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BurmaNet News: November 27, 1995 #2
- Subject: BurmaNet News: November 27, 1995 #2
- From: strider@xxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Sun, 26 Nov 1995 14:44:00
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Date: Sun, 26 Nov 1995 14:44:10 -0800
Subject: BurmaNet News: November 27, 1995 #287
------------------------ BurmaNet ------------------------
"Appropriate Information Technologies, Practical Strategies"
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The BurmaNet News: November 27, 1995
Issue #287
HEADLINES:
==========
THE NATION: SLORC MAY BE SHOWING STRAIN AS NLD MEMBERS JAILED
THE NATION: ADVISERS WANT ROW WITH BURMA TO END
THE NATION: SUU KYI RAISES THE STAKES IN WAR OF WILLS WITH SLORC
THE NATION: OPEN FOR BUSINESS
THE NATION: 'MARKET ECONOMICS WILL BE GOOD FOR EVERYONE'
BKK POST: NCGUB BACKS SUU KYI STANCE
BKK POST: THAILAND TO TRAIN NEIGHBOURS' OFFICIALS FOR JOINING
BKK POST: GOVT FIRM ON HELPING FIGHT CHILD SEX TRADE
BKK POST: KHUN SA WANTS TO RESIDE IN THAILAND
FAR EASTERN ECONOMIC REVIEW:BURMA A TURN FOR THE WORSE
FEER: RETURN VISIT
***************
THE NATION: SLORC MAY BE SHOWING STRAIN AS THREE NLD MEMBERS
JAILED FOR TWO YEARS
November 24, 1995
By, Yindee Lertcharoenchok
The Burmese junta on Monday sentenced three members of the youth
wing of the National League for Democracy, the main opposition
party, to two year's imprisonment on charges of disrupting civil
order and assaulting police officers, an informed source in
Rangoon said.
The source said the Burmese media did not publicise the arrests
or the sentences handed to the three NLD members, identified as
Toe Aung, Maung Aye and Myo Zaw. According to the source, four
NLD youth members were arrested last Saturday when they tried to
negotiate with police who were erecting a barbed-wire barricade
in an attempt to stop people gathering to hear NLD leader Aung
San Suu Kyi's weekend speech.
One was released the same day while the rest were charged with
disrupting civil order. The source said on Monday the three were
charged with assaulting police officers and subsequently
sentenced to two-years jail terms.
Since her release in July after nearly six years of house
arrest, Suu Kyi, the 1991 Nobel Peace Prize winner, has made an
appearance every weekend in front of her house on University
Avenue to give a speech.
The Burmese junta known, as the State Law and Order Restoration
Council (Slorc) has so far tolerated her behaviour and even
allowed the foreign media and diplomats to visit her home.
The road blockade last Saturday was the first sign that Slorc's
is becoming less tolerant toward Suu Kyi's weekly appearances,
during which she often calls on citizens to be patient in their
long wait for political freedom.
It was also the first time Slorc arrested members of the public
or NLD attempting to listen to Suu Kyi's speeches. The source
said despite the Slorc's attempt to bar the public, about 500
people turned up on Saturday at Suu Kyi's house.
The source added that the barricade was not removed after the
speech and that Slorc has increased the number of secret police
and troops around University Avenue. Suu Kyi has become more
vocal recently as Slorc shows no interest in opening talks with
her. (TN)
***************
THE NATION: ADVISERS WANT ROW WITH BURMA TO END
November 24, 1995
The chairman of the House committee on foreign affairs yesterday
urged Prime Minister Banharn Silpa-archa to help resolve Thai-
Burmese conflicts which have soured bilateral ties since early
this year.
Suwat Liptapanlop said members of Thailand's private sector
agree that a meeting between Banharn and Burmese junta leader
Gen Than Shwe would help improve relations. He quoted Thai
Foreign Minister MR Kasem S Kasemsri as telling a committee
hearing yesterday that the ministry has tried to mend the
strained relations and clear up misunderstandings with the
Burmese side.
Kasem was also quoted as saying that the ministry is working out
a schedule of meetings between Thai and Burmese leaders. Suwat
said committee members recently travelled to the coastal
province of Ranong and found that trade there has been badly
affected. (TN)
***************
THE NATION: SUU KYI RAISES THE STAKES IN WAR OF WILLS WITH SLORC
November 24, 1995
Aung Zaw on NLD's repudiation of the National Convention.
The honeymoon is over and the battle may be about to begin.
Burma's opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi announced Wednesday
that her party, the National League for Democracy (NLD), has a
legitimate right to rule the country.
Furthermore, she criticised the military-sponsored National
Convention, which will resume on Nov 28, as being undemocratic.
She declined to say whether the NLD will boycott it.
"The NLD, as the political party that received the people's
mandate, has a duty to point out that its expectations with
regard to the National Convention have not been realised," she
told reporters at her lakeside home in Rangoon.
The National Convention, which has held been on and off for the
past two years, has been branded as a "sham" by Suu Kyi and
other opponents of the military government. Most delegates to
the convention were hand-picked by the junta, which has demanded
that the Tatmadaw (Armed Forces) play a leading role in
politics. The junta which call itself the State Law and Order
Restoration Council (Slorc) has also introduced measures that
would effectively bar Suu Kyi from becoming head of state.
"The work procedures of the convention are not democratic and
the basic principles for the proposed constitution include some
which do not coincide with that of a truly democratic state,"
Suu Kyi said.
Nevertheless, she said the party has not yet decided to whether
it will participate or not. At this moment, 89 of the remaining
106 delegates who have been attending the convention are from
the NLD. While Suu Kyi and other party leaders were under
detention, the remaining NLD members were pressed to attend the
Convention. In addition, the NLD was pressured by the junta to
expel Suu Kyi, Tin Oo and Kyi Maung and other party leaders.
Despite the detention of its leaders, the NLD won a landslide
victory in the 1990 general elections. The junta, however,
refused to honour the outcome and instead convened the National
Convention in January 1993.
During an interview with the BBC World Service on Wednesday
night Suu Kyi urged dialogue and serious discussion with the
ruling military leaders. She stressed that changes were needed
at the National Convention. Suu Kyi declined to elaborate on
what sort of changes were, saying "...because of this we are
asking them [Slorc officials] to meet and talk with us."
Suu Kyi criticised the lack of free speech at the National
Convention. Delegates have been asked to read out documents
given to them by the military and instructed to submit them to
the group chairmen, which exclude NLD representatives.
The delegates are also prohibited from discussing issues among
themselves. Suu Kyi said the junta failed to abide by democratic
principles. She also warned that the NLD would not attend the
convention if it does not benefit all the Burmese population.
The NLD leader also concluded in her statement that if the
National Convention continues to be convened this way, the
country will not achieve national reconciliation and genuine
democratisation, and that a constitution supported by the public
will never be adopted.
On Oct 5, the junta announced that it was postponing the
National Convention, which was supposed to have resumed in that
last week of that month. Soon after that, Suu Kyi was re-
appointed to her previous position as secretary general of the
NLD. Former leaders Kyi Maung and Tin Oo were re-appointed vice
chairmen, while Aung Shwe retained the position of chairman.
It is believed that if the NLD pulls out, other relatively small
parties might follow them. If that happens, the National
Convention will amount to nothing. The NLD itself is not without
rifts. Since 1989, the NLD camp has been divided into two. One
group that is believed to be led by Aung Shwe prefers to go
about its work quietly and not take a hard-line stance. But the
other group led by Kyi Maung, Win Tin and Suu Kyi wants to press
Slorc to make genuine changes.
Because of this another important question is how will NLD
chairman Aung Shwe react? Will he dare to march with Suu Kyi?
This is not a new dilemma the NLD is facing. The party, however,
has shown a semblance of unity since Suu Kyi's release, said a
member of the NLD.
"We are united, we are not taking any confrontational stances.
We are asking Slorc leaders to sit down with us," said a senior
NLD member in Rangoon. If the NLD is united and receives public
support, Slorc will have no choice but to deal with the party
for the sake of the country. (TN)
***************
THE NATION: OPEN FOR BUSINESS
November 24, 1995
Burma's minority states
Crescent Press Agency
Donald Wilson and David Henley on the 'make money, not war'
policy that is being used end ethnic insurgencies.
During the six years since Burma's military rulers, the Slorc,
brutally crushed their country's pro-democracy movement and
imprisoned opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, they have managed
not just to stay in power, but to strengthen their position
through a judicious application of "carrot and stick" policies.
The stick has been obvious for all to see. Opposition of all
kinds is ruthlessly expunged, be it in the streets and tea
houses of the main cities, or in distant border regions.
Powerful ethnic minority rebels like the Kachin and the Wa have
been "bought off" with in situ cease fires coupled with promises
of trade and aid.
Weaker ethnic rebels like the Mon, or more intransigent group
like the Karen, have been dealt crushing military blows
culminating in the recent capture of Mannerplaw, the Karen rebel
capital, after 21 years of defiance. The region currently
experiencing Slorc's "iron fist" policy is eastern Shan State,
were a mix of ethnic rebels variously owing allegiance to Khun
Sa and his Mong Tai Army (MTA), or to the allied Shan State
Progress Party (SSPP) and its military wing, the Shan State Army
(SSA), still hold out against Rangoon.
Less visible, at least until the recent release from house
arrest of Aung San Suu Kyi, was the Slorc carrot. In brief, this
consists of opening Burma's ramshackle, ruinous socialist
economy to the outside world, and establishing a free market
from which everyone will benefit.
Nobody doubts, of course, that the Slorc, the Burmese armed
forces or Tatmadaw, and the regime's cronies in Rangoon and
Mandalay will reap the lion's share of the profits; but the
much-maligned "trickle down" effect does mean that, gradually,
ordinary people too will benefit. Indeed, the argument runs, the
former "Burmese Path to Socialism" was so completely ruinous to
the economy of a once-prosperous land that almost any change
could only be for the better.
And so it has proved. Market reforms are leading to the first
real growth in thirty years, and foreign investment, spear-
headed by Asian companies less squeamish about doing business
with Slorc, is rising.
Trade is flourishing, especially with China, Singapore and
Thailand, and a consensus appears to be emerging _ at least
within Asean _ that the Slorc is on the road to reform. In
support of this viewpoint, Thailand actively promotes a policy
of "constructive engagement" with Burma, while Japan has
recently restored humanitarian aid to the country, a decision
backed by Takashi Tajima, Japan's ambassador in Rangoon, who has
commented that the military leadership "are definitely moving in
the right direction".
For the present, those benefiting most are the urban traders of
Rangoon, Mandalay, and a few other large cities like Moulmein.
Still, cross-border trading with Bangladesh, India and Chin has
been legitimised, while commerce with Thailand _ which once
sustained the Burmese black market almost by itself _ is
booming.
Traders in Thai-Burmese border towns like Tachilek and Myawaddy
intend to take full advantage of the situation, turning the flow
of business from a trickle to a flood. This is good news for
Burma as a whole, but bad news for ethnic minority rebels still
at war with Rangoon.
Thailand's traditional sympathies for the Mon for centuries as a
shield against Burmese expansion have been quietly set aside in
favour of lucrative gas and oil deals. In a still more revealing
sign of the times, Thailand has sealed its border with those
control, and loosened traditional ties with Shan separatist
organisations such as the Shan State Progress Party and Khun
Sa's Mong Tai Army.
The Burmese border town of Tachilek, opposite Mae Sa, is in
eastern Shan State. When this dies down, however, Rangoon
clearly intends to promote Tachilek_ which it has dubbed "City
of the Golden Triangle"_ as a main gateway to Shan State.
Thailand's proximity to the Shans is more than just
geographical. The majority inhabitants of the region, the Shan
or Tai Yai, are a Tai people, speaking a language which is
closely related to central Thai.
They regard themselves, and are regarded by the Thais, as part
of the same family. In spiritual and emotional terms, they are
the last ethnic opponents of the Slorc Thailand would wish to
abandon_ and yet the writing is now on the wall. Thailand wishes
the Shan well, no doubt, but the message from Bangkok to Shan
rebel leaders appears to be: "make money, not war". As the
Burmese armed forces close in on Ho Mong, the Shan rebel
capital, it is a message which seems to be getting through. (TN)
***************
THE NATION: 'MARKET ECONOMICS WILL BE GOOD FOR EVERYONE'
November 24, 1995
Crescent Press Agency
Donald Wilson and David Henley talk to Perng Fa, a Central
Committee Member of the Shan State Progress Party (SSPP), about
Slorc's policies and the opening of Shan state to tourism and
economic development. Perng Fa is an ethnic Shan from the
Namtu/Bawdwin area of northern Shan State. The interview was
conducted in Burmese with aid of an interpreter.
Give the SSPP's opposition to the Slorc and advocacy for Shan
self-determination, what is your opinion of Rangoon's current
move towards a market economy?
Perng Fa: We approve of a free market economy which takes
account of environmental questions and is not purely
exploitative. The opening of the market should offer everyone in
Shan State a chance to improve their standard of living. It
should not be just for the rich few.
What about the "Burmese Path to Socialism"?
It failed. It did nothing beneficial for the Shans. It just made
profits for the Burmese military authorities at the expense of
ordinary Shan_and Burman_people.
So what is the SSPP alternative?
A free economy, an open door. The Shan people have to learn to
handle a free market economy if they are to benefit thereby. We
desire free and equal trade with our neighbours, Burma, China,
Laos and Thailand. This will be for the good of everyone.
What resources does Shan State have?
Shan State is rich in timber and in minerals like silver, jade,
and uranium. Our rivers offer a potential source of untapped
hydroelectric power. And we have great tourist potential. But
any exploration of Shan State's natural resources must be
carried out in a proper way, with full regard for the protection
of the environment. We intend to extract natural resources on a
fair basis and with full professional advice.
Slorc has recently thrown open Burma to international tourism
and designated 1996 "Visit Myanmar year". What is your attitude
to this?
We feel it is very good for Shan State and very good for the
Shan people. Opening to tourism offers opportunities for Shans
both to make contacts with the outside world and to do business
with foreigners. If there are tourists in Shan State it will
become much harder for Slorc to persecute Shans or to follow
oppressive policies against ethnic minorities.
Yes, we welcome tourism. Maybe the Slorc will get the lion's
share of profits at first, but ordinary people will see some
benefit too. If Shan people are to profit, they must show
initiative and talent.
Are there any negative sides to an "open door" tourist policy?
Well, we must ensure that national parks are set up and properly
administered to protect out national heritage. Also, we wish to
avoid sex tourism and the associated problems. Again, if tourism
is to prosper, we must improve our information technology and
transport facilities.
What do you envisage?
A major programme of hotel building and renovation. The
construction and upgrading of airports, and the establishment of
at least one major international airport in Shan State. At
present the roads are in terrible condition. It takes three days
to travel from Taunggyi, the Shan State capital, to Kengtung. In
British times it was a half-day journey. Now you have to make
two night stops. The best way to travel is by reinforced,
double-sprung jeeps. We call them "Godzilla Jeeps". Tourists
won't be able to visit Shan State in serious numbers unless the
transport facilities are improved.
What about international communications by land?
There are plans to extend the railway from Lashio, in northern
Shan State, to Yunnan. Similarly, China and Thailand intend to
construct an all-weather road across eastern Shan State from Mae
Sai to Jinghong in Sipsongpanna. In fact we need a new road
network throughout Shan State, as well as good
telecommunications. At present the telecommunications service is
rudimentary. Only two or three big towns, like Taunggyi and
Lashio, have a telephone service. The hotels, too, are pretty
terrible. We will have to start again from scratch!
So the opening of Shan State to tourism and international trade
will be beneficial?
Yes, but not entirely. Of course, this opening is inevitable and
desirable. The Shan people will benefit materially. And yet such
an opening may also be detrimental to the character and
traditional values of the Shans. Still, there is no alternative.
We will have to try to maximise the profits, while minimising
the damages.
Will Shan State be looking for international aid?
We want to establish close links with neighbouring countries,
especially Thailand. But as for aid... We would certainly accept
and expect some aid from the British, whom we respect as our
friends, but who still bear responsibility for Shan State's
unwilling union with Burma after independence. (TN)
***************
BKK POST: NCGUB BACKS SUU KYI STANCE
November 24, 1995
The National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma (NCGUB)
yesterday issued a statement in support of pro-democracy leader
Aung San Suu Kyi's rejection of the National Convention and call
for dialogue with the Rangoon junta.
The NCGUB said dialogue aimed at national reconciliation would
lead to a situation in which everyone, including the State Law
and Order Restoration Council (Slorc), wins. (BP)
***************
BKK POST: THAILAND TO TRAIN NEIGHBOURS' OFFICIALS FOR JOINING
ASEAN
November 24, 1995
Thailand has designed English-language and personnel training
programmes for officials from Burma, Cambodia and Laos to
prepare for Association of Southeast Asian Nations membership.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Suvidhya Simaskul said yesterday
Thailand had already proposed to help Laos and was ready to
offer the same programme to Burma and Cambodia.
Foreign Minister Kasem S Kasemsri made the offer when he went to
Vientiane this month for the Joint Commission meeting. The Asean
Secretariat also will extend a package of assistance to the
three countries for the same purposes, Mr Suvidhya added.
Cambodia and Laos plan to apply for membership of the grouping
in the next two years. Leaders of the three countries will meet
their Asean counterparts for the first time at the Asean summit
in Bangkok on December 14-15.
Cambodian Co-Prime Ministers Norodom Ranariddh and Hun Sen had
confirmed they would attend the meeting while Gen Than Shwe,
chairman of Burma's State Law and Order Restoration Council and
Laotian Prime Minister Khamtay Siphandone had not responded, he
said.
The Foreign Ministry will hold a seminar on the theme of Asean
towards one Southeast Asia on December 1 to get input on the
grouping's future from speakers from various careers. Asean
groups Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore,
Thailand and Vietnam, which joined in July. (BP)
***************
BKK POST: GOVT FIRM ON HELPING FIGHT CHILD SEX TRADE
November 24, 1995
Thailand remains firm in its determination to work with other
countries to crack down on child prostitution, Foreign Ministry
spokesman Suvidhya Simaskul said yesterday. Getting rid of child
prostitution is the government's top priority and the country is
willing to cooperate with Australia and other western countries
to end the problem, Mr Suvidhya told a press conference.
Thailand has worked effectively with Belgium, Sweden, the United
Kingdom and the United States to solve the child sex abuse
problem. It has also supported efforts by these countries to
punish any of their citizens who travel to the kingdom as
tourists to indulge in child sex, he added.
His comments came in response to a report by the Australian
parliament which blamed the Thai police for being reluctant to
catch nationals from that country who go on child sex tours
here.
The report by an Australian parliamentary committee on relations
with Thailand also urged that country's government to review
cooperation between Australian and Southeast Asian police in
cracking down on child sex rackets.
"This (the report's findings) are not the official position of
the Australian government," the Foreign Ministry spokesman
clarified, adding "we want to see other nations demonstrate to
Thailand their seriousness in working with us to tackle the
problem, instead of just putting the blame on someone else
because they have failed to resolve it themselves."
The report also suggested that Thailand use its close
relationship with Burma to encourage Rangoon to develop
democracy in the country. But Mr Suvidhya said Thailand would
never do such a thing as it has to live alongside Burma. Bangkok
will not impose sanctions on Burma unless the United Nations
decides to do so, he added.
"The call for Thailand to push Burma to develop into a democracy
has come from a country located far from here, but which tries
to play a role in Southeast Asia," he said. Thailand has made it
clear that we will not interfere in any issues relating to
Burma's internal affairs.
Australia, where the report originated, has established business
ties with Burma. Up until July this year, Australia invested US$
3 million in three projects in Burma, according to a report by
the Burmese Ministry of National Planning and Economic
Development. (BP)
***************
BKK POST: KHUN SA WANTS TO RESIDE IN THAILAND
November 24, 1995
By Subin Kheunkaew and Nussara Sawatsawang
Khun Sa, who relinquished command of the Shan liberation
movement on Wednesday, wants to spend his final days in
Thailand. On the eve of the official announcement of his
retirement at Ho Mong headquarters in Burma's Shan State, the
drug kingpin said: "If the Thai Government allows, I prefer
living in Thailand."
During a ceremony to inaugurate a pagoda on Wednesday, Khun Sa
announced he was stepping down as head of the movement to
establish Shan autonomy. He also announced his giving up all
power to the Shan people and Buddhist monks.
Khun Sa, 61, admitted his decision followed the defection this
year of young turk Gun Yod with significant part of his Mong Tai
Army, amid criticism that being half-Chinese, he could not be a
full Shan. The outgoing Khun Sa, who tops a United States' list
of most wanted international criminals, said he wanted to spend
his life in privacy, simplicity and peace but was uncertain he
could stay in Ho Mong.
His strong preference was Thailand. "Thai and Shan people are of
the same blood," he said. "We share the same religion and speak
the same language." If his narcotics connections would compel
the Government to refuse his wish to retire in Thailand, he
said, without elaborating, that there would be another safe
place.
Heroin from areas controlled by Khun Sa is said to account for
70-80 percent of the market in the US, which wants to put him on
trial. Khun Sa said insisted he had no direct dealings in the
heroin trade but only collected taxes from drug caravans passing
through his area.
With or without him, he said, drug-trafficking would probably
increase with the Shan state liberation movement splitting into
small factions, all looking to make money to survive. Citing the
Wa faction, he said the drug business seemed to be growing, not
only in terms of heroin, but also the lucrative amphetamines
trade. (BP)
***************
FAR EASTERN ECONOMIC REVIEW:BURMA A TURN FOR THE WORSE
November 23, 1995
Government and opposition grow further apart
By Bertil Lintner in Bangkok
Aung San Suu Kyi doesn't like taking no for an answer, but she
may have to get used to it. Since her release in July from six
years of house arrest, Burma's most prominent opposition leader
has sought some sort of dialogue with the military government
that imprisoned her. The government has steadfastly refused,
even while tolerating Sun Kyi's renewed high profile.
Alas, the generals seem to have tired of this delicate minuet,
and appear to be reverting to unbridled hostility. The clearest
sign of their change in mood came on October 19 and 20, when the
New Light of Myanmar, a government mouthpiece, published two
harsh attacks on Suu Kyi and the movement she is trying to
revive after years of repression.
One of the two pieces - both published under the pseudonymous by
- line U Phyo - lashed out at Rangoon groups who "are cracking
cheap jokes at will to satisfy the average level of people,
thereby engaging in destructive acts ... If I. U Phyo, were a
police officer . . . I would certainly have taken action against
these people for obstructing traffic."
So much for reconciliation? Many are starting to question
seriously whether there can be any accommodation between Suu
Kyi's National League for Democracy and the ruling junta,
officially known as the State Law and Order Restoration Council,
or Slorc. What's more, some think, ifthe opposition doesn't
soon produce something more tangible than mere words, Sun Kyi,
despite all the talk about her being "Asia's Mandela," could
find herself discredited and marginalized.
Whether government and opposition are indeed moving farther
apart should become clearer on November 16, when Burma
celebrates its national day. The two camps are already planning
separate ceremonies, so the event may mark a parting of ways
after the awkward truce of the last four months.
Even Suu Kyi herself won't say whether a dialogue is becoming
more or less likely. Speaking by telephone, she told the
REVIEW: "I don't want to be evasive, but you have to wait for an
official statement from the NLD."
One problem is that it remains unclear what a dialogue would be
about. So far, the two sides seems to be talking past each
other. While Suu Kyi and the NLD call for "national
reconciliation" implying talks leading to some compromise the
junta advocates "national reconsolidation," suggesting a
reinforcement of military rule.
"The problem is that they aren't even speaking the same
language," says a Bangkok - based Burma watcher.
Since her release, Suu Kyi has delivered weekend speeches from
the gate of her compound on Rangoon's University Avenue,
attracting hundreds of people. But she's in no position to do
much else. Some fear the longer she and the NLD go without some
substantive accomplishment, the more their credibility fades.
Even Suu Kyi herself states publicly that "I've been released,
that's all ... the situation hasn't changed."
Optimists in Rangoon believe negotiations are likely on November
28, when the National Convention reconvenes to consider a
constitution that has been under discussion for almost three
years. "They will talk," says a Rangoon - based diplomat. "It's
in the interest of both parties to sort out their differences."
Others aren't so sure. The military has picked most of the 700
delegates to the convention, which opponents dismiss as a sham
affair meant to legitimize Slorc's grip on power.
They suspect the military hopes simply to string Suu Kyi along
until the public, with its high expectations of her, inevitably
becomes disenchanted. "By making vague promises of talks
sometime in the future, but doing nothing to facilitate such
talks, the junta is playing a clever waiting game which can only
hurt Suu Kyi's chances of achieving her political aims," says a
Western businessman with years of experience in Burma.
"To bring about a change, Suu Kyi would have to up the ante,"
says a worker for a non - government organization in Thailand
who follows events in Burma. "She just can't continue calling
for national reconciliation and a dialogue which doesn't seem to
materialize."
Raising the ante, however, requires confronting not only the
military rulers but also a powerful new lobby of foreign
businessmen who have poured millions of dollars into Burma and
have no interest in rocking the boat.
Indeed, money may be the only reason Suu Kyi is walking free: By
releasing her the military has opened the door to foreign aid
hitherto withheld. In October, Japan resumed grants- in - aid
to Burma with a first allotment of 1.6 billion yen ($16
million). Tokyo says it's willing to deliver more aid to Burma
on "a case - by - case basis." As the Burma-watcher in Bangkok
notes, "even the IMF and the ADB have said that they are
prepared to wait for a political settlement, but not
indefinitely."
Edgardo Boeninger, a member of America's National Democratic
Institute who went to Burma in early November, argues that
unless Suu Kyi can prove that she is good for business and the
present government is not, there will be no incentive to change
the regime.
And if there isn't, Suu Kyi risks irrelevance. "A year from
now, she could even be forgotten," says a Burmese source. "In a
way, she was more dangerous when she, was under house arrest
than she is today, as a 'free' person who has to obey the same
severe restrictions as all other citizens, which makes any overt
political activity virtually impossible.
Most probably Slorc will continue ignoring appeals for a
dialogue until all parties, domestic and foreign, accept the
government on its own terms. That, after all, has been the
regime's goal since it seized power seven years ago.(FEER)
***************
FEER: RETURN VISIT
23 November 1995
The No.3 man in Burmas ruling junta, Gen. Maung Aye, met two
powerful United States congressman in Washington on October 25,
following a visit to the United Nations in New York. The
congressmen were Bill Archer, chairman of the House Ways and
Means Committee, and Bob Livinston, Chairman of the House
Appropriations Committee. Aides described the meetings as
courtesy calls to repay visits made by the Americans to Burma.
Archer was in Rangoon for a second time in August 1994 and
Livinston in the same month the following year. Archers Ways
and Means Committee has jurisdiction over trade. Although no
legislation is pending on Burma, he is one of the strongest
supporters in Congress of a policy of economic engagement with
Rangoon. Some of the biggest U.S oil and chemical companies are
based in his congressional district of Houston, Texas.(FEER)
****************************************************************
FOR REFERENCE: 1994-5 PUBLICATIONS ON BURMA
November, 1995
1994 PUBLICATIONS ON BURMA
TITLE A Burmese appeal to the UN and US
AUTHOR Win, Kanbawza.
PUBLISHER Bangkok : CPDSK Publication, [1994?] 59 p.
SUBJECT United Nations--Burma., Burma--Politics and government.
Burma--Economic conditions.
TITLE A Report on the location of Burmese artifacts in museums
AUTHOR Blackburn, Terence R.
PUBLISHER Gartmore, Stirlingshire, Scotland : Kiscadale, 1994., 79 p.
SUBJECT Art objects--Burma., Burma--Antiquities--Catalogs.
TITLE Australia's relations with Colonial Burma : 1886-1947
AUTHOR Selth, Andrew.
PUBLISHER Clayton, Victoria : Centre of Southeast Asian Studies, Monash
University,1994. iii, 22 p
SUBJECT Australia--Foreign relations--Burma., Burma--History--1824-1948.
TITLE Burma debate.
CORPORATE Open Society Institute. Burma Project.
PUBLISHER Washington, D.C. : Open Society Institute, 1994-v.
SUBJECT Burma--Periodicals.
TITLE Burma : encountering the land of the Buddhas.
AUTHOR Everarda, Ellis.
PUBLISHER Stirling, Scotland : Kiscadale, 1994., 114 p. : ill.
SUBJECT Burma--Description and travel--Pictorial works.
TITLE Burma in revolt : opium and insurgency since 1948
AUTHOR Lintner, Bertil.
PUBLISHER Boulder : Westview Press, 1994., xv, 514 p.
SUBJECT Minorities--Burma., Opium trade--Burma.,Politics and
government--1948-Burma--History--Autonomy and independence movements.,
Ethnic relations.
TITLE Burmese crafts : past and present / Sylvia Fraser-Lu.
AUTHOR Fraser-Lu, Sylvia.
PUBLISHER Kuala Lumpur ; New York : Oxford University Press, 1994.
SUBJECT Art objects--Burma., Art objects, Buddhist--Burma.
TITLE Comparative study of the two military juntas: Thailand and Burma : a
Burmese perspective. - 2nd ed.
AUTHOR Kanbawza Win.
PUBLISHER Bangkok : C.P.D.S.K. Publications, 1994. 74 p. : ill.
SUBJECT Military government--Burma., Thailand.
TITLE Culture shock! : Burma
AUTHOR Saw Myat Yin.
PUBLISHER Singapore : Times Books International, c1994. 207 p. : ill. ;
SUBJECT Etiquette, Description and travel, Social life, customs in Burma
TITLE Hard travel to sacred places
AUTHOR Wurlitzer, Rudolph.
PUBLISHER Boston : Shambhala, 1994. v, 161 p. ; 20 cm.
SUBJECT Wurlitzer, Rudolph--Journeys--Cambodia, Thailand, Burma.
Buddhism--Cambodia, Thailand, Burma, Description and travel.
TITLE Inked over, ripped out : Burmese storytellers and the censors
AUTHOR Allott, Anna J.
PUBLISHER Chiang Mai : Silkworm Books, 1994.,124 p. ; 19 cm.
SUBJECT Burmese fiction--20th century--History and criticism.
Authors, Burmese--20th century--Political and social views.
Burmese fiction--Authorship--Political aspects,Psychology in
literature, Censorship, Burmese fiction--20th century--Translations into
English.,m Burma--Politics and government--1988-
TITLE Mandalay : travels from the Golden City.
AUTHOR Strachan, Paul.
PUBLISHER Gartmore, Striling : Kiscadale Publications, 1994., xii, 226 p.
SUBJECT Burma--Description and travel.
TITLE Mawchi : mining, war and insurgency in Burma
AUTHOR Crozier, L. A.
CORPORATE Griffith University. Centre for the Study of Australia-Asia
Relations.
PUBLISHER Queensland : Centre for the Study of Australia-Asia Relations,
Faculty ofAsian and International Studies, Griffith University, 1994.,
113 p.
SUBJECT Crozier, L. A., Australians--Burma., Insurgency--Burma--Mawchi--
History. Mawchi (Burma)--History., Burma--Politics and
government--1824-1948.
Burma--Politics and government--1948-
TITLE Mountbatten : the private story
AUTHOR Hoey, Brian.
PUBLISHER London : Sidgwick and Jackson, 1994., x, 272 p.
SUBJECT Mountbatten of Burma, Louis Mountbatten, Earl, 1900-1979.
Admirals--Great Britain--Biography., Viceroys--India--Biography.
TITLE Return via Rangoon : a young chindit survives the jungle and
Japanese captivity.
AUTHOR Stibbe, Philip.
PUBLISHER London : Leo Cooper, 1994. xv, 232 p.
SUBJECT World War, 1939-1945--Campaigns--Burma. World War,
1939-1945--Prisoners and prisons, Japanese., World War,
1939-1945--Personal
narratives, English.
TITLE Thailand and Burma handbook.
PUBLISHER Bath, England : Trade and Travel Publications, 1994-v.
SUBJECT Thailand, Burma--Description and travel--Guide-books.
TITLE Twilight over Burma : my life as a Shan princess, foreword by
Bertil Lintner.
AUTHOR Sargent, Inge.
PUBLISHER Honolulu : University of Hawai Press, 1994. xxiv, 216 p. :
SUBJECT Kya Seng, Sao, Sargent, Inge., Shans (Asian people)--Kings and
rulers--Biography. Shan State (Burma)--Politics and governemnt.
1995 PUBLICATIONS ON BURMA
TITLE Burma the golden
AUTHOR Klein, Wilhelm., Pfannmuller, Gunter.
PUBLISHER [Bangkok] : Insight Topics, 1995. 168 p. : col. ill.
SUBJECT Buddhism, Description and travel--Pictorial works.
Religious life and customs--Pictorial works.
TITLE Constructive engagement in the Burmese context
AUTHOR Kanbawza Win.
PUBLISHER Bangkok : CPDSK, 1995., j, 210 p.
SUBJECT Burma. SLORC, Democracy--Burma., Politics and government--1988-
TITLE Cultural sites of Burma, Thailand, and Cambodia
AUTHOR Dumarcay, Jacques. Smithies, Michael, 1932-
PUBLISHER Kuala Lumpur ; New York : Oxford University Press, 1995. xi,
SUBJECT Monuments, Antiquities, Civilization--Burma.Thailand.Cambodia.
TITLE Freedom from fear : and other writings
foreword by Desmond Tutu ; edited with an introduction by Michael Aris. -
AUTHOR Aung San Suu Kyi. Aris, Michael.
PUBLISHER London : Penguin Books, 1995., xxxi, 374 p.
SUBJECT Aung San suu Kyi, Burma--Politics and government.
TITLE Norman Lewis omnibus
AUTHOR Lewis, Norman.
PUBLISHER London : Picador, 1995. 834 p.
SUBJECT Lewis, Norman--Journeys--Asia. Indochina--Description and travel.
Burma--Description and travel, India--Description and travel.
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