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BurmaNet News April 1, 1997
------------------------ BurmaNet ------------------------
"Appropriate Information Technologies, Practical Strategies"
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The BurmaNet News: April 1, 1997
Issue #682
HEADLINES:
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ABYMU: STATEMENT ON CURRENT BUDDHIST MONK PROTESTS IN BURMA
ASIAWEEK: MONKS AMOK
CHIN HUMAN RIGHTS ORGANIZATION: RELIGIOUS PERSECUTION
BANGKOK POST: RANGOON SECURITY TIGHT FOR LAO PM
AFP: ANTI-DRUG DEAL: ONLY ON THE BOOK OR FOR REAL?
NLM: ASEAN FROM A MYANMAR'S PERSPECTIVE
NLM: NEWS BRIEFS
INDEPENDENT LETTER: INDO-BURMA POLICY?
ANNOUNCEMENT: DEMOCRATIC BURMESE PROGRAM ON INTERNET
ANNOUNCEMENT: CONFERENCE ON BURMA, KUTZTOWN, PENN
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ABYMU: STATEMENT ON CURRENT BUDDHIST MONK PROTESTS IN BURMA
March 31, 1997
ABYMU STATEMENT REGARDING THE CURRENT BUDDHIST MONK
PROTESTS IN BURMA
DATE: MARCH 31, 1997
1. The protest led by the Buddhist monks have been occurring and
spreading through out the country since 16 March, 1997.
2. At least three monks were shot dead by the Slorc security forces, and
more than 100 monks were arrested, according to reliable sources.
3. The monks who were killed sacrificed their lives for the cause
of democracy and human rights and peace in Burma, and actively
campaigning for the release of jailed monks. The ABYMU would like
to express its deep sorrow at the deaths of the monks.
4. The monks were planning a demonstration for Burma's human
rights day on March 13, 1997. However, the demonstration was
postponed when the Slorc, with advance information, arrested some
monks. As a consequence, the situation was highly tense between March 13-15.
5. In an attempt to prevent monks from engaging in political
activity, Slorc has in the past plotted religious conflict
between Buddhists and Muslims. Because of the March 16 incidents,
monks in Mandalay held a meeting to discuss the deaths of monks
in prison, the release of jailed monks, and also the incident in
which precious gems were stolen by the Slorc officials form the
famous Maha Myat Mu Nye Pagoda in Mandalay. During the meeting
two Slorc officials arrived and stirred up religious conflict.
6. In the third week of March, the Slorc denied the news that
sixteen monks had died in prison. However the ABYMU has strong
evidence in relation to the reported deaths and it has already
informed Amnesty International and the UN Human Right Committee.
7. If such human rights violations were not occurring in Burma's
prisons, there would be no reason for the Slorc to refuse representatives
from the UN Human Rights Committee and international human rights
to inspect the jails and have access to prisoners.
8. On March 25 the Slorc announced that it would crush any
demonstration by the monks. However, the ABYMU and monks inside
Burma will, along with the people of Burma, continue to fight for the
release of jailed monks and for human rights, peace and democracy.
Central Leading Committee
ABYMU
*************************************************
ASIAWEEK: MONKS AMOK
April 4, 1997
Did somebody incite the Maldalay unrest?
Reported by Dominic Faulder and Roger Mitton
The Monks of Mandalay have a long tradition of activism. They rebelled
against British colonialists and they played a key role in the pro-democracy
demonstrations of 1988. Once again they are on the warpath - but this time
against local Muslims. In recent weeks, perhaps 100 monks have desecrated
mosques and trashed Muslim property.
Mandalay was placed under curfew late last month. One monk was subsequently
reported to have been shot to death and another arrested. The trouble began
when a Muslim allegedly tried to rape a Buddhist girl. But this may have
been no more than the lack of economic and political opportunities is
widespread.
Officially, the junta blames the Mandalay uprising on shadowy forces intent
on discrediting Myanmar, which hopes to gain Asean membership this year. One
theory has it that a conservative faction allied to army chief Gen Maung Aye
is actually behind the anti-Muslim unrest in an attempt to set off alarm
bells in the capitals of Malaysia and Indonesia, Asean's two Muslim members.
There has long been talk of a split in the regime's ranks, much of it
unsubstantiated.
Some observers, however, believe that the relatively pragmatic intelligence
chief Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt is losing his clout and that Maung Aye is moving up.
Meantime, the army has stepped up its presence in Yangon, where unrest has
been reported, and three other cities. No member of the regime had yet
connected the disturbances to the pro-democracy movement led by Aung San Suu
Kyi. But the unrest may provide a further pretext for the government to
crack down on dissidents. Whether that happens may well depend on who is
calling the shots. (AW)
********************************************************
CHIN HUMAN RIGHTS ORGANIZATION: RELIGIOUS PERSECUTION
February 1997
(BurmaNet Editor's Note: The Chin, many of whom are Christian, have
been facing increasing persecution and human rights abuses over the past
2 years. While the Chin hills were largely ignored in the past, now the SLORC
is cutting roads through Chin territory to increase trade access to India and
to increase their control over the Chin population. The Chin National Front,
a small resistance group lead by Chins who were students in 1988, has been
operating out of the Chin hills.)
(English slightly corrected by BurmaNet for easier reading)
1. CHRO Interview with a Chin pastor in December 1996
The monks who live at Zakam, Rezua, Leisen, Vangvai and Tinsi villages
rule the communities. Anyone who doesn't abide by the monks' orders are
reported to the SLORC army and he/she is punished by the army. The monks
give judgement on all cases. For those who become Buddhist, they are free
from any persecution such as forced labour, portering, extortion of money, etc.
Whenever and wherever a monk visits, he is accompanied by the army and
they arrange a porter to carry the monk's particulars.
The villagers were forced to build a Buddhist monastery and temple. But
they refused, insisting "we are Christians." Even though the army threatened
action against them, they didn't build it yet. Now the monks and army are
holding a meeting to discuss this. Nobody knows what will hapen.
One pastor gave a sermon with reference to certain passages in the Bible. While
he was giving the sermon, the monk entered the church and made him stop
the sermon and scolded him saying, "You can't give a sermon with reference to
the above verses of the Bible. If you continue, you will be imprisoned."
Furthermore, the monks prohibited pastoral visits to families and prayers
for them
at every village where monks are living.
2. CHRO Interview with a Chin farmer in his 40s (name with held for security)
from Matupi Township, in December 1996
[This man had often been elected as a community leader and worked in
the Chin National League for Democracy party in 1990.]
I was invited to attend social welfare training by the [SLORC] authority
from Matupi on 27/2/95. When I arrived at the place, the authority told us
that it is to attend Buddhist hill tract missionary training run by a Buddhist
monk named U Razinn at Mindat. As we are Christian, we said we didn't
want to go. But the monk persuaded us saying, 'it is no problem if you are
Christian, it is just religious training.' So 5 other persons and I took part
in the 10 day training.
In the training, we were taught the 17 facts of how to attack and disfigure
Christians. The facts were to be spread to the Chin Christian community
(see the attached document). And we should not get involved in national
politics. We were promised that 1200 kyats per month would be proviced
to those families who became Buddhist and 800 kyats per month for those
individuals who became Buddhist. Furthermore, we would not only be
provided with rice and other materials, but we would also be free from
portering, forced labour, and extortion of money. And our children would
be provided with their education by the government.
I became a Buddhist because of such privileges rather than becuase I think
Buddhism is better than Christianity. And then I was called by Captain
xxx, from Pakuku, and I was trained for 10 days. At the training, the
captain taught me to report the activities of the Chin National Front and
to create misunderstanding among Christian denominations. He told that
now, Buddhism is supported by the government. The monk who lives in
Matupi is a captian of Military Intelligence and the monks who live in
Zakam, Rezua, Leisen, Vangkai, and Tingsi villages are sergeants in
Military Intelligence. He encouraged me not to be afraid and said that
whenever I needed assistance I could ask them and would be helped.
After I had become a Buddhist, all the problems we faced in the kitchen
disappeared. However, when I asked for assistance for my son who was
studying in a theological college in Rangoon, they rejected my request
and also told me not to let him continue his studies. I threatened that
if you don't provide from my son, I will quit being a Buddhist. It is in
vain, so I informed them that I had left Buddhism. They told me that
if I wanted to join again, I could do so at any time and would be provided
with more than before.
For those who became a Buddhist together with me, they are provided with
whatever they need and get many privileges from the government and now
they are very happy. Now they became like real Buddhists. However, for
Christians, the government doesn't allow them to ask for any assistance from
foreign countries. As we are very poor and have sufferend under forced labour,
portering, and the extortion of money, some people are interested in becoming
Buddhists.
3. Translation of "The facts to attack Christians"
Missionaries, Honorable Monks, Cleansing Organization
The facts to attack Christians
01. To attack Christian families and the progress of Christians
02. To criticize against the sermons which are broadcast from Manila,
Philippines
03. To criticize God as narrow-minded and egotistical who himself claimed
that "There is no god except eternal God"
04. To be against corrupted youth and inappropriate fashion
05. To criticize the preaching of Christians wherever it has penetrated.
06. To criticize Christianity by means of pointing out its delicacy and weakness
07. To stop the spread of the Christian movement in rural areas
08. To criticize by means of pointing out "it is not salvation but purchased by
blood"
09. To counterattack by means of pointing out Christianity's weakness and
overcome this with Buddhism.
10. To counter the Bible after throrough study.
11. To criticize that "God loves only Israel but not all the races."
12. To point out ambiguity between the two testaments.
13. To criticize on the point that Christianity is partisan.
14. To criticize Christianity's concept of the Creator and compare it with the
scientific concept.
15. To study and access the amount given in offerings.
16. To criticize the holy spirit after thorough study.
17. To attack Christians by means of both non-violence and violence.
Recopy, Myo Chit, Wah Mah Tah, 2639
True Copy
(Sa Win)
************************************************************
BANGKOK POST: RANGOON SECURITY TIGHT FOR LAO PM
March 31, 1997
AFP
Rangoon- Burmese authorities kept security tight for a visit by
Laotian Prim Minister Khamtay Siphandone as communal unrest in
the capital appeared to be winding down, witnesses said.
Security forces surrounding the official visit supplemented those
stationed near mosques and monasteries to stem a rash of attacks
on Muslim property which began two weeks ago in the central
Burmese city of Mandalay.
Rangoon has been quiet for the past few days after a series of
incidents in which Buddhist monks stoned and vandalised mosques
and private Muslim homes, but curfews apparently remained in
place in Mandalay and Toungoo.
*****************************************************************
AFP: ANTI-DRUG DEAL: ONLY ON THE BOOK OR FOR REAL?
March 31, 1997
Myanmar and Laos, the two largest opium-producing countries in the so-called
Golden Triangle, have signed an agreement to crack down on illegal drug
trafficking, according to official news reports yesterday.
The pact was signed on Saturday as the highlight of an official visit by
Lao Prime Minister Siphandone Tongvanh to Myanmar at the invitation of
State Law and Order Restoration Council chairman General Than Shwe,
said the New Light of Myanmar newspaper.
Myanmar and Laos, whose remote hinterlands make up sections of the
tri-border Golden Triangle area, produce about 2,500 tonnes and 200
tonnes of opium respectively per year.
***************************************************************
NLM: ASEAN FROM A MYANMAR'S PERSPECTIVE
March 18, 1997 (New Light of Myanmar)
by Moe-MOFA
I remember, I remember
The memories left over
>From carefree days in grade school
Where I used to play the fool
I remember, I remember
Stories from my reader
That took seed throughout my youth
And emerge today as timeless truths
I remember, I remember
How six blind men endeavoured
To describe a pachyderm
To each other in no uncertain terms
A wall, a fan, a rope, some said
No, a snake, another professed
Still others held forth without fear
That elephants were like pillars and spears
All found out when time was due
That every assertion made was true
An elephant was all of these
Perception had shaped their hypotheses
I remember, I remember
Laughing at the six blind men
What a child I was back then...
Bad poetry, I concede, but a good way of recalling the story of the six blind
men and their attempt to find out what really was an elephant. What struck
me most at that time was how they could have stuck so stubbornly to their
tactile observations without giving the benefit of the doubt to the opinion of
others. Visualizing the story in the cruel frankness that only children
possess,
I was entertained countless times. As a result of these repeated readings, the
moral of the story took root in my mind, to come up at the least expected
moments like right now!
Thinking about the story again from the perspective that more than two
decades have brought, the moral remains the same: perceptions make all
the difference in pronouncing an opinion of a truth that exists despite all the
noises. Today, in Myanmar, the flavour of 1997 seems to be ASEAN and
Myanmar's prospective membership into the Association. At this juncture
in our preparations, different interpretations abound as to what the
Association really is -- in both the national and regional contexts.
Reading various literature on ASEAN affords the readers access to the
different dimensions of the Association. However, at a time when identity
needs to be forged -- identity as Myanmars, identity as sons of Southeast
Asia, identity as part of the region and therefore part of what is going on in
the region -- there is an increasing need to be aware of what it really
means to
be part of the Southeast Asian Nations. For this, we in Myanmar will also need
to have a clear idea of what really is the Association of Southeast Asian
Nations,
apart from its historical development and institutional responsibilities.
Is ASEAN like a wall against a common threat? Or is it more like a pillar that
stands firm for the interest of the region? Would it seem to be a rope that
binds
all members together? Does it represent determination of purpose like that of a
snake? Is ASEAN's thrust as sharp as that of a spear? Is it bringing that
long-awaited cool breeze of development with it? There may be different
perceptions as to what simile or metaphor would best describe the
Association vis-a-vis Myanmar, but I feel that ASEAN is all these and more.
ASEAN a wall [subhead]
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations came into existence three decades
ago as a response to the challenges the countries of the region faced then.
At a
time where the newly independent nations of Southeast Asia were still shaking
off the dust of their chequered colonial pasts, the bi-polar struggles of the
superpowers were also being played out in the region. Previous efforts for
regionalism having failed to achieve the objectives they aimed for, ASEAN
emerged at a time when the need was greatest for dialogue among each other
as a mechanism against ideological threats and political rivalries that
extended
into the region. ASEAN today is ever a forum for dialogue among the
members and their friends; it is not an alliance, but rather a security
community
that seeks to build more confidence into the formal interstate relations for
the
present than had been in the past. In the attempt to achieve regional
resilience from the diverse national resiliences, ASEAN then, is the wall that
stands strong and firm in the face of challenges and dictates from outside.
It is
the wall that protects and weathers those within from the harsh winds
blowing without. It is the wall that tells everyone of the residences inside
and
that demarcates the extent of our domain.
Myanmar is soon to be part of that domain, soon to be a residence safe within
the security of the wall. It is up to us to prove worthy residents who
contribute
to the continuing security and stability that ASEAN as a wall provides. Myanmar
is a participating member of the ASEAN Regional Forum, as well as a signatory
to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in South-East Asia and to the South
East Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone Treaty. Soon, we will also be finishing
our part of the ASEAN wall.
ASEAN as a spear [subhead]
ASEAN's thrust in regional and international affairs has steadily increased
over the years as the Association has progressed from achievements in both
the political and economic arenas, gaining an increasing international
recognition along the way. The three decades of regional peace point to
ASEAN's major achievement in the political sphere. Not a single shot has
been fired in anger in resolving disputes, which underlines the Association's
track record of brotherly relations, even in the thick of an intra-regional
conflict. The main business of ASEAN has never been disrupted from
reverberations at the bilateral levels. Another feather in ASEAN's cap is the
role the Association was able to play in managing the Cambodian conflict
right up to the resolution phase. ASEAN's Dialogue Partners reveal the
Association's emerging role as an important regional player. ASEAN's
economic growth rate of 7.11 percent (between 1989-1996) and the
increasing linkages with other trading and regional economic entities
such as NAFTA (North America Free Trade Area), EFTA (European Free
Trade Area), SADC (Southern Africa Development Community), SPF
(South Pacific Forum), and other organizations in Central and South
America, have earned ASEAN recognition in the economic arena as well.
With its growth triangles and the well-planned implementation of the
AFTA process, ASEAN has taken its place as the world's fifth biggest
economic power after NAFTA, EU, China and Japan. With such "weight"
and well-built "muscles", any thrust by the ASEAN spear must be sharp
indeed. Soon, with the added strength from the CLM countries, the spear
can reach even farther, and claim even more prowess.
ASEAN as a pillar [subhead]
It has been said that ASEAN is more of a "loose" organization in the sense
that it is more or less loosely institutionalized, with the Bangkok Declaration
of 1967 in the place of a formal Charter. Over the decades, there has never
really been any strong centralization of authority -- no supranational
authority, for that matter -- in ASEAN affairs. The modus operandi itself is
"consultation and consensus" for any decision made by the Association.
However, this alone constitutes the one constant factor across all the
changing phases of members and nations in the region. The understanding
that every issue should be discussed and consensus reached through frank
and open consultation has become the one great pillar of ASEAN strength
that converges all the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the members.
ASEAN as a rope [subhead]
For all its being big on process and small on institutions, ASEAN does
possess a norm-reinforcing element in that the constant pillar of
consultation and consensus stands tall for all members and friends of the
Association. Another binding element can be found in the one
representative institution of ASEAN -- the ASEAN Secretariat. To
paraphrase the saying "All roads lead to Rome", it can be said of the
Secretariat that "All ASEAN matters emanate first from the ASEAN
Secretariat".
With this as the locus of activities in the region's political, economic and
social fabric, the rope that binds all members and partners together is the
network of ASEAN National Secretariats in the capitals of member countries,
and the ASEAN Committees in third countries. The initiative taken in
Bangkok three decades ago is like a needle that first took up a strong and
wonderful thread, with the aim to ultimately achieve a very special necklace
of the ten colourful beads in the region of Southeast Asia. The thread or rope,
which binds the member countries together is of course the Bangkok Declaration
signed by the five founding members and all subsequent members to the
Association. The safety chain that keeps the beads together can be found
in the form of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation. Soon, the ASEAN
necklace will be complete and the clasp will keep all the beads together.
The binding element can be found in the fact that the beads alone are
responsible for ensuring that the thread which keeps them together will
not break. Indeed, the mission statement of the ASEAN Secretariat will
act as the clasp of the necklace since it ensures "strengthening and
intensifying of intra ASEAN cooperation". The rope is thus strong enough
to thread three more beads who will help the others in striving for a Southeast
Asia region beautiful in every sense of the word.
ASEAN as a fan [subhead]
The Bangkok Declaration of 1967 states the desire of the ASEAN Member
Countries to work together to promote economic cooperation for the welfare
of the people in the region. Indeed, the first of the three main objectives of
ASEAN is "to promote the economic, social and cultural development of the
region through cooperative programmes". As emerging economies still on the
road to development, it is not surprising that economic, social and cultural
development are stressed as preconditions to political stability. Indeed, in a
region characterized by diversity in every sense -- geographical, cultural,
ethnic, and political -- a common goal pragmatically focused on the shared
destiny of the region, rather than on values and norms that differed
according to the different "after-tastes" of colonial masters, naturally has a
high potential of succeeding. In 1967, what was needed was that long-awaited
draft of a sense of achievement -- of being able to deliver the goods to the
people and to give them a stake in the future of their respective lands of
residence. What better way than economic prosperity and a sense of belonging?
Economic success in ASEAN has brought with it the waft of air that refreshes
a body which has weathered the sun and wind. It is indeed like the soft breeze
one gets from a fan when once one has entered the cool shade from a hot day
outside.
ASEAN's economic growth triangles in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia,
the AFTA process falling into place as the Green Lane System to expedite
customs clearance for Common Effective Preferential Tariff products is
established, non-tariff barriers are eliminated and tariff nomenclatures
harmonized; the ASEAN Industrial Cooperation Scheme, cooperation in
investment, and the new initiative of ASEAN Mekong Basin Development
Cooperation are all part of the economic achievement of the Association.
Of equal importance is the promotion of functional cooperation which
covers the areas of science and technology, environment, culture and
information, social development, and drugs and narcotics control. Indeed,
functional cooperation in ASEAN is the way to reach out and touch all the
people in the region as part of the ASEAN family and a concrete example
that ASEAN activities are not just limited to the soundbites of high-level
summits broadcasted worldwide. Indeed, the decision of the Bangkok
Summit of 1995 to elevate functional cooperation to a higher plane focused
on this aspect of people-to-people contact in the effort to forge a common
ASEAN identity as the people of the region move forward in search of
convergence among divergences. To be ASEAN citizens is to know about
each other -- the similarities and differences in the way of the life,
traditions and cultural customs -- in every ASEANcountry. An ASEAN
identity is to be aware of and to accept the differences while strengthening
the similarities. What better way than through the contacts afforded by
cooperation on functional matters?
Thus, the prosperity achieved by individual and collective economic
successes will be shared through human development, technological
competitiveness and social cohesiveness. As a fan brings coolness, so
does it shade the person from the heat and dust.
ASEAN as a snake [subhead]
Many equate snakes with more of a negative sense than the positive factors
that a snake symbolizes for people of Asia. Where a pessimist would see
cunning, ruthlessness and coldness, an optimist sees intelligence,
determination of purpose and protection of one's own. Indeed, the snake
stands for wit and wealth in Asian interpretation. ASEAN's "success factors"
today reveal the wisdom of vision initiated three decades ago, combined with
the determined effort of the Association's members to achieve the goals and
objectives the founding fathers had formulated.
The notion of a shared destiny has led to even closer coordination of efforts.
This is illustrated by the political commitment demonstrated at the highest
level among ASEAN leaders and countries in Southeast Asia. One of the
principles of peaceful co-existence, non-interference, is also part of the
ASEAN way -- creating a milieu where conflict does not emerge, or if it
does, containing it so that it does not disturb the region as a whole. The
stabilizing role assumed by a founding member of ASEAN
ensures a focal point in the Association's intramural relations. Close
consultation and cooperation among members, and the consensus
approach ensures and enhances the united stand of sovereign nations.
These success factors are the result of the intelligence born of experience.
They are based on a sincere desire for the well-being of brethren. They
have come about because of a consistent implementation of the common
goals. In this, the Association is like a snake. I have always understood
that snakes are different from serpents.
In Myanmar, the flavour of 1997 is ASEAN and the CLM prospective
membership to the Association. Different perceptions will still abound as
to what the Association really means to and for Myanmar. However, the
eternal truth of ASEAN will always exist for those who come into contact
with the Association in big ways or small. Whatever a blind person touches,
whatever the fingers can feel, a message is conveyed to stay forever in the
mind's eye.
Whatever we in Myanmar can feel from our "touches" or contact with the
Association of South East Asian Nations, whatever our observations past,
present and future define, my one wish is that the message conveyed will
be one of shared peace, progress and prosperity when ten stand as one
in the 21st century.
(With this article, I pay homage to all in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
who have given their best for Myanmar's ASEAN initiatives; as part of my
contribution to the MOFA Golden Jubilee.)
****************************************************
NLM: NEWS BRIEFS
March 29, 1997
MIC CHAIRMAN RECEIVES TEXACO PRESIDENT
YANGON, 28 March - Chairman of Myanmar Investment Commission Deputy
Prime Minister Vice-Admiral Maung Maung Khin received President of
Texaco International Production of US Mr Robert A Solberg and party
at his office this morning. Exploration of oil and gas at offshore
areas in
Myanmar by Texaco and future programmes were discussed.
Secretary of MIC Minister at Office of Deputy Prime Minister Brig-Gen
Maung Maung, Deputy Minister for Energy U Tin Tun and officials were
also present.
PRC STATE COUNCILLOR AND SECRETARY-GENERAL OF STATE COUNCIL
TOURS TAUNGGYI, THANDWE
YANGON, 28 March State Councillor and Secretary-General of the State
Council of the People's -Republic of China Mr Luo Gan and delegation,
here on an official visit to the Union of Myanmar at the invitation
of Secretary-1 of the State Law and Order Restoration Council Lt-Gen
Khin Nyunt, accompanied by Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U
Nyunt Swe and PRC Ambassador Ms Chen Baoliu, left here by special
flight for Heho on 26 March morning.
They arrived at Heho Airport at 9.30 am and were welcomed by Chairman
of Shan State Law and Order Restoration Council Commander of Eastern
Command Maj-Gen Tin Htut, Brig-Gen Pyi Zon and Tatmadaw officers,
members of Shan State Law and Order Restoration Council, state level
departmental officials.
The delegation, accompanied by Commander Maj-Gen Tin Htut, proceeded
to Inlay Khaungdaing Hotel in Nyaungshwe.
They then arrived Inlay PhaungdawU Pagoda where they were welcomed by
Tactical Operations Commander Col Ko Ko Kyaw and members of the Board
of Trustees.
First, the Chinese goodwill delegation offered flowers, lights and
incense and paid homage to the Buddha image.
The delegation gilded the Buddha image. The State Councillor Mr Luo
Gan signed in the visitor's book and donated cash toward the pagoda funds.
Board of Trustees presented a replica of PhaungdawU Pagoda to Mr Luo
Gan.The goodwill delegation proceeded to Inlay Yayle Guest House
where they watched Inlay traditional men's and women's traditional
boat race, Inlay traditional style in conveying soon to monastery and
Inlay traditional fishing.
Mr Luo Gan, Deputy Minister U Nyunt Swe and PRC Ambassador Ms Chen
Baoliu presented prizes and gifts to the demonstrators.
The Chinese goodwill delegation proceeded to Taunggyi where they
visited Mesia mini market, Chingmai store and other shops in Myoma
Market, Taung.
In the evening, Commander Maj-Gen Tin Htut hosted dinner in honour of
the goodwill delegation at Than Lwin Hall. Mr Luo Gan and Commander
Maj-Gen Tin Htut exchanged gifts.
The Chinese goodwill delegation left Taunggyi by special flight for
Thandwe yesterday morning.
They arrived at Mazin Airport at 10.30 am and they were welcomed by
Deputy Commander of Western Command Brig-Gen Yan Thein and Tatmadaw
officers, departmental officials and members of Union Solidarity and
Development Association.
The Chinese goodwill delegation, accompanied by Deputy Commander
Brig-Gen Yan Thein, arrived Annawa Yeiktha in Thandwe.
They rested in Ngapali Beach and played tennis and volleyball.
The guests, together with Deputy Commander Brig-Gen- Yan Thein, had
souvenir photos taken in Annwa Yeiktha. The visiting Chinese delegation
arrived back here this morning.
MILITARY ATTACHES, FAMILIES VISIT DEFENCE SERVICES MUSEUM
YANGON, 28 March- Military attaches and their families of foreign
missions visited Defence Services Museum on Shwedagon Pagoda Road
this morning and observed the 52nd Anniversary Armed Forces Day
Exhibition at the museum.
They were welcomed at the museum by Chief of Staff (Navy) Commodore
Nyunt Thein, Chief of Staff (Air) Brig-Gen Kyaw Than, Director of
Public Re5ations and Psychological Warfare Brig-Gen Aung Thein,
Deputy Chief of the Office of Strategic Studies Deputy Director of
Defence Services Intelligence Col Kyaw Win, Director of Defence
Services Museum and Historical Research Institute Col Ye Htut.
Col Ye Htut explained to the guests facts about the museum and booths
on display at the museum.
Defence Attache of India Col Blard Waj, Dean of Military Attaches,
thanked officials.
The guests, together with the senior Tatmadaw officers, had souvenir
photos taken. Afterwards, officials conducted the guests around the museum.
STUDENTS OF AZIN AND KYAIKDON REGIONS CONTINUE SIGHTSEEING
(BurmaNet Editor's note: Azin and Kyaikdon were under KNU control until the
recent
offensive. They are now under SLORC control.)
YANGON, 28 March Altogether 86 students and teachers of Azin and
Kyaikdon regions in Kya-in Seikkyi led by U Pan Laung, accompanied by
Major Zaw Win Kyu of No 44 LID, visited Maha Bandoola Park this morning.
They visited Myanma Department Store on Shwedagon Pagoda Road and
Bogyoke Aung San Market.
They also went to Tiger Parahita School (Kyakyaung) of the Minister
for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development
Affairs at Kamayut Station Road in Kamayut Township at 1.10 pm and
they were welcomed by Director of Department for Development of
Border Areas and National Races Maj Maung Maung Tin, Principal U Hla
Nyein and officials and students.
Director Maj Maung Maung Tin extended greetings and Principal U Hla
Nyein explained salient points of the school. U Pan Laung thanked them.
Then, the students inspected the school and had souvenir photos taken.
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INDEPENDENT LETTER: INDO-BURMA POLICY?
March 31, 1997
by Tint Swe (NLD MP, staying in India)
(this letter has been sent as a letter to the editor to the Hindustan Times
and the Asian Age in India)
Indo-Burma policy?
In this ever-changing world many people forget the past easily. I wonder
how many Indians except journalists and scholars perceive Burma has been
under a tyranny regime since before the death of J. Nehru. Student
demonstrations in December, peasant marching in January and on-going
monks protest are a few examples of how the general population of Burma
are frustrated with the dictatorial regime. The incidents of such drew
the media attention. But its just the ice-berg. Tanks are still at the
heart of Rangoon. Curfew is still imposed in Mandalay. Many colleagues
are still closed and the student and monk examinations are canceled. 100
monks and 100 elected MPs are still in the jails. More than 50,000
refugees are forced to live under the shade of trees inside Thailand.
Being a tiny country with ethnic diversity Burma seems to be
insignificant to India. But at a recent seminar in JNU many scholars and
experts have been talking Indias security concern through Burmas
deteriorating situation. The former Indian ambassador, I.P. Singh
advocated for Constructive disengagement while a former Indian Army
General recommended a Gradual approach and bilateral relation with Burma.
Security alone should not be the interest of India. My observation is
Image of India is the undeniable interest of India. Indias image means
democracy. The great leaders of modern India had never been left behind
to protect and to help restoring democracy in the world.
When a Burma expert admitted that India's long strategic desire was for all
her neighbors to be democratic, secular and united, a scholar raised a
question on how should India act particularly on Burma to accomplish that
goal. I rarely if not nothing heard from India expressing her concern on
deteriorating developments under the military regime. When the recipient
of the Nehru Award, Aung San Suu Kyi was physically assaulted by
government-backed mob India was quiet. When 500 elected MPs were arrested
Lok Sabh members kept silent. India should speak out for the cause of
democracy and justice. As the State department or EU usually if not
always pronounce their distress and anguish on such inside news, to whom
the people of Burma should express gratitude? We do not need arms or
money from India to be able to restore democracy. Please speak out! The
United Nations forum is there. Just take initiative to implement the UN
resolutions on Burma.
If Indias interest is security, your borders and waters can be secured
only when a democratic government is there. If trading is the priority,
your business can be protected by a democratic government is there. There
is no rule of law in Burma now.
Tint Swe
Member of Parliament (Burma)
================
Dr. Tint Swe
K-146, Krishna Park Ext.
Outer Ring Road
New Delhi. 18
Tel/Fax: 514-5548
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ANNOUNCEMENT: DEMOCRATIC BURMESE PROGRAM ON INTERNET
March 31, 1997
Subject: Mg Aye urged Than Shwe to retire in March 30 program
Only one Democratic Burmese Program on Internet
Dear friends,
The March 16 program of the Democratic Burmese Radio originally on 2NBC
in Australia, is now available for real-time playback via RealAudio from
BurmaSong at
<http://users.imagiware.com/wtongue>
This is a Burmese-language program featuring Burma news, views, and music of
Burma presented by Burmese now living in Australia. It will be
appreciated any suggestion about program , Please sends E-mail to
(ausgeo@xxxxxxx ).
Many thanks to Mr Wrightson Tongue , Burma Net and all listeners.
Democratic Burmese Program <http://users.imagiware.com/wtongue>
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ANNOUNCEMENT: CONFERENCE ON BURMA, KUTZTOWN, PENN
March 29, 1997
A Conference on Burma will be held at Kutztown University on Saturday, 5
April 1997. Kutztown, PA is located along US 222 near Interstate 78
just west of Allentown, PA.
Program:
US Premiere showing of John Pilger's award-winning documentary "Inside
Burma - Land of Fear"
Speakers include:
Bo Hla Tint, finance minister, NCGUB, the government in exile
Dr. Richard Crooker, professor of geography, Kutztown University, heroin
Julien Moe, electronic journalist and translator
Brian Lipsett, Penn State student activist
Dr. John MacArthur, physician just returned from working with Karenni
refugees on the Thai border
Ohmar Khin, Democratic Burmese Students Organization
Joseph Silverstein, professor emeritus, Rutgers University, author,
scholar, activist
Sunda Khin, co-founder, Foundation for Democracy in Burma
Registration Opens at 8:30 AM.
"Inside Burma" video
Panel 1 - History
Panel 2 - Current Conditions
Panel 3 - Prospects for Democracy
Networking/Wrap-up at 3:30 PM
Adequate time for breaks, networking and meeting each other.
Registration: FREE (suggested donation $10)
Hope you can attend the conference, and bring some friends!
If you think you'll attend and want directions and/or further
information, please contact me at <nelham@xxxxxxx> or phone John
Abrahall at 1 800 543 3764.
Kind regards,
John M. Sellers
Berks Peace Community
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