SLORC Press on Heineken and Carlsbe

[an675720@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]

Subject: SLORC Press on Heineken and Carlsberg

 Article by Byatti: "Can Drinking Beer Gain Human Rights?" in Burmese 
government daily MYANMAR ALIN, August 13, 1996, p. 4  (translated 
excerpt).

	 It was heard in the first week of July. Some human rights organizations 
had pressured the Heineken Beer Company to withdraw its investment in 
Myanmar, and the world-famous Heineken Beer, fearful of a consumer 
boycott, decided to withdraw its Myanmar investment. The company's news 
release in Amsterdam noted that the decision was due to the fear that the 
Myanmar investment could taint their reputation. 

	Like the Heineken Beer Company of the Netherlands, the Carlsberg Beer 
Company from Denmark was also facing pressure from the Danish Burma 
Committee, a new anti Myanmar government expatriate group. That company 
also withdrew its investment, stating that the Danish government had 
urged the EU to impose economic sanctions against Myanmar because of the 
death of their unscrupulous, unofficial, honorary consul in Insein Jail. 

	Although the aforementioned acts could be seen as mere trade sanctions, 
it was, in fact, a psychological warfare tactic used against Myanmar. 
Without any knowledge of the Myanmar mind and tradition, this 
psychological tactic could only be fruitless -because, clearly, the 
people of Myanmar will not crave beer as long as Myanmar has toddy palms 
that produce toddy juice [fermented toddy juice is a drink similar to 
beer] [passage omitted explaining Burmese tradition and culture, citing 
passages from books] 

	The word "arnar" [to be considerate of other's feelings] exists only in 
Myanmar traditional circles, and that arnar aspect of the Myanmar 
character is hard to understand. Arnar is a very gentle practice, and 
those who want to know about Myanmar and wish to use a psychological 
warfare tactic should be aware of that. 

	The withdrawal of the beer companies is of no concern to the Myanmar 
people, as one can see once one realizes and understands the true Myanmar 
culture, character, and tradition. Sores will not appear on one's tongue 
if one fails to drink beer -- especially Carlsberg Beer, whose 
advertisement is out of line. The Carlsberg advertisement with its 
background of pagan chedis [temple spires] has had a reverse effect, 
inclining the predominantly Buddhist Myanmar customers to refrain from 
drinking it. 

	The Heineken and Carlsberg beer companies, concealing their loss of 
competitive edge to other brands and low economic viability, have chosen 
the "path of retreat" citing democracy and human rights. These acts are 
considered an indirect insult to Myanmar. 

	Arnar is part of the Myanmar tradition. The Myanmar people are 
traditionally hospitable and practice Buddhist philosophy everywhere. 
They are grateful, and have consideration even for their rivals. 

	But apart from a sense of shame, pride, and self-respect, the people of 
Myanmar possess national pride -- which do not concede to insult and 
intimidation.  
	What is wrong with the mouths of the beer drinkers of Myanmar, for the 
Dutch and Danish beer companies to say that the sale of their beer in 
Myanmar could taint their reputation?  
	That is why, in succinct retaliation to the acts of the Heinekan and 
Carlsberg beer companies, the Ministry of Finance and Revenue issued 
Notification No. 156/96 on 5 August 1996 halting the importing of the 
aforementioned beers.  
	It was welcomed by the Myanmar public. Some shouted patriotic slogans, 
while others said: So what if we don't have beer to drink? Whatever the 
case, if someone asks whether drinking Heineken or Carlsberg beer can 
gain human rights, the beer companies will not be able to furnish an 
answer.  
	

--****ATTENTION****--****ATTENTION****--****ATTENTION****--***ATTENTION***
Your e-mail reply to this message WILL be *automatically* ANONYMIZED.
Please, report inappropriate use to                abuse@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
For information (incl. non-anon reply) write to    help@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
If you have any problems, address them to          admin@xxxxxxxxxxxxx