------------------------ BurmaNet ------------------------ "Appropriate Information Technologies, Practical Strategies" ---------------------------------------------------------- The BurmaNet News: September 15, 1997 Issue #820 HEADLINES: ========== FEER: LISTENING POST KNU: PRESS RELEASE NO. 56/97 REUTER: THAI COMPANY SELL STAKE IN BURMA AIRLINE DVB: DRUG TRAFFICKING VIA CHINDWIN RIVER ON RISE IMPHAL FREE PRESS:FERNANDES LAUDS UGS FOR ANTI-DRUG KYODO: JAPAN TO DODGE HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUES AT TALKS THE NATION: ACTIVISTS PRAISE BRITISH STANCE ON BURMA BKK POST: GETTING RANGOON TO THE START LINE SEATTLE BURMA ROUNDTABLE: SEATTLE LAW NEWS RELEASE ABSDF-WB: INDO-BURMA BORDER NEWS BEIJING XINHUA: NEW CHINESE AMBASSADOR TO BURMA SLORC: INFORMATION SHEET NO. A-0124(I), A-0123(I) BKK POST: AMBASSADORS ASKED TO HELP EASE FINES INVITATION: BOOK LAUNCH & PHOTO EXHIBIT- SEPT. 17 BANGKOK BRC-J: BURMA STUDY/ACTION WEEKEND -------------------------------------------------------------------------- FEER: LISTENING POST September 18, 1997 Recent speeches by Burma's intelligence chief, Lt.-Gen. Khin Nyunt, in which he referred to satellite-telephone conversations by opponents of the Rangoon military regime, indicate that the junta's new hi-tech information- warfare centre is in operation. Also called the "cyber-warfare centre," it is located in a Defence Ministry compound in Rangoon and has the ability to intercept and interfere with all sorts of telephone and fax messages as well as e-mail and radio communications. A source who has been inside the complex says its relatively sophisticated equipment has been provided by an unidentified Singapore-based company. He says the company's representatives are stationed in the complex to train Burmese military officers in how to use the equipment. Recent interceptions have led to the arrest of four prominent dissidents, who in August were sentenced to long prison terms for 'high treason." ************************************ KNU: PRESS RELEASE NO. 56/97 September 14, 1997 From: OFFICE OF THE SUPREME HEADQUARTERS KAREN NATIONAL UNION KAWTHOOLEI Press Release No. 56/97 Regarding 1997 SLORC Offensive against KNU September 14,1997 News Concerning Shooting Down of Thai Military Helicopter by SLORC Troops. * 28.8.97: The SLORC troops shot down a Thai military helicopter in Ga-neh-lay area. Details regarding the incident are as follows:. * On 28.8.97, two Thai military helicopters flew over the KNLA guerrilla base areas of Maw-kee and Ga-neh-lay, at about 2 p.m. Burma standard time. When the 2 helicopters arrived at Ga-neh-lay area, from the direction of Maw-kee, SLORC troops from Company #1 and # 4 of the IB 32, stationed in the area of Ga-neh-lay, opened fire on them with various kinds of weapons. The smaller of the two helicopter was severely hit and went downed. Ga-neh-lay area is situated about 30 Km, in Burma territory, to the south of Mae sod town. * Commanding officers of SLORC units shooting down the helicopter are (1) Captain Kyaw Hsan (Sr # 24170, Commander of Company # 4, IB 32); (2) Captain Thein Lwin (Sr # 23943, Commander of Company # 1, IB 32) * Two days after the incident, on August 30, 1997, Lance Corporal Poe Kwee (Sr # 852851, a Karen National) from Company # 3 of SLORC IB 32, defected to a KNLA guerrilla unit. He confirmed the shooting down of the Thai helicopter by the SLORC troops as follows. * On August 28, at about 2 p.m, a helicopter flew over, at low altitude, the area of Maw-kee, where Company # 3 was stationed. When the helicopter arrived over Ga-neh-lay area, I heard the sound of Chinese heavy machine-gun fire and the fire of the weapons. Though the place was not far, I could not see the incident with my eyes, as there was a hill between the place where I was and Ga-neh-lay. Soon after the incident, Company # 3 Commander, Captain Mya Tay, who was at place of Company # 4 during the incident, returned and said that Company # 4 had shot down a Thai helicopter. On the night of 29.8.97, at about 0200 hours after midnight I heard a series of 7 explosions, coming from direction of Ga-neh-lay. * From field sources it is learnt that at the present, the SLORC higher command has blocked access to the place where the helicopter fell by planting land-mines and stationing 2 companies of soldiers around the place. (Translated printed and distributed by the Karen Information Center) ************************************************* REUTER: THAI COMPANY SELLS STAKE IN BURMA AIRLINE September 12, 1997 RANGOON, Sept 12 (Reuter) - A Thai company has sold its 49 percent stake in Burma's money-losing domestic Yangon Airways Ltd to Myanmar May Flower Group, a spokesman for the Burmese company said on Friday. Tin Maung Lat, information and public relations director for Myanmar May Flower Group -- one of Burma's largest private conglomerates -- said Krong Sombat Co Ltd of Thailand sold its share on August 27. He would not give the terms of the sale. Yangon Airways was set up in October 1996 and was 51 percent owned by state-run Myanmar Airways and 49 percent held by the Thai company. Tin Maung Lat said Krong Sombat sold its stake in the airline because Yangon Airways was losing money. ``Frankly the airline has been in the red all along,'' he said. ``We are still losing money but are very optimistic about the future of this airline.'' Tin Maung Lat said Yangon Airways flies between the capital and seven domestic destinations with two ATR 72 aircraft leased from France. ``We will plan to lease some more aircraft and fly to more destinations,'' he said. **************************** DVB: DRUG TRAFFICKING VIA CHINDWIN RIVER REPORTED ON RISE September 9, 1997 [translated from Burmese] Kyaw Moe at India-Burma border Oslo Democratic Voice of Burma In the growing narcotics trade at the India-Burma border, Burma exports opium and heroin and imports Phensedyl [cough] syrup from India. As the number of traffickers increases, the routes multiply along the Burma-India border. There are routes running from the Chill Hills into Mizoram in India and roads and water routes into Moirang in Manipur. Goods purchased from Monywa are sent up the Chindwin River. Among the traders are narcotic traffickers. It is learned that six out of 10 traders are narcotic traffickers and majority of them are women who carry heroin and opium among textiles and consumer goods bought in Monywa. Traders along the Chindwin River use codewords, referring to heroin as small [athay] and opium as big [akyi]. Goods going up the river is called small and big [athay hnint akyi] and Phensedyl going down the river is called water [yay]. For instance the code -- Will drink water; fetch water [Yay Thauk Me; Ye Hkat Htar] -- means Phensedyl will be sent down the river in rafts; be ready. Latlabut village in Kani Township is the center for drug traffickers along the Chindwin River as it is located in the vicinity of Monywa and Kani. Heroin, opium, and Phensedyl are traded on wholesale and retail basis. On their way up the river, the traffickers buy heroin and opium in Latlabut and sell Phensedyl to agents on their way down the river. Heroin is carried in thanatkha [Burmese herbal cosmetic] and cigarette packages and opium is carried in tomato crates. Most boats and vessels plying the Chindwin River are involved in drug trafficking. Phensedyl bottles are transported in bamboo rafts along the Chindwin River. Each raft carries about 1,000 bottles of Phensedyl. Phensedyl bottles are hidden inside the bamboo rafts made in Lengin, Yamin, and Thitaung villages in Phaungbyin Township and it takes about five days to reach Latlabut village. When Phensedyl is transported by boat the bottles are carried inside the boat with fishing nets on top to give the appearance of fishing boats. The transportation cost by boat for sending 1,000 bottles of Phensedyl is Kyat 5,000 and by bamboo raft is Kyat 20,000. The trafficker earns Kyat 25 for each bottle of Phensedyl and number of Phensedyl traffickers is growing due to hard living conditions, according to a trader. Each bottle of Phensedyl costs around Kyat 700 by the time it reaches Latlabut and costs about Kyat 1,500 when it reaches agents. It is said that Kyat 100 investment in Phensedly will earn Kyat 100 in profit. Phensedyl price rises around the time of Thingyan and Taungbyon festivals [in April and around July, respectively] when the pace of trading picks up. Phensedyl is carried on foot via land route from Moirang to Thitaung village and from there it is transported by boat and raft to Latlabut village. Heroin and opium from Latlabut and Kyaukhmwa villages are transported in motorboats and trawlers to the Indian side. It is reported that more people are engaged in drug trafficking along the Chindwin River due to hard living conditions and job scarcity inside the country. *************************************** IMPHAL FREE PRESS: FERNANDES LAUDS UGS FOR DRIVE AGAINST DRUGS September 13, 1997 By a staff reporter The Samata party will observe a Satyagraha, and set up a human wall on the Indo-Burma border at Moreh indefinitely from October 2 onwards to drawn the attention of the world to the problem of drug trafficking along the border, according to the president of the party, George Fernandes. Talking to reporters, the SP president said many NGOs and women's organization would take part in the Satyagraha. While pointing out that drug money posed the greatest threat to national security in the region, Fernandes expressed appreciation for the campaign carried out by some of the underground organizations in the state, including the UNLF and the PLA against drug smuggling. The SP president also observed that along with drug smuggling, the border opening has become the road to export AIDS into India. The tentacles of HIV have imprisoned the youths of the northeast with the blessings of Burma, according to Fernandes. The number of people afflicted with AIDS has reached frightening proportions in Manipur making it he virtual AIDS capital of the world, Fernandes said. The SP leader, who criticized the Center's policies towards this region, stated that the economic condition of the states of the northeast has worsened with the increasing trend of unemployment. The NE is neglected in every way by the Center and the PM's economic package was meant to hoodwink the people of the region and not for their welfare, he said. The Samata Party would also organize state and district level conventions to express solidarity with and support to Aung San Suu Kyi and the Burmese people in their struggle for the restoration of democracy in the country, Fernandes added. Earlier yesterday, the SP president visited Moreh to prepare the groundwork for the Satyagraha. Fernandes who held meetings with several people, including the president of the Marwari Dharamsala, and secured assurances that they would provide accommodation for those taking part in the Satyagraha. A coordinating committee, including representation of several NGOs has already been formed to make preparations for the Satyagraha. Fernandes, who left Imphal today, also held meetings with O.Joy, MPP president, H. Bhubon, state BJP president and Prof. Gangmumei president of the FPM before his departure. Imphal Free Press, Imphal Manipur State, India **************************************** KYODO: JAPAN TO DODGE HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUES AT TALKS WITH US September 10, 1997 WASHINGTON, Sept. 10 (Kyodo) - Japan intends to dodge differences with the United States in dealing with Asian human rights during a bilateral foreign ministerial meeting in New York later this month, a Japanese diplomatic source said Wednesday. ''We should not highlight the policy differences between Japan and the U.S. over certain countries, such as Cambodia and Myanmar,'' the source said, referring to the meeting to be held on the fringes of the U.N. General Assembly session. Washington has imposed tough sanctions against Cambodia and Myanmar, while Tokyo's policy is to seek improvements through dialogue. The U.S. has repeatedly urged Japan to join it in taking tough action. *************************************** THE NATION: ACTIVISTS PRAISE BRITISH STANCE ON BURMA JUNTA September 12, 1997 BURMESE student dissidents yesterday hailed the British government's decision to exclude the Rangoon junta from next year's Asia-Europe (Asem) summit m London. Eight students from two dissident groups handed over a letter to the British Embassy in Bangkok welcoming the European Union's "wise and honourable" policy to forbid visas to the inhuman monsters" of Burma's ruling military. "We would like to welcome the EU action as they are against the military junta," said Aung Naing Min, spokesman of the All Burma Basic Education Students' Union (Thailand). The letter, addressed to the British Foreign Secretary Robin Cook, was also presented on behalf of the Overseas National Students' Organisation of Burma, another group of student exiles. Carrying a red flag emblazoned with the yellow peacock - the ensign of the Burmese democracy movement_ and British flags, the students presented the letter to a Gurkha soldier on duty at the embassy in central Bangkok. During an Asian visit this month, the British Foreign Secretary ruled out the participation of Burma in the Asem summit to be held in April 1998, in line with European Union sanctions against Rangoon. Last year the EU decided to deny visas to officials of the junta, officially known as the State Law and Order Restoration Council (Slorc), in protest at its human rights record and suppression of democracy. Aung Naing Min expressed some disappointment that the British ambassador did not come out in person to accept the letter. "We would like to talk to him [the ambassador] about our feelings about human rights abuses," he said. In their letter, the students expressed hope that the EU would "gradually impose more sanctions against the Slorc until they hand over power to the real representatives of the people." The Slorc, which assumed power in 1988 during a bloody crackdown against a pro-democracy demonstrators nation-wide, overturned the results of general elections in 1990 that were swept by opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Burma was admitted into the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) in July, despite pressure from the west to isolate the unelected military regime. ************************************************ BKK POST: GETTING RANGOON TO THE START LINE September 14, 1997 **Asean faces the onerous task of convincing the West that Burma is fit to play- in the big leagues at the Asia-Europe Meeting next year. The seasoned veterans are looking at the rookie somewhat askance. Will it make the final cut?** All things considered, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations is demonstrating to the world a newfound collective conscience and maturity in the face of grave regional challenges. It did the right thing following Hun Sen's coup in Cambodia, and despite the adolescent chip smouldering on its shoulder anytime someone outside Asia suggests a different political tack, it has not thawed on Phnom Penh's admittance even as the tyrant's misguided threats and misaimed artillery shells fly overhead. But Burma, already getting cozy in its seat at the Asean round table, is a different kind of sporting event altogether. Britain, its former ruler, no doubt thought that it was doing the right thing by espousing the western party line in opposing Rangoon's representation at next year's Asia-Europe Meeting (Asem) in London. Its foreign secretary, Robin Cook, said entry visas could well be denied any Burmese wishing to attend. Burma is, after all, close on China's heels in the human rights abuse sprints, and seems to regard democracy, in the sense of giving people a free choice in who governs them, as a third consecutive false start. Its ruling State Law and Order Restoration Council has in fact disqualified the very notion of empowering the common man to channel his own destiny. But never mind - Burma is one of ours now: it's on the home team, and Asean wants it on the bench, at least, at the Asem games. No doubt the coaching staff has already weighed the options. It could sideline the player for the event, but that would make a mockery of its rather expensive contract. It could stand by the player and threaten to boycott the games, but in doing so, it would risk forfeiting a great deal more. Or it could cry foul, and accuse organisers and the host country of discrimination, which, pending further action, is exactly what it has done. Philippines Foreign Under-secretary Rodolfo Severino, who becomes Asean secretary -general in January, played the D-card this week and said Asean foreign ministers will unveil their final strategy after they meet later this month in New York. "We do not discriminate among ourselves. We do not accept discrimination by others among Asean members," he said. Asean members attend the Asem as individual countries, and Burma is not part of the Asem. But "we are all concerned," said Philippine Foreign Secretary Mr Domingo Siazon, "that one of us will be deliberately left out. So we will deal with that." That is team spirit. Prime Minister Mohamad Mahathir, said Malaysia may "opt out" of the meeting if Burma is not allowed to attend, but Philippines President Fidel Ramos hastily pointed out that Asean makes its decisions by consensus. Friction on the team; a rift in the defence. It should be an interesting convergence in New York this month, where preliminary tactics will be run up one or more of the UN flagpoles ready for the finale in London next April. Much is at risk. When Asean exercised its option and signed up Rangoon, it was warned at length that it was recruiting a debilitated, and quite possibly debilitating, player. Green and limping, it now needs the rest of the team to carry it through the final heats, assuming it can make it to the starting block. *************************************** SEATTLE BURMA ROUNDTABLE: SEATTLE LAW NEWS RELEASE September 11, 1997 From: dohrs@u.washington.edu S E A T T L E B U R M A R O U N D T A B L E 2319 N. 45th St., #115, Seattle, WA 98103 USA Tel (206) 784-5742, Fax (206) 784-8150 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: SEATTLE CITY COUNCIL TO CONSIDER BURMA CONTRACTING RESTRICTIONS Seattle--September 11, 1997--On September 16 at 9:30 am, the Business, Economic & Community Development Committee of the Seattle City Council, chaired by Council President Jan Drago, will vote on Drago's proposal to restrict city contracts with companies doing business in the military dictatorship of Burma (Myanmar). "This proposal gives the city maximum flexibility, yet sends a clear message to the Burmese junta, and the companies that prop it up, that Seattle is offended by Burmese heroin exports, suppression of democracy, and gross violations of human rights," says Drago. President Clinton announced a ban on new US investment in Burma in April, citing US national security concerns. Secretary of State Albright said in July "We are increasingly concerned that Burma's drug traffickers, with official encouragement, are laundering their profits through Burmese banks and companies -- some of which are joint ventures with foreign businesses." Burma supplies 60% of the heroin on US streets, according to the State Department. "We don't want city money going to known dope dealers and money launderers," says Larry Dohrs of the Seattle Burma Roundtable. "We support the strong US policy on Burma, where a democratically elected government is being held hostage by a brutal junta." In military sponsored elections, the National League for Democracy party (NLD) of Nobel Peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi won 82% of the seats. The results were ignored by the junta. Suu Kyi and the NLD have called repeatedly for a campaign of economic pressure on the military regime, as an effective way to force dialogue leading to negotiations with the democratic majority. Twelve cities (including New York, where it passed 50-0, and San Francisco), one county and the State of Massachusetts have already passed laws similar to the Seattle proposal. The US and Canada have imposed sanctions, the European Union has introduced visa restrictions and revoked GSP benefits, while Japan and others have frozen aid to Burma due to military intransigence and brutality. The campaign appears to be working. Dozens of foreign companies have left Burma, including Eddie Bauer, Pacific Trail, Disney and Motorola, while many more have stayed away. The Burmese economy is described as "near collapse," and with the military alienated from the population, dialogue may be the only way forward. "The Seattle law would be a huge boost for the Burmese democracy movement," says Khin Pale Nu, a Seattle-based Burmese exile. "At almost no cost, Seattle can make a difference for millions of Burmese, and take a slap at the 'heroin junta,' whose number one export, drugs, costs our city big money." "We all know that Seattle is pro-trade," adds Drago. "When Burma restricts its heroin exports and respects the vote of its own people, we anticipate a positive, friendly trade relationship." Contact: Larry Dohrs, Seattle Burma Roundtable 206-784-5742 Jan Drago, President, Seattle City Council, 206-684-8888 ******************************************** ABSDF-WB: INDO-BURMA BORDER NEWS September 15, 1997 From: Zaw Zaw One died in truck accident at Mandalay Thai workers are working at the International Airport construction project, in Mandalay, second capital of Burma. There was a truck accident around noon on 12th September 1997. A ten-wheeled truck model 91/93 including watching machine carrying Thai-workers on the way from the worksite to the barracks for lunch, skidded on the road and overturned to an upside down position at right angle to town, 200 yards away towards northwest from the main building of Airport. Mr. Pardesh, 42 years perished on the spot and one out of the 19 injured was seriously hurt and hospitalized at surgical Unit (2) of Mandalay General Hospital. News and Information Unit ABSDF (Western-Burma) ********************************************************* BEIJING XINHUA: NEW CHINESE AMBASSADOR TO BURMA PRESENTS CREDENTIALS September 10, 1997 Yangon [Rangoon], September 10 (XINHUA) -- New Chinese ambassador to Myanmar [Burma] Liang Dong today presented his credentials to Chairman of the Myanmar State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) Senior-General Than Shwe. Present on the occasion were First Secretary of the SLORC Lieutenant-General Khin Nyunt and Myanmar Foreign Minister U Ohn Gyaw. During the meeting, the Myanmar leader said that there have been friendly and cooperative relations in all fields between Myanmar and China. He was convinced that such kind of relations between the two countries would be continued and further developed. The Chinese ambassador also said on the occasion that the Chinese government has consistently attached importance to the development of the neighborly goodwill relations between the two countries. The new Chinese ambassador arrived in Yangon on September 3. *************************************** SLORC: INFORMATION SHEET NO. A-0124(I), A-0123(I) From: OKKAR66127@AOL.COM INFORMATION SHEET No. A-0124(I) Date.13-9-97 (3) Japanese Government Donates $ 50,000 Relief Supplies for Flood Victims Japanese Government presented US $ 50,000 and relief supplies- blankets, towels, gasoline, batteries, soap, and washing powder for victims of floods which occurred in some regions of the country in July and August. Charge d’Affaires ai of Japanese Embassy Mr Koichi Kawakami handed the donations to Director General U Saw Thein of Department of Relief and Resettlement. (4) Relief Goods Distributed to Flood-hit Villages in Bago Division Cash and relief goods were provided to the flood victims of Daik U, Nyaunglaybin and Shwekyin Townships in Bago Division for the second time from 5 to 7 September. Relief goods included 1,650 bags of rice for 63 villages and medicines, kitchen utensils, blankets, longyis, plastic sheets, personal goods and cash were also distributed. OFFICE CALLS IN YANGON ON 12 SEPTEMBER (A) Secretary-1 of the State Law and Order Restoration Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt received Mr John Dauth, Special Envoy of the Australian Foreign Minister, at Dagon Yeiktha of the Ministry of Defence. (C) Member of National Convention Convening Commission Chairman of National Convention Convening Work Committee Chief Justice U Aung Toe received Mr John Dauth, Special Envoy of Australian Foreign Minister, at his office. ---------------------------- Information Sheet No. A-0123(I) Date.12-9-97 (3) Yangon Airways Ltd jointly taken over by Myanma Airways, Myanmar May Flower Group Yangon Airways Ltd, initially formed jointly by Myanma Airways and Krong Sombat Co Ltd of Thailand, has been jointly taken over by Myanma Airways and Myanmar May Flower Group (MMF Group). Dealing with aviation, since 1988 opportunities for establishing joint-venture airlines such as Myanmar Airways International (MAI), Air Mandalay, Yangon Airways and Myanmar Helicopter International has been created. MAI is operating international routes such as Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Dhaka, Kunming, Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta with Boeing 737-400s and is keeping abreast with other international airlines. The credibility of MAI, the cordiality and hospitality of Myanmar staff and comfort of the flights has brought constant success and popularity to MAI in the world. (4) Myangonmyint, Hutchison Whompoa Group, Golden Lion International sign MoU Myangonmyint Co, Hutchison Whompoa Group Ltd of Hong Kong and Golden Lion International Holdings Ltd signed a memorandum of understanding at Sedona Hotel on 11 September. According to the MoU, the companies will operate communication services, road construction, building of freight handling jetties and deep-sea ports, housing, drilling and exploration of oil and gas and production of high-quality feedstuff and personal goods in Myanmar. ********************** BKK POST: AMBASSADORS ASKED TO HELP EASE FINES September 13, 1997 MAIN ISSUES CONCERN FORESTS, HUMAN RIGHTS Thai ambassadors to France and Germany have been instructed to ask Total and a German oil company to be lenient about imposing fines in case they delay construction of the controversial Thai-Burmese gas pipeline, the Foreign Ministry said yesterday. Ambassadors Tej Bunnag and Kasit Piromya were asked to make clear to the two governments and their people Thailand's concerns about environmental impacts and human rights problems arising from the 16.5-billion-baht project. Foreign Minister Prachuab Chaiyasarn, whose tour of Britain and France ended yesterday, gave his instructions at a meeting with the ambassadors and consulars-general in London on Tuesday. Meechai Veeravaidya, chairman of Petroleum Authority of Thailand Exploration and Production (PTTEP), the project's key shareholder, said in a report it may take time to reach an understanding with local people on the environmental impacts of the project, the ministry said in a press release. Concerns on human rights abuses and forced labour in Burma, widely reported in the media, and the European Union's reservations about private sector investment in Burma were acknowledged. Environmental activists have demanded that a section of the pipeline through "Grade A" forest in Kanchanaburi's Tong Pha Phum district be rerouted. The threat of delays prompted the PTTEP to file complaints on Wednesday against a local businessman for obstruction. ******************************************* INVITATION: BOOK LAUNCH & PHOTO EXHIBIT- SEPT. 17 BANGKOK September 12, 1997 From: altsean@ksc.th.com The Human Rights Documentation Unit (HRDU) Images Asia and Altsean-Burma (Alternative Asean Network on Burma) are pleased to announce the launch of The Human Rights Yearbook 1996 published by the HRDU and Images Asia's Photo Exhibition "Constructive Engagement" by Nic Dunlop Hosted by the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand The Galleria Plaza, JTC (South Tower), 919/1 Silom Road, Bangkok At 7 p.m. (1900), on Wednesday September 17, 1997 (the eve of the 9th anniversary of the SLORC coup d'etat in Burma) The evening will feature: *The premiere of the video "No Childhood At All", * Images Asia's Photo Exhibition "Constructive Engagement" by Nic Dunlop, and * A discussion on "Human Rights & Development in Burma - Conflict or Consensus?" Speakers will include Mr. Aung Myo Min (HRDU), Mr. Montree Sornpaisarn (Businessmen for Democracy), Ms Debbie Stothard (Altsean-Burma) and surprise guests. Dinner will cost Bt250 for members, or Bt350 for non-members. Entrance without dinner for non-members is Bt200. R.S.V.P./Inquiries: Altsean-Burma Secretariat TEL [662] 275 1811 / 693 4515 FAX [662] 693 4515 E-MAIL 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 **************************************** BRC-J: BURMA STUDY/ACTION WEEKEND September 11, 1997 From: brelief@gol.com Burma Study/Action Weekend November 15-16, 1997 Takaradera, Yamazaki, Kyoto It's been nine years since the demonstrations calling for democracy in Burma resulted in a bloody crackdown and a military coup d'etat. For those nine years students have been struggling on the Burma's borders to keep the hope for democracy alive. It's been seven years since the National League for Democracy won the elections which have never been honored by the military junta. Most of the leaders of the opposition are in exile, in jail, or dead. It's been two years since the opposition leader, Nobel Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, was released from six years of house arrest. Nothing has improved; in fact, the situation inside the country and along Burma's borders has deteriorated drastically. Aung San Suu Kyi is again detained under quasi house arrest; her movements are severely limited, and journalists are denied all access to her. Rumors abound that a special cell for her has been prepared in notorious Insein Prison. It is not possible to exaggerate the appalling human rights situation in Burma these days. Through an insidious "divide and rule" campaign, SLORC has made cease-fire agreements with almost all of the ethnic groups on the borders, but forced labor, forced relocation of whole villages, rape, and summary execution in those areas goes on. In Shan State, the situation borders on genocide. For the first time, SLORC now controls the entire length of the Thai/Burma border. There are no more liberated areas, and as a result there are more refugees sheltering in the jungles on both sides of the border than ever before. Tens of thousands of new refugees have fled into Thailand just this year. In spite of pleas from Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the Japanese government (JICA and JETRO) is increasing assistance to the SLORC, and, to their shame, ASEAN has admitted SLORC as a full member. Although there have been many reports in the Japanese media recently claiming that the economy in Burma is booming and that the life of the people is improving, nothing is further from the truth. Luxury hotels have sprung up, but they remain empty. Inflation is rampant. Stores in Rangoon may be filled with luxury goods, but only the very rich can afford them. Food, even staples such as rice and cooking oil, has become very expensive for ordinary citizens. According to UNICEF, malnutrition is widespread among children. Colleges and universities, as well as many high schools, have been closed since the end of last year. Even those with degrees, however, have little chance of finding meaningful jobs. The junta, though it continues printing money, is virtually bankrupt. At the eighth annual Study/Action Weekend, sponsored by Burmese Relief Center—Japan, these and other issues will be presented and discussed. This forum has become famous as a reliable source of information and a springboard for action on human rights. Several new videos will be shown, and many up-to-date reports will be available. There will also be recent photos, as well as presentations, by BRC-J volunteers who have recently returned from Thailand and the border. Many books and reports will be on sale. There will also be a bazaar with hundreds of items, many made by refugees themselves. All proceeds, of course, will be used to help the Burmese. Burma Study/Action Weekend November 15-16, 1997 Takaradera, Yamazaki, Kyoto Schedule and Directions Activities will begin early Saturday afternoon and continue until Sunday afternoon, with accommodation for sleeping. Vegetarian meals and Burmese refreshments will be provided. Discussion will be in English, Japanese, and Burmese. Come when you can; stay as long as you can. Historic, scenic Tenno-zan merits notice as well, so plan time for a hike! Takaradera, a Shingon temple with important cultural properties, is in Yamazaki between Kyoto and Osaka and can be reached by either JR or Hankyu. Some Rapid Service (kaisoku) stop at JR Yamazaki, but only the local (futsu) stops at Hankyu Oyamazaki. From Hankyu Oyamazaki Station, first walk to JR Yamazaki Station (about five minutes). From JR Yamazaki Station cross the tracks and go STRAIGHT up the hill. (After you cross the tracks, DO NOT TURN RIGHT. That takes you around the hill to the Tenno-zan cherry trees.) You will pass one temple before you reach the gate of Takaradera on the right. By car, continue past the stairs and turn right, going around the main gate. The parking lot is on the left. The fifteen-minute walk up is quite steep. Taxis are available from both stations, but the taxi stand at Hankyu Oyamazaki Station is not right at the station. You have to walk along the road to the left after you come out of the station. Participation fee: 10,000 yen 6000 yen for those who cannot stay overnight (Payable at the site) For reservations, please contact: Burmese Relief Center—Japan 266-27 Ozuku-cho, Kashihara, Nara 634, Japan Tel: (0744) 22-8236 — Fax: (0744) 24-6254 e-mail:brelief@gol.com Takaradera telephone number: (075) 956-0047 (for directions to the temple; NOT for reservations!) http://www2.gol.com/users/brelief/Index.htm *************************************