------------------------ BurmaNet ------------------------ "Appropriate Information Technologies, Practical Strategies" ---------------------------------------------------------- The BurmaNet News: September 18, 1997 Issue #823 HEADLINES: ========== THE NATION: 'SAFE CHANNEL' SOUGHT TO SEND BACK BURMESE PDF: UPDATE ON SITUATION IN BURMA AND THAILAND FBC: PROTESTERS DEMAND ACCOUNTABILITY FROM SINGAPORE JOINT STATEMENT: 18TH SEPTEMBER - BLOODY COUP DAY NLD (LA) AUSTRALIA: STATEMENT ON 18.9.97 INDEPENDENT ESSAY: A KAREN VIEW OF THE COUP ANNIVERSARY SLORC: INFORMATION SHEET NO. A-0129(I) THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR: NEWS BRIEFS ANNOUNCEMENT: RADIO FREE BURMA BURMANET SUBJECT-MATTER RESOURCE LIST -------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE NATION: 'SAFE CHANNEL' SOUGHT TO SEND BACK BURMESE EXILES September 17, 1997 Marisa Champrabna THREE Burmese ministers in exile arrested in Bangkok on Monday for illegal entry will be deported through "a safe channel" in Tak province's Mae Sot district, a senior security source said yesterday. The official said there is more than one channel which could be used to deport the three Burmese ministers of the National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma (NCGUB), other than the Mae Sot-Ta Chilek checkpoint in the province. "Our duty is to send them back through a channel that we believe is safe enough for them. The three are offenders of our immigration laws as they are holding fake passports and entered Thai territory without permission," the source said. The source declined to reveal through which channel and when the Burmese would be sent. "The responsibility of Thai officials in this matter is to send them to the border and see them off," he said. The intention of police in conducting the raid on Monday is still unclear, as the Burmese group have been known to have resided in Bangkok for a few years. The source dismissed concerns by some Burmese dissidents that the three would be handed over to Burma's military junta as they could face intimidation. The three are the NCGUB minister for Asia-Pacific Affairs Teddy Buri, Minister of Health Dr Sann Aung and Minister of Justice U Thein Oo. They are among 11 Burmese nationals arrested in a raid on the NCGUB's Bangkok office in the Chatuchak area by immigration police on Monday. The three are leading members of the National League for Democratic Party (NLD) led by Aung San Suu Kyi, who was elected in the 1990 national election. The country's military junta, the State Law and Order Restoration Council (Slorc), refused to hand over power to the party resulting in the establishment of a government in exile. It is still not known on what charges the five other Burmese citizens apprehended in the same raid were arrested. The source said that when police discovered that the Burmese were holding fake passports, they had considered sending them to the Burmese Embassy in Bangkok to verify their identities. However, they changed their minds after realising such a move could trigger concern among the international community. [excerpts from related article] -------------------------------------- AFP: THAILAND TO DEPORT MINISTERS OF BURMESE EXILE GOVT September 16, 1997 Burmese dissidents in Thailand expressed fears that the NCGUB ministers and officials who had been arrested with them yesterday, would face persecution on their return. "If they are deported I'm sure they will be arrested by the Burmese government and detained in Burma. It will be very dangerous for them," said one Burmese student here who requested anonymity. The NCGUB is an illegal organisation in the military state. In July, Burma's powerful intelligence chief, Lieutenant-General Khin Nyunt accused the group of masterminding a terrorist conspiracy against the ruling junta. Thai immigration officials declined to comment if any key politicians were included among the eight currently being held at the immigration detention centre in the Thai capital. "We got a tip-off about illegal immigrants and we checked that information before we arrested them," one official said. "We arrested them because they are illegal immigrants, nothing more." Dissidents say the current Thai government is closer to the ruling Burmese junta, the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) than previous administrations. Prime Minister Chaowalit Yongchaiyudh paid a state visit to Burma in May. Representatives of the exiled government have been based in Thailand for more than five years and had not "had problems" before this week, Burmese dissident sources said. ********************************************** PDF: UPDATE ON SITUATION IN BURMA AND THAILAND September 17, 1997 From: peace@cm-sun.cm.ksc.co.th 1. Clash between Thai and Slorc authorities. On 12 September 1997, a Thai militia group (Aw Saw) led by a district officer raided a brothel which housed Burmese prostitutes in the Phayagon area, Three Pagoda Pass, Sankhalaburi. There was a clash between the Thai Aw Saw troops and Slorc military intelligence sergeant Khin Maung Htun who reportedly was at the brothel. Sergeant Khin Maung Htun grabbed the shirt of the district officer and swore and scolded the Thai authorities before he left the scene, according to a local source. 2. Land slides cause death of people in Longlon township. In August there were heavy rains and land slides which killed many people and made many others homeless. About 40 people including eight monks from Panyit and Salut villages of the Longlon township, Tenassarim division, were killed. 3. Porterage by Slorc Slorc light infantry battalion (LIB) 342 and infantry battalion (IB) 262 arrested about 80 people from Mathay and Kandaw Villages in Kawthaung district for porters and departed for the KNU Brigade 4 area, according to a local source. 4. Trafficking Burmese people In Ranong, former Slorc army sergeant Myint Thein, is making money by selling Burmese illegal immigrants in co-operation with some Thai authorities. He and his colleagues pretend they have a regular bus service running in the areas called Phanpalar and Paukkhaung where most Burmese illegal immigrants are living. They then arrest the people who use their bus (a truck) and subsequently sell them to Thai businessmen. Source:PDF ******************************************* FBC: PROTESTERS DEMAND ACCOUNTABILITY FROM SINGAPORE September 17, 1997 From: "W. Kesavatana-Dohrs" FREE BURMA COALITION 225 North Mills Street, The University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706 Phone (608)-827-7734 Fax: (608)-263-9992 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: PROTESTERS DEMAND ACCOUNTABILITY FROM SINGAPORE'S GOH ON NARCOTICS Chicago -- September 16 -- Protesters are demanding that Singapore Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong respond to US State Department allegations of Singaporean ties to heroin trafficking from Burma. Goh will be subject to protests in Chicago, where he gives an address to the US-ASEAN Business Council at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel at 12:30 today. On February 28, the State Department said that "over half of (investment in Burma) from Singapore has been tied to the family of narco-trafficker Lo Hsing Han." Singapore has not denied the charge, preferring to withhold comment altogether. In July, Secretary of State Madeleine Albright said "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. "Prime Minister Goh has an obligation to respond to these charges," says Zar Ni, a Burmese exile. "If Singaporean companies are tied to drugs traffickers and money launderers, it is not only hypocritical but shameful. Where is Goh's sense of responsibility?" Singapore has harsh drug laws, including the death penalty for possession of 15 grams of heroin. Australian television has tied Singapore's Government Investment Corporation, chaired by Senior Minister Lee Kwan Yew, to companies owned by Lo, who was once known as the "King of the Golden Triangle." US companies have also been embroiled in the same controversy. Wente Vineyards of California dropped its relationship with a company owned by Lo Hsing Han after a boycott, and Northwest Airlines stopped giving frequent flyer miles to travelers staying at a hotel in Burma owned by Lo. In a sworn affidavit in federal court, LA-based UNOCAL, a member of the US-ASEAN Business Council, is also accused of being in partnership with Burmese drug money launderers. "Surveys show rising teenage heroin use in the US. If companies from Singapore and the US enable Burmese heroin dealers to launder their money, don't these people need to answer to the parents, families and crime victims who are also hurt by the heroin plague?" asks Don Erickson of Chicago-based Synapses. "You can’t just ignore this." Contact: Don Erickson, Synapses, 312-225 2979, or Zar Ni, Free Burma Coalition, 608-827-7734 END ****************************************** JOINT STATEMENT: 18TH SEPTEMBER - BLOODY COUP DAY September 18, 1997 From: eyar@amaze.net.au JOINT STATEMENT OF STUDENTS AND ACTIVISTS FOR 18TH SEPTEMBER (BLOODY COUP DAY) Today, 18 September 1997, is the 9th anniversary of the Bloody coup in Burma. We, students and all walks of people of Burma, peaceful demonstrators were killed by a well-trained army. After the Slorc took over power, it demonstrated that dictators have no regard for the people’s wishes. People love democracy and fundamental rights such as freedom of speech, thought, presentation and participation in politics. But SLORC is attempting to prolong the military regime’s rule in Burma by oppression of the people and the arrest of political dissidents by unjust law and order. We strongly believe that the military must be ousted from power and people must strive to achieve a democratic society in Burma. It is the genuine wish of people, boldly expressed against the total oppression, human-rights violations and ignoring the 1990 election' result. Genuine peace can be preserved only when the ruling military junta stop its military operations against the ethnic nationalities and its oppressive and repressive measures against the public in general and political activists in particular, and the SLORC must come to the political dialogue proposed by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. We pledge on this memorable day of 18 September to struggle against the military dictatorship and totalitarianism. We wish to do this in order to follow up our comrade's sacrifices and fulfill our unswerving objectives. Furthermore, although the people in Burma still face oppression and are denied basic human-rights, Slorc has trying to prolong the dictatorship in Burma. Therefore, we warmly invite and welcome democracy lovers, whether individual or organisations, whether they are nationals or foreign friends, to cooperate with us in restoring and perpetuating genuine peace and democracy in Burma. We therefore make the following demands; -The SLORC must recognize the legitimacy of the 1990 election and hand over power to the election winners, the NLD led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. -All political prisoners of conscience in Burma must be released including student leader Min Ko Naing. -The SLORC must accept the political dialogue proposed by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. -All educational institutions must be reopened immediately for the interest of the New generation of future Burma. -The SLORC shall bring genuine peace to the country by stopping all kinds of political, economic and military campaigns against the races of Burma, especially minorities along the border. To the ASEAN: Since ASEAN has embraced Burma under the rule of the illegitimate regime as a member, they should not merely enjoy the business advantages from Burma but must take responsibility for the negative developments vis-à-vis- human rights violations and its related refugees problems created by the ruling military regime of Burma. -The ASEAN must abandon actions which permit the SLORC's oppression of the people of Burma. -The ASEAN must encourage the development of democratic government in Burma and review its policy of so-called 'non-interference'. To urge the International community to, - Pressure the ASEAN not to fuel the SLORC killing machine - Cooperate and participate with U.S led trade sanction against the SLORC and protect the Massachusetts Burma Law. - Take action against those international business corporations who are dealing with the SLORC. -All Burma Students' League -Asia-Pacific Solidarity Network -Burmese Student Regional Coordinating Committee(Asia) -All Burma Basic Education Student Union -All Burma Students' Democratic Organisation -Burmese Student Association (Safe-Area) -Overseas National Students' Organisation of Burma -Joint Action committee for Burma's Democracy (JAPAN) -Burma Youth Volunteer Association-Japan. -National League for Democracy ( Liberated Area )-Japan. -Students’ Organization for liberation of Burma -Seattle Burma Roundtable "DOWN WITH DICTATORSHIP" "STRUGGLE FOR DEMOCRACY" *************************************** NLD (LA) AUSTRALIA: STATEMENT ON 18.9.97 September 18, 1997 From: "A. Kyaw" Statement by NLD (LA) AUSTRALIA ON 18.9.97. On 18.9.88, 9 years ago, the military took power again following the example steps laid down by General Ne Win in 1962. One of the reasons for taking power was to restore law and order in Burma. But one can see that there is still no law and justice in Burma until now. Lawlessness and Injustice has governed the country since then. Every citizen lives in fear and insecurity of one's own life. It is the duty of every Burmese citizen to strive for restoration of a democratic government which can guarantee peace, justice, security and prosperity to its own citizen. As the leader of the winning party in 1990 general election, Ms Aung San Suu Kyi has called for reconciliation and negotiation with the ruling military regime repeatedly. In our view it is the only way to solve the years-long national problems peacefully. As long as SLORC has been trying to hold on power and neglect the call for dialogues with the opposition democratic forces, putting more pressure and taking punitive actions either politically or economically must be imposed on it. We would like to urge all democratic forces and activists to open up the way for SLORC to enter the dialogue process with NLD, Democratic forces and ethnic minority groups. But we must strongly warn the military regime that any dialogue with anybody or any group without our leader, Ms Aung San Suu Kyi, can not be defined as a genuine dialogue process. For the benefits of everybody concerned, we strongly demand that the military regime in Burma immediately relinquish the power it clings to hold and solve the national problems through reconciliation and negotiation processes. National League for Democracy (Liberated Area) Australia *************************************** INDEPENDENT ESSAY: A KAREN VIEW OF THE COUP ANNIVERSARY September 17, 1997 A Karen's Feeling. 1997, September(18) This day is the ninth anniversary of the heinous coup by the military junta known as SLORC, which seized power in order to carry out exploitation and oppression of its own people including monks and students. This day also inspires me to honour and respect the memory of the admirable martyrs, who fought and died for their own rights and for democracy. I really appreciate their sacrifices. More recently SLORC committed the worst racist offence - in late February, 1997. SLORC’s offence occurred during a ceremony where battalion commander Saw Thu Mu Heh and 495 of his followers from KNLA, No.(16) battalion surrendered and apologised to an audience, (and national television) in "Kyeikdon". At the ceremony, SLORC general Maung Aye laid the Karen national flag on the ground and trampled on it. I strongly condemn this barbaric action and the underlying fascist attitude which will likely engineer future inflammatory offences. By executing this one repugnant episode, it seems that SLORC hates the whole Karen nation, not only the KNU as their enemy. Also it was intended to cause ethnic conflict between Karen and Burmese communities. So I strongly denounce such a calculated insult. Moreover, in 1992, during "Htwee Pah Wee Kyo" offensive, SLORC's general Maung Hla, who was chief commander in the battle, claimed that 'Karen should eat enough while they can, because one day they will be seen only in museums.' Such harassment is the symbolic part of a strategic plan of systematic genocide against the Karen minorities. As is widely known, the practical application of this psychotic design results in forced relocation, porterage, looting and burning people's possessions, rape, extra-judicial killings, torturing the people including children, and the exile of several thousands of illegal immigrants and labourers in Thailand. As a patriotic young Karen, I wish to encourage my Karen people around the world to denounce all of the SLORC's aggressive acts. To obtain our long term security and so that we can live in peace, let us concentrate on genuine national spirit, and strive for the benefit and development of our entire people, through solidarity. "Saw Myo Chit". *********************************** SLORC: INFORMATION SHEET NO. A-0129(I) September 17, 1997 [excerpts] From: OKKAR66127@AOL.COM (2) Hana Bank of Republic of Korea Opens Yangon Representative Office Hana Bank of the Republic of Korea opened its Yangon Representative Office at International Business Centre on 16 September. Hana is the third ROK bank which has opened representative office in Yangon. At present, 273 foreign business firms have investments in Myanmar. (4) PRC Red Cross Donates $ 20,000 for Flood Relief Red Cross Society of the People’s Republic of China donated US $ 20,000 for flood relief measures of Myanmar on 16 September. The cash donation ceremony was held at Myanmar Red Cross building. The Chinese ambassador handed the donation to Honorary Treasurer of MRCS U Tun Myint. (6) Labour Department, Singapore Companies Sign Agreements Labour Department of the Ministry of Labour signed agreements for training, certification and dispatch of Myanmar construction workers to Singapore with Sin Mar Tech and Big One companies of Singapore at Head Office of LD on 16 September. Sin Mar Tech will train Myanmar construction workers for skills and Big One will make arrangements to send them to Singapore and other countries legally. At the signing ceremony, Labour Department Director-General U Tun Yay explained training and certification programmes for Myanmar workers. ******************* THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR: NEWS BRIEFS [excerpts only] September 9, 1997: MYANMAR DELEGATION BACK FROM 18TH ASEAN INTER- PARLIAMENTARY ORGANIZATION MEETING YANGON, 8 Sept Myanmar delegation led by Chairman of the National Convention Convening Work Committee U Aung Toe returned from Indonesia by air this evening after attending the 18th ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Organization Meeting held in Bali from 1 to 6 September. Delegation members are Joint Secretary of the Work Committee U Thaung Tun, Secretary of the National Convention Convening Commission U Aye Maung, Director General of Pyithu Hluttaw Office U Myo Nyunt, Director- General of Cottage Industries Department Dr Than Htaik and Head of Branch (1) U Soe Lin Han of the ASEAN Affairs Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. September 14, 1997: K 1 MILLION FOR ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF USDA YANGON, 13 Sept-Hailing the Annual General Meeting (1997) of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, President of Yunnan Machinery & Equipment Import and Export Corporation Mr Lin Zai You of the People's Republic of China donated K 1 million to Annual General Meeting of USDA at Inwa Yeiktha of the Training School for USDA Management Course at Central Public Relations Unit in Hmawby Township this afternoon.USDA Secretary-General U Than Aung accepted the donation and thanked the donor. Mr Lin Zai You also spoke. Present were Secretariat of USDA U Khin Maung Thein, CEC member U Than Shwe and Secretaries of State and Division USDAs. DAEWOO DONATES K 20 MILLION AS RELIEF AID YANGON, 13 Sept. Chairman of Daewoo Corporation Mr Woo Choong Kim donated K 20 million to Secretary-1 of the State Law and Order Restoration Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt for relief and resettlement work in Bago and Ayeyawady Divisions. On behalf of the Mr Woo Choong Kim, Daewoo Managing Director in Yangon Mr T C Shin presented K 20 million to Minister for National Planning and Economic Development. On behalf of the Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, Minister Abel accepted the donation. Minister Abel handed cash to Director-General of Department of Relief and Resettlement U Saw Thein. September 15, 1997 AGREEMENT ON PURCHASE OF CABLE-STAYED SUPERSTRUCTURE YANGON, 14 Sept - An agreement on purchase of cable-stayed superstructure was signed by Public Works of the Ministry of Construction and China Shipbuilding Trading Co Ltd at Traders Hotel on Sule Pagoda Road this evening. Present were Minister for Transport Lt-Gen Thein Win, Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun, Minister at the Office of the Prime Minister Brig-Gen Lun Maung, member of the Security and Management Committee Brig-Gen Thaung Myint, department heads of the Ministry of Construction, Vice-President Mr Wan Hui Er and officials from CST Co Ltd and guests. Managing Director of Public Works U Tint Swe and Vice-President Mr Wan Hui Er extended greetings. U Tint Swe and Mr Wan Hui Er signed the agreement, and exchanged documents. September 16, 1997: PATRON SENIOR GENERAL URGES USDA MEMBERS AT THE 1997 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING The following is a translation of the speech delivered by Patron of the Union Solidarity and Development Association Senior General Than Shwe at the 1997 Annual General Meeting of the USDA on 15 September. Excerpts from Senior General's address The kind of democracy being used as a facade by the neo-colonialists to interfere in internal affairs of other countries and drive a wedge caused grossly awful and ugly events In recent history. Our Three Main National Causes are our conviction which will do no harm to any race any nation or any class of people. All members of the association must possess the strong conviction that our territorial integrity and security must never be encroached upon at all. All members must constantly fulfil the requirements of the public in health care services and in the education sector in wards villages and townships. The four-pillar agriculture strategy based on four crops-paddy cotton sugar-cane and beans-is the key to improvement of socio-economic life of farmers. It is essential to consolidate internal strength so as to vanquish internal and external dangers both at present and In future. Membership has Considerably Increased from 5 million in 1996 to over 7.51 million in 1997. _______________________ To view with photos: English : http://www.myanmar.com/nlm/ German: http://www.myanmar.com/nlm/gnlm/ French: http://www.myanmar.com/nlm/fnlm/ Myanmar: http://www.myanmar.com/nlm/mnlm/ (Pls use Win-myanmar Fonts ) ************************************* ANNOUNCEMENT: RADIO FREE BURMA September 15, 1997 From: ausgeo@classic.msn.com The first agitating successful Democratic Burmese Program on the Internet. Dear friends, Radio Free Burma is independent of any political, social or welfare organisation in Australia or Overseas. The program is solely for the benefit of it's listeners in Australia and Overseas. The 14th September 97 program of the Radio Free Burma originally on 2NBC in Australia, is now available for real-time playback via Real Audio from Burma Song at This is a Burmese-language program featuring Burma news, U Thaung's article, views and music of Burma presented by Burmese now living in Australia. It will be appreciated any suggestion about program, Please sends E-mail to (ausgeo@msn.com ). Many thanks to Mr Wrightson Tongue ,Burma Net and all listeners. Radio Free Burma *********************************** BURMANET SUBJECT-MATTER RESOURCE LIST BurmaNet regularly receives enquiries on a number of different topics related to Burma. If you have questions on any of the following subjects, please direct email to the following volunteer coordinators, who will either answer your question or try to put you in contact with someone who can: Campus activism: zni@students.wisc.edu Boycott campaigns: ai268@freenet.carleton.ca Buddhism: Buddhist Relief Mission: brelief@gol.com Chin history/culture: [volunteer temporarily away] Fonts: tom@cs.colgate.edu High School Activism: [volunteer needed] History of Burma: zni@students.wisc.edu International Affairs: Julien Moe: moe@interport.net Kachin history/culture: 74750.1267@compuserve.com Karen history/culture: Karen Historical Society: 102113.2571@Compuserve.com Mon history/culture: [volunteer needed] Naga history/culture: Wungram Shishak: z954001@oats.farm.niu.edu Burma-India border Aung San Myint: aungsan@giasd101.vsnl.net.in Pali literature: "Palmleaf": c/o burmanet@igc.apc.org Pipeline Campaign freeburma@irn.org Resettlement info: refugee_help@mail.serve.com Rohingya culture volunteer needed Shan history/culture: Sao Hpa Han: burma@ix.netcom.com Shareholder activism: simon_billenness@mail.cybercom.net Total - France Dawn Star: cd@utopia.EUnet.fr Tourism campaigns: bagp@gn.apc.org "Attn. S.Sutcliffe" volunteering: refugee_help@mail.serve.com World Wide Web: FreeBurma@POBox.com Geographical Contacts: Massachusetts simon_billenness@mail.cybercom.net [Feel free to suggest more areas of coverage] --------------------------------------------------------------------------- FREE BURMA WEB PAGES: http://FreeBurma.org This single page serves only as an easy to remember URL and departure point to resources promoting the establishment of democracy in Burma. Please write to FreeBurma@pobox.com to add a site or for further information." - Glen, system administrator FREE BURMA COALITION: to get involved in the Free Burma Coalition, send a message to: zni@students.wisc.edu or visit their homepage, accessible through: http:// FreeBurma.org There is also an e-mail list-server especially for Free Burma activists BURMANET SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION: The BurmaNet News is an electronic newspaper covering Burma. Articles from newspapers, magazines, newsletters, the wire services and the Internet as well as original material are published. It is produced with the support of the Burma Information Group (B.I.G) and the Research Department of the ABSDF. We are also grateful to many other friends around the world who send us articles to post. The BurmaNet News is e-mailed directly to subscribers and is also distributed via the soc.culture.burma and seasia-l mailing lists. For a free subscription to the BurmaNet News: send a message to: majordomo@igc.apc.org a. For the BurmaNet News only: in the message, type: subscribe burmanews-l b. For the BurmaNet News and 4-5 other messages a day: in the message, type: subscribe burmanet-l (NOTE: all lower case letters, last letter is a lower case "L", not the numeral one). Letters to the editor, comments or contributions of articles should be sent to the editor at: strider@igc.apc.org ***************************************************