khin nyunt warning to teachers

[johnhail@xxxxxxxxxxxx]

01-24-95,07:37:07p r ibc-burma-foreigners 1-24
 Burma junta warns of foreign influence
   Rangoon, Jan. 24 (Upi) -- In a speech harking back to Burma's
xenophobic socialist regime, the leader of the country's current military
junta has warned against "calculating foreign businessmen" taking
advantage of local women. 
   Lieutenant General Khin Nyunt, first secretary of the State Law and
Order Restoration Council (Slorc), said many unscrupulous foreigners were
entering Burma as a result of the country's recently relaxed business and
investment policies. 
   "Some calculating foreign businessmen have taken young Burmese women as
their temporary wives in order to save on their housing and traveling
expenditure, and at the same time enjoy some of the rights of Burmese
citizens," Khin Nyunt said in a speech Monday to 1,500 school teachers. 
   "Burma's adoption of multi-party democracy in politics and market
economy in economics has led to greater intercourse between Burmese and
foreign citizens and organizations," he added. 
   The remarks were reminiscent of the policies of previous military
strongman, General Ne Win, who seized power in 1962, instituted the
so-called "Burmese way to socialism," and expelled thousands of foreign
expatriates, Indians and Chinese. 
   Khin Nyunt, who is also head of Burma's feared Military Intelligence
network, is regarded as the most powerful member of the Slorc junta and a
loyal follower of semi-retired dictator Ne Win. 
   While retaining tight control over Burmese politics, the junta
has liberalized investment rules and promoted tourism.
   The new policies have led to a building boom in Rangoon and other
cities along with increased business activity and a rising number of
foreign visitors. 
   "In such a situation, there can be those foreign nationals who have
come with a fair-minded and honest desire to do business,"  Khin Nyunt
said. "And just as likely there can be those who come with a selfish
desire to serve their own interests without regard to the long-term
interests of the host country." 
   Sharing the blame, he said, were Burmese businessmen and women who, in
their zeal to please foreign business leaders, comply with whatever
requests are made of them, and even "do things which are contrary to
Burmese culture," such as dancing together at hotels and restaurants. 
   "I am surprised that not only the young Burmese women concerned but
even the Burmese partners of foreign businessmen have been encouraging
such things which can be highly detrimental to the entire nation," Khin
Nyunt said. 
   The junta chief also complained about "foreign elements" who want to
import into Burma their own ideas about politics and human rights in order
to pull Burma into their sphere of influence. 
   upi ct jh ccccqqe ;01241222 ---End---