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SLORC gags Thai press
- Subject: SLORC gags Thai press
- From: ausgeo@xxxxxxx
- Date: Thu, 15 May 1997 18:55:00
Thursday May 15
Burma junta gags Thai press
BANGKOK, May 15 (UPI) _ The Burmese government is reported to have told
reporters accompanying the Thai prime minister to Rangoon to stay away from
opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.
The Bangkok Post says today the restrictions on reporters covering the visit
of Prime Minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh (CHA-WA-LIT YONG-CHAI- YUT) this
weekend were set out in a letter from the SLORC to the Thai Foreign Ministry.
Chavalit is scheduled to arrive in Rangoon on Friday for a two-day visit
accompanied by 42 government representatives and 15 reporters.
The letter says the 15 reporters would be watched by the Burmese Information
Ministry to make sure they do not go to Daw Suu Kyi's home in Rangoon.
Burma's ruling military junta keeps a tight rein on the local press and
prohibits foreign journalists from being based in the country.
The Thai prime minister has been a staunch backer of the Burmese military
government since his days as an army general.
During talks with junta leaders, Chavalit is expected to reaffirm his backing
for Burma's early entry as a full member of the Association of Southeast Asian
Nations.
He also is expected to voice his opposition to American sanctions against
Rangoon, which were imposed last month by President Clinton to punish the
junta for human rights abuses.