BurmaNet News: August 9, 1997

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"Appropriate Information Technologies, Practical Strategies"     
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The BurmaNet News: August 9, 1997        
Issue #793   

HEADLINES:        
========== 
BKK POST: BURMESE SCHOOLS TO REOPEN VERY LATE
SLORC: INFORMATION  SHEET  N0.A-0088
FEER: SAFE AT HOME
FEER: ASEAN FACES NEW CHALLENGES
THE NATION: PRACHUAB SETS SIGHTS FIRMLY ON WORLD STAGE 
ICEM: LABOR LEADERS URGE CLINTON ADMINISTRATION 
ALTSEAN: CHALLENGE ISSUED TO ASEAN & BURMA JUNTA
DPNS: STATEMENT ON THE 9TH ANNIVERSARY 8.8.88 UPHEAVAL
BWU: STATEMENT ON THE NINTH ANNIVERSARY
ABSDO: DECLARATION FOR A DEMOCRATIC CONSTITUTION
PROJECT MAJE/FREE BURMA: CALL FOR LETTERS TO ARCO 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------

BKK POST: BURMESE SCHOOLS TO REOPEN VERY LATE
August 8, 1997    AP

Rangoon - Burma' s military government will reopen schools next Tuesday,
more than two months after the usual start of the academic year, a school
principle said.

The government has given no reason for keeping schools shut after the
three-month hot season break, which was scheduled to end June 2.

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

SLORC: INFORMATION  SHEET  N0.A-0088
August 8, 1997

(1)             Japanese Ambassador to Myanmar H.E Mr. Yoichi Yamaguchi,
accompanied by
First Secretary of the Embassy Mr. I. Maruyama, met with Mrs. Aris at her
University Avenue residence at 2:30 pm on 8 August '97. They left after
spending nearly one hour, it is learnt.

(2)             Ms. Tiffany White, Third Secretary of the Embassy of the United
Kingdom also visited Mrs. Aris at her residence at 4 pm the same day.

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

FEER: SAFE AT HOME
August 8, 1997

Drug lords are keeping their cash in the country

By Bertil Lintner in Bangkok

Madeleine Albright has a well deserved reputation for speaking her mind.
The American secretary of state certainly didn't mince her words in late
July, when Asean welcomed Burma into the fold.

"Drug-traffickers who once spent their days leading mule trains down jungle
tracks are now leading lights in Burma' s new market economy and leading
figures in its new political order," she said. "Drug money has become so
pervasive in Burma that it taints legitimate investment and threatens the
region as a whole."

Immediately after Albright' s scathing attack, the Burmese government issued
a statement from its embassy in Ottawa, Canada: "So far, the allegations
that the government is benefiting from the drug trade remain unsubstantiated
and are being vigorously denied by the government, and recently by some
authoritative personnel of the United States Drug Enforcement Agency as well."

In reality, however, most "authoritative personnel"-and not just in the U.S.
government, but also in independent bodies across the world-tend to agree
with Albright' s assessment. And they have substantial, if circumstantial,
evidence to back their belief. In recent months, Burma experts have
identified serious discrepancies in Rangoon' s economic statistics, which
can only be explained by a massive influx of drug money into the mainstream
economy.

The arrival of this money coincides neatly with the surrender of heroin
kingpin Khun Sa to Burmese authorities in early 1996. He has since invested
a sizable chunk of his fortune in real estate and hotels, as have other
Burmese drug lords.

The statistical discrepancies highlight what economists call "errors and
omissions" in Burma' s balance of payments. By comparing Rangoon' s official
trade figures with statistics from a variety of sources-including the United
Nations Conference on Trade and Development, the International Monetary
Fund, the Australian National University and the Centre Francais du Commerce
Exterieur in Paris-the economists have discovered $400 million in
unexplained foreign financial inflows during 1995-96. That' s up from $79
million the previous year.

"This is basically money which came into the legal economy, and which was
not recorded by any of Burma' s trade partners in official import-export
statistics; in short, [it came from] smuggling," an economist studying the
issue told the REVIEW, on condition of anonymity.

There's more. Burma spends $200 million annually on foreign-currency
denominated defence expenditure-mainly imports of military hardware from
China which is not recorded in official reports. "This . . . has to be added
to the total amount of money in circulation in the national economy which
cannot be explained in terms of official trade," says the economist. "Thus,
we are talking about $600 million which can't be accounted for in fiscal
1995-96."

But why must those hundreds of millions in proceeds from smuggling
necessarily be drug money? The answer, analysts say, is that the only two
other items which Burma produces and which could generate large sums of
foreign exchange-jade and precious stones-are no longer smuggled to
neighbouring countries in large quantities.

The jade trade was previously in the hands of the ethnic Kachin rebels who
controlled the mines at Hpakan, in the far north, and most of the mines'
production was smuggled to Yunnan. But a recent visitor to the Yunnan border
town of Ruili says most of Burma' s jade is now sold in Rangoon and Mandalay
rather than acres the border. "The Burmese government'  tax is lower than
the Chinese one, so this has affected border trade," he says. "The government 
has also taken over several jade mines that used to be controlled by the 
Kachin rebels."

The same goes for gemstone mines in the northeast: Mining rights in the
region are subcontracted to private entrepreneurs by the military-controlled
Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings, which collects duties on the trade.

For its part, the government claims the production of jade and gems soared
in late 1995-official statistics show the production of rubies in October at
552,475 carats, up from just 5,355 carats in September; the jade output is
claimed to have shot up to 293,582 kilograms in January 1996, from 8,633
kilograms in December 1995. But gem dealers in Bangkok say those figures are
highly suspect.

If production of jade and gemstones did jump that high, "the markets would
have been flooded and prices would have gone down," says a Bangkok-based gem
dealer of Burmese origin.

Where, then, did the $600 million come from? Burma remains the world' s
largest producer of illicit heroin. According to U.S. government estimates,
Burma exports between $700 million and $1 billion worth of the drug annually
(see chart).

Burma-watchers say it' s no coincidence that "errors and omissions" in the
country' s trade data started swelling after 1993, when Rangoon allowed
Burmese to bring in foreign exchange and convert it at the market rate, as
opposed to the artificial, official exchange rate. "After that, more drug
money stayed in the country rather then being invested in Thailand or
China," says the economist. Indeed, many hotels, karaoke bars, restaurants,
transport companies and real-estate firms in Rangoon and Mandalay are now
owned by known drug-traffickers.

Some are quite blatant about their investments. In an interview with the
Austrian daily Die Presse on July 30, Khun Sa confirmed that he has invested
in property. He is also reported to have diversified into the hotel business
in partnership with several senior Burmese military officers. Thai
intelligence sources assert that shortly after Khun Sa' s surrender, at
least 600 million baht ($24 million) was transferred to Rangoon from various
financial institutions in Thailand alone.

A U.S. intelligence document dated November 1996 states that "freed from the
burden of feeding and caring for his huge standing army, Khun Sa can
concentrate his money and attention on drug trafficking and investing in the
legal Burmese economy."

But in some cases, the drug lords have gone too far, even by the government's 
seemingly lax standards. In 1994-95, the United Wa State Army-a former
rebel group which, like Khun Sa, has made peace with the government-invested
heavily in the Prime Commercial Bank, owned by Yunus Shamshudeen, a
Burma-born Malaysian entrepreneur.

When Shamshudeen was arrested for allegedly running a prostitution ring in
1996-by which time the bank had extended a number of dubious loans-the Wa
Army' s chief commercial officer in Rangoon, Kyaw Myint, alias Michael Hu
Hwa, wanted to take direct control of Prime Commercial Bank. Instead, the
bank was declared insolvent and closed down. "But the fact that all its
creditors were paid clearly shows that insolvency wasn't the problem," says
a Western diplomat in Rangoon. The Wa rebels "pushed their luck a bit too
far. You just can' t have drug lords running their own banks." Not yet, anyway.

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

FEER: ASEAN FACES NEW CHALLENGES
August 8, 1997

Asean celebrated its 30th birthday by expanding its membership and assuming
new responsibilities. By accepting Burma as a member despite Western
opposition, Asean in effect accepted the responsibility to try to bring
change to that country. At the same time, Asean was entrusted by the
international community to return peace to Cambodia, the one Southeast Asian
country that is still outside the Asean fold.

The now nine-member organization therefore has the task of helping to
resolve the two knottiest issues in Southeast Asia. It took a calculated
risk by accepting Burma and now the rest of the world will wait to see if
the move ends up with egg on Asean' s face or add another feather in its cap .

As one Southeast Asian diplomat said: "Asean is a blue-chip organization. it
took 30 years to build this reputation. But our blue-chip reputation can be
undermined if we endorse someone like Idi Amin."

Asean refused to endorse Cambodia' s Hun Sen, at least for now. But it did
accept Burma under Slorc, the military dominated State Law and Order
Restoration Council, which potentially puts at risk Asean' s blue-chip
reputation.

But Myanmar, or Burma as it is known to the Western world, may not cooperate
with efforts to institute reforms. Its foreign minister, Ohn Gyaw, refused
during discussions in Kuala Lumpur to acknowledge any urgent need for
political reforms, and insisted that work was proceeding on the drafting of
a new constitution, a process that has already been going on for five years,
and shows little sign of ending.

If Burma should undertake another crackdown on Aung San Suu Kyi and her
followers, Asean' s reputation could well be tainted.

Still, the United States, despite its open aversion for the regime in
Rangoon, has accepted Asean' s decision to accept Burma as a member. And the
U.S. is very likely not entirely displeased by the opportunity to be able to
deal with the Burmese leadership face to face. After all, it is one thing to
issue statements in Washington; it is quite another to sit in the same room
as Ohn Gyaw and give him a piece of your mind.

The admission of Burma and Laos this year, like that of Vietnam two years
ago, is another step towards the 10-member association envisaged by Asean' s
founders three decades ago. But the organization' s expansion also has the
practical effect of increasing the clout of Asean, political and economic,
since it now has a total population of almost half a billion people.

Geopolitical factors also need to be taken into account. A Burma outside
Asean is a Burma that will, most probably, be drawn into China' s orbit.
This won' t be in Southeast Asia' s interest. And, in all likelihood, it
will precipitate d of Sino-Indian rival .

The challenge posed by Cambodia is also grave. Hun Sen has formally
requested Asean assistance, and the international community has in effect
agreed to stay out for the time being to see what Asean can do. If Asean
manages to bring about visible progress, that will enhance its reputation as
a peacemaker. But if Asean should fumble, then it might put at risk the
credibility of its strategy of non-interference.

As it is, this policy is undergoing subtle changes. Malaysia' s foreign
minister, Abdullah Badawi, said at a press conference after the annual
meeting of the Asean Regional Forum on July 27 that if Asean was invited to
play a role in a country' s internal affairs by that country, then there is
no interference. In the coming weeks and months, Asean will be testing the
parameters of its policy of "intervention with approval," which has replaced
the old policy of non-intervention.

Asean' s influence is clearly expanding well beyond Southeast Asia. The U.S.
has formally asked Asean to be involved in the peace process on the Korean
peninsula, by requesting a financial contribution of $10 million to Kedo,
the Korean Peninsula Energy Development Organization. In another
acknowledgement of the influence of Asean or rather of ARF, set up under
Asean auspices four years ago, the Russian Federation suggested that North
Korea be included in the annual ARF discussions.

The progress made by ARF is reflected in the organization' s decision to
widen its activities. For the last four years, it has focused on what it
calls confidence-building measures, aimed at making countries more
comfortable with one another. Now, ARF will move on to the next stage, that
of preventive diplomacy.

Asean has much to be proud of in its first 30 years. But now, before the
year runs out, it must decide what it wants to do in the next 30 years for
the group to remain relevant, and to play a leader-ship role, in a changing
world. 

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

THE NATION: PRACHUAB SETS SIGHTS FIRMLY ON WORLD STAGE 
August 8, 1997     (excerpts)
by Don Pathan, The Nation

THE Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) has come a long way in 30
years ago, but if Foreign Minister Prachuab Chaiyasan has his way, it will
be elevated to new heights and redefine its place in the world community.

With regard to Burma, Prachuab said it was not within Asean' s mandate to
defend Rangoon' s record. "Our job is to establish a link between Burma and
the rest of the world. We are not lawyers representing Burma and we are not
here to defend its policies or activities."

Asean' s policy on Burma must produce concrete results. "It can no longer
just be constructive. It has to be comprehensive engagement and a policy
that produces results - be it relating to settlement of the border issue or
other matters," he said.

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

ICEM: LABOR LEADERS URGE CLINTON ADMINISTRATION TO
VIGOROUSLY DEFEND MASSACHUSETTS LAW ON BURMA
August 7, 1997

 Kenneth S. Zinn
 International Federation of Chemical, Energy, Mine and General Workers'
Unions

The following press release was issued today by the International
Federation of Chemical, Energy, Mine and General Workers' Unions (ICEM),
815 - 16th
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006.
For further information contact: Kenneth S. Zinn
at (202)842-7892.

            Labor Leaders Urge Clinton Administration
        to "Vigorously Defend" Massachusetts Law on Burma

 For Immediate Release

 WASHINGTON, D.C., Aug. 7-- The presidents of eleven unions, representing
more than 3.8 million workers, urged the Clinton Administration today to
"vigorously defend" a Massachusetts state law restricting purchases from
companies doing business in Burma.  The appeal came in a letter sent to U.S. 
Trade Representative Charlene Barshefsky who is in negotiations with the 
European Union and Japan over the Massachusetts law.

      The labor leaders, most of whose unions are affiliated to the
International Federation of  Chemical  Energy, Mine and General Workers'
Unions (ICEM), urged Barshefsky "to remain resolute in protecting the right
of state, county and municipal governments in the United
States to make such purchasing decisions."

      "Multinational corporations doing business in Burma have provided
support and sustenance to the dictatorship," the union leaders wrote, "and
because of this, Nobel peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi and the Burmese
opposition National League for Democracy have asked that foreign companies
disinvest from Burma.

      "Particularly complicit have been several multinational oil
companies, including the U.S.-based Unocal, ARCO and Texaco and the
French-based Total," they wrote.  "These companies continue to  prop up the
military  regime by providing it with large amounts of desperately needed
hard currency."

      Massachusetts and eleven local governments have passed laws
restricting government  contracts with  multinational corporations doing
business in Burma.  The City of New York  became  the latest locality to
pass such a law on May 30, 1997.  The European Union and Japan  have
challenged these laws, saying they violate World Trade Organization
restrictions.

      "This dispute between the U.S. and the European Union and Japan is
important for two main reasons," said Kenneth S. Zinn, ICEM North American
Regional Coordinator.  "The complaint by the E.U. and the Japanese
government threatens to weaken the growing international pressure on the
illegal military dictatorship in Burma, and it directly challenges the
right of American citizens to decide where and how
they choose to spend their tax dollars."

      "If the people of Massachusetts don't want their tax dollars spent on
buying products from companies complicit in torture and repression, that's
their right," said Zinn.

      The following union presidents signed the letter: Lawrence Bankowski,
President of the  American Flint Glass Workers Union; Douglas H. Dority,
President of the United Food and  Commercial Workers International  Union;
Edward L. Fire, President of the International Union of Electronic,
Electrical, Salaried, Machine and Furniture Workers; Frank Hanley,
President of the International Union of Operating Engineers; Charles W.
Jones, President of the International  Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron
Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers and
Helpers; Jay Mazur, President of the Union of Needletrades, Industrial and
Textile Employees; Cecil E. Roberts,  President of the United Mine Workers
of America; Andrew L. Stern, President of the Service Employees
International Union; Robert E. Wages, President of the Oil, Chemical and
Atomic Workers International Union; Donald Wightman, President of the
Utility Workers Union of America; and Boyd D. Young, President of the
United Paperworkers International Union.

      The ICEM unites 20 million workers in 113 countries in the energy,
chemicals, mining and quarrying, paper and pulp; rubber, cement, ceramics,
glass, and environmental services industries.

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

ALTSEAN: CHALLENGE ISSUED TO ASEAN & BURMA JUNTA
August 8, 1997

A L T S E A N - B U R M A
ALTERNATIVE ASEAN NETWORK ON BURMA
*tel: [662] 275 1811/693 4515 *fax: [662] 693 4515
*e-mail: altsean@xxxxxxxxxx

The August 8 Joint Committee
[Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA)
Alternative Asean Network on Burma (ALTSEAN-BURMA)
Thai Action Committee for Democracy in Burma
Campaign for Popular Democracy
Amnesty International - Thailand]

MEDIA RELEASE:
CHALLENGE ISSUED TO ASEAN & BURMA JUNTA

BANGKOK, Fri.: A network of more than 40 organisations in Asean member
states has challenged the regional grouping to prove that its commitment to
peace, freedom and human rights goes beyond lip service and the contents of
its documents.

A joint statement by the network also challenged Asean's newest member,
Burma's State Law and Order Restoration Council regime to cooperate with
Asean and the Asean Regional Forum by promptly commencing dialogue with the
democracy movement led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the ethnic nationality
groups. The statement was issued to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the
formation of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and the 9th
anniversary of the popular uprising in Burma.

The statement expressed deep disappointment that the Asean had betrayed
itself by failing to maintain and meaningfully work towards the achievement
of the aims and principles contained in the Bangkok Declaration of August 8,
1967. It challenged Asean and its dialogue partners to implement a
co-ordinated and comprehensive strategy to ensure the prompt cessation of
human rights violations and the restoration of democracy in Burma.

The statement condemned the Association for favouring the principle of
"non-interference in the internal affairs of one another" over its own key
aims as "a betrayal of the spirit of the Association as well as the
aspirations of the peoples of Southeast Asia".

"We note that the failure of Asean and its member states in this regard has
led to widespread human sufferings and human rights violations in
significant sections of the region," declared the statement. In an apparent
response to recent discussion originating within Asean to review the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the statement pledged its "strongest
commitment to uphold the indivisibility and universality of human rights".

The statement signed by Mr Somchai Homlaor [Asian Forum for Human Rights and
Development (FORUM-ASIA], Ms Laddawan Tantivitayapitak (Thai Action
Committee for Democracy in Burma) and Ms Debbie Stothard [Alternative Asean
Network on Burma (ALTSEAN-BURMA)], was delivered to the Burmese Embassy in
Sathorn Nua Road during a protest this morning. Copies were delivered by
courier to other Asean diplomatic missions.

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO OBTAIN FULL TEXT OF THE STATEMENT
PLEASE CALL 66 2 275 1811 / 693 4515 or email <altsean@xxxxxxxxxx>

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

DPNS: STATEMENT ON THE 9TH ANNIVERSARY 8.8.88 UPHEAVAL
August 8, 1997

	On this day, the historical upheaval started from 8th August 1988 has been
reached the 9th anniversary.  In other words, it is the 9th anniversary of
the people's struggle to liberate ourselves from one party tyranny.

	This upheaval could topple the three successive presidents of one party
tyranny.  Could cease and abolish the centralized planed economy.  Could
push our country on the path leading to the multi-party democracy.  We
hereby place record the glory and virtues of all fallen martyrs who
sacrificed their lives in this struggle.

	Though we achieved some fruitful results from this upheaval, we could not
have reached yet the final victory.  The military dictators are still
struggling for enhancing and strengthening their power, still oppressing and
persecuting all democratic institutions and ethnic forces, still waging the
inextinguishable civil war.  All of these proved we are still far away from
the final victory.

	Though the people could cease and abolish the centralized planned economy,
they could not enjoy the benefits from open market economy.  Only the SLORC
and its fistful of cohorts could enjoy the benefits of market economy.  The
people are still suffering from the hyperinflation of consumer prices,
forced labour, forced evacuation and all sorts of human rights violation.
It could be vividly seen we are in the dire situation of general crisis in
health, 
education and all social sectors.  We are also facing the deprivation of
national 
cultural heritage and national pride and dignity.

	Throughout these nine years, oppression and persecution of military
dictatorship exacerbate the people sufferings.  The military dictators
ignore and stubbornly refuse the frequent requests and petitions of
democratic organizations and revolutionary forces to resolve the current
crisis through peaceful means.  Moreover they still ignore the pressure put
by United Nation and the family of nations.

	We firmly believe the historical task-to strive for releasing all political
prisoners including student leader Min Ko Naing, detained monks and
relieving the suffering of people from poverty- devolved upon us.  We
consistently and unswervingly believe final victory is ours in the struggle
of oppressors vs oppressed.  On this occasions of 9th anniversary 8.8.88
upheaval, we solemnly and determine to carry on our struggle until the final
victory by grasping the indispensable and essential unity among our forces
under the true guidance and revolutionary outlook.  All people unite for the
freedom of all.

Central Committee
Democratic Party for a New Society

Dated 8th August, 1997

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

BWU: STATEMENT ON THE NINTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE 
AUSPICIOUS 8-8-88 UPRISING
August 8, 1997

Statement of the Burmese Women Union
on the Ninth Anniversary of the auspicious 8-8-88 uprising
August 8, 1997

On this day of the ninth anniversary of the auspicious 8-8-88 uprising in
Burma, we, the Burmese Women Union, would like to give our deepest honor
to all women who have sacrificed their lives and those who are still
struggling under the disproportionately oppressive conditions to restore
peace and democracy for the sake of their sons and daughters of the future.

The voices of women for peace and freedom have always been loud and clear.
It was in the very delicate balance at the height of 8-8-88 uprising, the
avalanche of people's power was instigated by a huge rally of housewives
who protested the military government for their rights and showed that the
silent majority was not tolerated for injustice.  Again, it was the voice
of a woman, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi who had calmed the highly volatile
situations in 1988 and since then, steered the democracy movement into a
kind of peaceful, non-violent and moral struggle against the dictatorship.
These women have acted simply in their own capacity, hand in hand with
their men, to secure a better future for their families and communities.
Here, we salute them for their true bravery and selflessness.

Looking at the current situation of Burma in general and the situation of
Burmese women in particular, we wish to express the following concerns:

- the ongoing political and military conflicts that destroyed families and
communities and the rising tendencies toward militarization in all
conflicts;

- the continuation of oppression against the women in the context of
social, economic and marital development;

- the failure of open door economy that drove many young women into
prostitution in stead of empowering them;

- the repressive nature of development process that uses slave labor of
women and children in the projects benefiting only to the military
dictatorship;

- the rampant violations of human rights against women and the continued
detention of female activists, students and politicians who are also
subject to all kinds of mistreatment.

In the light of these concerns, we pledge to work together with other
organizations and individuals to the goal of peace and freedom in Burma
particularly on the following demands:

- the release of all political prisoners including the female detainees
and the immediate cessation of all practices of mistreatment against
female prisoners;

- the termination of forced labor especially of women and children;

- the protection of young women from prostitution, particularly from sex
slavery;

- the elimination of all kinds of discrimination including gender biases
in all spheres of life;

- the holding of national dialogue to search a peaceful solution to the
common problems of Burma.

Burmese Women Union

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

ABSDO: DECLARATION FOR A DEMOCRATIC CONSTITUTION
August 7, 1997  (All Burma Students Democratic Organization, Australia)

OUR  DECLARATION  FOR  PROMULGATION  OF  A  DEMOCRATIC  
CONSTITUTION IN  BURMA

The State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) of Burma has
publicised a directive designated as (13/92) on October 2,1992, and
embarked on a course of action to convene a gathering dubbed 'The
National Convention' with an aim to promulgate a 'constitution'.

The SLORC has used strong-arm tactics in the said convention with the
motive of perpetual subjugation of Burma. An explosive constitutional
crisis has been engineered in place with an avenue for the armed forces
to intervene in the politics of the country.

As in such a scenario, we would sincerely like to present our view on
the promulgation of a democratic constitution for the future of our
country based on the experiences of the past nine years.

The Right to Promulgate the Constitution

The SLORC has ignored the will of the people as shown in the polls under
its auspices in May 1990. The elected people's representatives of the
winning party, the National League for Democracy led by Do Aung San Suu
Kyi (1991 Nobel peace Laureate) have the right and responsibility of
creating the democratic constitution for future Burma.

The State of the Country and the Obligation of the Citizenry

The civil war in the country is still raging since the declaration of
the country's Independence a culmination stemmed from the controversial 
constitution. The solution to this problem plays a vital role in the
promulgation 
of a democratic constitution.  Burma's patriots and political aspirants have
the obligation to decide and undertake their respective roles, taking
due consideration and into account the bitter rigours and traumas of the
civil war itself.

The Civil War

Today, Burma has adequately endured the stresses and pains of the
bitterness and trauma of the civil war, irrespective of ethnic or
political reasons given. The controversial constitution and the
embryonic state of democracy then in Burma after the independence, has
largely offered an unobstructed avenue for the armed forces to dictate
and dabble in the country' politics. Hence, Burma came under the mercy
of the manipulative power of the armed affiliations and its fate
subjected to superiority on armed might, as a result of the civil war.

Military Dictatorships

Military dictatorships will exist as long as they are given an
opportunity to hold monopoly on the use of arms to solve the issues.
Controversies in the constitution fan the civil war blaze which erupted
in the emergence of the privileged military dictatorships, which
monopolise the arms and use the hardware as force in the issues, citing
the stability of the union as the cause.

The SLORC military dictatorship is one of the primary culprits in
ridding Burma's politics with the scars of the civil war and it is in
constant vigilance to escalate the civil war for power.

SLORC's Antics

The SLORC is bent on solving Burma's political issues by armed might, as
befitting a military dictatorship clique, rather than via a constructive
dialogue.

1. It has denied all offers of negotiating in solving Burma's political
woes politically.
2. It has entered into cease- fires with armed ethnic minorities- only a
ploy- to create an armed-alert peace hiatus, in its favour.
3. Using force, the SLORC is promulgating a constitution with an aim to
establish an idiosyncrasy Parliamentary Militarism.

The Will of Burma's Citizenry

The most violent eruptions to dislodge the military dictatorship and
show of pro-democracy aspirations occurred in 1988, which were reflected
again in the constitution promulgation headed by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.
Despite being burdened and pressured by the survival and facts of life
under the military, the people' desires to dislodge the military
dictatorship are ever ingrained in their heart and always at a readiness
to follow a genuine cause and viable leadership.

Internal Democratic Forces Led By Daw Aung San Suu Kyi

1. The National League for Democracy Party led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi
has opposed and boycotted the SLORC manipulated and unnatural
constitution promulgating National Convention.
2. NLD led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has called for a convention in the
vein of a parliament,  participated by the elected representatives that
will lead to the promulgation of a constitution, to address Burma's
issues in a natural and realistic light.
3. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi-led NLD has lectured and distributed the
essential of democracy in the midst of the people to enhance their
democratic awareness and general knowledge and led the people on the
road to civil disobedience, in the face of unjust laws and decrees.

The National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma (NCGUB) and the
Democratic Alliance of Burma (DAB)

The view of the majority of the ethnic minorities, before and after
entering into the SLORC's armed-alert peace hiatus sham cease-fires, is
on par with the SLORC- promulgation of a constitution for
self-determination only.

1. The Constitutional Seminar was held in Manerplaw on October 12-20,
1995.
2. The National League for Democracy (Liberated Area), NCGUB, DAB and
NDF have put their signatures in consensus at Manerplaw to the basic
principles to be included in promulgating a constitution in future.

In the pact, there is no mention of specific number of territories in
the union and the structure, but there is definite mention of a
resolution to establish armed contingents in all respective states and
territories in the union.

OUR VIEW

We earnestly profess the view that it is essential to put in place a
democratic constitution in our future Burma, as per our experiences of
the past 9 years, that we have strived unceasingly for Burma's democracy
and human rights. We firmly believe that, this democratic constitution is
the only answer to the above mentioned traumas of the civil war in
Burma, the stability of the union and the drive to oblivion of the
military dictatorship in Burma.

The National Convention - SLORC's constitution promulgating body - is
the military dictatorship's principal tool for fathomless perpetual
dictatorial hold on Burma. The publication of the decree dubbed " the
law to protect opposition and successful convening of the National
Convention " a directive numbered (5/95) testified to SLORC's apparent
intention to use force to achieve its objectives.

In section (2) Clause (C) and (D) warning to refrain from criticising
the National Convention held by SLORC and mentioning of its sole right
to convene the gathering, bared its egoistic attitude. In other words,
it ushers in the introduction of the armed forces' monopoly on Burma' s
political landscape and the military's peremptory rule.

As such,

1.  We profess the NLD boycott of SLORC's constitutional convention as
the will of the entire populace of Burma.
2.  We fully support the right of the elected representatives of the
people, to promulgate the democratic constitution of future Burma.
3.  We earnestly urge the democratic affiliations, inside and overseas,
and all democracies world - wide to welcome, cooperate and collude in
the endeavours led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, in a bid to promulgate a
democratic constitution, as a historical obligation for freedom and
democracy.

Demise of military dictatorship in Burma is ......... PRIMARY

Democratic cause in Burma is ............................... VITAL

Democratic constitution in Burma is ................... FUNDAMENTAL

Central  Executive  Committee
All  Burma  Students'  Democratic  Organisation  (ABSDO)
Australia.

Date.  August  1 ,  1997 .

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PROJECT MAJE/FREE BURMA: CALL FOR LETTERS TO ARCO 
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
August 7, 1997

 Please, as soon as you can, send a firm but polite letter to these seven
 board members of ARCO, one of the three US companies remaining in
 Burma. ARCO has the smallest Burma investment so far (still millions of
 dollars paid to SLORC), but needs to be convinced as soon as possible to
 comply with the intent of US sanctions and withdraw. Please send the
following influential board members a note asking them to support ARCO's
withdrawal from Burma because leaving would:

 -- improve ARCO's public image
 -- save ARCO from lawsuits and boycotts
 -- agree with the wishes of Aung San Suu Kyi and Burma's democracy
 movement

 Tell the board members that you will boycott ARCO service stations and
 mini-marts until the company leaves Burma.
         With your note, enclose a magazine picture, photo or drawing of a
 child/children. They can be Asian or American children, even your own. On
 the back or front, write a message telling them "Business with the heroin
 dealing generals of Burma affects children everywhere." If your children
 would like to write a letter or send a drawing to the board members,
 encourage them to do so.

 selected board members for letters:
 Mr. Frank D. Boren, President, Sustainable Conservation, 45 Belden Place,
 3rd fl., San Francisco CA 94104.

 Mr. John Gavin, President, Gamma International, 550 S. Hope St., suite
 1950, Los Angeles CA 90071.

 Dr. Hanna H. Gray, President Emeritus, University of Chicago, 5801 S.
 Ellis, Chicago IL 60637.

 Mr. David T. McLaughlin, CEO, The Aspen Institute, PO Box 222, Carmichael
 Rd., Queenstown MD 21658.

 President John B. Slaughter, Occidental College, 1600 Campus Rd., Los
 Angeles CA 90041.

 Ms. Marie L.Knowles, Vice President, ARCO, 515 South Flower St., Los
 Angeles CA 90071.

 Mr. William Wade, Vice President, ARCO, 515 Flower St., Los Angles CA
90071.

 Regional affinities:
 southern California -- ARCO executives Bowlin, Cook, Fernandes, Knowles,
Wade; other board members Gavin, Hawley, Kresa, Slaughter.
 northern California -- Boren (San Francisco).
 . midwest -- Gray (Chicago).east coast -- McLaughlin (Maryland --
Washington DC area), Wendt  (Philadelphia).

 Academic affinities: Stanford (Gavin, graduate); U of Chicago (Gray,
 ex-president, professor); UC Berkeley (Hawley, graduate); Dartmouth
 (McLaughlin, ex-president, graduate); U of Maryland (Slaughter, ex
 Chancellor); Occidental (Slaughter, President), Princeton (Wendt, graduate).

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SLORC: INFORMATION SHEET NO. A-0085(I)
August 7, 1997

1.     Regional Development of Kachin State Special Region-2 Coordinated

Chairman of Work Committee for Development of Border Areas and National
Races Secretary-1 of the State Law and Order Restoration Council Lt.Gen. Khin
Nyunt attended a coordination meeting on regional development between members
of Work Committee and a group led by U Zaw Mai, leader of Kachin State Region-2.

                U Zaw Mai reported on condition of border areas and
undertaking for
development. Other leaders from the region also reported on establishment of
collective villages, building of irrigation networks, reclamation of land,
construction of roads and bridges and requirements on health, education,
economic activities.

                The Secretary -1, in conclusion, pointed out he would
fulfill the
requirements after coordination with the ministries concerned and some
matters of finance and policy are to be undertaken at the appropriate time.
He also said plans are being laid down and implemented for development of 17
regions in border areas and the government has been making equal arrangements
for development without showing bias to any region and group, it is learnt.

2.              Myanmar Delegation To Attend Kunming Trade Fair '97

                Myanmar delegation led by Minister for commerce Lt. Gen. Tun
Kyi left
Yangon to attend Kunming Trade Fair '97 at the invitation of the Ministry of
External Trade and Economic Cooperation of the People's Republic of China and
the governor of Yunan Province.

3.              Officials discuss Myanmar-Thai Joint narcotic drugs control
program

                Myanmar and Thai officials this morning sought means to
reduce use of
narcotic drugs and to control HIV/AIDS on Myanmar-Thai border.

                They exchanged views on laying down of plans and strategies
and conducting
joint operations in implementing projects at Kyaington and Tachileik regions
in Myanmar and Chiang Mai and Maesai regions in Thailand.

                Joint Secretary Police Col. Ngwe Soe Tun of Contract
Committee for Drug
Abuse Control, Deputy General-Secretary of ONCB of Thailand Mr Narong
Suwanapiam, Director of Bangkok-based ESCAP office Mr. Edward Vanroy and
heads of Yangon and Bangkok UNDCP offices spoke.  The meeting, at the Central 
Hotel continues on 7 August.

Office Calls in Yangon on 6 August 1997

(a)             Secretary-1 of State Law and Order Restoration Council Lt.
Gen. Khin
Nyunt received Vice-Chairman Mr Sugiharto of the Inter-Parliament of
AIPO/ASEAN, ASPAS BKSAP of the House of Representatives of Indonesia, and
party at Dagon Yeiktha of the Ministry of Defence in the morning.

(b)             Secretary-1 of the State Law and Order Restoration Council
Lt. Gen.
Khin Nyunt  received Member of the House of Representatives of Japan Mr.
Shingo Nishimura and party at Dagon Yeiktha of the Ministry of Defence at 5
pm.

(c)             Secretary of Myanmar Investment Commission, Minister at the
office of
Deputy Prime Minister Brig. Gen. Maung Maung received legal expert Mr. Wong
Meng Meng of Wong Partnership of Singapore and party at the Commission Office.

(d)             Chairman Mr. Gen. Koh Bang of Garnad Media Sdn Bhd, Kuala Lampur
Malaysia, and party called on Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee
Mayor U Ko Lay at his office.
                Afterwards, the guest, together with the mayor toured the
30th ASEAN
Founding Anniversary Commemorative Exhibition being displayed at the city hall.

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