------------------------ BurmaNet ------------------------ "Appropriate Information Technologies, Practical Strategies" ---------------------------------------------------------- The BurmaNet News: September 1, 1997 Issue #810 HEADLINES: ========== THE NATION: VOID APPEARS BETWEEN MALAYSIA AND UK KNPP: HUMAN RIGHTS & BATTLE NEWS 29/8/97 KNU: SURVEY OF SITUATION IN MUTRAW DISTRICT JOURNAL OF COMMERCE: BUSINESSES BATTLE SANCTIONS BKK POST: ETHNIC THAIS IN BURMA TO BE GIVEN CITIZENSHIP BKK POST: BURMESE LET THAIS SEARCH FOR COPTER BKK POST: THE SLOW RESPONSE TO SPEED PROBLEMS BKK POST: KANCHANABURI CHAMBER CALLS FOR END SLORC: INFORMATION SHEET NO. A. 0107(I)- 0109 NLM: MINISTER EXPLAINS $50,000 LIMIT ON REMITTANCE THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR: NEWS IN BRIEF -------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE NATION: VOID APPEARS BETWEEN MALAYSIA AND UK ON HUMAN RIGHTS August 29, 1997 KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia - Britain and Malaysia held talks yesterday and emerged with wide differences on human rights and Burma. The talks were held between visiting British Foreign Secretary Robin Cook and Malaysian Foreign Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and other officials. Speaking jointly to reporters after their talks at the Foreign Ministry here Cook reiterated the strong commitment by the new Labour government to support human rights around the world, including in Burma. Cook said, "We are committed to promoting freedom and human rights," and added as for Burma, "We are very concerned about the violation of democracy and freedom there." While Cook backed the European Union's stand for strong action to bring human rights and democracy to Burma, Abdullah reiterated the Malaysian and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations' (Asean) stand for "constructive engagement, which we think is the best way". Cook accused the military junta ruling Burma of "not doing anything" to stop the drug trade in Burma" and added, "This is a criminal act." Asean admitted Burma as a member two months ago although the European Union and the United States had hoped Asean would keep Burma out until its human rights and democracy record improved. While the United States and some European Union members do not want a review of the Human Rights Convention, Malaysia has been campaigning for a review at various forums. Abdullah said, "Malaysia and Asean agree there must be human rights and freedom ... But we feel there must also be political stability and security." In previous statements Abdullah has explained that human rights and freedom could not be imposed to an extent where it hinders economic development, peace, stability and security. Malaysia and some other Asean countries have internal security laws under which people can be arrested and held without trial indefinitely and they have refused to repeal these laws despite repeated appeals by opposition parties. The governments say they are necessary to maintain peace and security and ensure economic progress. Asked if Burma, as a member of Asean, would be allowed to attend the Asean-European Union talks next year, Cook said so far there had been no decision "and it will be decided by consensus" among the European Union members. Abdullah said, "We are against linking any assistance and economic cooperation with human rights." Malaysian government officials said in the proposed review they want this clearly stated. [excerpts from related article] ------------------------------------ BKK POST: COOK URGES EXPANSION OF MILITARY TIES August 31, 1997 [abridged] Manila, AFP British Foreign Secretary Robin Cook yesterday called for expanded military ties with the Philippines and promised to crack the whip on trans-continental sex tours preying on Filipino women and children. Burma's admission into Asean last month which was vigorously opposed by Britain and other western countries because of the Rangoon junta's human rights record was also discussed, officials said. Cook said that despite Burma's membership in Asean, it was unlikely that it will be allowed to attend the Asia-Europe Meeting (Asem) in London next year. Asem links Asean as well as China, India and South Korea, with the European Union. He said acceptance of new Asem members are reached through a consensus, adding: "I do not wish to hold out the prospect that there will be a consensus agreement for Burma to be present." ******************************************* KNPP: HUMAN RIGHTS & BATTLE NEWS 29/8/97 August 29, 1997 From: ooreh THE GOVERNMENT OF KARENNI MINISTRY OF PUBLIC RELATIONS AND INFORMATION SITUATION REPORTS HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATION COMMITTED BY SLORC IN NO. (2) DISTRICT, KARENNI On 25 August 1997, Slorc troops of LIB 261 under the command of Lt. Col Khin Mg Htay burnt down 25 houses including the church of Hu Muu Ka Lah village. On 26 August 1997, Slorc troops of LIB 102 under the command of Major Win Htwe burnt down the church of Kwa Kee village and 54 houses of Htee Sar Beh Htee village. On 27 August 1997, the Slorc troops of LIB 261 burnt down 28 houses of Bwe Lay Kho village including the church. On the same day Saw Jelley, 23-y-old, of Kho Baw Deh village was killed by Captain Min Ko Oo of Battalion No. (531) of Slorc while he went to Mawchi town to buy salt and fish paste. Saw Jelley was stopped and searched while he was on his way to Mawchi. The Captain accused him of being Karenni intelligence after finding 10,500 Kyats (Burmese Currency) on him, and then shot him dead. This incidence reached the Commander of the Unit who covered the truth and explained to the public that Saw Jelley was killed because he was trying to escape while he was being questioned. ___________________________________________________________ Battle News in No. (2) District area On 26 August 1997 at 0830 hrs, one Slorc soldier of LIB 102 stepped on a Karenni land mine near the cemetery of Kwa Kee villlage and one of his legs was blasted off. On the same day at 0930 hrs, the Karenni Army again attacked the Slorc troops near the cemetery. The Slorc troops suffered one wounded. On the same day at 1100 hrs, the Karenni Army again attacked the Slorc troops of LIB 102 under the command of Major Win Htwe, while the SLORC troops were burning the church of Kwa Kee village. 4 Slorc soldiers were wounded in the attack. On 27 August 1997 at 0550 hrs, the Karenni Army attacked Slorc troops of LIB 423 under the command of Major Naing Thein near Daw Tha Shi village. 2 Slorc soldiers were wounded in the attack. On the same day at 0650 hrs, the Karenni Army ambushed the Slorc troops of LIB 423. Casualty was not available. On the same day at 0705 hrs, the Karenni Army again attacked the same troops of LIB 423 of Slorc near Daw Tha Shi villlage. The Slorc troops suffered one dead and one wounded. On the same day at 0820 hrs, the Karenni Army attacked Slorc troops of LIB 426 under the command of Win Soe, second in command of the Unit, near Sho Ka Hseh village. The Slorc troops suffered one dead and one wounded. On the same day at 0835 hrs, the Karenni Army attacked Slorc troops of LIB 102 that were taking position in Kwa Kee village. The Slorc troops suffered 2 wounded. On the same day at 1000 hrs, one Slorc soldier of LIB 531 stepped on a Karenni land mine and one of his legs was blasted off. 29 August 1997 ***************************************** KNU: SURVEY OF SITUATION IN MUTRAW DISTRICT September 1, 1997 [This information from the KNU has been edited by BurmaNet] The SLORC has been intensifying its atrocities against the Karen people, especially in hilly regions where there news collectors have little access. Where journalists are barred, the worst SLORC troops atrocities against the Karen people occur. This survey is confined to a specific area about 100 square miles, but many other areas have suffered a similar fate. The data was collected by a local responsible personnel. The areas where SLORC committed all these atrocities lay within the junction of three townships of Mutraw (Luthaw, Butho, and Dweh Lo). >From March to June, 90 villages were burned down by SLORC troops in Mutraw District. 19 villages in Mutraw District have also been forced to relocate. >From March to May the murder of 36 villagers was documented in the area. The villagers' only 'crime' was being Karen. Following is a summary of materials taken by the SLORC from March to May: Item Number/Value 1. Burmese currency 261,100 kyats 2. Thai currency 6,800 baht 3. Paddy 8,988 baskets 4. Buffaloes 58 5. Pots 91 6. Houses (burnt down) 65 7. Shirts 42 8. Golden Rings 5 9. Golden Earrings 9 10. Silver coins 72 11. Blankets 68 12. Goats (killed) 14 13. Hoes 5 14. Plates 149 15. Knives 48 16. Chicken 33 17. Spoons 98 18. Pigs 1 19. Lady costumes 55 20. Men costumes 66 21. Lady Longyis 72 22. Sewing Machines 3 23. Rice 29 tins 24. Silver ingots 4 25. Gongs 3 26. Silver Lime bottle 9 27. Silver Head belts (for ladies) 3 28. Silver waist belt 1 29. Silver bracelets 2 30. Hand saw 3 31. Longyis 37 ****************************************** JOURNAL OF COMMERCE: BUSINESSES BATTLE STATE SANCTIONS August 28, 1997 John Maggs Corporate leaders to file constitutional challenge Move is in response to a flurry of state and city trade curbs that the group says usurps presidential authority. WASHINGTON -- A group of big U.S. businesses is planning to file a constitutional challenge to a recent flood of state and local economic sanctions, despairing of the Clinton administration stepping in to halt such actions. Massachusetts, New York City, Berkeley, Calif., and 27 counties and cities have adopted sanctions that bar government purchases from companies that do business in Burma, China and Nigeria. California, Texas, New York, New Jersey, North Carolina, Connecticut and Rhode Island are considering such sanctions on an even broader assortment of countries. While the United States has varying levels of economic sanctions on some of these nations, in all cases the state and local actions go beyond actual trade and investment with these countries to impose a "secondary boycott" on businesses that choose to trade with these regimes. President Clinton has signed laws recently that impose such secondary boycotts on companies doing business in three countries -- Cuba, Iran and Libya. Nevertheless, because such boycotts are widely seen as illegitimate by the United States' top trading partners, these laws have been enforced very reluctantly, and so far have had a negligible commercial impact. In this case, senior Clinton administration officials privately criticize sanctions, such as those imposed by Massachusetts on companies doing business with Burma, as an unconstitutional usurpation of federal powers. Yet the administration itself will not challenge the sanctions out of fear of angering local political interests. At the same time, U.S. trade officials are trying to convince Massachusetts to amend its law to avoid a showdown in the World Trade Organization, which prohibits local economic sanctions. The constitutional case is being put together by lawyers hired by USA Engage, a coalition of 634 big businesses that have mounted a campaign against the use of unilateral trade sanctions of any kind. It is not clear now whether the case will be financed by the full coalition or a group of the businesses. Meanwhile, a top Clinton administration official sympathetic to the case has been meeting regularly with USA Engage officials. Undersecretary of State Stuart Eizenstat asked representatives of the group to delay the lawsuit until after a debate in Congress this fall on granting President Clinton special trade negotiating authority. The lawsuit will probably force the administration to take sides for or against local governments, and Mr. Eizenstat told the businessmen he's worried this possible conflict could become an issue in the uphill fight for negotiating authority. Peacemaker role Representatives of the business group made no commitment about the timing of its lawsuit, but said it will probably not be ready for filing until after the October congressional recess. Yet many congressional aides and business lobbyists expect the debate over new trade authority to drag on into the spring, especially in the Senate, which was not actively considered the topic for several years. As an undersecretary at the Commerce Department, Mr. Eizenstat took the role of peacemaker with the European Union, working to defuse a confrontation over U.S. sanctions on European companies that do business with Cuba. More recently, he has sought to smooth relations with Switzerland, which faces a number of local sanctions efforts in the United States over its handling of claims that Swiss banks hid many millions of dollars in deposits from victims of the Nazi Holocaust. Sanctions counterproductive In congressional testimony, Mr. Eizenstat said, "Efforts by state and local officials around the United States . . . to impose various economic sanctions are inappropriate and counterproductive . . . They will complicate (the federal government's) ability to develop a healing and reconciliation process, hurt U.S. as well as Swiss economic interests, and increase strains in U.S.-Swiss relations." The constitutional challenge by the business group is expected to turn on three arguments. Three arguments First, the companies will argue that the state and local sanctions would change U.S. foreign policy, which the constitution says can only be conducted by the president. The lawyers have collected ample evidence that the sanctions imposed or proposed so far have already affected U.S. foreign policy, triggering a fight with the EU in the WTO, and threatening relations with Switzerland. In three cases, state courts have in the past judged whether state and local sanctions related to South Africa abrogated federal foreign policy-making, and have struck down the sanctions in two of the three. Federal pre-emption The second argument is federal pre-emption: that the state actions, specifically the Massachusetts sanctions, pre-empt a federal action -- a partial embargo on Burma that was recently strengthened by President Clinton. The Constitution and subsequent Supreme Court decisions have prohibited such pre-emption. The businesses will argue that Mr. Clinton could have imposed a secondary boycott, but chose not to, and thus the Massachusetts action pre-empts his decision. Third, the lawyers will argue that the state and local actions would usurp the federal government's responsibility for regulating foreign commerce. Just like a tariff, the Massachusetts law and others have the effect of restricting and even halting commerce with a particular company. ****************************************** BKK POST: 5,736 ETHNIC THAIS IN BURMA TO BE GIVEN CITIZENSHIP August 30, 1997 Nussara Sawatsawang As many as 5,736 displaced Burmese nationals of Thai origin will be granted citizenship by the end of next year as part of a bid to reintegrate ethnic Thais, government officials said yesterday. The move is largely aimed at ethnic Thais who were lost to Burma along with pockets of land as a result of an "unfair" Anglo-Thai treaty in 1868. At the time Burma was under British rule, which covered the entire 2,400-kilometre Thai-Burmese border from Chiang Rai to Ranong, added the officials. Descendants of Thais who had been taken to Burma as slaves following Thai-Burmese wars more than two centuries ago will also be considered. The citizenship move, which received cabinet approval about two months ago, is open to Burmese of Thai origin who sought refuge along the Thai-Burmese border before March 9, 1976, officials emphasised. The estimated 20,000 ethnic Burmese who fled to Thailand in the decade following the 1962 coup by strongman Ne Win do not qualify, they pointed out. Neither do the Burmese students and asylum seekers who fled to Thailand after the State Law and Order Restoration Council came to power in Rangoon in 1988. For starters, about 1,396 Burmese citizens of Thai origin living in Ranong will receive Thai citizenship next month. The rest live in Tak, Prachuab Khiri Khan, and Chumphon provinces. "This is part of Thailand's policy of assimilation. We are getting our people back and they do not threaten our national security," a Foreign Ministry official said. The cabinet decision allows for Thai citizenship to be granted to a total of 7,849 people believed to belong to this group, officials said. But a survey conducted in August saw only 5,735 people apply for the provision. Applicants will have to prove their Thai origin, and have had at least 20 years of residency in Thailand. They will also have to look Thai, speak and understand the Thai language, revere the monarchy, and observe Thai customs, said an Interior Ministry official. ********************************************** BKK POST: BURMESE LET THAIS SEARCH FOR COPTER August 31, 1997 Burma has allowed Thailand to send men and equipment to search for an army helicopter believed to have disappeared inside its territory on Thursday. The Jet Ranger chopper carrying a pilot and four passengers vanished in heavy rainstorm in an area straddling Phop Phra and Umphang districts of Tak. Rescue operations could only begin yesterday after being disrupted by the bad weather. It was highly possible that the helicopter was in an area in Burma opposite Ban Ruam Thai Pattana, south of Phop Phra district, said Chatchapat Yaem-ngarmriab, commander of the Fourth Infantry Regiment Task Force. Col Chatchapat could not confirm whether the helicopter had crashed or managed to land safely. He also could not confirm a report that it had made a safe emergency landing in Tee Ka Plor in Burma. ********************************************* BKK POST: THE SLOW RESPONSE TO SPEED PROBLEMS August 29, 1997 [abridged] Organised methamphetamine manufacture and smuggling is now so prevalent along the northern Thai-Burma frontier that police have no chance of stopping it. In Mae Sai district of Chiang Rai, fully 50 percent of police and their time is spent trying to intercepting Burma-made amphetamines. Pol Col Panurat Meepien, Chiang Rai's police superintendent, admits the efforts of his men are futile. Even if police managed to halt the influx, the drugs are openly and freely available on the Burmese side of the Mai Sai River. The Office of Narcotics Control Board has taken the controversial and desperate step of calling in the military. A special task force has been set up using troops of the Third Army Region to gather intelligence on ya maa traffickers. The troops also will be available for interception operations if needed. Civilian control has been maintained by placing the task force under the Northern Narcotics Control Centre. A report by the largest US drug task force last week said international methamphetamine trafficking has become, in one year, the greatest new drug threat. As in Thailand, methamphetamine has already replaced heroin and cocaine as the abused drug of choice in many parts of America. The Drug Enforcement Administration is putting more agents and resources into the task of dismantling speed traffickers. Our own authorities can do no less. *********************************************** BKK POST: KANCHANABURI CHAMBER CALLS FOR END TO 'SENSELESS' PROTESTS August 29, 1997 [abridged] Boonsong Kositchotethana Environmentalists told to place needs of country first The Kanchanaburi Chamber of Commerce yesterday issued an open letter urging opponents of the Thai-Burma gas pipeline project to stop their "senseless" protests, In his four-page letter, Kamthorn Lorwongngarm, vice-president and secretary of the chamber, appealed to environmental activists to cease their protests for the sake of the progress in the country. Opponents of the project have criticised a six-kilometre stretch of the line which will go through the pristine forest in Tong Pha Phum, Kanchanaburi, near the Thai-Burmese border. Mr Kamthorn said the country needed Burmese gas for its development. "If we had to sacrifice 100 to 200 rai of land for pipeline laying and we can get the energy needed for building up our nation, then that should be acceptable," he said. ************************************ SLORC: INFORMATION SHEET NO. A. 0107(I)- 0109 excerpts only From: OKKAR66127@AOL.COM SLORC: INFORMATION SHEET NO. A. 0107(I) August 29, 1997 (1) Yadana Offshore Natural Gas Project The project to sell natural gas from Yadana Natural Gas Project to Thailand covers two main sectors-production and transportation. The production sector includes Rig 1 and Rig 2 set up at Yadana Offshore Block. It is selected to produce natural gas from one vertical well and six horizontal wells from each rig. Relevant Authorities started spud-in at the first well of Rig 2. August 28th spud-in marked the beginning of operation at the first rig to drill down to 4,700 feet. The 36-inch pipeline has been laid 40 miles inland to send natural gas from Yadana Project to Thailand. It is to be laid 216 miles offshore and has been laid 10 miles at sl1allow-sea area in March this year. Laying of the remaining part by SEMAC-1 is scheduled for completion within three months. (2) Heroin, Raw Opium Seized in Mandalay, Nawgnhkio (3) First Myanmar IT Exhibition (4) Bwetgyi Bridge on West Yoma Beltway Railroad Completed OFFICE CALLS IN YANGON ON 28 AUGUST (A) Minister for Transport Lt. Gen. Thein Win received Deputy Chief Executive Officer Mr. David SS Chin of Singapore Trade Development Board of Singapore and party at his office. The Singaporean delegation also discussed With senior officials of the ministry and marine advisers on the transport sector at the ministry. (B) Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig.Gen. Abel received Chairman Mr. Maris Samaram of SGV-NaThalang & Co Ltd, a Thailand-based firm at his office. ------------------------ SLORC: INFORMATION SHEET NO. A-0108 (I/L) August 30, 1997 The Free Press Journal (New Dehli) 12 August 1997 "No Political Prisoners in Myanmar" As the India government is currently negotiating with the Naga rebels to shun violence and join the national main stream, the Myanmar government has reaffirmed its stand that it will not allow Indian militants to operate from its soil. However, the Myanmar government finds it difficult to guard its vast inaccessible terrains and 1,490 km long mountainous border with India, which has become a hot-bed for dozens of North-East militant out-fits who have been waging a proxy war against India since 60s. The inclusion of Myanmar into the ASEAN trade bloc last week has annoyed the western countries. The State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) government welcoming the ASEAN decision has admitted for the first time that it will now move forward towards achieving the real democracy. On the eve of the 9th anniversary of the people's uprising in Burma on August 8, 1988 the Myanmar Ambassador to India, Win, in an interview with The Free Press Journal Correspondent A.B Mahapatra, told that his country will never bow down to western pressure at any cost. Q: You may be aware that the Indian government is trying hard to bring all the Naga militants for peace talks without any precondition. It is alleged that Naga rebels have set up their bases across the border and often take shelter in the Myanmar side at the time of any Indian Army operations against them. What is your stand on the situation in the North-East? A: We never supported Naga rebels. We have reaffirmed our stand that the soil of Myanmar will not be allowed to use as a base for any anti-India activities. The Myanmar government considers India an Important neighbour and being a sincere neighbour we want to maintain cordial relationship with India. After all Nagas have been waging war against India since a long time. Moreover, violence has its own limitations to achieve any goal. The Indo-Myanmar border is covered with densely forest areas and hilly-terrains which is humanly impossible to guard all the time. Rebels are exploiting our disadvantage. Yet we carry out operations to prevent them entering Myanmar border. We have never supported anti-India elements for any reason. Even if it is for humanitarian ground or whatsoever assumed value (in a lighter vein). Q: Since 1993 both India and Myanmar are cooperating in combating the drug trafficking along the border. Similarly, has the Indian government ever approached Myanmar to counter the insurgency in N-E region? Or showed its concern about Naga rebels' operations to the Myanmar government. A: The Indian government has never sought out cooperation in the context of Naga problems. But they did in a wider perspective in the form of insurgency in the North-eastern region bordering Myanmar. Q: India has got nearly half-a-dozen immediate neighbours and the Prime Minister I.K Gujral has advocated friendly relations with all the neighbours. That is known as "Gujral doctrine". You may be aware that your country has no where figured in the "Gujral doctrine". Why Myanmar is left out of the "Gujral doctrine". Do you think that India attach less importance to Myanmar? A: Please ask your government. It is India's own affair. I cannot comment. Q: During the Myanmar's inclusion into ASEAN meeting last week, the US and western countries have strongly opposed the ASEAN move and raised their concern over military rule and human rights violation in Myanmar. How do you welcome the development? A: The issue of human rights is a very vast topic, very confusing and debatable. The western countries have their own way to assess, based on their own values, what human rights are all about. They are very much biased against Asians. They have exploited the whole of Asia and now they are trying to impose their values on Asians without understanding the feelings of common people in Asia. We have achieved tremendous progress within a short period, ensuring the basic rights and minimum needs of Myanmar people. Q: Now you have got the ASEAN membership. But the democracy and human rights issues have over-shadowed the Myanmar's triumph, as the ASEAN and its dialogue partners argued that politics and economics are intertwined in any decision making process. What is your position on the issue. Don't you think it will imperil bilateral relations if political issues are raised in an economic fora? A: The dialogue partners, particularly the US and the European Community should understand whether it is a right place and right time to raise such issues. But it is a wise move on the part of ASEAN members who have set aside these objections and has given priority to admission of Myanmar. But I do not think this will lead to any misunderstanding among members. This is the age where we resort to sorting out things without any conflict. Q: Don't you think that there is justification to the US and West claims. After all what can be the apparent motive behind it other than problems faced by Myanmar people? A: Human rights and democracy are the latest USA "mantras" to subjugate any Asian country. Therefore, Myanmar is not an exception. Even in case of India, they use "child labour," "bonded labour" and human rights issues to curb its exports to their countries. In early 19th century, England had child labour problems and Charles Dickens earned world wide popularity on the subject. It seems, the US and West are still interested in neo-colonialism. Q: The US and the West have set conditions that Myanmar should free political prisoners and hold election for popular government in which the SLORC should invite Aung San Suu Kyi for talks, How do you react? A: The demand of the US is, surprisingly, identical to the demands made by National League for Democracy party and the dissidents abroad. I do not know who instructed whom and who imposed whom. We have no political prisoners in Myanmar. For your kind information, all put in jail are not political prisoners. The national convention for shaping the future of Myanmar has been going on for some time. This forum also included the representatives of political parties, elected persons and national races. It is, in a sense, dialogue with wider perspective and broader base. Therefore the demand for separate dialogue with one person is not justifiable. Q: What benefit Myanmar will achieve, particularly on economic front, after becoming a full member? A: Ever since the very inception of ASEAN, they have been asking us to join the bloc. Since our Independence we have not joined any regional group because of our own reasons. We are progressing towards a modern democratic state with market economic system. Time is now ripe for joining ASEAN. Thus, for an effective regional bloc. ASEAN needs Myanmar and vice versa. The strength of each other could be interdependent. You know Myanmar is not alone anymore. Q: How will you adopt democracy within a military set up per your promise to ASEAN? A: Democracy should prevail in accordance with the values and requirements of each country. It should not be in quantity while it should be in quality in utmost value. There should be a "silver line" between security and freedom. We will go according to ASEAN way of democracy. As you may be aware, the people of Myanmar know basics of democracy and peaceful existence from the teachings of the Lord Buddha since time immemorial. ------------------------------- SLORC: INFORMATION SHEET NO. A-0109(I) August 31, 1997 (1) Myanmar Police Force Urged to Become Second Most Disciplined and Powerful National Defence Force (3) Chief Justice Returns From Manila (6) Myanmar Delegation to Attend 18th ASEAN Parliament Work Committee and General Assembly (9) Organon Seminar on Birth Spacing Methods The first seminar on modern birth spacing methods in Myanmar, organized by Organon of the Netherlands, was held at the Traders Hotel on 30th August. The first presentation titled "Contraceptive Choices for the Nursing Mother", it highlighted the results of studies done with Exulton, a tablet presentation and Megestron, an injectable for three months birth spacing protection. The second presentation titled " personal experience with Multiload 375, an IUCD" was presented and exchange of views on the modern ICUD, multiload 375. The third presentation "Overview of Modern Oral Contraceptive pills, results of clinical trials on Marvelon, the Malaysian and Asian Experience" was presented. OFFICE CALLS IN YANGON ON 29&30 AUGUST (F)Minister for Energy U Khin Maung Thein received Head of Operation of Total Exploration and production Mr. J. Ropers at his office on 29 August. (G) Minister for National Planning and Economic Development Brig. Gen. Abel received Japanese delegation led by member of the Parliament Mr. Yoichi Tani at his office on 29 August. ********************************* NLM: MINISTER EXPLAINS $50,000 LIMIT ON REMITTANCE OF CURRENCY [slightly abridged] August 27, 1997 Yangon, 26 Aug - Clarification on remittance of currency received from FECs [Foreign Exchange Certificates] and FE [Foreign Exchange] received from exports was given at the Central Bank of Myanmar this afternoon. Minister for Finance and Revenue Brig. Gen. Win Tin said after FECs purchased in kyat are deposited in the account of the Foreign Exchange Bank, payment for imports and remittance abroad on showing related documents will be permitted up to only US $ 50,000 per month. After depositing FECs received from sale of imports and local goods and other FECs in the account of the FE bank, payment for imports, remittance abroad and repayment for loan and interest on showing of related documents will be permitted up to only US $ 50,000 per month. Export proceeds, remittances from abroad and foreign exchange received for house rent, car rental, salary and others will be dealt with in accord with the system in practice. *************************************** THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR: NEWS IN BRIEF [excerpts] August 21, 1997 MS, JAVA MARINE LINES PTE LTD SIGN CONTRACT TO BUILD TWO SHIPS YANGON, 20 Aug- Myanmar Shipyards of the Ministry of Transport and Java Marine Lines Pte Ltd signed a contract to build two 56-metre ships worth Singapore $ 8 million at the meeting hall of MS this morning. The ships will be used in offshore drilling. The contract to build two 640-ton landing crafts was also signed on 25 May this year. According to Managing Director Mr Pang Yoke Min of Java Holding Group, some more ships worth Singapore $ 50 million will be built at MS for increasing number of ships of Java Marine Lines. August 22, 1997 MEPE, MALAYSIA'S GENTING POWER HOLDINGS LTD SIGN AGREEMENT TO GENERATE, DISTRIBUTE POWER YANGON, 21 Aug Myanma Electric Power Enterprise signed an agreement with Genting Power Holdings Ltd of Malaysia for generating and distributing power in Kanbauk region, Yebyu Township, Dawei District, Taninthayi Division, at the Ministry of Energy yesterday evening. FOUR KNU MEMBERS WELCOMED INTO PEOPLE'S BOSOM YANGON, 21 Aug Realizing the genuine goodwill and endeavours of the State Law and Order Restoration Council or the Tatmadaw Government, remnants of armed groups are exchanging arms for peace to come into the bosom of the people, after renouncing their destructive acts which do not benefit the nation and people. Privates of KNU Defence Battalion 4 of Brigade 2 Saw Lay Nadi (a) Arikan, Saw Tun Lwin (a) Saw Adi, Saw Kha Lay (a) Saw Debo and Saw Ju Ju came-in at Leiktho military camp in the Southern Command area on 24 June. August 23, 1997 DEPUTY COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF DEFENCE SERVICES, COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF (ARMY) RECEIVES CHIEF OF GENERAL STAFF (ARMY) OF THE ARMED FORCES OF BANGLADESH YANGON, 22 Aug Vice-Chairman of the State Law and Order Restoration Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in chief (Army) General Maung Aye received Chief of General Staff (Army) of the Armed Forces of People's Republic of Bangladesh Maj-Gen Mohammad Anwar Hossain and party at Tatmadaw Hall, Zeyathiri Beikman, Konmyinttha, at 4 pm today. Present also together with General Maung Aye were Secretary-1 of the State Law and Order Restoration Council Chief of the Office of Strategic Studies and Director of Defence Services Intelligence Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, Secretary-2 Chief of Bureau of Special Operations and Chief of Staff (Army) Lt-Gen Tin Oo, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Tin Aye, Commander-in-Chief .(Air) Lt-Gen Tin Ngwe, Adjutant General Lt- Gen Win Myint, Quartermaster-General Lt-Gen Tin Hla, Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and Commandant of the National Defence College Maj-Gen San Aung. The guests were accompanied by Ambassador of Bangladesh-Mr Jahangir Saadat and Defence Attache of Bangladesh Embassy Brig-Gen Nasiruddin Sarwar. PUBLIC WORKS, KINSHO MATAICHI SIGN AGREEMENT TO PURCHASE CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT YANGON, 22 Aug The Public Works signed an agreement with Kinsho Mataichi Corporation of Japan to purchase construction equipment at Traders Hotel on Sule Pagoda Road this evening. Public Works will purchase 30 items of construction equipment, numbering 264, and spare parts worth Yen 3,689,020,290 for special bridge and road construction projects as well as two sets of hydraulic bored pile equipment worth Yen 467,990,435 for bridge construction projects including Mottama Bridge Project. Payment can be made in installments including grace period. ACCORD ON INCORPORATION OF MYANMAR HELICOPTERS INTERNATIONAL CO LTD SIGNED YANGON, 22 Aug Myanma Airways of the Ministry of Transport and Canadian Helicopters International signed an accord on incorporation of Myanmar Helicopters International Co Ltd at Traders Hotel on Sule Pagoda Road this morning. ***************************************