Bangkok Post:Burma Protests US Plan

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Subject: Bangkok Post:Burma Protests US Plan for Radio Free Asia


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March 12, 1994
Bangkok Post

BURMA PROTESTS US PLAN FOR RADIO FREE ASIA

Rangoon, AFP

Burmese military authorities have protested against US plans to set
up a new shortwave station called Radio Free Asia broadcasting to
East and Southeast Asia and Indochina, the official media reported
yesterday.

The foreign ministry summoned the US charge d'affaires to Thursday
to convey Burma's regret at the plans, saying they were not
conducive to improved bilateral relations , the reports  said.

The foreign ministry pointed out that many broadcasting services
were already available in the region and that the Burmese were kept
well informed by sources such as the Voice of American, the "New
Light of Myanmar" said.

"If Radio Free Asia should become operational and Myanmar is
targeted, it could in no way be constructive," the paper quoted the
director-general of the foreign ministry's political department as
telling the US official.

Rangoon's reaction followed a US Senate bill passed on Feb. 2
authorising the establishment of Radio Free Asia which would target
the populations of China, North Korea, cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and
Burma.

The United States is a leading critic of the ruling military junta
here which it accuses of widespread violations of human rights. 
Washington has suspended all aid, including drug control
assistance, since the 1988 military takeover.

Radio Free Asia, built at an estimated cost of $39 million, would
be structured on the model of federally-funded and independently-
run Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty.

Meanwhile, the New Light of Myanmar also reported yesterday that
rebels from the Mon ethnic minority would hold a second round of
peace talks with the government.

Lt.Gen Khin Nyunt, the leading figure in the Burmese military
junta, announced the talks during a visit on Wednesday to Ye,
capital of the Mon state, the newspaper said.