------------------------ BurmaNet ------------------------ "Appropriate Information Technologies, Practical Strategies" ---------------------------------------------------------- The BurmaNet News: July 22, 1997 Issue #778 HEADLINES: ========== FOXNEWS: BURMESE REFUGEES CLASH WITH POLICE BKK POST: REFUGEES FORCED TO CONVERT TO BUDDHISM TT: BURMA EXERCISES MILITARY MUSCLE WITH CHINESE JETS THE NATION: MEMBERSHIP OFFERS LITTLE SANCTUARY BKK POST: HEAT OFF BURMA AS HANDS JOINED THE NATION: LETTER - STUDENTS FIND LITTLE REFUGE SLORC: INFORMATION SHEET A.0068(I) THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR : NEWS BRIEFS ----------------------------------------------------------------- FOXNEWS: BURMESE REFUGEES CLASH WITH POLICE, 15 INJURED July 20, 1997 TEKNAF, Bangladesh (AP) Police opened fire and lobbed tear gas to quell Burmese refugees who were resisting government efforts to send them back to neighboring Burma, an official said. Three officials and 12 refugees were injured in the three-hour clash, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity. The refugees had attacked with canes, arrows and iron rods when the officials began rounding up people to be repatriated. More than 250,000 Muslim Burmese refugees fled to Bangladesh in 1991 to escape persecution by Rangoon's military Junta in Rangoon. Most have been repatriated under an agreement between the two nations. The remaining 21,625 refugees, living in two camps, are demanding that they be sent back together and not in batches of a few hundred each. ************************************************ BKK POST: REFUGEES FORCED TO CONVERT TO BUDDHISM July 19, 1997 Junta systematically oppressing Muslims Burmese Muslim refugees encamped in Thailand will not be allowed back into Burma unless they convert to Buddhism, according to the chairman of the All Burma Muslim Union. Tin Maung Thet said yesterday the Burmese military junta had made it known that Burmese Muslims living in Karen refugee camps along the Thai-Burmese border would not be welcomed back unless they converted to Buddhism. "This applies only to the Muslims, and not to other religious faiths," he said. Mr. Tin Maung Thet cited the cases of two Muslim families who returned to Burma a few months ago and were forced by Burmese authorities to abandon the Islamic faith. Their children, he said, were also forced to become Buddhist monks. The junta is systematically oppressing Muslims in Burma and several Muslim communities along the Burmese-Thai border have been relocated, he said. A mosque and a religious school in Kyaikdon village, opposite Thailand's Tak province, were torched early this year, he added. There are about seven million Muslims in Burma, some 100,000 of whom have taken refuge in Thailand. Mr. Tin Maung Thet complained that he had circulated numerous petitions to Muslim countries and organisations throughout the world over the past several years to highlight the plight of Burmese Muslims and seek help for them, but to no avail. He said the refugees now rely on food and other relief materials supplied mostly by Christian relief organisations. ************************************************ THAILAND TIMES: BURMA EXERCISES MILITARY MUSCLE WITH JETS FROM CHINA July 21, 1997 By Kachorn Boompath MAE HONG SON: The Burmese Air Force has developed its military capacity by buying over 20 Chinese-made fighter jets, a strong indication of Burma's desire to press ahead with the arms race despite its dire economic situation. A Thai security officer, who requested anonymity, said the 21 aircraft are believed to include Chengdu F-7MG fighters and other second-hand bombers. The cost of the purchase package is being kept a closely guarded secret, he said, adding that Burma is thought to be paying over a 5-10 year period. Burma's ruling junta spends a larger percentage of its budget on military affairs than on anything else. In the fiscal year beginning in 1994 it spent 1.4 billion US dollars, 10.77 percent of its gross domestic product, on defense. Despite having signed cease-fires with several rebel groups, the junta knows that without military might its grip on power would crumble. The officer said that after the delivery of the aircraft in February and March this year the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) sent its pilots to the Chinese Air Force for training. He said that air bases which are being used for the training are spread across the country in regions including Mingladon, Mawbi, Myitkyina, Taungu, Mithila and Namzarng. In Namzarng, the officer said, there have been nine Chinese-made aircraft and 30 Chinese pilot trainers stationed since March. *********************************************** THE NATION: MEMBERSHIP OFFERS LITTLE SANCTUARY FOR REGIME July 21, 1997 Yindee Lertcharoenchok The much coveted membership in Asean will not help SLORC win more friends, reports the Nation's Yindee Lertcharoenchok. On Wednesday, the Burmese junta will face the reality that its hard-won membership into Asean will not help ease international pressure and its isolation. The Burmese State Law and Order Restoration Council (Slorc) will find that Asean's 10 dialogue partners, particularly the European Union and the United States, have neither reduce its hostility nor weakened their opposition to the military junta's illegitimate regime. Slorc will also realise that even its close friends in Asean are very much reluctant to defend its poor human rights record and would rather leave the controversy to be settled bilaterally between Slorc and the West. When Asean made a final decision early this month to admit Burma along with Laos this Wednesday, Thailand made a bold suggestion that the regional group should replace its policy of constructive engagement towards Burma with a new approach. Although there have not yet been any serious discussion on the subject, several senior Asean officials believed the new policy will put emphasis on the call for national reconciliation and dialogues between Slorc and Burmese democratic activists led by Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi. It may also spell out a timetable, or a road map so to speak, on the political development which the global community wants to see taking place in Burma. Since its adoption of the constructive engagement policy in mid-1991, Asean have faced strong criticisms from both the West and the Burmese opposition movement that its policy was a mere fig-leaf for its members' extensive exploitation of Burma's rich natural resources and economic potential. They said the policy has not only failed to bring about democratic reforms but also lacked substance in practice. Asean members themselves find it hard to explain the policy when challenged. The critics argued that Asean has not only recognised and engaged with the illegitimate regime of Slorc, which rose to power after the bloody coup in 1988 and technically voted out in the 1990 general elections, but it has also failed to deliver a clear message to the ruling generals that they needed to make compromises and introduce political changes in Burma. Asean governments, they said, have also deliberately ignored or refused to engage with Suu Kyi and her National League for Democracy (NLD) which effectively won a landslide victory in the elections. Although Asean has repeatedly proclaimed its non-interference policy, the critics said, its contacts and numerous economic agreements with the illegitimate regime of Slorc are nothing but a direct interference in Burmese domestic affairs. It has always been a puzzle why the seven-member Asean has put so much emphasis on the number game rather than substance and quality. The group initially wanted to become a regional organisation of 10 Southeast Asian countries by the year 2000. Its dream of admitting the three remaining countries - Burma, Laos and Cambodia - this year when it celebrates its 30th anniversary was shattered when Cambodia's membership was delayed indefinitely due to a violent coup on July 5. Critics often questioned why the rush to admit Burma when it was evident that the country needs the grouping more than the other way round. Although Burma is better prepared than the two other countries, the ongoing political unrest and sporadic violence there would require that Burma be technically excluded from many of Asean activities and engagements. Despite its enlargement, Asean's bargaining power will not necessarily be stronger and its image and reputation will not be more credible. In fact, Asean will find it much more difficult to reach a consensus particularly on controversial regional conflicts and disputes as each member has its own interests to protect. Moreover, Burma's membership in Asean does not necessarily guarantee that Slorc would readily reform itself or compromise its hard-line stance. Asean foreign ministers have tried to justify their decision to admit Burma saying the membership would help bring about political change. They even claimed that all political developments in Burma such as the 1990 general elections, Suu Kyi's release from house arrest and SLORC's cease-fire with armed ethnic groups were the result of its constructive engagement policy. As for Slorc, it will soon find out that membership does not win the regime more friends than it has now. And although the domestic political situation inside the country has moved pretty much to its advantage, anti-Slorc activities in countries across the globe have actually strengthened over the years. The Burmese generals will find that while Asean will defend its Burma policy, the grouping will not defend their repressive rule and policy against the democratic movement. The financial and material assistance which Slorc has expected to flow along with its membership in Asean will remain conditional to Burma's political progress. The United Nations Development Programme, which is affiliated to Asean, and the Manila-based Asian Development Bank are being pressured by the US not to extend financial loans, assistance or even development projects. Under strong domestic and western pressures, Japan and Asean, which have been among SLORC's closest supporters, have been recently forced to convince the generals of the need for dialogues with the NLD. During his June 11 to 13 trip to Burma, Hiroshi Hirabayashi, a special envoy of Japanese Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto, told Slorc leaders that Japan would resume its Overseas Development Assistance to Burma only if the regime could introduce some "moderately positive" developments which included dialogues with the NLD or the progress in the drafting of a new constitution. Malaysian Foreign Minister Abdullah Badawi shocked top SLORC leaders when he made a one-day visit to Rangoon on June 10 to inform the regime of Asean decision to admit the country. Badawi told the Burmese four top generals - Gen. Than Shwe, Gen. Maung Aye, Lt Gen. Khin Nyunt and Lt Gen. Tin Oo - that Burma's membership was the toughest decision the grouping ever made in its 30 years. He also pointed out that Asean has risked itself by admitting Burma and that the grouping expected to see some "positive" political gestures or responses from Slorc. Whether Badawi's message was sincere or a tactically pre-emptive move to counter possible Western backlash to Burma's membership, the Slorc is not likely to enjoy a free-ride in Asean. The Slorc may this week regret that it has wasted so much effort and energy in associating with a regional organisation which has turned out to be its latest critic. ************************************************** BKK POST: HEAT OFF BURMA AS HANDS JOINED July 21, 1997 [abridged] Kuala Lumpur, Reuters Cambodian Foreign Minister Ung Huot will press for a last-minute change of heart at this week's Asean meetings, which Cambodia will attend as an observer. Diplomats say Cambodia could be admitted as early as August 8, when Asean celebrates its 30th anniversary, or later in December when the group holds its annual "informal summit". The region is critically dependent on trade, most of it with Japan and the West. Asean's combined annual exports of $250 billion represents 40 percent of its GDP and its annual imports of $300 billion make up 50 percent of GDP. The two-day foreign ministers' meeting will be followed by the Asean Regional Forum (ARF), which will bring together foreign ministers from 11 other nations including the United States, the European Union, China, Japan, Russia, India and Australia. Issues ranging from the conflicting territorial claims in the South China Sea, tensions on the Korea peninsula, Burma and Cambodia will likely feature in the discussions. For the first time, defence officials have been invited to attend the security talks. Previous ARF meetings have been confined to foreign ministers and their senior officials because some countries had been wary of turning ARF into an Asian version of the European conference on security, diplomats said. *********************************************** THE NATION: LETTER - STUDENTS FIND LITTLE REFUGE ACROSS BORDER July 21, 1997 We, the 8888 New Blood students of Burma, would like to ask the Thai authorities to promptly release five student leaders who are being indefinitely detained in custody. The Burmese students taking refuge in Thailand are those who have actively protested in nationwide uprisings, not only to throw out the one-party, dictatorial government but also to restore democracy and human rights in Burma. However, after the military junta the so-called Slorc - clamped down on Sept. 8, 1988, thousands of people, including students, fled from Burma to areas along the Thai-Burmese border. Since then, there has been a strong belief among those who fled that the military regime must be broken, and have fought against the despots through violent and non-violent methods. We, who have been staying temporarily in Thailand, are participating in peaceful political protests in order to revive democracy and human rights in Burma. Yet we are facing more harassment and being unduly imprisoned by the Thai authorities. We would like to demand that the Thai government put an end to such unjust conduct and stop treating us like criminals. Such treatment is inappropriate in the eyes of international law and order. Needless for us to say, the Thai administration is helping the unlawful Slorc which seized state power. We, as the 8888 New Blood political dissidents, object to and denounce the members of Asean, including Thailand, for approving SLORC's membership. We believe that if Asean's consideration were based on humanitarian and democratic grounds it should not have admitted Slorc as a member. 8.8.88 New Blood Comrades *********************************************** SLORC: INFORMATION SHEET A.0068(I) July 21, 1997 From: OKKAR66127@AOL.COM A.0068(I) 21-7-97 New Gemlands of Myanmar Geographically, Myanmar, is endowed with plains and hilly regions. Just as crops are in abundance in plains, hilly regions are rich in natural resources such as forest and precious gems. In the past, only the Mogok area was designated as Gemland. Today, in the time of the State Law and Order Restoration Council, there emerge new Gemlands in the hilly regions in northern and eastern parts of the country. The new Gemlands are called Pyinlon Nawarat Gemland, Mongshu Gemland, while there are also new gemlands in Namsarkha and Lonkhin region. In Mongshu Gemland feasibility surveys were carried out with effect from 3rd April 1992 and it has now become a reliable gemland of the country. It is learnt that from (2-12-94 ) to (11-5-97) a joint venture enterprise has produced special gem stones weighing 8012.56 carats and standard gem stones weighing 1062833.18 carats. Likewise, another joint venture enterprise has from (18-1-93) to (31-5-97) has produced 8231.48 carats of special stones and 1737179.8 carats of standard gem stones. Their gem production are increasing year after year. The world's biggest ruby and other fabulously precious gems are found in Myanmar and in fact the world's biggest flawless ruby weighs 21045 carats and the world biggest star sapphire weighs 63,000 carats which are both found in Myanmar. Drug-related cases exposed in June. The Myanmar Armed Forces, Police Force and Customs Department exposed 360 cases related to narcotic drugs and took action against (481) persons in June 1997. The anti-drug squads seized 163.2998 kilos of opium in 35 cases, 19.13318 kilos of heroin in 130 cases, 26.7841 kilos of marijuana in 37 cases, 0.5816 kilos of low-grade opium and 130.7988 kilos of opium liquid in eight cases, 0.0744 kilo of opium oil in four cases, 200 kilos of amphedrine in two cases, 57.033 litres of phensedyl in five cases, 101 gallons of acetic anhydride, 1.5 gallon of ethyl alcohol, 62 gallons of ether, 4.2163 gallons of acid, 26 gallons of sulphuric acid, 109 gallons of spirits, 21 gallons of lysol, 35,000 amphetamine tablets in three cases and exposed 125 cases for failure to register and 11 other drug related cases. ****************************** THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR : NEWS BRIEFS [excerpts only] July 16, 1997 MD OF MITSUI MARINE AND FIRE INSURANCE OF JAPAN CALLS ON DEPUTY PM YANGON, 15 July-Managing Director Mr. Takazumi Kanai d Mitsui Marine and Fire lnsurance of Japan and party called on Chairman of Myanmar Investment Commission Deputy Prime Minister Vice- Admiral Maung Maung Khin at his office this afternoon. OFFICIALS OF FRASER & NEAVE LTD OF SINGAPORE CALL ON MIC SECRETARY YANGON, 15 July-Mr. Teo Kim Chwee and a member of Fraser & Neave Ltd. of Singapore called on Minister at the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of Myanmar Investment Commission BrigGen Maung Maung at MIC office, this morning. DIRECTOR OF MIDLAND AND SCOTTISH RESOURCES PIC/WESTBURNE OIL LTD OF BRITAIN CALLS ON MINISTER FOR ENERGY YANGON, 15 July-Director Mr. Mike Newman of Midland and Scottish Resources PlC/Westburne Oil Ltd of Britain called on Minister for Energy U Khin Maung Thein at his office this evening. General Manager Mr. Masao Takahashi of NEC System Integration and Construction Ltd and party of Japan also called on the minister. DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER RECEIVES AMBASSADOR OF SWITZERLAND YANGON, 15 July-On behalf of the Chairman of the State Law and Order Restoration Council, Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Admiral Maung Maung Khin received Ambassador of Switzerland Mr. Blaise Godet, who has completed tour of his duty, at Dagon Yeiktha of the Ministry of Defence, this, morning. YANGON MAYOR ARRIVES BACK FROM SOUTH-SOUTH MAYORS CONFERENCE YANGON, 15 July Myanmar delegation led by Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Mayor U Ko Lay arrived back here this evening after,attending South-South Mayors Conference held in Kuala Lumpur. The mayor also visited the People's Republic of China at the invitation of Mayor of Yongzhou. He signed an agreement on mutual cooperation between Rangoon and Yongzhou on 8 July. During his stay in PRICE, the mayor visited economic zones, factories and ancient and cultural places in Wuxi, Hsuzi and Shanghai. Bilateral goodwill relations and cooperation were discussed with respective mayors and heads of regions. July 17, 1997 MARUBENI PRESENTS TWO EXCAVATORS TO PUBLIC WORKS YANGON, 16 July Marubeni Corporation of Japan presented two Komatsu hydraulic excavators (PC 200) over to Public Works of the Ministry of Construction at Machinery Division (South) of Public Works in Mayangon Township this afternoon. General Manager Mr. H Seki of Marubeni Corporation handed related documents to Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun. The minister said roads and bridges are being built to bridge development gap between regions which had less relations with one another due to difficult communications. In so doing, he said, modem heavy machines are necessary to be able to complete them in accordance with norms within a short period and so the Public Works signed an agreement with Marubeni Corporation on 5 January 1996 to purchase 211 units of heavy equipment of 25 items and spare parts for Yen 3,000 million. U AUNG SAN U AND WIFE DONATE K 100,000 TO DAGON UNIVERSITY LIBRARY YANGON, 16 July U Aung San U and wife Daw Le Le Nwe Thein, here to attend the 50th Anniversary of Arzani Day, donated K 100,000 towards the funds of the library of Dagon University this morning. Rector U Kaung Nyunt accepted the donation which will be used for buying furniture. BRONZE BUDDHA IMAGES OF SITTWAY CONVEYED TO YANGON YANGON, 16 July Bronze Buddha images of Lawka Nanda Pagoda in Sittway, Rakhine State, were conveyed from Mandalay to Yangon by special flight this morning. The sacred images were kept at Maha Muni Buddha Image in Mandalay yesterday. MYANMAR DELEGATION ARRIVES BACK FROM INDONESIA YANGON, 16 July Myanmar delegation led by Minister for Livestock and Fisheries U Aung Thaung arrived back here from Indonesia this afternoon. The delegation studied cooperation and exchange of technology in meat and fisheries sector in Indonesia from 8 to 16 July at the invitation of Minister of Agriculture Dr Sjarifudin Baharsjah. STRESS TEST SYSTEM' DEMONSTRATED YANGON, 16 July Europ Continents Co Ltd sponsored a seminar and demonstration on 'stress test system' at Traders Hotel this morning. Mr. M Fusilli explained and demonstrated the new machine. The ceremony, chaired by Cardiologist Professor U Aung of Yangon General Hospital, was attended by Commandant of Defence Services Orthopedic Hospital Col. Than Myint, cardiologist, doctors and enthusiasts. July 19, 1997 MINISTER FOR FORESTRY RECEIVES OSAKA UNIVERSITY PROFESSOR YANGON, 18 July-Member of the State Law and Order Restoration Council Minister for Forestry Lt-Gen. Chit Swe received Professor Minoru Kiryu of Osaka University of Japan and party it International Business Centre today. CASH DONATED TO MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, KANDAWLAY HOME YANGON, 18 July Minister for Hotels and Tourism Lt-Gen. Kyaw Ba handed over a US$ 3,000 cheque presented by CEH National Holding Ltd Orchid Hotel to the Ministry of Education today. On behalf of the donor, Minister Lt-Gen. Kyaw Ba handed over the cheque to Minister for Education U Pan Aung. So also, the minister handed over a US$ 1,000 cheque presented by the same donor to Kandawlay Rome for the Aged run by the Little Sisters to Mother Louisa. U AUNG SAN U AND WIFE DONATE K 100,000 FOR DISABLED TATMADAWMEN AND OTHER DISABLED PERSONS YANGON, 18 July - In memory of father Bogyoke Aung San, U Aung San U and wife Daw Le Le Nwe Thein, here to attend the 50th Anniversary Arzani Day, donated K 50,000 for disabled Tatmadawmen and another K 50,000 for disabled persons of regions of groups which made peace with the Government. Director of Resettlement of Defence Services Col Thaik Tun accepted the cash for disabled Tatmadawmen at National Rehabilitation Hospital this morning and Medical Superintendent of NHH Dr Ye Hlaing accepted the cash for disabled persons of the regions. U Aung San U explained the purpose of today's donation, thanking those who had rendered every assistance to the successful holding of donation ceremonies for Dagon University Library on 16 July, Myanmar Nurses Association on 17 July and the present one. July 20, 1997 NATION PAYS TRIBUTE ON 50TH ANNIVERSARY MARTYRS DAY YANGON, 19 July-The 50th Anniversary Martyrs Day (1997) was observed at the Martyrs Mausoleum at 8 am today. On behalf of the Chairman of the State Law and Order Restoration Council, Chairman of the 50th Anniversary Martyrs Day Observance Committee Minister for Culture U Aung San attended the ceremony, saluted the State Flag, laid wreaths' at the tombs of the late national leader Bogyoke Aung San and other fallen leaders and shared merits. Also present were Chief Justice U Aung Toe, Attorney-General U Tha Tun, Auditor-General U Aung Khin Tint, members of the 50th Anniversary Martyrs Day Observance Executive Committee, Secretary of the 50th Anniversary Martyrs Day Observance Committee Director-General of Fine Arts Department U Tin Htoo and Committee members, secretaries of subcommittees, senior officers of the Defence Services (Army, Navy and Air), Myanmar Police Force and Fire Services Department. On arrival at the Mausoleum at 8 am, Minister U Aung San was welcomed by Director-General U Tin Htoo. The minister, together with the Chief Justice, the Attorney-General, and the Auditor-General, took their respective places. All those present then saluted the State Flag. Minister U Aung San, Chief Justice U Aung Toe, Attorney-General U Tha Tun and Auditor-General U Aung Khin Tint laid wreaths and paid tribute. Meanwhile, the State Flag was lowered to the half mast. The Guard of Honour of the Defence Services (Army, Navy and Air) also saluted the fallen leaders. The buglers sounded the Last Post. This was followed by dispensing of metta and observance of two minutes silence in memory of the martyrs. Minister U Aung San, Chief Justice U Aung Toe, Attorney-General U Tha Tun and Auditor-General U Aung Khin Tint then left the Mausoleum. Afterwards, national leader Bogyoke Aung San's son U Aung San U and wife Daw Le Le Nwe Thein laid a wreath' at his tomb, paid obeisance and shared merits. Bogyoke Aung San's daughter Daw Aung San Suu Kyi also laid a flower basket at her father's tomb, paid obeisance and shared merits. Families of the other martyrs laid wreaths at the respective tombs and shared merits. Afterwards, diplomats, heads of UN agencies, representatives of Union Solidarity and Development Association, Myanmar War Veterans Organization, Myanmar Red Cross Society, Myanmar Writers and Journalists Association, Myanmar Motion Picture Asiayon, Myanmar Music Asiayon, Myanmar Thabin Asiayon and Myanmar Traditional Artists and Artisans Asiayon laid wreaths. Then, the public paid tribute to the fallen leaders. In commemoration of the day, Bogyoke Aung San Museum on Bogyoke Pyadaik Lane was open from 8.30 am to 3.30 pm today. It will be kept open from 1'0 am to 3.30 pm on other days except Monday and gazetted holidays. DEPUTY MINISTER FOR EDUCATION ARRIVES BACK FROM JAPAN YANGON, 19 July Deputy Minister for Education Dr Than Nyunt this morning arrived back after attending the UNICEF sponsored Regional Conference on Higher Education: National Strategies and Regional Cooperation for the 21st Century held in Tokyo from 8 to 10 July. D G OF DIRECTORATE OF HOTELS AND TOURISM ARRIVES BACK FROM SINGAPORE YANGON, 19 July Member of policy-making board on ASEAN Economic Ministers Director-General of Directorate of Hotels and Tourism U Khin Maung Latt arrived back here after attending the Sixth National Tourism Board of ASEAN nations held in Singapore from 15 to 18 July at the invitation of Singapore Tourism Promotion Board. INFORMATION DELEGATION LEAVES FOR MALAYSIA YANGON, 19 July-Information Delegation led by Editor U Tun Aung of The New Light of Myanmar left here by air this evening to cover the 30th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting to be held in Subang Jaya, Malaysia, and the Post Ministerial Conference. July 21, 1997 SECRETARY-1'S CLARIFICATION RECOUNTED YANGON, 20 July-The Secretary-1 of the State Law and Order Restoration Council clarified at the Ministry of Defence on 27 June on how some Western powers had been aiding and abetting terrorism committed by certain organizations operating in the guise of democracy and human rights by giving them assistance in cash and kind. Supreme Court Yangon Division Justice U Aung Ngwe and Additional Justice U Myo Nyunt recounted the Secretary-1's clarification to justices of division, district and township courts at Supreme Court Dhammayon on Gyatawya Road in Bahan Township today. The justices also recounted experiences at the 12th coordination meeting of Supreme Court and State, Division and District Justices held on 10 and 11 July. Motion Picture Asiayon Chairman of Myanmar Motion Picture Asiayon U Sein Tin and Vice-Chairman U Myint Naing, Secretary U Lin Aung and officials recounted the Secretary-1's clarification to artistes at the hall of MMPA on Wingaba Road in Bahan Township. FUKUOKA-BOUND STUDENTS GO SIGHTSEEING YANGON, 20 July Myanmar student delegation comprising eight members who will attend the 9th Get-together of Students and Youths from Asia and the Pacific in Fukuoka, Japan, went sightseeing in Yangon today. COMPANY LEVEL COMBAT TRAINING OF MPF YANGON, 20 July - A company level combat training was conducted as an exercise of Myanmar Police Force, an auxiliary national defence force, near Letyetsan Village in Thanlyin Township, Yangon Division, today. The Director-General of MPF and senior officers, State/Division Police Commanders who are attending the 1997 first bi-annual meeting of MPF, and District Police Station commanders inspected it. DOUBLE-DECKER MISHAP NEAR MAUBIN YANGON, 20 July Saba double-decker of inland Water Transport sank near Maubin Bridge Project site at about 1 am today after colliding with the foundation of the seventh pier of the bridge under construction, authorities said. The boat left for Yangon at 2 pm yesterday on her Einme-Yangon voyage. One two-year-old boy drowned and 184 passengers-106 men,and 78 women rescued by teams made up of regional Tatmadawmen, police personnel, members of Union Solidarity and Development Association, Red Cross and Fire Brigade and the public. Minister for Transport Lt-Gen. Thein Win, Chairman of Ayeyawady Division Law and Order Restoration Council Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin, Deputy Minister for Transport U Sann Wai and other departmental officials there this morning and provided close supervision for relief measures and cash assistance. Rescue teams are still at work. _______________________________________ English : http://www.myanmar.com/nlm/ German: http://www.myanmar.com/nlm/gnlm/ Myanmar http://www.myanmar.com/nlm/mnlm/ (pls use Win-Innwa Font to see in Myanmar) ***************************************