------------------------ BurmaNet ------------------------ "Appropriate Information Technologies, Practical Strategies" ---------------------------------------------------------- The BurmaNet News: October 22, 1997 Issue #850 HEADLINES: ========== NLM: 1.2 MILLION ACRES OF PADDY AFFECTED BY JULY FLOODS BKK POST: SHRIMP CALL TO BE PASSED ON TO EU SCMP: DRUGS KEEP BURMESE JUNTA AFLOAT BEIJING XINHUA: FU QUANYOU MEETS WITH BURMESE MILITARY THE STRAITS TIMES: MYANMAR AND LAOS VISITS SHOW PRIORITY PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER: RAMOS' PIPE DREAM DVB: THAN SHWE MENTIONS POWER TRANSFER TO RAMOS THE NATION: J&J PLANS ASEAN FORUM ANNOUNCEMENT: PALO ALTO AND QUINCY PASS BURMA LAWS ANNOUNCEMENT: 1998 GRANTS FOR WOMEN -------------------------------------------------------------------------- NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR: 1.2 MILLION ACRES OF PADDY AFFECTED BY JULY FLOODS [short excerpt only] October 15, 1997 YANGON, 14 Oct -In Bago, Ayeyawady and Yangon Divisions and Mon State, 1.2 million acres of paddy were affected during the last week of July due to heavy rains. A total of 600,000 acres was destroyed of which paddy was cultivated on 400,000 acres. ***************************************** BKK POST: SHRIMP CALL TO BE PASSED ON TO EU [slightly abridged] October 21, 1997 Bhanravee Tansubhapol, Nussara Sawatsawang German minister in talks with Prachuab Germany's Foreign Minister Klaus Kinkel has promised to consider a request for help in persuading the European Union to allow a special quota for Thai frozen shrimps. Mr Kinkel's promise was reported shortly before Prime Minister Chavalit cancelled a scheduled meeting with him. Thai foreign ministry officials decried the cancellation as "shameful" in view of Germany's global standing. Mr Prachuab expressed confidence that the EU would return Thailand's trading privileges when it reviews its GSP in January because of the country's critical economic condition. Mr Prachuab asked Germany to extend insurance credit to encourage German investors to put their money in infrastructure in Thailand. He cited Japan, which set aside twenty billion baht to help Bangkok. Mr Kinkel said the Bundesbank could give technical advice to Thailand under the framework of the International Monetary Fund. On Burma, Mr Kinkel reiterated Bonn's insistence on progress in talks between the ruling State Law and Order Restoration Council and the opposition National League for Democracy. He called for the release of political prisoners and attention to the rights of ethnic minorities. In a speech delivered at Thammasat University, Mr Kinkel described the human rights violations in Burma as "abhorrent". "Myanmar's full membership of Asean must mean opening up and democratising the country. Myanmar must not remain an enclave of oppression in Southeast Asia," Mr Kinkel said, in reference to Burma's admittance into the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in July. "No culture, no tradition anywhere in the world can justify torture, persecution, discrimination and arbitrary rule," he added in a speech entitled "Europe and Asia: Partners for the Twenty-First Century." Mr Prachuab said Thailand would work for Burma's participation in a co-operation framework between the European Union and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. "I do not want to see discrimination against any Asean countries," he said. Mr Kinkel, in his address at Thammasat, expressed the hope that the election in Cambodia in May would bring peace to the Khmer people. He welcomed Asean's mediating role. The German minister said developments in China were of "critical importance" to Asia's future. He said Germany was "extremely worried" about the situation on the Korean Peninsula where people in North Korea were facing starvation. >From Thailand, Mr Kinkel is due to continue to South Korea, and Japan. ******************************************************* SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST: DRUGS KEEP BURMESE JUNTA AFLOAT AS TRAFFICKERS PROSPER October 22, 1997 by William Barnes The Burmese junta repeatedly claims it is taking steps to stem the massive outflow of heroin and opium from its borders. Yet in recent years the country has been enjoying much greater profits from drug sales than ever before, according to a recent report by the United States Embassy in Rangoon. The document states that behind the rhetoric of the State Law and Order Restoration Council there appears to be a willingness to do deals with known or suspected narcotics traffickers. These include former drug warlord Khun Sa who surrendered over New Year in 1996 and is now said to be engaged in transport and gems in the capital. "Reports suggest, however, that he had his Mong Tai Army colleagues continue to be involved in the narcotics trade," said this year's Foreign Economic Trends Report. The military regime cut cease-fire deals with notorious ethnic drug dealers such as the Wa hill tribe and the Kokang Chinese community in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Recently the junta effectively encouraged traffickers to keep their ill-gotten gains in Burma when they stopped confiscating bank deposits that could not be shown to have been legally earned. "During the mid-1990s there was abundant anecdotal evidence . . . that a growing proportion of Burma's narcotics export receipts were staying home rather than being kept abroad," the document said. "Diverse businesses affiliated with these organisations began to flourish openly in Rangoon, presumably financed by proceeds from illicit trafficking in narcotics, gems and timber." Narcotics remain Burma's most valuable export with its estimated potential production value at the border rising from US$500 million (HK$3.8 billion) in 1994, to US$850 million in 1995 and US$1.2 billion a year in 1996. These figures do not include the extremely lucrative rise of amphetamine exports in the 1990s. Thus drug prices have also risen dramatically for Western addicts buying, say, on a New York street. By contrast remittances from Burmese abroad, an important source of foreign exchange, were US$352 million in 1996. Profits from the drug trade have helped fuel a spending boom in Rangoon where luxury hotels and traffic jams have appeared even though the junta's attempt to kick-start the real economy seems to have largely failed. The traffickers are now evidently prospering in a country regarded as an international pariah and where military meddling has cramped the growth of legitimate businesses. "In Rangoon some Burmese business people . . . complained of the increasing difficulty of competing with firms affiliated and allegedly funded by narcotics-cultivating and exporting organisations," the report said. "Some of Burma's private banks, legal since 1992, appear to be affiliated with these organisations." ******************************* BEIJING XINHUA: FU QUANYOU MEETS WITH BURMESE MILITARY OFFICER October 16, 1997 Beijing, October 16 (Xinhua) -- Fu Quanyou, Chief of General Staff of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) of China, said here today that relations between the armies of China and Myanmar [Burma] is an important part of the Sino-Myanmar relations and that constant visits have strengthened their friendship. Fu made the remarks while meeting with Lieutenant Tin Ngwe, Commander-in-Chief of the Myanmar Air Force. Fu, a member of the Central Military Commission, noted that China values the friendship between the two countries and two armies and is willing to work more for it. Fu briefed the visitors on Hong Kong's successful return to the motherland and the 15th National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party held recently in Beijing. Tin Ngwe discussed the situation in Myanmar with Fu. Liu Shunyao, Commander of the PLA Air Force, attended the meeting. Tin Ngwe arrived here on Monday as Fu's guest. ************************************************ THE STRAITS TIMES: MYANMAR AND LAOS VISITS SHOW PRIORITY PHILIPPINES GIVES TO ASEAN October 19, 1997 MANILA -- Philippine President Fidel Ramos yesterday said his visits to Myanmar and Laos last week showed the "primacy" of the South-east Asian region to the Philippines. "Our visits to Myanmar and Laos manifested the primacy of South-east Asia in our foreign relations. As close neighbours, they are of strategic importance to our security, economic progress and national well-being," he said on his return here. Mr Ramos left on Monday to visit Hong Kong, Myanmar and Laos. He visited the latter two countries to welcome them into the Asean fold and said the trips were "of timely significance" since the regional grouping is due to hold a summit in Malaysia in December. "More and more, the Philippines' destiny lies in its relations with its neighbours in South-east Asia. Our security hinges in large measure on our solidarity with them. Our economic progress is enhanced by the integration of South-east Asian economies," he said. He noted that he had signed agreements for greater economic cooperation with both countries as well as agreements to work closely with them to fight drug-trafficking. Making no mention of these concerns, Mr Ramos said during his trip, "a Philippine company and a Laotian group" concluded a deal to set up a US$30-million (S$46-million) joint venture to manufacture textiles for Laos. He added that he had also assured Hong Kong businessmen that the Philippines remained a favourable investment destination despite the regional currency crisis. -- AFP. ******************************** PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER: RAMOS' PIPE DREAM October 15, 1997 Manila -Now he (Philippine President Fidel Ramos) is off on his foreign trip that will take him to Hong Kong, Burma (Myanmar) and Laos. In a pre-departure statement ... Ramos said he would "share" with Burmese leaders "our experiences in rebuilding our democratic institutions, in forging national reconciliation, in moving the peace process forward and reforming our economy." To what end, Ramos didn't say. But surely it couldn't be the hope of converting Burma's military rulers to the ways of democracy? To the members of the State Law and Order Restoration Council, the ruling junta, democracy is a dangerous and dirty word. If Ramos really wants to spread the gospel of democracy to Burma, he is doing it in a very strange way. For not only has the Philippine government failed to condemn the illegal power grab of Burma's military junta and ignored its despicable record of human rights violations, but it has practically spearheaded the efforts to confer legitimacy on its military regime. Earlier this year, the Philippines stood as one of the principal sponsor of Burma's admission into the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Now, Ramos has beaten other ASEAN heads of state in making a visit to Rangoon (Yangon). Burma's military rulers are getting all the recognition, honor and support from the Philippines and ASEAN despite their authoritarian rule. They have gotten away with murder and are being rewarded for it. So why would they change? Ramos is hallucinating if he thinks he can sweet- talk Burma's leaders into adopting democratic reform. Reprinted in the Daily Yomiuri October 20, 1997 *********************************** DVB: THAN SHWE MENTIONS POWER TRANSFER TO RAMOS [translated from Burmese] October 16, 1997 Oslo Democratic Voice of Burma The government radio of the Philippines reported yesterday on details of the talks between SLORC [State Law and Order Restoration Council] Chairman Sr. Gen. Than Shwe and Philippine President Ramos which took place yesterday. These details, however, had not been reported inside Burma. Philippine citizens were informed instantly of the details of the talks between Bo [military title for officer] Than Shwe and President Ramos because Rodolfo Severino, undersecretary of foreign affairs traveling with President Ramos, explained the statement made by the SLORC chairman to Filipino journalists. Bo Than Shwe is reported to have said that power would be peacefully transferred to the elected government after the new constitution is drafted. However, it was not disclosed when the drafting of the constitution would be completed. It was said that the SLORC does not intend to drag out the process and that the objectives of the constitution are to ensure national unity, establish a democratic system, and national reconciliation. Severino said that SLORC Chairman Bo Than Shwe told President Ramos that power would be transferred peacefully to the elected government once the drafting of the constitution is complete. However, Bo Than Shwe did not mention that the constitution drafting process has been going on for five years. Nor did he mention that the constitution is being drafted without the participation of representatives of the people. He is reported to have said the drafting process has reached the crucial stage on distribution of power between [Burma] proper and states and divisions. The SLORC clique has pledged to crush those who hold different views and has been arresting and torturing prodemocracy forces inside the country and vowing to crush internal and external destructive elements and stooges of imperialists. However, during meetings with foreign guests, the SLORC changed its tune and spoke of national reconciliation and cause for democracy, which are advocated by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. Observers say the politically and ideologically bankrupt SLORC, which is aware of international support for the NLD's [National League for Democracy] principles and objectives, is copying the NLD platforms in its dealings with foreign leaders. The SLORC clique has been ruling the country through oppression, intimidation, and torture since it killed and imprisoned prodemocracy supporters by the thousands in 1988. The deeds of SLORC can be described as imprisonment of prodemocracy forces, application of pressure on elected members of parliament to resign, restriction of movement by Aung San Suu Kyi by blocking the road in front of her residence, and torture of national races by launching military offensives in Karen State, Shan State, Karenni State, and Chin State. According to the statement released by the Office of the President in Manila today, the SLORC clique believes that opposition groups should work toward national reconciliation. Bo Than Shwe was reported to have said that the SLORC is giving priority to establishing peace with insurgent organizations as a country cannot develop and progress without peace and stability and that peace and tolerance are essential in this endeavor. However, Bo Than Shwe did not identify the organization with which they are holding talks. What is known is that the SLORC has invited the KNPP [Karenni National Progressive Party], against which they have been launching a massive offensive, to come to Rangoon for talks. The KNPP has replied by saying that they wish to hold talks only in Thailand where there can be observers. Although the SLORC has allowed the NLD to hold a party congress, it has not held political talks and is still trying to create division within the NLD by continuing its criticism and attacks against the party. President Ramos is reported to have recounted the Philippines experience in national reconciliation. The statement from the President's Office did not make any reference to an earlier attempt to call on Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and Western sanctions against SLORC. ************************************************** THE NATION: J&J PLANS ASEAN FORUM October 21, 1997 JOHNSON & Johnson has announced plans to launch the Johnson & Johnson Asean New Leaders Forum in Singapore in May 1998, the first ever to be taking place outside Australia. The annual leadership development focuses on guiding and motivating individuals to undertake leadership roles in all aspects of life, targeting young people aged between 20 and 30 years. The four-day programme plans to welcome between 80 and 100 participants to be selected from the nine member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean). Nominations will be sourced from government organisations, trade organisations, educational institutions and local and multi-national corporations. The participants will have the opportunity to interact with their peers from neighbouring countries. The programme consists of speeches, discussions and workshops which are designed to be value-based, vision-driven and inspirational. The company said its Johnson & Johnson Asean New Leaders Forum is a demonstration of the its commitment to its Credo - or company philosophy - which spells out its responsibility to the community. ******************************************************* ANNOUNCEMENT: PALO ALTO (CA) AND QUINCY (MA) PASS BURMA LAWS October 21, 1997 From: sbillenness@frdc.com BOSTON GLOBE: QUINCY TO BOYCOTT BURMA-TIED FIRMS October 21, 1997 Quincy - With a 7-1 vote by city councillors last night, Quincy became the first city in New England and only the 13th nationally to boycott corporations doing business in Burma, also known as Myanmar. "We're thrilled that Quincy has taken an important stand for human rights," said Helen Poland, a Quincy resident and advocate for the ordinance. Mayor James Sheets is expected to sign the ordinance today. -------------------- Addendum: Only a few hours later, the city of Palo Alto, in the heart of California's Silicon Valley, became the 14th American city to pass a Burma selective purchasing law. The Palo Alto City Council voted 7-2 to adopt the Free Burma ordinance. The campaign was spearheaded by Zan Rubin, a Palo Alto High School student. The tally of Burma selective purchasing ordinances now stands at 14 cities, one county and one state. BURMA SELECTIVE PURCHASING LAWS Date Enacted/Signed STATES: 1 Massachusetts 6/25/96 COUNTIES: 1 Alameda (CA) 12/10/96 CITIES: 14 Berkeley (CA) 2/28/95 Madison (WI) 8/15/95 Santa Monica (CA) 11/28/95 Ann Arbor (MI) 4/15/96 San Francisco (CA) 4/22/96 Oakland (CA) 4/23/96 Carrboro (NC) 10/8/96 Takoma Park (MD) 10/28/96 Boulder (CO) 12/17/96 Chapel Hill (NC) 1/13/97 New York (NY) 5/30/97 Santa Cruz (CA) 7/8/97 Quincy (MA) 10/20/97 Palo Alto (CA) 10/20/97 BURMA LEGISLATION PENDING STATES: 2 California North Carolina CITIES: 5 Brookline (MA) Los Angeles (CA) Newton (MA) Seattle (WA) West Hollywood (CA) ******************************************* ANNOUNCEMENT: 1998 GRANTS FOR WOMEN FROM DEVELOPING COUNTRIES October 21, 1997 From: TUN MYINT The Margaret McNamara Memorial Fund was established in 1981 to honor the late Margaret McNamara and her commitment to the well-being of women and children in developing countries. The purpose of the grant is to support the education of women from developing countries. Previous grant recipients were studying in fields such as agriculture, architecture and urban planning, civil engineering, education, forestry, journalism, nursing, nutrition, pediatrics, public administration, public health, social sciences, and social work. The MMMF awards five grants of about $6,000 each year; they are not renewable. Requests for application forms for the 1998/99 academic year will be accepted from September 1997 until January 15, 1998. The deadline for completed applications is February 2, 1998. The MMMF will announce the recipients about April 15, 1998. ELIGIBILITY: The MMMF invites women who meet the following criteria to apply: 1. She has a record of service to women and children in her country. 2. She plans to return to her country in about two years. 3. She can demonstrate financial need. 4. She is enrolled in an accredited educational institution in the US by September 1997 and during the entire period covered by the grant. 5. She is a national of a developing country* residing in the US, but not a permanent resident (green card holder). 6. She is at least 25 years old by December 31, 1997 (born before 1973) 7. She is not related to any World Bank Group staff member or his/her spouse. APPLICATIONS must be REQUESTED in writing from: The Margaret McNamara Memorial Fund 1818 H Street, NW, Room G-1000 Washington DC 20433 *************************************