. At the same day, LIR (708) stepped on a KNLA mine at Saw Mu Plaw area. One SLORC soldier lost his leg. 3.6.97 (KNLA, No(5)Bri, Mu Traw district Area) KNLA troops attacked SLORC troops at Da Hla Hta. A clash broke out between the KNLA troops and SLORC troops at Ba Blu Hta. Casualties are unknown. At the same day, LIR (708) stepped on two KNLA mines at Law Ka Ta Mee Kyo. Two SLORC soldiers lost their legs. (KNLA, No(7)Bri, Pa-an district Area) At 2103 hours, KNLA troops attacked SLORC troops at Htaw Hroy. One SLORC soldier was killed. KNLA captured one .45 pistol, one walki-talki. (KNLA, No(4)Bri, Merguie/Tavoy district Area) KNLA troops attacked SLORC troops at Hno Pha Doh. One SLORC soldier was killed. 4.6.97 (KNLA, No(4)Bri, Merguie/Tavoy distirct Area) KNLA troops attacked SLORC troops with Claymore mine at Lay Ka Blar. At 1000 hours, KNLA troops attacked SLORC troops again with Claymore mine at Min Htaik. At the same day, at 1330 hours, KNLA troops ambushed SLORC troops at Htaw Ma Pyo Hta. At 1400 hours, KNLA troops ambushed SLORC troops at Htaw Ma Pyo Khee. At the same day, at 1500 hours, KNLA troops attacked SLORC troops at Min Htaik Khee.In these five clashes, twenty SLORC soldiers were killed and thirty SLORC soldiers were injured. (KNLA, No(5)Bri, Mu Traw district Area) KNLA troops attacked SLORC troops at Wah Baw Day. One SLORC soldier was killed. KNLA troops attacked LIR (707) at Maw Kyo Kho. One SLORC soldier was killed. At the same day, LIR (707) stepped on a KNLA mine at Maw Kyo Kho. One SLORC soldier lost his leg. SLORC troops stepped on a KNLA mine at Wah Klay Klar. One SLORC soldier lost his leg. SLORC troops stepped on a KNLA mine at Ku Ra Hta. One SLORC soldier lost his leg. (KNLA, No(7)Bri, Pa-an district Area) KNLA troops attacked SLORC troops at Maw Oh Hta. KNLA captured one AK(47), one walki-talki and destroyed a SLORC truck. 5.6.97 (KNLA, No(5)Bri, Mu Traw district Area) LIR (707) stepped on a KNLA mine at Maw Kyo Kho. One SLORC soldier lost his leg. 6.6.97 (KNLA, No(6)Bri, Dooplaya district Area) At 0630 hours, LIR (111) attacked KNLA troops at Kaw Tha Wa Kay and the battle lasted two hours. KNLA troops suffered three dead and four KNLA soldiers were injured. Four SLORC soldiers were killed and two SLORC soldiers were injured. (KNLA, No(5)Bri, Mu Traw district Area) LIR (708) stepped on a KNLA mine at Kyo Ka Yu Kyo. One SLORC soldier lost his leg. At the same day, KNLA troops attacked LIR (707) at Ka Ner Mu Der. One SLORC soldier was injured. (KNLA, No(4)Bri, Merguie/Tavoy district Area) KNLA troops attacked SLORC convoy. Five SLORC soldiers were killed and six SLORC soldiers were injured. At 1446 hours, KNLA troops attacked SLORC troops at Hgaw Wah Kwee. Three SLORC soldiers were killed and four SLORC soldiers were injured. Including one Sergeant was injured. At the same day, at 2015 hours, a KNLA mine exploded at Maw Pu. One SLORC soldier was killed and One SLORC soldier was injured. 7.6.97 (KNLA, No(5)Bri, Mu Traw district Area) LIB (59) stepped on a KNLA mine at Htee Ler Wah Hta. One SLORC soldier lost his leg. At the same day, LIR (708) stepped on three KNLA mines at Hgay Baw Khee area. Three SLORC soldiers lost their legs. At the same day, KNLA troops attacked LIB (59) at Maw Lay Kho. SLORC casualties are unknown. (KNLA, No(1)Bri, Thaton district area) A clash broke out between the KNLA troops and SLORC troops at a position between the Htee Po Nae and Baw Tha Byu. KNLA troops suffered one dead and lost one AK(47). One SLORC soldier was injured. 8.6.97 (KNLA, No(5), Mu Traw district Area) KNLA troops attacked LIR (707) at Ler Mu Kaw Hte. One SLORC soldier was killed. 9.6.97 (KNLA, No(5)Bri, Mu Traw district area) KNLA troops attacked LIR (710) at Baw Pae. SLORC casualties are unknown. KNLA troops attacked SLORC troops at Kho Yae Lo. Two SLORC soldiers were injured. At the same day, SLORC troops stepped on a KNLA mine at K'ser Ther Pler. One SLORC soldier lost his leg. SLORC troops stepped again on a KNLA mine at Kler Per Kho. One SLORC lost his leg. 10.6.97 (KNLA, No(5)Bri, Mu Traw district Area) KNLA troops attacked LIR (57) at Ta Hgaw Htoo. SLORC casualties are unknown. SLORC troops stepped on a KNLA mine at Ler Hgaw. One SLORC soldier lost his leg. At the same day, KNLA troops attacked SLORC troops at Kyaw Dee Hta. Two SLORC soldiers were injured. At the same day, KNLA troops attacked SLORC troops at Paw Mu Lar. Casualties are unknown. 11.6.97 (KNLA, No(5)Bri, Mu Traw district Area) KNLA troops attacked LIR (703) at Play Plo Hta. At the same time, KNLA troops attacked SLORC troops at a position between Thu Kler and Gho Lay. SLORC casualties are unknown. SLORC troops stepped on three KNLA mine at Htee Hse Khee. Three SLORC soldiers lost their legs. 12.6.97 (KNLA, No(7)Bri, Pa-an district Area) SLORC troops stepped on two KNLA mines at Tha Waw Kyo. Two SLORC soldiers lost their legs. (KNLA, No(4)Bri, Merguie/Tavoy district, Ta Naw Ta Yee township Area) A battle broke out between the KNLA troops and SLORC troops at Taw Kyi. Thirty SLORC soldiers were believe to be killed and wounded. Including one SLORC Maj.Aung Min was killed. (KNLA, No(5)Bri, Mu Traw district Area) KNLA troops attacked SLORC troops at Shell Lu Kho. At the same day, KNLA troops attacked SLORC troops at a position between the Mae Way and Hgaw Wah. Two SLORC soldiers were killed and one SLORC soldier was injured. 13.6.97 (KNLA, No(7)Bri, Pa-an district Area)A KNLA mine exploded at Yae Kyaw. One SLORC soldier was killed, one SLORC soldier was injured and two villagers were also injured. (KNLA, No(2)Bri, Taungoo district Area) LIR (704) stepped on a KNLA mine at Pway Day. One SLORC soldier lost his leg. (KNLA, No(5)Bri, Mu Traw district Area) KNLA troops attacked SLORC troops at Ler Kwar Der Kyo. Casualties are unknown. At the same day, SLORC troops stepped on a KNLA mine at Pu Pu Law. One SLORC soldier lost his leg. At the same day, at 1300 hours, KNLA troops attacked SLORC troops at a position between the Paw Thu and K'ner Der. At 1805 hours, KNLA troops attacked SLORC troops at Htee Law Thee Khee. Five SLORC soldiers were injured. (KNLA, No(6)Bri, Dooplaya district) At 1400 hours, KNLA troops attacked SLORC troops at Par Wah Klo. One SLORC soldier was killed. KNLA captured one AK(47). 14.6.97 (KNLA, No(2)Bri, Taungoo district Area) At 1800 hours, KNLA troops attacked SLORC troops at Der Kar. One SLORC was killed and one was injured. LIR (704) stepped on a KNLA mine at Pway Day. One SLORC soldier lost his leg. (KNLA,No(5)Bri, Mu Traw district Area) SLORC troops stepped on two KNLA mines at Kyaw Baw Hta. Two SLORC soldiers lost their legs. At the same day, KNLA troops attacked SLORC troops at Wah War Day and Yar Plo Der. 15.6.97 (KNLA, No(4)Bri, Merguie/Tavoy district Area) At 1100 hours, KNLA troops attacked SLORC troops at Hgaw Htee. (KNLA,No(7)Bri, Pa-an district Area) SLORC troops stepped on two KNLA mines at Pa Nwe Po Klo. Two SLORC soldiers lost their legs. At 0920 hours, SLORC troops stepped on a KNLA mine at Po Toe Pwar. One SLORC soldier lost his leg. At 1535 hours, KNLA troops attacked SLORC troops at Blaw Kyo. Two SLORC soldiers was killed. KNLA captured one G-3, (15) rounds of ammo, one magazine. (KNLA, No(5)Bri, KNDO No(1)BN, Mu Traw district Area) SLORC troops stepped on a KNLA mine at Htee Hse Baw Khee. One SLORC soldiers lost his leg. At the same day KNLA troops attacked SLORC troops at Day Bu Plaw. KNLA troops attacked SLORC troops at Maw Lay Khaw Htee. One SLORC soldier was injured. At the same day, SLORC troops stepped on a KNLA mine at a position between the Hta Hgaw Kwee and Kyaw Po Hta. One SLORC soldier lost his leg. 16.6.97 (KNLA, No(7)Bri, Pa-an district Area) LIR (21) stepped on two KNLA mines at Po Thwee Kyo. Two SLORC soldiers lost their legs. (KNLA, No(4)Bri, Merguie/Tavoy district Area) KNLA troops attacked SLORC troops at Klee Thu. At the same day, KNLA troops attacked SLORC troops at a position between the Maw Matru and Ka Taw Nee . KNLA troops attacked SLORC troops again at Maw Matru village. SLORC casualties are unknown. (KNLA, No(5)Bri, Mu Traw district Area) KNLA troops attacked SLORC troops at Ker Kho Mu Der. At the same day, SLORC troops stepped on KNLA mine at Maw Ku area. One SLORC soldier lost his leg. At the same day, SLORC troops stepped on a KNLA mine at Kaw Lay Der. One SLORC soldier lost his leg. (KNLA, No(2)Bri, Taungoo district Area) KNLA troops attacked SLORC troops at Kaw Hser Der Kho. One SLORC soldier was killed and one SLORC soldier was injured. At the same day, KNLA troops attacked SLORC troops at Thay Yar Yu. Two SLORC soldiers was killed and one was injured. (KNLA, No(6)Bri, Dooplaya district Area) KNLA troops attacked LIR (357) at a position between the Noh Taw Tae and Mae Ka Lar. Three SLORC soldiers was killed and one SLORC soldier was injured. 17.6.97 (KNLA, No(7)Bri, Pa-an district Area) At 2200 hours, a clash broke out between the KNLA troops and SLORC troops at Htee Wah Blaw. The battle lasted one hour and two SLORC soldiers were killed and seven SLORC soldiers were injured. KNLA suffered one dead and lost one walki-talki. (KNLA, No(5)Bri, Mu Traw district Area) KNLA troops attacked SLORC troops at Hser Hta. At the same day, KNLA troops attacked SLORC troops at Hgo Lay. One SLORC soldier was killed and one SLORC soldier was injured. At the same day, a clash broke out between the KNLA troops and SLORC troops at Thay Baw area. At the same time, SLORC troops stepped on two KNLA mines, two SLORC soldiers lost their legs. At the same day, KNLA troops attacked SLORC troops at Hgaw Toe Lo Klo. Casualties are unknown. At the same day, KNLA troops attacked SLORC troops at Ker Kho Mu Der. One SLORC soldier was injured. (KNLA, No(4)Bri, Merguie/Tavoy district area) KNLA troops attacked SLORC troops at Nyar Paw Hta. Casualties are unknown. 18.6.97 (KNLA, No(5)Bri, Mu Traw district Area) KNLA troops attacked SLORC troops at Ler Paw Day. At the same day, at 1600 hours, KNLA troops attacked SLORC troops at Du Htaw Kyo and Hger Mu Der Kho. Casualties are unknown. 19.6.97 (KNLA, No(5)Bri, Mu Traw district Area) Three clashes broke out between the KNLA troops and SLORC troops at Paw Thu, Nar Yo Hta and Htee Su Khee. Casualties are unknown. (KNLA, No(3)Bri, K'ler Lwee Hto district Area) KNLA troops attacked LIB(59) at Htar Law Plo Day. Casualties are unknown. (KNLA, No(4)Bri, Merguie/Tavoy district Area) Four KNLA mines exploded at Nyar Le Hta area. Two SLORC soldiers was killed. 20.6.97 (KNLA,No(5)Bri, Mu Traw district area) KNLA troops attacked SLORC troops at Nar Yo Hta. Casualties are unknown. (KNLA, No(3)Bri, K'ler Lwee Hto district area) KNLA troops attacked LIB (59) at Day Thu Kyo. Casualties are unknown. (KNLA, NO(4)Bri, Merguie/Tavoy district area) Three KNLA mines exploded at Ka Su Khee. Two SLORC soldiers were injured. 21.6.97 (KNLA, No(5)Bri, Mu Traw district area) Three clashes broke out between the KNLA troops and SLORC troops at Plaw Hgaw, Bu Plaw Kyo, Paw May Baw Day. Casualties are unknown. At the same day, SLORC troops stepped on three KNLA mines at Htee Klee Khee area. Three SLORC soldiers were injured. At the same day, KNLA troops attacked SLORC troops at a position between the Hgo Tha Lu Der and Per Khee. Casualties are unknown. At the same day, SLORC troops stepped on a KNLA mine at Htee Hse Plo. One SLORC soldier lost his leg. At the same day, a clash broke out between the KNLA troops and SLORC troops at Ler Mu Plaw area. One SLORC soldier was injured. 22.6.97 (KNLA, No(7)Bri, Pa-an district area) KNLA troops attacked LIR (12) at Pu Way. Casualties are unknown. At 0630 hours, KNLA troops attacked SLORC troops at Kler Day area. Two SLORC soldiers were killed. KNLA troops captured one carbine, (110)rounds of ammo, (7) magazine, one AK(47), (20)rounds of ammo, one magazine, one walki-talki, one grenade. (KNLA, No(3)Bri, K'ler Lwee Hto district area) KNLA troops attacked LIB (59) at Hgo Lay Kho. Casualties are unknown. (KNLA, No(6)Bri, Dooplaya district Area) At 0850 hours, a KNLA mine exploded at a position between the Noh Taw Tae and Mae Ka Lar. One SLORC soldier lost his leg. 23.6.97 (KNLA, No(3)Bri, K'ler Lwee Hto district area) KNLA troops attacked LIB (59) at Maw Pu. One SLORC soldier was killed and three SLORC soldiers was injured. 24.6.97 (KNLA, No(5)Bri, Mu Traw district area) KNLA troops attacked SLORC troops at a position between the Ta Lay Hta and Paw Mu Der. At 1020 hours, KNLA troops attacked SLORC troops at Paw Mu Der area. Casualties are unknown. 26.6.97 (KNLA, No(6)Bri, Dooplaya district Area) KNLA troops attacked SLORC troops at Htee Nu. One SLORC soldier was killed. KNU Information Center. KNLA = Karen National Liberation Army SLORC = State Law and Order Restoration Council LIR = Light infantry Regiment LIB = Light infantry Battalion ****************************************************** ITAR-TASS: TALKS WITH BURMESE DELEGATION ON PROMOTING TIES June 23, 1997 [translated from Russian] Yuriy Vasilyev Moscow, 23 Jun -- During the talks between U Nyunt Swe, Deputy Foreign Minister of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar [Burma], and Russian officials, the sides stressed the need to move forward the entire complex of Russia-Myanmar links, including those in the sphere of bilateral trade and economic cooperation. This is stated in a report circulated by the information and press department of the Russian Foreign Ministry on the results of the goodwill visit by U Nyunt Swe to Moscow from 19 to 22 June. The head of the delegation was received by Yakov Urinson, Deputy Chairman of the government; Vasiliy Likhachev, Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council; Mikhail Yuryev, Deputy Chairman of the State Duma; Igor Ivanov, First Deputy Foreign Minister; and Yuriy Deryabin, Deputy Secretary of the Security Council. Russia-Myanmar consultations at the level of deputy foreign ministers were held during the visit. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Grigoriy Karasin held the consultations for the Russian side. The sides expressed the intention to expand mutual contacts, in particular, consultations between the foreign ministries of the two countries. For this purpose, an agreement was reached in principle to sign in the near future a protocol on consultations between the foreign ministries and also an agreement on cultural cooperation between the two countries. Proximity of interests was noted on a number of issues relating to global and regional policy. When discussing the problems of the Asia-Pacific region, the report says, Karasin noted that Russia attaches great importance to cooperation with the Asean, which is greatly influencing the process of economic and political integration in Southeast Asia and the Asia-Pacific region, and also with its members on a bilateral basis. The hope was expressed that Myanmar's admission to the Asean will open up additional opportunities for the further expansion of cooperation between our countries in regional and international affairs. **************************************************** BKK POST: EX-COURT JUSTICE DISMISSED OVER GRAFT July 1, 1997 Found guilty of letting go notorious drug lord Somchai Udomwong, a judge who granted bail to a major drug suspect, was sacked without pension yesterday. The Judicial Commission ruled unanimously that Mr Somchai, a former Criminal Court deputy chief justice, was guilty of corruption as evidence indicated irregularities behind his release of Pongsak Rojanasaksakul, or Li Yun Chung, in February. The dismissal order was signed by Justice Minister Suvit Khunkitti and took effect immediately. The Justice Ministry will also send its investigation reports on bribery charges against Mr Somchai to a police committee headed by deputy police chief Salang Bunnag to decide whether the former judge should face criminal penalties. Li has been charged by the United States with trafficking in more than 400 kilogrammes of heroin into that country in 1991. He fled to Burma after being freed on bail but was recaptured and returned to Thailand. He was recently extradited to the United States. A source in the Judicial Commission said the panel based its guilty verdict on two key pieces of evidence_a land deal between Mr Somchai and Li's broker, and records of his telephone conversations with people known to have close relations with Li. A Justice Ministry panel which investigated the bribery charges against Mr Somchai earlier reported that Li had asked his wife, Mayuree, to give 20 million baht to his lawyer, Sukil Srimuang, to arrange for the bail. The panel also found that Mrs Mayuree had paid 10 million baht to the broker, Narat Charoensuk, or Banyat Thaweesin, or Puek, who had later transferred 800,000 baht to the account of the wife of the former judge. Mr Somchai told investigators that the three million baht was paid for his land and house bought by Mr Narat. The source, however, alleged that Mr Somchai and Mr Narat had jointly fabricated the land deal to cover up corruption practices. He said Mr Narat told the investigation panel that he bought Mr Somchai's house because he was badly in need of a place where he could live while the former judge claimed he sold the house because he could not afford to pay for the instalment. But the panel found that Mr Narat had never moved onto that house although he claimed he had no place to stay, according to the source. The source said the investigation panel gave a lot of weight to records of Mr Somchai's phone use before and after he granted bail to Li. The former judge was found to have made several phone calls to a number of people close to Li in a day he said. The source said the Justice Ministry will further investigate some judges and court officials suspected of having involvement in the bribery. He said a deputy chief justice of a regional court would likely face serious disciplinary action. A court registrar was also found to have arranged a room and a typewriter for Mr Sukij, Li's lawyer, to write a bail request for his client. There was evidence that Mr Sukij had called Mr Somchai at the former judge's office several times on the day Li was released, the source said . If found guilty they will also be sacked, he said. Although it was not clear to whom Mr Narat had paid the money he received from Li's wife, Mr Charan said that based on other evidence there were reasons to believe that Mr Somchai had earned some benefits for himself. Mr Charan said most judges who were dismissed usually sought registrations as lawyers. However, the Lawyers Council of Thailand agreed that people with stained records should not be allowed to register, he said. Justice Permanent Secretary Kukiat Sunthornbura admitted that "black sheep" existed in every organisation and insisted the investigation against Mr Somchai was fair. Supreme Court President Sakda Mokkhamakkul said the image of the judicial institution should not be tarnished as the Judicial Commission had already proved it was ready to eliminate bad people.(BP) ************************************************* BKK POST: KARENNI PARTY VOWS TO CONTINUE FIGHT WITH GOVT June 28, 1997 The Karenni National Progressive Party has vowed to continue its fight with the Burmese government until the latter withdraws its four battalions from Kayah State. KNPP commander Maj-Gen Aung Mya said in his base opposite Ban Nai Soy in Muang district of Mae Hong Son province yesterday that he would hold talks with the Burmese government only after their withdrawal and it would not be the Burmese government which would choose the venue of the next round of talks. The commander recalled the incident when he and other KNPP senior figures were nearly poisoned to death by Burmese government officials during their past talks in March 1995. The treatment cost him 200,000 baht. He said the KNPP would continue its guerrilla attacks against government troops. Last week 24 KNPP soldiers killed seven government troops and seized two HK-47 machine guns in an attack in an area five kilometres from the bordering Nai Soy village, he claimed. Only two KNPP soldiers were injured in the attack, he said. (BP) *************************************************** BKK POST: CHIANG MAI POLICE ARREST TWO WITH B8M AMPHETAMINE PILLS June 29, 1997 While delivering them for Shan people Two men were arrested in Chiang Dao of Chiang Mai on Friday and charged with possession of 102,000 amphetamine tablets worth 8.1 million baht. Border Patrol Police nabbed Ta Lungtung, 57, and Longseong sae Li, 48, and seized the pills in a raid at Longseong's house at Ban Arunothai in Tambon Muang Na. Longseong told police that four Shan people asked him on June 26 to keep the drug, which was hidden in a steel drum, and deliver it to a customer in Chiang Dao, but that he had not yet been paid. He later hired Ta to help him deliver the drug from his house to the meeting point between kilometre markers 11 and 12 on the Muang Ngai- Wiang Haeng Highway via a pick-up truck, Longseong said. According to police, the drug was produced by the Red Wa (the United Wa State Army) whose stronghold is opposite Chiang Dao district and bought from a town in Burma. Four people have been arrested in Samut Prakan and charged with possessing about 8,000 amphetamine tablets. The BPP nabbed Sarawuth Veerawong, 21, Sumalai Saithong, 30, Wasaphol Iamkla, 33, Bussaba Rakphao, 25, and seized 7,950 amphetamine tablets in a raid at a department store parking lot. In another raid, the BPP torched 300 kilogrammes of marijuana in a banana plantation in Ban Pa Kluay, Tambon Chalung in Hat Yai district of Songkhla but failed to make any arrests. According to police, the drug is worth up to 150,000 baht in street value. A 16-year-old male student attending a technical college has been arrested in Buri Ram for possession of 20 amphetamine pills. Police alleged Tun Orossa was one of a gang of students engaged in the sale of speed pills which have been in widespread use among secondary and vocational students. (BP) *************************************************** BKK POST: SIX CAR SMUGGLING RING MEMBERS HELD June 28, 1997 Two Burmese among those arrested Chiang Rai - Six members of a car smuggling gang have been arrested in Mae Sai as they tried to sell a stolen van. Following a tip-off, police caught four Thais and two Burmese in front of Thai Farmers Bank's Mae Sai branch and seized the van. The suspects were identified as Paen Chaisena, 31, of Phitsanulok; Somnuk Yimkaew, 27, of Phatthalung; Theerawat Mahawanti, 26; of Bangkok; Sawet Ma-iad 27, of Krabi; and two Burmese men identified only as Milui, 29; and Ram of Tachilek. According to police, the suspects were members of a major car smuggling gang on the police most-wanted list. The gang is believed to have stolen a number of cars and motorcycles and sold them to Burmese dealers in Tachilek. In another development, a man was arrested on Wednesday with 9,900 amphetamine tablets, police said. Khamphee Suebchan, 36, a native of Samut Prakan's Phra Pradaeng district, was arrested after Chiang Rai police stopped his car for a search and found the drugs. The suspect allegedly bought the drugs from a Mae Sai dealer for sale to clients in Bangkok. Meanwhile, the Regional Police Bureau 5 has launched a crackdown on narcotics in Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai. Pol Maj-Gen Jetsadang Promsakha na Sakon Nakhon, the bureau deputy commander, called a meeting of senior police officers from the two provinces and ordered them to root out drugs in their areas of jurisdiction, particularly along the Thai-Burmese border where amphetamine-producing factories abound. (BP) *************************************************** BKK POST: WHO DOES BURMA THINK IT'S KIDDING? June 29, 1997 Editorial With Cambodia rocked, Burma is rolling along with audacious "evidence" of its new-found regard for democracy and its sincere battle against the drugs trade. Calling Rangoon: Join Asean if you must, but please leave your deceits at the door. The chaos in Cambodia has served at least one nation well, and that's Burma, which in one month's time is scheduled to link hands with Cambodia and Laos and stroll onto the Asean stage to cheers from Thailand et al. That the Association of Southeast Asian Nations could be so atrociously blinkered as to still want Phnom Penh in the fold is preposterous enough. But at least Cambodia is transparent for what it is: the retarded cousin on our doorstep. Burma's ruling State Law and Order Restoration Council (Slorc), on the other hand, leads the world in the audacity sweepstakes, and it is baling hay made of lies while the moody sun shines on Cambodia. This week, a propos of nothing, the Slorc announced that it was willing to "consider" allowing the "opposition" - Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD), which is in reality the elected government of Burma - to rejoin a national convention that is drafting the country's new constitution. All it would take, said the generals, is a "sincere, straight-forward request" to re-enter the convention it abandoned two years ago because it was blatantly undemocratic. Rumours of an NLD resolution to rejoin the convention can not yet, at least, be taken seriously. To do so would imply that Mrs Suu Kyi's party has resigned itself, given Burma's admission to Asean in the face of worldwide condemnation, to making the best of a bad situation. This would be a shame: the Slorc has a long way to go before it earns its Asean spurs, and may well yet give the regional bloc cause for regret. Better news arrived from Luxembourg in the form of the European Union's foreign ministers telling Rangoon in no uncertain terms that Asean membership does not translate into automatic status at the ongoing EU- Asian trade talks. Our European allies, it would seem, are not about to take for granted all of Asean's members without some give on the dual demons of human rights abuses and political suppression. Twice this week, Burma appeared to up the ante in the war on drugs, saying it was willing to continue permitting suspected traffickers to be extradited elsewhere for trial, then announcing a raid on the remnants of Khun Sa's Mong Tai Army, seizing drugs and arms. Smoke and mirrors are what the world gets from such propaganda. The SLORC fostered and protected the old drug pusher for years before concocting a deal aimed blatantly at earning a round of applause from its critics. The smoke rose from a one-tonne bonfire of heroin Slorc troops lit for the edification of local and foreign journalists and diplomats. The mirrors turn out to be see-through: Burma's state-run newspapers, brimming with confidence at Asean's acceptance, taunted the NLD over the alleged request for readmission to the convention. "Why and for what reasons do you want to rejoin the national convention, which the political stunt star wife of the Englishman [Mrs Suu Kyi] and her masters slandered and opposed?" an editorial in the New Light of Myanmar asked. "The National Convention is not a licenceless bootleg liquor shop where you can go in and come out without discipline." "Talk is cheap," so the old saying goes. But that kind of talk could prove very costly indeed to the tyrants of Rangoon. (BP) ***************************************************