BurmaNet News August 18, 1996

[strider@xxxxxxxxxxx]

-----------------------------BurmaNet--------------------------------
"Appropriate Information Technologies, Practical Strategies"
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

The BurmaNet News: August 19, 1996
Issue #493

Noted in Passing:

		Sores will not appear on one's tongue if one fails 
		to drink beer - especially Carlsberg beer.
		(see: MYANMAR ALIN: CAN DRINKING BEER 
		GAIN HUMAN RIGHTS?)
HEADLINES:
==========
AP-DOW JONES: SINGAPORE/UNITED ENGINEERS/BURMA
MYANMAR ALIN: INCEPTION OF POLITICAL DEFIANCE
MYANMAR ALIN: CAN DRINKING BEER GAIN HUMAN RIGHTS?
KYEMON: IF YOU FEEL FEAR, YOU WILL HAVE SHAME;
MYANMAR ALIN: NOT THE RIGHT TIME
S.H.A.N : CORRECTION ON - THE SHADOW OF DRUGS STILL REMAINS 
ACTION CALL: SEND CHILI PEPPERS TO BURMESE EMBASSIES
ANNOUNCEMENT: CASSETTE ABOUT DEMOCRACY MOVEMENT
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

AP-DOW JONES: SINGAPORE/UNITED ENGINEERS/BURMA
August 16, 1996

SINGAPORE - Singapore industrial and property group United
Engineers Ltd. (UEL) said late Friday it will take a 20% stake in 
a joint venture to set up a medical center in Burma. 
   	
The joint-venture company, Pacific Medical Systems Ltd. Ltd. (PMS) 
will have an authorized capital of $2 million (Singapore) and an initial 
aid-up capital of S$1.4 million, said UEL. 
   	
The other shareholders in PMS are Singapore's Myanmar Growth Fund Ltd. 
with 35%, HCS Hospital Management International Pte. Ltd. and Orchard 
Dental Centre Pte. Ltd. 
   	
UEL said it expects the venture to contribute to its future earnings,
although it wouldn't have any impact on its earnings in 1996. 
UEL said it will finance its investment in the project with 
internal funds. 

****************************************************************

MYANMAR ALIN: INCEPTION OF POLITICAL DEFIANCE
August 9, 1996  by Di Hlaing  (translated from Burmese - SLORC
press - excerpts)

[BurmaNet Editor's Note: This article suggests that the SLORC is 
concerned by acts of political defiance in Burma today - for instance,
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's weekend forums.  Other acts include boycotting
Pepsi and printing and distributing leaflets critical of the SLORC and the 
National Convention.  Gene Sharp's books on the philosophy of and 
techniques of non-violent resistance have been an inspiration to many
Burmese.]

Political defiance has many other names such as nonviolent resistance, 
nonviolent struggle, mass struggle, civil disobedience, and
confrontation. Actually, political defiance means to oppose the government 
in various ways except the armed revolutionary method.

When did political defiance come into existence?
Gene Sharpe wrote: "Nonviolent revolutions took place
in 494 BC. During that time, the lower-class people refused
to offer assistance to their masters in Rome."

Political defiance is,  actually, an anarchism that is adorned with 
tactics of modern psychological warfare. Laymen may like this tactic.
People who are crazy for power, corrupt public service
personnel, lazy people, opportunists, and people who do not
want to obey the law may very much prefer other tactics.
Eastern Europe has proven that political defiance leads to
the disintegration of the nation, bloody wars, and sufferings.

Gene Sharpe said political defiance began in 494 BC 
and added that it was nothing new.  He noted political defiance in 
East Germany and Czechoslovakia which lead to the fall of Communism 
there, but he did not talk about the separation of Czech and Slovakia.

He said political defiance overthrew the socialist government in Myanmar. 
During that time, the country came so close to disintegration. This time 
would you allow your beloved Myanmar to be disintegrated due to political 
defiance?

************************************************************

MYANMAR ALIN: CAN DRINKING BEER GAIN HUMAN RIGHTS?
August 13, 1996  by Byatti  (SLORC press - translated from Burmese) 

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]

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.  

****************************************************************

KYEMON: IF YOU FEEL FEAR, YOU WILL HAVE SHAME;
August 10, 1996 (translated from Burmese - SLORC press)
Abridged

Mrs. Aris Suu Kyi, who is the modern day Maung Ba Than [the person 
instrumental in bringing Burma under British servitude], is maliciously 
trying to return Myanmar to servitude. She is trying to implement the 
plans of her British husband and her neocolonialist in-laws without 
regard to her ancestry. Mrs. Aris is constantly planning the destruction 
of the entire Myanmar people, rather than her opposition to the ruling 
government.

Like Mrs. Suu Kyi, the president of the Soviet Union, Mr. Gorbachev, 
also received the Nobel Peace Prize. After Gorbachev received 
the Nobel Peace Prize, the Soviet Union disintegrated, the economy 
collapsed, and the breakaway republics started fighting each other, and 
the clashes continue still today. The Soviet Union, which Mrs. Suu Kyi's 
British relatives at one time feared, has been turned into a toothless 
tiger, a snake without venom. Once a superpower, they are now hungry for 
American assistance and are compelled to comply with American wishes. The 
Russians have regretted a little too late and they can never return to 
the superpower status they once held. 

***************************************************************

MYANMAR ALIN: NOT THE RIGHT TIME
August 12, 1996   by U Phyo (translated from Burmese)
(excerpts)

According to four Pali words referring to appropriate time, place, 
and circumstsances the Burmese nationals are familiar with, one must 
act and speak in accordance with the prevailing situation and time.

Just look at the current Saturday and Sunday roadside public gatherings. 
What have Htet Htet Moe Pyu [derogatory theatrical name given to Aung 
San Suu Kyi] and comedian U Khaw Khaw [meaning bucktooth referring to 
U Tin U of the NLD] been saying in coordination. It has been learned that 
they have been finding fault with the military government's performance 
and making exaggerations and muttering unpleasant slanders. 

The SLORC government is a military organization.  It is not a political party. 
Only the political parties compete among themselves. It is not in accordance 
with time to be attacking a government which is paving the way toward 
genuine multiparty democracy, giving priority to and safeguarding stability, 
and striving on all fronts to bring  development to a backward country.

They are trying to gather public sympathy in preparation for elections
which will be held one day in the near future. Htet Htet Moe Pyu's roadside 
show is getting more and more isolated from the Defense Services and the 
Myanmar public.  They talked of wanting to hold dialogue with the 
government composed of the military leaders, and yet they continue to insult, 
criticize, and attack the military  government. So how can a dialogue be held?

The country has no major problem serious enough to be holding dialogue 
with the said dance troupe to seek advice and to listen to criticism. Dialogues 
are held in some Western countries where there are a lot of problems and an
explosive situation.

Here, the problems which existed before have been  solved due to benevolent, 
correct, delicate, and constructive approach of the SLORC government.
We have achieved solidarity which is unprecedented in previous eras. Both the 
SLORC and the indigenous organizations are striving to further strengthening 
this solidarity. 

If the government has to negotiate and consult with this and that organization, 
it will not be able to obtain outstanding political, economic, and social results it 
has achieved presently.  At the time progress is being in all fronts in the country, 
I view the demand for dialogue by the roadside dance troupe as a hindrance.

******************************************************

S.H.A.N : CORRECTION ON - THE SHADOW OF DRUGS STILL REMAINS 
August 13, 1996

On 17.07.96,at 16:00 hours , 13 former MTA soldiers from Sao Suu Lai's group
surrendered with 12 AK 47 and 7 RPG , to the Burmese Army at Aye Ti village 
(Ahka village ) 15  to 20 miles west of Tachilek.

Sao Suu Lai's group, which operational area used to cover from Hin Taek, west of
Tachilek to the south of Kengtung, still have 40-50 soldiers. Their recent area
of operation includes west of Loi Tung-Loi Taw Kham, Murng Kan, Phak Tu Murng
since Feb-March. The Burmese said that the group will all surrender soon but was
unable to do so due to Sao Suu Lai's medical treament in Thailand. The reality
is that, Suu Lai is buying time to engage in drugs ( No. 4 ) production together
with the Chinese from Hin Taek areas, who are former Khun Sa's men.

At the moment, Suu Lai has more than 20 men, headed by Major Sai Phong 
and Sai Nyunt.

Apart from that, there are two armed Chinese groups which used to be Khun Sa's
men. They have round about 20 men each, mainly concerned with the security of
narcotics production and tranportation.

One group is led by Lui Hser Paw, a Chinese from Loi Maw and who used to work
for Sao Hpa Lang (a) Chang Shu Chuan, and Tzang Suu Hwa, a Chinese from 
Murng Koe, Tachilek. The group members are Lui Tzing Wu ( Loi Maw Chinese ), 
Lui Tzing Sang ( Ko Kang Chinese ), Lee Chiang Sang ( Loi Maw Chinese ), 
Yang Tzer Hpar (Loi Maw Chinese ), Chiang Haw ( Loi Maw Chinese ), and 
Lao Tung ( Lao Maw Chinesee ). This group has about 20 armed men and 
operates near Loi Taw Kham and Loi Lam, West and North of Loi Tung. Their 
principle activity is drug production. Most of the group members maintain 
permanent residences in Hin Taek, Chaing Rai Province, Thailand.

Another group is headed by Tzing Kaw Hong ( a ) Lao Tzing Kang Koop. His 
members are Chinese from Hin Taek - Tachilek and Wan Tham - Heuy Khai 
(Amphur Maesai, Thailand). The group is about 15-20 strong and move around 
the Burmese military by bribing them. Its main activity is heroin production and 
is done around Murng Toom, in the northwest corner of Tachilek.

These two groups are in contact with Sao Suu Lai's group, particularly in
exchanging information. Apart from that they have contact with Sao Yi Say 
(Lahu militia who used to be with MTA ), who surrendered in Feb and is now
allowed to form a people's militia by the Burmese army. They number about 
20 -30 and are involved in transporting goods up and down.

Furthermore, these Chinese groups are not on good terms with the ESPA (Easthern
Shan State Peacekeeping Army ) headed by Col. Sai Lin Hsai and Maj.Sai Kham 
Pha, which is about 200 - 300 strong. The ESPA operates in many parts of the 
Golden Triangle and said to be devoted to the Shan revolutionary cause. Khun Sa 
has written to them many times, due to Burmese pressure, to give up arms.

Because of this, these Chinese groups used to contact Col. Haw Hping (Kengtung
Chinese and former Ka Kwe Yee Yang Sang ), Wu Tzing Leng ( Loi Maw 
Chinese and Khun Sa's representative stationed in Tachilek ) and Sam Jernt 
(Khun Sa's 3rd son). They, in turn, instigate the Burmese army to take action 
against the ESPA, resulting in searching, destroying and banishing the villagers 
of Aye Ti, Ai Long and Pa Lan ( Ahka village ) from returning during the early 
month of July. These villagers are within the ESPA operational sphere.

The people within the ESPA believes that these Chinese groups will try to
eliminate them one way or the other including lending the hand of Burmese army,
for these Chinese groups see them as an obstacle to their drug trade.

Sao Suu Lai's group will also have  to surrender sooner or later. The Burmese
army, as well as Khun Sa, are giving pressure to the groups. That was why Sao Suu
Lai had arranged for 13 of his men to surrender in order to calm down the Burmese
and to buy time for his narcotics trade. At the most, he will have to surrender
before the end of 1996, and after that , ESPA members said, the going could
become tougher for them.  

*************************************************************

ACTION CALL: SEND CHILI PEPPERS TO BURMESE EMBASSIES
August 1996
from: Project Maje 1996

In Burma, the troops of the ruling SLORC junta now often send a chili
pepper to the leader of the village (especially in ethnic areas) as a threat 
that if the village disobey SLORCS orders, things will get "hot". Often
the village is burned by SLORC and the villagers enslaved.

During Fall 1996 send SLORC the message that it's time to stop the 
oppression of Burma's people. Send a chilly pepper (dreied or fresh )
or a picture of one  with the message " SLORC it's time to leave!"
to the Burmese Embassy in your country. (in the US: 300 S st. NW
Washington DC 20008). You don't need to use a return address.

Please ask your friends, family and collegues to do so as well.

**************************************************************

ANNOUNCEMENT: CASSETTE ABOUT DEMOCRACY MOVEMENT
August 14, 1996

Dear Friends,
 
We, pro-democracy activists in Western Sector of Burma 
will release an Audio cassette very soon. This cassette story 
should be in Burmese, to be released is meant for the people 
inside Burma. The story mention about the struggle of 
farmers and workers for democracy and human rights. 
Therefore, anyone who wish to get the cassette please write to me.
 
Aung San Myint
FTUB (WB)
aungsan@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

************************************************************* 

----------------------------------------------------------
BURMANET SUBJECT-MATTER RESOURCE LIST

BurmaNet regularly receives enquiries on a number of different 
topics related to Burma. If you have questions on any of the 
following subjects, please direct email to the following volunteer 
coordinators, who will either answer your question or try to put you 
in contact with someone who can:

Campus activism: 	zni@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Boycott campaigns: [Pepsi] ai268@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx     
Buddhism:                    Buddhist Relief Mission:  brelief@xxxxxxx
Chin history/culture:        [volunteer temporarily away]
Fonts:                  		tom@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
High School Activism:     nculwell@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
History of Burma:            zni@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
International Affairs: 	 Julien Moe: JulienMoe@xxxxxxx
Kachin history/culture:      74750.1267@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx 
Karen history/culture: 	Karen Historical Society: 102113.2571@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Mon history/culture:         [volunteer needed]
Naga history/culture: 	Wungram Shishak:  z954001@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Burma-India border            [volunteer needed]
Pali literature:            	 "Palmleaf":  c/o burmanet@xxxxxxxxxxx
Pipeline Campaign       	pwellner@xxxxxxxxxxx
Resettlement info:	refugee_help@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx 
Rohingya culture		volunteer needed
Shan history/culture: 	Sao Hpa Han: burma@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Shareholder activism:       simon_billenness@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx 
Total - France		Dawn Star: cd@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx  
Tourism campaigns:      	bagp@xxxxxxxxxx     "Attn. S.Sutcliffe"   
volunteering: 		refugee_help@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
World Wide Web:              FreeBurma@xxxxxxxxx

[Feel free to suggest more areas of coverage]
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

The BurmaNet News is an electronic newspaper covering Burma.
Articles from newspapers, magazines, newsletters, the wire
services and the Internet as well as original material are published.   
It is produced with the support of the Burma Information Group 
(B.I.G) and the Research Department of the ABSDF {MTZ}              

The BurmaNet News is e-mailed directly to subscribers and is
also distributed via the soc.culture.burma and seasia-l
mailing lists. For a free subscription to the BurmaNet News, send 
an e-mail message to: majordomo@xxxxxxxxxxx   

For the BurmaNet News only: in the body of the message, type 
"subscribe burmanews-l" (without quotation marks).   
For the BurmaNet News and 4-5 other messages a day posted on Burma 
issues, type "subscribe burmanet-l"

Letters to the editor, comments or contributions of articles should be 
sent to the editor at: strider@xxxxxxxxxxx

*****************************************************************