Gen. Saw Maung Bloody Coup

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                      Copyright 1988 Bergen Record Corp.  
                                   The Record

                           September  19, 1988; MONDAY


HEADLINE: BURMA COUP TURNS BLOODY

SOURCE: Wire services

BYLINE: The Associated Press

DATELINE: RANGOON, Burma

 BODY:
   Troops under orders to halt all public gatherings today fired into
crowds of defiant students, Buddhist monks, and other largely unarmed
protesters in downtown Rangoon. Witnesses said casualties were heavy. 
   "Many students are being mowed down. Can't anything be done?" a
reporter telephoning from the scene said before breaking down in tears.

   The troops were deployed after a military coup staged Sunday by
hard-line Gen.  Saw Maung,  commander of the armed forces. Not long after
the coup was announced, angry demonstrators began moving into the city
from outlying areas.

   Battles between troops and demonstrators were reported today around
the main government administrative building, the U.S. Embassy, Sule
Pagoda, at a junction leading into the city, and other areas.

   Residents of buildings near the U.S. Embassy said demonstrators were
being cut down by military fire. Others said they saw two monks falling
to the ground after being hit by bullets around the Sule Pagoda.

   Total casualties could not be estimated. The shooting was
continuing, with Rangoon residents dragging the wounded inside their
houses.

    A Western diplomat contacted by telephone from Tokyo said soldiers
were firing from rooftops at demonstrators in front of the U.S. Embassy, 
but the embassy building itself had not been hit. One dead person and
three wounded could be seen in front of the building, located on a major
commercial street.

    "There's a lot of shooting," the diplomat said, speaking on
condition of anonymity. "There's been deaths and injured. It's a bad
situation here."

   Although most demonstrators faced troops without weapons, some
carried swords, spears, crossbows, and other primitive weapons. There
were reports that firebombs were being hurled by protesters in some
areas, and demonstrators were seen taking weapons from fallen soldiers.

   In once instance, troops guarding a road junction opened fire on a
crowd of demonstrators trying to march into Rangoon from the
working-class suburb of North Okkalapa.

   According to incomplete reports, the fighting erupted Sunday night
not long after  Saw Maung  seized power, and more than 40 demonstrators
and 17 soldiers were reported killed early this morning in one area of
the city. 
   Sporadic shooting and several large blasts were heard in the capital
after the military imposed an 8 p.m. curfew and banned public
gatherings.

   Thousands of people immediately surged into the streets after the
state-run Radio Rangoon announced the coup. They called for weapons and
began erecting barricades from trees and water pipes.

    Saw Maung,  59, said over the radio on Sunday that he overthrew
civilian President Maung Maung to halt economic and social chaos and to
hold democratic elections after 26 years of authoritarian rule by the
Burma Socialist Program Party, the sole legal party. He immediately
abolished key government institutions.

   The fate of Maung Maung was not known.

   The sudden coup came amid speculation that the government and key
opposition leaders were paving the way to an interim government and a
return to full democracy.

   "I believe the people will rise up again, and this time they are
going to be angrier," Burma expert Josef Silverstein of Rutgers

University said by telephone. "It's going to be tragic."

   Troops moved in Sunday night and sealed the offices of all six
government newspapers, making it unlikely they would be permitted to
reopen today. Although nominally under government control, the
newspapers have in recent weeks been publishing news about the mass
anti-government movement.

    Saw Maung  declared in a brief statement read over official Rangoon
Radio: "The defense forces have assumed all power in the state."

   According to reports, the coup itself was bloodless. But shortly
after the radio announcement, demonstrators poured into the streets.

   The protesters carried gasoline bombs and heavy slingshots,
witnesses said.

   Late Sunday evening, residents reported hearing bursts of fire from
automatic rifles as the army moved onto the streets in force. Several
said they heard explosions, which some diplomats said could have been
recoilless-rifle fire. 
   Army trucks loaded with troops drove onto the campus of Rangoon
University, a center of the student activist movement, while other
soldiers encircled city hall and Rangoon General Hospital, where massive
demonstrations have been held over the past two months.

   The radio broadcast identified  Saw Maung,  who also had been defense
minister in the government ousted Sunday, as chairman of the new
martial-law regime, the Peace Restoration Committee. He is reputed to be
a hard-liner and is the chaotic country's fourth leader in less than two
months.

   The broadcast declared that the military was taking power to "halt
deteriorating conditions all over the country, and for the sake and
interest of the people." It called on the Burmese to begin organizing
political parties "which will accept and practice genuine democracy" to
contest the elections.

   The broadcast said the military would "do its utmost to ease the
people's food, shelter, and clothing needs." A month of protests and
walkouts has paralyzed the capital and some provincial cities, shutting
down transportation and communications, drying up food and fuel
supplies, and blocking government services. 
LANGUAGE: English

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

                             Copyright 1988 U.P.I.

                      September  19, 1988, Monday, BC cycle


HEADLINE: Chronology of Key events in Burma Leading to military takeover

 
    March -- Disastrous financial policies force Burma to seek ''least developed
developing country'' status at the United Nations to write off much of its $4
billion foreign debt. Street protests break out in Rangoon and other cities.

   March 18 -- Gen. Sein Lwin, the ''Butcher of Rangoon,'' crushes
anti-government student protests, killing an estimated 100 to 283 people.

   June -- Anti-government student riots in Prome, hometown of Gen. Ne Win,
prompt curfew in city and ban on gatherings, speeches, marching and protests.

   June 17 -- About 5,000 militant university students boycott classes on third 
day of protests demanding right to form student union and release of 141
colleagues detained since March riots.

   June 21 -- Riot police stop march by 5,000 student demonstrators in Rangoon, 
and wrest flags from female standard bearers, provoking angry reponse from
students who attack police with knives, slingshots and sticks. Five policemen
killed and 26 wounded. One rioter killed.

   June 22 -- Government slaps 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. curfew on Rangoon, bans
gatherings and demonstrations, begins closing universities and warns ''serious
action'' will be taken against offenders.

   July -- Burma begins to prevent foreign journalists from entering country.

   July 10-13 -- Clashes between police and irate mobs in city of Taunggyi, 300 
miles north of Rangoon, result in three killed, 20 injured and 36 arrested.

   July 14 -- Authorities slap curfew on Taunggyi, bans gatherings and protests.

   July 18 -- Disturbances spread to other central Burmese cities including
Mandalay and Pegu. Police open fire in Prome, killing one person and
injuring

seven. Government imposes curfew and bans gatherings on Prome.

   July 20-22 -- Angry mobs erupt in violence and arson in Prome. U.S. Embassy
begins to warn American travelers of ''possible further violence.'' Prome and
surrounding area declared ''state of emergency'' and put under martial law.

   July 23 -- Ne Win resigns as chairman of Burmese Socialist Program Party,
accepting ''indirect responsibility'' for months of bloody rioting.

   July 26-27 -- Party Central Committee appoints Sein Lwin as leader and party 
chairman.

   Aug. 3 -- Sein Lwin clamps martial law on Rangoon.

   Aug. 4 -- Thousands of students and Buddhist monks defy martial law and surge
through streets shouting anti-government slogans.

   Aug. 6 -- Anti-government protests break out in cities of Pegu and Chanatpin,
about 54 miles north of Rangoon. Police shoot and kill three people.

   Aug. 8 -- More than 100,000 protesters flood streets of Rangoon demanding
democracy and human rights. Protests spread to 14 other cities. Four shot
dead

and 12 wounded in Mandalay.

   Aug. 9 -- Demonstrations spread to at least 26 cities. Troops open fire on
demonstrators in Rangoon. Government says five killed but other sources say
hundreds dead. At least 1,451 demonstrators arrested. Burmese embassies stop
issuing visas.

   Aug. 11 -- Rangoon paralyzed by general strike and barricades. Western
diplomats estimate at least 1,000 demonstrators killed in three days of
violence.

   Aug. 12 -- Nationwide popular uprising forces hardline President Sein Lwin to
resign after 17 days in power.

   Aug. 19 -- Western trained lawyer, Maung Maung takes over as Burma's first
civilian president and party leader in 26 years.

   Aug. 20-23 -- Daily mass demonstrations, marches and rallies snowball with
people demanding end to one-party rule.

   Aug. 24 -- More than 600,000 demonstrators peacefully march throughout Burma 
demanding democracy. Maung Maung lifts martial law and calls party congress

for September and promises to resign if it does not agree to referendum on
ending one-party system.

   Aug. 25 -- Government releases 10 leading dissidents, including retired Brig.
Gen. Aung Gyi as hundreds of thousands continue to demonstrate in capital.

   Aug. 26 -- Protest rallies of 800,000 people demand immediate resignation of 
government and setting up of interim government. Guards open fire on rioting
prisoners at three Burmese prisons.

   Aug. 28 -- Government admits prison guards killed at least 1,000 prisoners
and wounded 103 others attempting to escape from Burma's largest prison.

   Sept. 1 -- Mass defections of civil servants and party members to opposition.
Strikes halt all rail service and closes Rangoon airport. About 500,000
demonstrators protest.

   Sept. 2 -- About 40 Burmese cities are no longer under control of central
government as shadow government slowly emerges.

   Sept. 5 -- Thousands of anti-government protesters surge through streets of
Rangoon as protest leaders issue ultimatum for government to resign or face

indefinite nationwide strike.

   Sept. 9 -- Former Prime Minister U Nu, ousted in a military coup in 1962,
announces formation of a provisional government but lacks support of major
opposition leaders. About 200 air force troops join opposition march in first
major military break with ruling party. Diplomatic corps begin to leave RAN.

   Sept. 10 -- Ruling party agrees to hold multi-party elections.

   Sept. 11 -- Peoples Assembly accepts party decision to hold elections without
a referendum and within 45-90 days.

   Sept. 16 -- Government, conceding to opposition demands, moves to loosen
party hold on power by changing membership rules.

   Sept. 17 -- Demonstrators flood the streets of Rangoon, rejecting government 
latest concessions and demanding its immediate resignation and the formation of 
an interim government. Troops fire on demonstrators.

   Sept. 18 -- Official media announces military takeover by Gen.  Saw Maung. 
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH

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

                              The Associated Press

The materials in the AP file were compiled by The Associated Press. These
materials may not be republished without the express written consent of The
Associated Press.

                      September  18, 1988, Sunday, AM cycle



DATELINE: RANGOON, Burma

 
   Here is the complete text of the announcement Sunday of the military coup led
by military commander  Saw Maung.  The Associated Press translated the broadcast
from state-run Radio Rangoon: 
   To curb further deterioration of the general situation in the country, the
tatmadaw (military) has taken over the overall authority of the state to carry
out the following:

   To restore law and order, peace and tranquillity in the country.

   To provide safe and smooth transportation and to ease the daily livelihood of
the people.

   After accomplishing the above objectives, to hold general elections under a
multiparty system.

   For the successful holding of the multiparty general elections, the present
elections supervision commission will be retained.

   Political parties which accept and practice true democracy can prepare for
the general elections from now on.

   For the successful implementation of the above objectives, organizations,
individuals, and the entire public engaged in current activities are requested
to cooperate. 
   Signed, Gen.  Saw Maung,  chairman, Peace Restoration Committee.

LANGUAGE: ENGLISH
***********************

                              The Associated Press



                      September  18, 1988, Sunday, AM cycle



DATELINE: RANGOON, Burma

 
   Here is a chronology of events leading to military commander  Saw Maung's 
ouster of civilian President Maung Maung on Sunday:

   March - Hundreds of students and others riot in Rangoon campuses and streets,
and reliable sources say as many as 100 are killed by security units. 
   June - Hundreds stage demonstrations and battle riot police in Rangoon and
other cities. The government closes virtually all higher learning centers in the
country. The government says nine people are killed, but Western diplomats say
the figure is higher.

   July 23 - Ne Win, who had ruled this isolated Southeast Asian country since a
1962 coup, resigns as chairman of the nation's only political party, the Burma
Socialist Program Party. He cites the anti-government riots and announces a
referendum on one-party rule.

   July 25 - Several delegates to a ruling party congress say they are opposed
to the referendum call.

   July 26 - Sein Lwin, who reportedly led forces that suppressed
anti-government riots in March, is named chairman of the party.

   July 27 - Sein Lwin is named president.

   July 30 - Authorities detain several people including the most prominent
government critic, Gen. Aung Gyi. Also detained is Sein Win, the Burmese
correspondent of The Associated Press. The Associated Press, September 18,
1988                    
                                                                                
   Aug. 3 - Burma declares martial law in the capital of Rangoon after thousands
of students, wearing masks, protest alleged repression by Sein Lwin.

   Aug. 8-11 - Tens of thousands march in Rangoon and 14 other cities, and
security troops fire on protesters. The government 112 people were killed in
anti-government riots, but other sources say hundreds died.

   Aug. 11 - Military commander  Saw Maung  delivers a radio address warning of 
anarchy. A guerrilla leader calls for a nationwide revolt.

   Aug. 12 - Sein Lwin resigns as president and party chairman.

   Aug. 17 - After several days of relative quiet, up to 5,000 people
demonstrate in Rangoon for an end to one-party rule. State radio says 51 people 
who were arrested in rioting a week earlier in the capital are released.

   Aug. 18 - Mass pro-democracy demonstrations are held in Rangoon and the
northern city of Mandalay.

   Aug. 19 - Maung Maung is elected Burma's first civilian leader in 26 years,
but student leaders demanding an end to one-party rule call for a nationwide
strike. 
   Aug. 24 - Maung Maung lifts martial law and curfews in Rangoon and other
cities and announces a Sept. 12 congress of the ruling party to consider a
referendum on multiparty elections.

   Aug. 25 - The government releases Gen. Aung Gyi, Sein Win and other political
prisoners from Insein Jail. Aung Gyi calls a rally that draws an estimated
200,000.

   Aug. 26 - Insein Jail burns. Scattered looting begins. Massive
anti-government protests continue over the next two weeks.

   Sept. 9 - Former Prime Minister U Nu establishes a rival government and
declares elections Oct. 9. About 500 servicemen leave the barracks and join
protesters in the first major military defections. Embassies evacuate more than 
230 dependents and non-essential staffers.

   Sept. 10 - Ruling party declares an end to its monopoly of power and calls
for multiparty elections at an unspecified date.

   Sept. 17 - A half-million demonstrators, including government workers and
policemen, march in Rangoon after a week of protests and looting. Buddhist monks
and students take over a government building after a soldier opened fire on

two protesters. The 24 soldiers inside surrender.

   Sept. 18 -  Saw Maung  overthrows Maung Maung and promises to hold democratic
elections.  Saw Maung,  59, becomes Burma's fourth leader in two months.

LANGUAGE: ENGLISH
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