------------------------ BurmaNet ------------------------ "Appropriate Information Technologies, Practical Strategies" ---------------------------------------------------------- The BurmaNet News: August 9, 1997 Issue #793 HEADLINES: ========== BKK POST: BURMESE SCHOOLS TO REOPEN VERY LATE SLORC: INFORMATION SHEET N0.A-0088 FEER: SAFE AT HOME FEER: ASEAN FACES NEW CHALLENGES THE NATION: PRACHUAB SETS SIGHTS FIRMLY ON WORLD STAGE ICEM: LABOR LEADERS URGE CLINTON ADMINISTRATION ALTSEAN: CHALLENGE ISSUED TO ASEAN & BURMA JUNTA DPNS: STATEMENT ON THE 9TH ANNIVERSARY 8.8.88 UPHEAVAL BWU: STATEMENT ON THE NINTH ANNIVERSARY ABSDO: DECLARATION FOR A DEMOCRATIC CONSTITUTION PROJECT MAJE/FREE BURMA: CALL FOR LETTERS TO ARCO ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------- BKK POST: BURMESE SCHOOLS TO REOPEN VERY LATE August 8, 1997 AP Rangoon - Burma' s military government will reopen schools next Tuesday, more than two months after the usual start of the academic year, a school principle said. The government has given no reason for keeping schools shut after the three-month hot season break, which was scheduled to end June 2. ****************************************************** SLORC: INFORMATION SHEET N0.A-0088 August 8, 1997 From: OKKAR66127@AOL.COM (1) Japanese Ambassador to Myanmar H.E Mr. Yoichi Yamaguchi, accompanied by First Secretary of the Embassy Mr. I. Maruyama, met with Mrs. Aris at her University Avenue residence at 2:30 pm on 8 August '97. They left after spending nearly one hour, it is learnt. (2) Ms. Tiffany White, Third Secretary of the Embassy of the United Kingdom also visited Mrs. Aris at her residence at 4 pm the same day. *************************** FEER: SAFE AT HOME August 8, 1997 Drug lords are keeping their cash in the country By Bertil Lintner in Bangkok Madeleine Albright has a well deserved reputation for speaking her mind. The American secretary of state certainly didn't mince her words in late July, when Asean welcomed Burma into the fold. "Drug-traffickers who once spent their days leading mule trains down jungle tracks are now leading lights in Burma' s new market economy and leading figures in its new political order," she said. "Drug money has become so pervasive in Burma that it taints legitimate investment and threatens the region as a whole." Immediately after Albright' s scathing attack, the Burmese government issued a statement from its embassy in Ottawa, Canada: "So far, the allegations that the government is benefiting from the drug trade remain unsubstantiated and are being vigorously denied by the government, and recently by some authoritative personnel of the United States Drug Enforcement Agency as well." In reality, however, most "authoritative personnel"-and not just in the U.S. government, but also in independent bodies across the world-tend to agree with Albright' s assessment. And they have substantial, if circumstantial, evidence to back their belief. In recent months, Burma experts have identified serious discrepancies in Rangoon' s economic statistics, which can only be explained by a massive influx of drug money into the mainstream economy. The arrival of this money coincides neatly with the surrender of heroin kingpin Khun Sa to Burmese authorities in early 1996. He has since invested a sizable chunk of his fortune in real estate and hotels, as have other Burmese drug lords. The statistical discrepancies highlight what economists call "errors and omissions" in Burma' s balance of payments. By comparing Rangoon' s official trade figures with statistics from a variety of sources-including the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, the International Monetary Fund, the Australian National University and the Centre Francais du Commerce Exterieur in Paris-the economists have discovered $400 million in unexplained foreign financial inflows during 1995-96. That' s up from $79 million the previous year. "This is basically money which came into the legal economy, and which was not recorded by any of Burma' s trade partners in official import-export statistics; in short, [it came from] smuggling," an economist studying the issue told the REVIEW, on condition of anonymity. There's more. Burma spends $200 million annually on foreign-currency denominated defence expenditure-mainly imports of military hardware from China which is not recorded in official reports. "This . . . has to be added to the total amount of money in circulation in the national economy which cannot be explained in terms of official trade," says the economist. "Thus, we are talking about $600 million which can't be accounted for in fiscal 1995-96." But why must those hundreds of millions in proceeds from smuggling necessarily be drug money? The answer, analysts say, is that the only two other items which Burma produces and which could generate large sums of foreign exchange-jade and precious stones-are no longer smuggled to neighbouring countries in large quantities. The jade trade was previously in the hands of the ethnic Kachin rebels who controlled the mines at Hpakan, in the far north, and most of the mines' production was smuggled to Yunnan. But a recent visitor to the Yunnan border town of Ruili says most of Burma' s jade is now sold in Rangoon and Mandalay rather than acres the border. "The Burmese government' tax is lower than the Chinese one, so this has affected border trade," he says. "The government has also taken over several jade mines that used to be controlled by the Kachin rebels." The same goes for gemstone mines in the northeast: Mining rights in the region are subcontracted to private entrepreneurs by the military-controlled Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings, which collects duties on the trade. For its part, the government claims the production of jade and gems soared in late 1995-official statistics show the production of rubies in October at 552,475 carats, up from just 5,355 carats in September; the jade output is claimed to have shot up to 293,582 kilograms in January 1996, from 8,633 kilograms in December 1995. But gem dealers in Bangkok say those figures are highly suspect. If production of jade and gemstones did jump that high, "the markets would have been flooded and prices would have gone down," says a Bangkok-based gem dealer of Burmese origin. Where, then, did the $600 million come from? Burma remains the world' s largest producer of illicit heroin. According to U.S. government estimates, Burma exports between $700 million and $1 billion worth of the drug annually (see chart). Burma-watchers say it' s no coincidence that "errors and omissions" in the country' s trade data started swelling after 1993, when Rangoon allowed Burmese to bring in foreign exchange and convert it at the market rate, as opposed to the artificial, official exchange rate. "After that, more drug money stayed in the country rather then being invested in Thailand or China," says the economist. Indeed, many hotels, karaoke bars, restaurants, transport companies and real-estate firms in Rangoon and Mandalay are now owned by known drug-traffickers. Some are quite blatant about their investments. In an interview with the Austrian daily Die Presse on July 30, Khun Sa confirmed that he has invested in property. He is also reported to have diversified into the hotel business in partnership with several senior Burmese military officers. Thai intelligence sources assert that shortly after Khun Sa' s surrender, at least 600 million baht ($24 million) was transferred to Rangoon from various financial institutions in Thailand alone. A U.S. intelligence document dated November 1996 states that "freed from the burden of feeding and caring for his huge standing army, Khun Sa can concentrate his money and attention on drug trafficking and investing in the legal Burmese economy." But in some cases, the drug lords have gone too far, even by the government's seemingly lax standards. In 1994-95, the United Wa State Army-a former rebel group which, like Khun Sa, has made peace with the government-invested heavily in the Prime Commercial Bank, owned by Yunus Shamshudeen, a Burma-born Malaysian entrepreneur. When Shamshudeen was arrested for allegedly running a prostitution ring in 1996-by which time the bank had extended a number of dubious loans-the Wa Army' s chief commercial officer in Rangoon, Kyaw Myint, alias Michael Hu Hwa, wanted to take direct control of Prime Commercial Bank. Instead, the bank was declared insolvent and closed down. "But the fact that all its creditors were paid clearly shows that insolvency wasn't the problem," says a Western diplomat in Rangoon. The Wa rebels "pushed their luck a bit too far. You just can' t have drug lords running their own banks." Not yet, anyway. **************************************************** FEER: ASEAN FACES NEW CHALLENGES August 8, 1997 Asean celebrated its 30th birthday by expanding its membership and assuming new responsibilities. By accepting Burma as a member despite Western opposition, Asean in effect accepted the responsibility to try to bring change to that country. At the same time, Asean was entrusted by the international community to return peace to Cambodia, the one Southeast Asian country that is still outside the Asean fold. The now nine-member organization therefore has the task of helping to resolve the two knottiest issues in Southeast Asia. It took a calculated risk by accepting Burma and now the rest of the world will wait to see if the move ends up with egg on Asean' s face or add another feather in its cap . As one Southeast Asian diplomat said: "Asean is a blue-chip organization. it took 30 years to build this reputation. But our blue-chip reputation can be undermined if we endorse someone like Idi Amin." Asean refused to endorse Cambodia' s Hun Sen, at least for now. But it did accept Burma under Slorc, the military dominated State Law and Order Restoration Council, which potentially puts at risk Asean' s blue-chip reputation. But Myanmar, or Burma as it is known to the Western world, may not cooperate with efforts to institute reforms. Its foreign minister, Ohn Gyaw, refused during discussions in Kuala Lumpur to acknowledge any urgent need for political reforms, and insisted that work was proceeding on the drafting of a new constitution, a process that has already been going on for five years, and shows little sign of ending. If Burma should undertake another crackdown on Aung San Suu Kyi and her followers, Asean' s reputation could well be tainted. Still, the United States, despite its open aversion for the regime in Rangoon, has accepted Asean' s decision to accept Burma as a member. And the U.S. is very likely not entirely displeased by the opportunity to be able to deal with the Burmese leadership face to face. After all, it is one thing to issue statements in Washington; it is quite another to sit in the same room as Ohn Gyaw and give him a piece of your mind. The admission of Burma and Laos this year, like that of Vietnam two years ago, is another step towards the 10-member association envisaged by Asean' s founders three decades ago. But the organization' s expansion also has the practical effect of increasing the clout of Asean, political and economic, since it now has a total population of almost half a billion people. Geopolitical factors also need to be taken into account. A Burma outside Asean is a Burma that will, most probably, be drawn into China' s orbit. This won' t be in Southeast Asia' s interest. And, in all likelihood, it will precipitate d of Sino-Indian rival . The challenge posed by Cambodia is also grave. Hun Sen has formally requested Asean assistance, and the international community has in effect agreed to stay out for the time being to see what Asean can do. If Asean manages to bring about visible progress, that will enhance its reputation as a peacemaker. But if Asean should fumble, then it might put at risk the credibility of its strategy of non-interference. As it is, this policy is undergoing subtle changes. Malaysia' s foreign minister, Abdullah Badawi, said at a press conference after the annual meeting of the Asean Regional Forum on July 27 that if Asean was invited to play a role in a country' s internal affairs by that country, then there is no interference. In the coming weeks and months, Asean will be testing the parameters of its policy of "intervention with approval," which has replaced the old policy of non-intervention. Asean' s influence is clearly expanding well beyond Southeast Asia. The U.S. has formally asked Asean to be involved in the peace process on the Korean peninsula, by requesting a financial contribution of $10 million to Kedo, the Korean Peninsula Energy Development Organization. In another acknowledgement of the influence of Asean or rather of ARF, set up under Asean auspices four years ago, the Russian Federation suggested that North Korea be included in the annual ARF discussions. The progress made by ARF is reflected in the organization' s decision to widen its activities. For the last four years, it has focused on what it calls confidence-building measures, aimed at making countries more comfortable with one another. Now, ARF will move on to the next stage, that of preventive diplomacy. Asean has much to be proud of in its first 30 years. But now, before the year runs out, it must decide what it wants to do in the next 30 years for the group to remain relevant, and to play a leader-ship role, in a changing world. ****************************************************** THE NATION: PRACHUAB SETS SIGHTS FIRMLY ON WORLD STAGE August 8, 1997 (excerpts) by Don Pathan, The Nation THE Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) has come a long way in 30 years ago, but if Foreign Minister Prachuab Chaiyasan has his way, it will be elevated to new heights and redefine its place in the world community. With regard to Burma, Prachuab said it was not within Asean' s mandate to defend Rangoon' s record. "Our job is to establish a link between Burma and the rest of the world. We are not lawyers representing Burma and we are not here to defend its policies or activities." Asean' s policy on Burma must produce concrete results. "It can no longer just be constructive. It has to be comprehensive engagement and a policy that produces results - be it relating to settlement of the border issue or other matters," he said. ****************************************************** ICEM: LABOR LEADERS URGE CLINTON ADMINISTRATION TO VIGOROUSLY DEFEND MASSACHUSETTS LAW ON BURMA August 7, 1997 From: Kenneth Zinn Kenneth S. Zinn International Federation of Chemical, Energy, Mine and General Workers' Unions The following press release was issued today by the International Federation of Chemical, Energy, Mine and General Workers' Unions (ICEM), 815 - 16th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006. For further information contact: Kenneth S. Zinn at (202)842-7892. Labor Leaders Urge Clinton Administration to "Vigorously Defend" Massachusetts Law on Burma For Immediate Release WASHINGTON, D.C., Aug. 7-- The presidents of eleven unions, representing more than 3.8 million workers, urged the Clinton Administration today to "vigorously defend" a Massachusetts state law restricting purchases from companies doing business in Burma. The appeal came in a letter sent to U.S. Trade Representative Charlene Barshefsky who is in negotiations with the European Union and Japan over the Massachusetts law. The labor leaders, most of whose unions are affiliated to the International Federation of Chemical Energy, Mine and General Workers' Unions (ICEM), urged Barshefsky "to remain resolute in protecting the right of state, county and municipal governments in the United States to make such purchasing decisions." "Multinational corporations doing business in Burma have provided support and sustenance to the dictatorship," the union leaders wrote, "and because of this, Nobel peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi and the Burmese opposition National League for Democracy have asked that foreign companies disinvest from Burma. "Particularly complicit have been several multinational oil companies, including the U.S.-based Unocal, ARCO and Texaco and the French-based Total," they wrote. "These companies continue to prop up the military regime by providing it with large amounts of desperately needed hard currency." Massachusetts and eleven local governments have passed laws restricting government contracts with multinational corporations doing business in Burma. The City of New York became the latest locality to pass such a law on May 30, 1997. The European Union and Japan have challenged these laws, saying they violate World Trade Organization restrictions. "This dispute between the U.S. and the European Union and Japan is important for two main reasons," said Kenneth S. Zinn, ICEM North American Regional Coordinator. "The complaint by the E.U. and the Japanese government threatens to weaken the growing international pressure on the illegal military dictatorship in Burma, and it directly challenges the right of American citizens to decide where and how they choose to spend their tax dollars." "If the people of Massachusetts don't want their tax dollars spent on buying products from companies complicit in torture and repression, that's their right," said Zinn. The following union presidents signed the letter: Lawrence Bankowski, President of the American Flint Glass Workers Union; Douglas H. Dority, President of the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union; Edward L. Fire, President of the International Union of Electronic, Electrical, Salaried, Machine and Furniture Workers; Frank Hanley, President of the International Union of Operating Engineers; Charles W. Jones, President of the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helpers; Jay Mazur, President of the Union of Needletrades, Industrial and Textile Employees; Cecil E. Roberts, President of the United Mine Workers of America; Andrew L. Stern, President of the Service Employees International Union; Robert E. Wages, President of the Oil, Chemical and Atomic Workers International Union; Donald Wightman, President of the Utility Workers Union of America; and Boyd D. Young, President of the United Paperworkers International Union. The ICEM unites 20 million workers in 113 countries in the energy, chemicals, mining and quarrying, paper and pulp; rubber, cement, ceramics, glass, and environmental services industries. ******************************************************************** ALTSEAN: CHALLENGE ISSUED TO ASEAN & BURMA JUNTA August 8, 1997 From: altsean@ksc.th.com A L T S E A N - B U R M A ALTERNATIVE ASEAN NETWORK ON BURMA *tel: [662] 275 1811/693 4515 *fax: [662] 693 4515 *e-mail: altsean@ksc.th.com The August 8 Joint Committee [Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) Alternative Asean Network on Burma (ALTSEAN-BURMA) Thai Action Committee for Democracy in Burma Campaign for Popular Democracy Amnesty International - Thailand] MEDIA RELEASE: CHALLENGE ISSUED TO ASEAN & BURMA JUNTA BANGKOK, Fri.: A network of more than 40 organisations in Asean member states has challenged the regional grouping to prove that its commitment to peace, freedom and human rights goes beyond lip service and the contents of its documents. A joint statement by the network also challenged Asean's newest member, Burma's State Law and Order Restoration Council regime to cooperate with Asean and the Asean Regional Forum by promptly commencing dialogue with the democracy movement led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the ethnic nationality groups. The statement was issued to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the formation of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and the 9th anniversary of the popular uprising in Burma. The statement expressed deep disappointment that the Asean had betrayed itself by failing to maintain and meaningfully work towards the achievement of the aims and principles contained in the Bangkok Declaration of August 8, 1967. It challenged Asean and its dialogue partners to implement a co-ordinated and comprehensive strategy to ensure the prompt cessation of human rights violations and the restoration of democracy in Burma. The statement condemned the Association for favouring the principle of "non-interference in the internal affairs of one another" over its own key aims as "a betrayal of the spirit of the Association as well as the aspirations of the peoples of Southeast Asia". "We note that the failure of Asean and its member states in this regard has led to widespread human sufferings and human rights violations in significant sections of the region," declared the statement. In an apparent response to recent discussion originating within Asean to review the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the statement pledged its "strongest commitment to uphold the indivisibility and universality of human rights". The statement signed by Mr Somchai Homlaor [Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA], Ms Laddawan Tantivitayapitak (Thai Action Committee for Democracy in Burma) and Ms Debbie Stothard [Alternative Asean Network on Burma (ALTSEAN-BURMA)], was delivered to the Burmese Embassy in Sathorn Nua Road during a protest this morning. Copies were delivered by courier to other Asean diplomatic missions. FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO OBTAIN FULL TEXT OF THE STATEMENT PLEASE CALL 66 2 275 1811 / 693 4515 or email *********************************************************** DPNS: STATEMENT ON THE 9TH ANNIVERSARY 8.8.88 UPHEAVAL August 8, 1997 From: mingla@cm-sun.cm.ksc.co.th On this day, the historical upheaval started from 8th August 1988 has been reached the 9th anniversary. In other words, it is the 9th anniversary of the people's struggle to liberate ourselves from one party tyranny. This upheaval could topple the three successive presidents of one party tyranny. Could cease and abolish the centralized planed economy. Could push our country on the path leading to the multi-party democracy. We hereby place record the glory and virtues of all fallen martyrs who sacrificed their lives in this struggle. Though we achieved some fruitful results from this upheaval, we could not have reached yet the final victory. The military dictators are still struggling for enhancing and strengthening their power, still oppressing and persecuting all democratic institutions and ethnic forces, still waging the inextinguishable civil war. All of these proved we are still far away from the final victory. Though the people could cease and abolish the centralized planned economy, they could not enjoy the benefits from open market economy. Only the SLORC and its fistful of cohorts could enjoy the benefits of market economy. The people are still suffering from the hyperinflation of consumer prices, forced labour, forced evacuation and all sorts of human rights violation. It could be vividly seen we are in the dire situation of general crisis in health, education and all social sectors. We are also facing the deprivation of national cultural heritage and national pride and dignity. Throughout these nine years, oppression and persecution of military dictatorship exacerbate the people sufferings. The military dictators ignore and stubbornly refuse the frequent requests and petitions of democratic organizations and revolutionary forces to resolve the current crisis through peaceful means. Moreover they still ignore the pressure put by United Nation and the family of nations. We firmly believe the historical task-to strive for releasing all political prisoners including student leader Min Ko Naing, detained monks and relieving the suffering of people from poverty- devolved upon us. We consistently and unswervingly believe final victory is ours in the struggle of oppressors vs oppressed. On this occasions of 9th anniversary 8.8.88 upheaval, we solemnly and determine to carry on our struggle until the final victory by grasping the indispensable and essential unity among our forces under the true guidance and revolutionary outlook. All people unite for the freedom of all. Central Committee Democratic Party for a New Society Dated 8th August, 1997 ********************************************************************* BWU: STATEMENT ON THE NINTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE AUSPICIOUS 8-8-88 UPRISING August 8, 1997 From: BurmeseWU@aol.com Statement of the Burmese Women Union on the Ninth Anniversary of the auspicious 8-8-88 uprising August 8, 1997 On this day of the ninth anniversary of the auspicious 8-8-88 uprising in Burma, we, the Burmese Women Union, would like to give our deepest honor to all women who have sacrificed their lives and those who are still struggling under the disproportionately oppressive conditions to restore peace and democracy for the sake of their sons and daughters of the future. The voices of women for peace and freedom have always been loud and clear. It was in the very delicate balance at the height of 8-8-88 uprising, the avalanche of people's power was instigated by a huge rally of housewives who protested the military government for their rights and showed that the silent majority was not tolerated for injustice. Again, it was the voice of a woman, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi who had calmed the highly volatile situations in 1988 and since then, steered the democracy movement into a kind of peaceful, non-violent and moral struggle against the dictatorship. These women have acted simply in their own capacity, hand in hand with their men, to secure a better future for their families and communities. Here, we salute them for their true bravery and selflessness. Looking at the current situation of Burma in general and the situation of Burmese women in particular, we wish to express the following concerns: - the ongoing political and military conflicts that destroyed families and communities and the rising tendencies toward militarization in all conflicts; - the continuation of oppression against the women in the context of social, economic and marital development; - the failure of open door economy that drove many young women into prostitution in stead of empowering them; - the repressive nature of development process that uses slave labor of women and children in the projects benefiting only to the military dictatorship; - the rampant violations of human rights against women and the continued detention of female activists, students and politicians who are also subject to all kinds of mistreatment. In the light of these concerns, we pledge to work together with other organizations and individuals to the goal of peace and freedom in Burma particularly on the following demands: - the release of all political prisoners including the female detainees and the immediate cessation of all practices of mistreatment against female prisoners; - the termination of forced labor especially of women and children; - the protection of young women from prostitution, particularly from sex slavery; - the elimination of all kinds of discrimination including gender biases in all spheres of life; - the holding of national dialogue to search a peaceful solution to the common problems of Burma. Burmese Women Union ***************************************************************** ABSDO: DECLARATION FOR A DEMOCRATIC CONSTITUTION August 7, 1997 (All Burma Students Democratic Organization, Australia) From: Nyi Nyi Soe OUR DECLARATION FOR PROMULGATION OF A DEMOCRATIC CONSTITUTION IN BURMA The State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) of Burma has publicised a directive designated as (13/92) on October 2,1992, and embarked on a course of action to convene a gathering dubbed 'The National Convention' with an aim to promulgate a 'constitution'. The SLORC has used strong-arm tactics in the said convention with the motive of perpetual subjugation of Burma. An explosive constitutional crisis has been engineered in place with an avenue for the armed forces to intervene in the politics of the country. As in such a scenario, we would sincerely like to present our view on the promulgation of a democratic constitution for the future of our country based on the experiences of the past nine years. The Right to Promulgate the Constitution The SLORC has ignored the will of the people as shown in the polls under its auspices in May 1990. The elected people's representatives of the winning party, the National League for Democracy led by Do Aung San Suu Kyi (1991 Nobel peace Laureate) have the right and responsibility of creating the democratic constitution for future Burma. The State of the Country and the Obligation of the Citizenry The civil war in the country is still raging since the declaration of the country's Independence a culmination stemmed from the controversial constitution. The solution to this problem plays a vital role in the promulgation of a democratic constitution. Burma's patriots and political aspirants have the obligation to decide and undertake their respective roles, taking due consideration and into account the bitter rigours and traumas of the civil war itself. The Civil War Today, Burma has adequately endured the stresses and pains of the bitterness and trauma of the civil war, irrespective of ethnic or political reasons given. The controversial constitution and the embryonic state of democracy then in Burma after the independence, has largely offered an unobstructed avenue for the armed forces to dictate and dabble in the country' politics. Hence, Burma came under the mercy of the manipulative power of the armed affiliations and its fate subjected to superiority on armed might, as a result of the civil war. Military Dictatorships Military dictatorships will exist as long as they are given an opportunity to hold monopoly on the use of arms to solve the issues. Controversies in the constitution fan the civil war blaze which erupted in the emergence of the privileged military dictatorships, which monopolise the arms and use the hardware as force in the issues, citing the stability of the union as the cause. The SLORC military dictatorship is one of the primary culprits in ridding Burma's politics with the scars of the civil war and it is in constant vigilance to escalate the civil war for power. SLORC's Antics The SLORC is bent on solving Burma's political issues by armed might, as befitting a military dictatorship clique, rather than via a constructive dialogue. 1. It has denied all offers of negotiating in solving Burma's political woes politically. 2. It has entered into cease- fires with armed ethnic minorities- only a ploy- to create an armed-alert peace hiatus, in its favour. 3. Using force, the SLORC is promulgating a constitution with an aim to establish an idiosyncrasy Parliamentary Militarism. The Will of Burma's Citizenry The most violent eruptions to dislodge the military dictatorship and show of pro-democracy aspirations occurred in 1988, which were reflected again in the constitution promulgation headed by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. Despite being burdened and pressured by the survival and facts of life under the military, the people' desires to dislodge the military dictatorship are ever ingrained in their heart and always at a readiness to follow a genuine cause and viable leadership. Internal Democratic Forces Led By Daw Aung San Suu Kyi 1. The National League for Democracy Party led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has opposed and boycotted the SLORC manipulated and unnatural constitution promulgating National Convention. 2. NLD led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has called for a convention in the vein of a parliament, participated by the elected representatives that will lead to the promulgation of a constitution, to address Burma's issues in a natural and realistic light. 3. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi-led NLD has lectured and distributed the essential of democracy in the midst of the people to enhance their democratic awareness and general knowledge and led the people on the road to civil disobedience, in the face of unjust laws and decrees. The National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma (NCGUB) and the Democratic Alliance of Burma (DAB) The view of the majority of the ethnic minorities, before and after entering into the SLORC's armed-alert peace hiatus sham cease-fires, is on par with the SLORC- promulgation of a constitution for self-determination only. 1. The Constitutional Seminar was held in Manerplaw on October 12-20, 1995. 2. The National League for Democracy (Liberated Area), NCGUB, DAB and NDF have put their signatures in consensus at Manerplaw to the basic principles to be included in promulgating a constitution in future. In the pact, there is no mention of specific number of territories in the union and the structure, but there is definite mention of a resolution to establish armed contingents in all respective states and territories in the union. OUR VIEW We earnestly profess the view that it is essential to put in place a democratic constitution in our future Burma, as per our experiences of the past 9 years, that we have strived unceasingly for Burma's democracy and human rights. We firmly believe that, this democratic constitution is the only answer to the above mentioned traumas of the civil war in Burma, the stability of the union and the drive to oblivion of the military dictatorship in Burma. The National Convention - SLORC's constitution promulgating body - is the military dictatorship's principal tool for fathomless perpetual dictatorial hold on Burma. The publication of the decree dubbed " the law to protect opposition and successful convening of the National Convention " a directive numbered (5/95) testified to SLORC's apparent intention to use force to achieve its objectives. In section (2) Clause (C) and (D) warning to refrain from criticising the National Convention held by SLORC and mentioning of its sole right to convene the gathering, bared its egoistic attitude. In other words, it ushers in the introduction of the armed forces' monopoly on Burma' s political landscape and the military's peremptory rule. As such, 1. We profess the NLD boycott of SLORC's constitutional convention as the will of the entire populace of Burma. 2. We fully support the right of the elected representatives of the people, to promulgate the democratic constitution of future Burma. 3. We earnestly urge the democratic affiliations, inside and overseas, and all democracies world - wide to welcome, cooperate and collude in the endeavours led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, in a bid to promulgate a democratic constitution, as a historical obligation for freedom and democracy. Demise of military dictatorship in Burma is ......... PRIMARY Democratic cause in Burma is ............................... VITAL Democratic constitution in Burma is ................... FUNDAMENTAL Central Executive Committee All Burma Students' Democratic Organisation (ABSDO) Australia. Date. August 1 , 1997 . ***************************************************** PROJECT MAJE/FREE BURMA: CALL FOR LETTERS TO ARCO BOARD OF DIRECTORS August 7, 1997 From: Pamela Wellner Please, as soon as you can, send a firm but polite letter to these seven board members of ARCO, one of the three US companies remaining in Burma. ARCO has the smallest Burma investment so far (still millions of dollars paid to SLORC), but needs to be convinced as soon as possible to comply with the intent of US sanctions and withdraw. Please send the following influential board members a note asking them to support ARCO's withdrawal from Burma because leaving would: -- improve ARCO's public image -- save ARCO from lawsuits and boycotts -- agree with the wishes of Aung San Suu Kyi and Burma's democracy movement Tell the board members that you will boycott ARCO service stations and mini-marts until the company leaves Burma. With your note, enclose a magazine picture, photo or drawing of a child/children. They can be Asian or American children, even your own. On the back or front, write a message telling them "Business with the heroin dealing generals of Burma affects children everywhere." If your children would like to write a letter or send a drawing to the board members, encourage them to do so. selected board members for letters: Mr. Frank D. Boren, President, Sustainable Conservation, 45 Belden Place, 3rd fl., San Francisco CA 94104. Mr. John Gavin, President, Gamma International, 550 S. Hope St., suite 1950, Los Angeles CA 90071. Dr. Hanna H. Gray, President Emeritus, University of Chicago, 5801 S. Ellis, Chicago IL 60637. Mr. David T. McLaughlin, CEO, The Aspen Institute, PO Box 222, Carmichael Rd., Queenstown MD 21658. President John B. Slaughter, Occidental College, 1600 Campus Rd., Los Angeles CA 90041. Ms. Marie L.Knowles, Vice President, ARCO, 515 South Flower St., Los Angeles CA 90071. Mr. William Wade, Vice President, ARCO, 515 Flower St., Los Angles CA 90071. Regional affinities: southern California -- ARCO executives Bowlin, Cook, Fernandes, Knowles, Wade; other board members Gavin, Hawley, Kresa, Slaughter. northern California -- Boren (San Francisco). . midwest -- Gray (Chicago).east coast -- McLaughlin (Maryland -- Washington DC area), Wendt (Philadelphia). Academic affinities: Stanford (Gavin, graduate); U of Chicago (Gray, ex-president, professor); UC Berkeley (Hawley, graduate); Dartmouth (McLaughlin, ex-president, graduate); U of Maryland (Slaughter, ex Chancellor); Occidental (Slaughter, President), Princeton (Wendt, graduate). ***************************************************** SLORC: INFORMATION SHEET NO. A-0085(I) August 7, 1997 From: OKKAR66127@AOL.COM 1. Regional Development of Kachin State Special Region-2 Coordinated Chairman of Work Committee for Development of Border Areas and National Races Secretary-1 of the State Law and Order Restoration Council Lt.Gen. Khin Nyunt attended a coordination meeting on regional development between members of Work Committee and a group led by U Zaw Mai, leader of Kachin State Region-2. U Zaw Mai reported on condition of border areas and undertaking for development. Other leaders from the region also reported on establishment of collective villages, building of irrigation networks, reclamation of land, construction of roads and bridges and requirements on health, education, economic activities. The Secretary -1, in conclusion, pointed out he would fulfill the requirements after coordination with the ministries concerned and some matters of finance and policy are to be undertaken at the appropriate time. He also said plans are being laid down and implemented for development of 17 regions in border areas and the government has been making equal arrangements for development without showing bias to any region and group, it is learnt. 2. Myanmar Delegation To Attend Kunming Trade Fair '97 Myanmar delegation led by Minister for commerce Lt. Gen. Tun Kyi left Yangon to attend Kunming Trade Fair '97 at the invitation of the Ministry of External Trade and Economic Cooperation of the People's Republic of China and the governor of Yunan Province. 3. Officials discuss Myanmar-Thai Joint narcotic drugs control program Myanmar and Thai officials this morning sought means to reduce use of narcotic drugs and to control HIV/AIDS on Myanmar-Thai border. They exchanged views on laying down of plans and strategies and conducting joint operations in implementing projects at Kyaington and Tachileik regions in Myanmar and Chiang Mai and Maesai regions in Thailand. Joint Secretary Police Col. Ngwe Soe Tun of Contract Committee for Drug Abuse Control, Deputy General-Secretary of ONCB of Thailand Mr Narong Suwanapiam, Director of Bangkok-based ESCAP office Mr. Edward Vanroy and heads of Yangon and Bangkok UNDCP offices spoke. The meeting, at the Central Hotel continues on 7 August. Office Calls in Yangon on 6 August 1997 (a) Secretary-1 of State Law and Order Restoration Council Lt. Gen. Khin Nyunt received Vice-Chairman Mr Sugiharto of the Inter-Parliament of AIPO/ASEAN, ASPAS BKSAP of the House of Representatives of Indonesia, and party at Dagon Yeiktha of the Ministry of Defence in the morning. (b) Secretary-1 of the State Law and Order Restoration Council Lt. Gen. Khin Nyunt received Member of the House of Representatives of Japan Mr. Shingo Nishimura and party at Dagon Yeiktha of the Ministry of Defence at 5 pm. (c) Secretary of Myanmar Investment Commission, Minister at the office of Deputy Prime Minister Brig. Gen. Maung Maung received legal expert Mr. Wong Meng Meng of Wong Partnership of Singapore and party at the Commission Office. (d) Chairman Mr. Gen. Koh Bang of Garnad Media Sdn Bhd, Kuala Lampur Malaysia, and party called on Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Mayor U Ko Lay at his office. Afterwards, the guest, together with the mayor toured the 30th ASEAN Founding Anniversary Commemorative Exhibition being displayed at the city hall. **********************************************************