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Burma Issues Weekly Burmadoc summar (r)



Subject: Burma Issues weekly burmadoc summary

Burma Issues, a Bangkok based organisation, maintains a documentation
centre that archives a wide variety of materials (newspaper clippings,
reports, statements, press releases, books, videos, etc.) related to
Burma.  We currently have over 13,000 sources in our archives.  Every week
a partial summary of the past week's entries is made.  In the past, this
list has been used within the organisation to keep our volunteers and
friends up to date on current developments. Each article is followed by an
abbreviation that corresponds to the source of the document, a date and a
code that corresponds to our internal indexing system used to retrieve
copies of the original document.  Other bibliographic information is
available, but has been dropped to compress the email.  For people who are
interested in a document contained in the list, feel free to request a
copy.  Bear in mind that, in most cases, the document will take 1 to 2
weeks to arrive via international post.  In urgent cases we can fax
documents.  

Burma Issues
PO Box 1076
Silom Post Office
Bangkok 10504
THAILAND

Recent News Items & Other BurmaDoc Entries: 
19 June to 25 June 1997

Themes:  illegal drugs;  detention of Aung San Suu Kyis aides;  the NLD's
intention to rejoin the National Convention;  Aung San Suu Kyi & National
Women s Day;  violation of womens and childrens rights; human rights and
NGOs/UN organisations;  regional relations;  environmental issues;
sanctions;  Asean membership;  border disputes;  miscellaneous.


  Illegal Drugs
Compilation of articles re Burma from the French mainstream media.
Included are articles on drugs, Total and a letter from Michel Delaborde,
chief public relations of Total.  Nouvel Observateur/Burmanet970619
OA/10J/070

Thai and Laotian police will join forces to suppress drugs and Thailand
will also help Laos develop its narcotics suppression police.  According
to Pol Lt Gen Noppadol, illegal drugs production has expanded from Burma
to Laos and the direct transport route of drugs from Burma to Thailand has
become an old story as the new route from Burma via Laos to Thailand was
operated.  BP970623 OA/10J/069


  Detention of Aung San Suu Kyi's Aides
At least five close associates of Aung San Suu Kyi have been detained by
authorities for allegedly smuggling her videotapes speeches abroad.
Relatives and her personal photographer were among those held.  There was
no comment by the Slorc.  TN970621 OA/11BA/012

Altsean Burma condemned Burma's military government yesterday for using a
video that the organisation made of democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi as a
pretext for arresting five of her supporters.  Last week the junta
arrested four of ASSK's relatives and her photographer for allegedly
smuggling the video out of the country.  In the video Aung San Suu Kyi
appealed to Asean leaders not to admit Burma's government until there was
progress towards democracy.  TN970624 OA/11BA/013 see also OST/11BA/004

Amnesty International urgent appeal of fear for safety/fear of ill
treatment for the five NLD supporters arrested 13 June whose current
whereabouts are unknown.  The official reason for the arrest of the five
detainees is not known, but unofficial sources have stated that they were
arrested for allegedly smuggling abroad video taped speeches by Aung San
Suu Kyi.  Political prisoners in Myanmar often face ill treatment during
interrogation.  Burmanet970624 OL/11BA/007


  The NLD's Intention to Rejoin the National Convention
According to state run newspapers, the NLD's executive committee had
passed a resolution at a party congress last month "to rejoin the national
convention and to conclude the convention honorably".  It was unclear
whether the NLD had made the request directly to the government, or
whether the government would allow it to return.  Aung San Suu Kyi and
party leaders could not be reached for comment as their phone lines have
been cut by the government.  The NLD walked out of the convention in
November 1995, saying it was undemocratic.  The convention, which has been
drawing up a constitution since 1993, has not met for more than a year.
Since the NLD pulled out, the regime has stepped up arrests of its
members, prevented Aung San Suu Kyi from delivering her weekend addresses
to the public, paid a mob to attack her motorcade with sticks and pipes,
and put her under a state of near house arrest, allowing few people to
meet her.  TN970625 OA/12A/010 see also BP970625 OA/12A/009


   Aung San Suu Kyi & National Women s Day
ASSK's birthday would be celebrated quietly today, but exiled political
activists and human rights groups would mark the occasion by declaring
June 19 as Burma's Women's Day to highlight a campaign of ending women's
and other human rights abuses in Burma.  BP970619 OA/9FA/030 see also
TN970619 OA/9FA/031

Burmese military police prevented about a hundred of pro democracy leader
ASSK's supporters from visiting her Rangoon home to celebrate her 52nd
birthday.  About 20 of ASSK's relatives and aides, were allowed into her
compound for a quiet ceremony in which she offered food to five Buddhist
monks, a traditional merit taking ritual.  Celebrations to mark her
birthday were held in Paris, Manila, New Delhi, Bangkok, Tokyo, New York
and Washington.  The day has been designated as Burma Women's Day, to
spotlight women's contributions in the struggle for democracy.  TN970620
OA/9FA/032

The international launch of Burma Women's Day was held last night at a
Bangkok hotel on the occasion of ASSK's 52nd birthday.  Co organised in
Thailand by local and regional NGOs, the event was one of many
celebrations held throughout the world.  BP970620 OA/9FA/033
  BP970620 OA/9FA/034

A group of human rights activists launched Burma Women's Day yesterday in
front of the Burmese embassy and called on the world community to support
Burmese women who are suffering under the repressive rule of the
repressive regime.  They also sent a message to millions of Burmese women
and children in Burma that people across the globe will never forget them
and will stand beside them in their struggle for democracy and human
rights.

Exiled Burmese dissidents and political campaigners in several countries
also launched Burma Women's Day yesterday, which was timed to coincide
with the birthday of Aung San Suu Kyi, to remind the international
community of the ongoing serious human rights abuses in Burma,
particularly those against women.  TN970620 OA/9FA/035

Article profiling Aung San Suu Kyi and analogising her to Gandhi.  In her
smuggled speech to American college graduates, she addressed Generation X
on the need for a meaningful existence: to reach beyond the connections of
economics to find the higher connections of the spirit.  Burmanet970620
OL/9FA/006
Feature about ASSK's life since 1988.  She came to Burma to look after her
ailing mother and got involved in the struggle for democracy after
researching her father's life.  She gave inspiring public speeches,
challenged the military, was jailed, slandered, freed and continues to
work for freedom from fear in her home country.  AWK970620 OP/9FA/001


  Violation of Womens & Children's Rights
Statement concerning the physical abuse, intimidation, and forced
portering of women in Papun District.  ABSDF/Burmanet970619 OST/5CB/002

Children of refugee and ethnic minorities have become a growing minority
in some provinces of Thailand.  The children of refugees share a similar
plight as child labourers and child prostitutes.  BP970621 OA/7B/002


  Human Rights and NGOs/UN Organisations
An international labour committee on Thursday accused Burma as one of the
countries violating fundamental standards.  The complaints included the
use of forced labour, discrimination and denial of workers' right to
organise which shows a "continued failure to implement ratified
Conventions."  BP970621 OA/16G/002

Outline on a forthcoming Myanmar social and human development report.  The
rationale for the UN Myanmar initiative in preparing the report is
effective partnership and collaboration between UN system and Myanmar
government and civil society toward sustainable social and human
development.  Burmanet970621 OL/10B/001

Are independent aid agencies replacing governments as the main source of
welfare funds in developing countries?  Can aid agencies remain neutral
when they are bidding for contracts, or when donors are setting terms?
Should the military be involved in humanitarian relief?  Can aid do more
harm than good?  These are some pertinent questions asked, and answered,
in the just released World Disasters Report 1997, a survey of humanitarian
trends published annually by the International Federation of Red Cross and
Red Crescent Societies.  TN970623 OA/11AA/009


  Regional Relations
Thailand and Burma plan to celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations in
style next year to reflect the close relations between the two countries.
Seminars are being arranged on various aspects of bilateral political,
economic and cultural ties.  The celebration will include exchange
performances of Thai and Burmese cultural troupes and exhibitions.
TN970621 OA/9CA/081

The Fisheries Department is to invite Burmese representatives to Thailand
next month to finalise the issue of fishing rights in Burmese waters.
Thailand is confident that Burma will open its waters as several measures
have been offered to curb illegal fishing by Thai fishermen.  BP970622
OA/2G/003

Statement by the All Burma Students League on India's bystanding position
regarding Burma.  It discusses two views: New Delhi should adopt a
proactive, instead of the present reactive, policy sooner than later; the
second view predicts that the Slorc will continue to rule Myanmar despite
mounting international pressure so India should shrug off its dithering
and start taking action to emerge as a countervailing force against
China/US.  ASBL/Burmanet970622 OST/9C/002

Letter by ABSDO and ABSL for Ye Thi Ha to Australian Foreign Minister,
Alexander Downer re Mr San Naing who has been involved in acts of
terrorism in trying to focus world attention on the pro democracy movement
in Burma and the plight of the people of Burma.  There is concern that he
will be deported from Thailand, where he is serving a prison term.  Mr San
has applied to the UNHCR to be accorded status as a person of concern.
Burmanet970623 OL/9CB/016

Tawan E San Co, a large oil supplier, has diversified into a full service
tourism business in the Mekong Subregional Economic Cooperation Scheme
(Golden Triangle).  To strengthen its tourism business in the Golden
Quadrangle before others enter the lucrative market, the company is
developing a 50 million baht port in Ban Pong, Burma, and a port in Chiang
kok, Laos.  BP970623 OA/4EC/053

The government has joined hands with the private sector in nine northern
provinces to push for a 1,188 km long highway project linking the north,
the west and the south.  The project is aimed at supporting the Thai Burma
Development Plan and boosting the economies of the two countries.  The
Tavoy deep sea port is mentioned as a transit route for goods from
Thailand, Burma and Indochina to other countries.  Article mentions that
the inauguration of the Thai Burmese Friendship Bridge across the Moei
River linking Mae Sot district of Tak province with Burma's Myawaddy town
has been set for August 14.  BP970625 OA/4CD/020


  Environmental Issues
Environmental groups yesterday, asked the House Environment Committee to
prevent the PTT's gas pipeline from endangering forests in Kanchanaburi
province.  The pipeline also passes through two quake prone zones and is
an area prone to terrorist attacks because a 10 km section of the pipeline
will pass through an area controlled by Burmese ethnic groups.  BP970619
OA/4EC/052


  Sanctions
San Francisco's Board of Supervisors has voted to further prohibit the
city from doing business with companies that have ties to Burma.  The
group agreed to add construction contracts to its list of prohibitions
against Burma.  BP970619 OA/9C/053

Launch of a label campaign boycotting Ralph/Warnaco products,
Burmanet970619 OL/4GJ/001

Information sheet from the government stating drug seizures in parts of
the country from 1 13 May; the resignation of an NLD elected
representative; and, the surrendering of 69 Karen National Liberation Army
troops on June 13.  Burmanet970619 OL/9A/010

One Asian issue likely to be discussed by leaders of the major
industrialised nations at the G7 summit in Denver will be Burma   the US
would like to see more pressure on Burma's ruling junta.  It has asked the
EU not to submit a formal complaint to the WTO over moves by US cities and
states to ban dealings with companies that do business in Burma
Burmanet970619 OL/9CB/018

Suggestions for action concerning the European Commission's request for
"formal consultations" with the US concerning the Massachusetts Burma law.
The EC is hoping to persuade Massachusetts legislators to water down the
Burma law and bring it in compliance with the WTO Agreement on Government
Procurement.  Burmanet970620 OL/9C/036

Britain's government on Thursday suspended financial support for companies
trading with Burma until its country's human rights record improves.
British officials will also draw to businessmen's attention statements by
Suu Kyi discouraging trade and investment in Burma.  TN970621 OA/9C/054
Setting the stage for another sanctions battle, the European Union has
decided to take its complaint about a US state sanctions law aimed at
Burma to the World Trade Organisation (WTO).  TN970623 OA/9C/055

Britain has said it is considering the imposition of further economic
sanctions against Burma because of the country's rights record.  Britain
already observes a EU embargo on arms sales and non humanitarian aid, as
well as a number of other sanctions.  Last week, the new Labour government
of Britain announced it had ended sponsorship of trade missions to Burma.
ABC News/Burmanet970624 OL/9C/040


  Asean Membership
Ne Win may make an official visit to Jakarta.  Such a visit would be seen
as a way of thanking Indonesia for its support for Burma's admission to
Asean in July.  FEER970619 OP/9CA/001

Now that Asean has mailed its acceptance letter to Burma, the question is
whether peer pressure works in regional blocs as well as it does in the
schoolyard.  FEER970619 OP/9CAA/005

According to Brigadier General David Abel, Burmas national planning and
economic development minister, the military government plans political,
economic and social reforms as it emerges on the world stage, with Asean
membership expected next month.  The minister said he envisioned
liberalisation in the formation of companies, and publicly listed
companies, and the privatisation of state enterprises.  Privatisation has
so far taken the form of foreign joint ventures with companies owned
either directly by the military or by active or retired personnel, often
operating under monopolies or oligopolies.  BP970619 OA/9CAA/146

Cambodia's descent into political chaos will test a fundamental creed of
Asean   thou shalt not interfere in the affairs of thy neighbours.
TN970621 OA/9CAA/147

The world's leading industrial countries on Saturday urged southeast Asian
nations which recently accepted Burma into the Asean economic group to
pressure Rangoon's military rulers to restore democracy.
Reuter/Burmanet970621 OA/9CB/066

By allowing Burma to join Asean, the grouping's other members are
hindering the democracy movement in the country.  The theory advocated by
some Asean leaders that "economic development ushers in the emergence of a
middle class who will lead a movement towards democratisation" may not be
feasible under Burma's military regime.  Although it is true that foreign
investment in Burma is high, such investment has neither improved the
living standards nor employed many Burmese.  Since Asean's adoption of a
"constructive engagement" policy towards Slorc, no political progress has
been achieved.  TN970622 OA/9CAA/148

As a self declared bulwark of democracy in the region, Manila finds itself
in the difficult position of having to defend its decision to support the
entry of Burma into Asean.  TN970624 OA/9CAA/149


  Border Disputes
It was confirmed yesterday that the Thai Burmese Friendship Bridge,
linking Mae Sot district and Myawaddy of Burma, is to be officially opened
in August to facilitate transport of goods and people between the two
countries.  Thai and Burmese authorities have also agreed to upgrade three
temporary checkpoints   Mae Sot Myawaddy, Mae Sai Tachilek and Ranong
Kawthaung   to be permanent checkpoints.  BP970619 OA/9J/047

Deputy Foreign Minister Pitak said the Burmese junta should end its block
on cross border trading and treat border problems and economic activities
along the Thai Burmese frontier separately.  "Myanmar won't be able to
open or close its borders as it pleases once it becomes a member of Asean.
There is certain behaviour and a code of conduct that Asean members..have
to abide by."  TN970619 OA/9J/048

Burma's unilateral decision last Thursday to close the checkpoint
bordering Tak's Mae Sot district surprised the local authorities and Gen
Mongkol.  Burma has still to explain its decision but local border
officials blame the failure to settle a dispute over the dredging of the
Moei River as the main reason.  Tak Chamber of Commerce chairman and the
House of Foreign Affairs have both criticised Burma for the two day
closure which has greatly affected trade.  They feel Burma should learn to
adapt to the new environment as its behaviour is totally unacceptable to a
civilised world.  BP970619 OA/9J/049

The local Thai Burmese Border Committee (TBC) will hold a meeting here on
Wednesday to discuss the opening of the Thai Burmese Friendship Bridge
linking Mae Sot and Burma's Myawaddy.  Apart from the Mae Sot meetings,
the Joint Boundary Committee (JBC) of the two countries will be held in
Rangoon June 30 July 3.  The JBC will take into consideration problems
remaining to be solved including border demarcation, the digging of a new
channel in the Moei river in front of a temple at Mae Sot, the deployment
of Thai and Burmese troops on both sides of the border at Doi Land
straddling Burma and Chiang Mai's Mae Ai district, and the ill defined
boundary at Hill 491 in Chumphon's Tha Sae district.  BP970622 OA/9J/050

Thailand would use the 1994 map of the disputed area on the Moei River
border with Burma in talks on the issue in Rangoon next week.  This map
was "more appropriate" because it recorded the situation before the floods
later that year.  Thai and Burmese troops almost clashed late last month
when Burmese troops began dredging the area near Wat Khok Chang Pheuak, in
what they said was a justified bid to reclaim land they said they lost
during the 1994 floods.  BP970625 OA/9J/051

Rockets were fired into Myawaddy yesterday, causing a fire but no
injuries.  Burmese soldiers in Myawaddy fired two mortar rounds at the
attackers and closed peripheral routes while villagers fled to bunkers.  A
source said Burmese authorities blamed the KNU for the attack, a claim
that was denied.  The incident took place shortly before a meeting of
senior Thai and Burmese officials on the opening of the Friendship Bridge
and the 16th Local Thai Burmese Border Committee Meeting to be held today.
BP970625 OA/12FA/036


  Miscellaneous
Translation of the poem taken from the Glass Palace Chronicle of the Kings
of Burma {Hmannanyazawin] translated by Pe Maung Tin and GH Luce.
Burmanet970620 OL/15D/002

Directory of Thai embassy locations.  More are available on
"http://www.mfa.go.th/mfascript/embassy.idc?";  Burmanet970624 OL/9C/038

Directory of Thai foreign ministry contact in Bangkok.  Burmanet970624
OL/9C/039

Amnesty Internationals May report on Thailand which expresses concern of
refoulement of refugees, the continued detention of refugees and asylum
seekers in poor conditions, sometimes amounting to cruel, inhuman or
degrading treatment.  AI OR/11AA/002