The BurmaNet News: October 20, 1998

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------------------------ BurmaNet ------------------------
 "Appropriate Information Technologies, Practical Strategies"
----------------------------------------------------------

The BurmaNet News: October 20, 1998
Issue #1121

Noted in Passing: "Maybe they are even more afraid than we are" 
- Rangoon taxi driver, referring to the military officers (see BBC: GROWING
ANGER IN BURMA)

HEADLINES:
==========
NCUB: JUNTA FORCES PEOPLE TO ATTEND RALLIES
NLD: THE RIGHT TO HOLD PUBLIC MEETINGS 
NLD: VIOLATIONS OF THE LAW 
BBC: GROWING ANGER IN BURMA 
MIC: PRIVATE SECTOR SOON TO HAVE INTERNET ACCESS 
AFP: MYANMAR JUNTA SLAMS BRITAIN'S SANCTIONS THREAT 
AFP: THAI POLICE FEAR INFLUX OF CHEAP ECSTASY 
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NCUB: JUNTA FORCING PEOPLE TO ATTEND PRO-MILITARY MASS RALLIES 
17 October, 1998 

The NCUB condemns the junta for forcing people to attend pro-military mass
rallies

The National Council of the Union of Burma (NCUB) strongly denounces the
Burmese ruling junta for forcing people to attend pro-military mass rallies
in different parts of Burma since the end of September 1998. The NCUB
believes that such rallies do not represent the real desire of the people
of Burma, as according to witnesses, the people are pressured by the junta
to attend these rallies and to say whatever the Military Intelligence has
prepared for them.

"The entire population, including military personnel have expressed their
lack of support to continued military rule by voting for the National
League for Democracy (NLD), led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, during the 1990
May elections," a spokesman of the NCUB said. "People of Burma are
disturbed by this forced attendance at these rallies, and they worry that
this will instigate communal tensions and hatred among the general public
through the common practice of the junta in using their 'divide and rule'
policy," he added.

"The SPDC has been organising such rallies in order to attempt to nullify
the 1990 election results and dismantle the election's winning party, the
NLD. This is an attempt to enable the SPDC to ignore the NLD's call for the
convention of the parliament," the NCUB spokesman stated. He said that such
attempts will not solve the country's deteriorating economic and political
situation, but rather will escalate the crisis.  Furthermore, the NCUB
spokesman called for the junta to hold a tri-partite dialogue with the NLD
and the ethnic groups for the sake of the whole country.

"The military demanded the respective regions, cities, and townships as
well as different organisations to provide a certain number of people to
attend the rallies" a resident in Rangoon said. "In the past, for those who
refused to attend such rallies, action was taken against them. For
instance, many professionals had their licenses to practice their
respective professions revoked after refusing to attend these rallies," he
added.

A Mandalay resident who is close to the military said that the general
public, including some military officials, are frustrated with the
aggression expressed both in verbal and facial expressions used by the
junta at the rallies. Moreover, the feeling is that this type of aggressive
behavior practiced by the Military Intelligence is offensive to the people,
who, being mostly Buddhists, are by nature polite and reserved.  Many
people have expressed the view that this behavior is very undignified and
rude." At the September 26 rally held in Mandalay, a female doctor was
scolded by the Central Divisional Commander Maj. Gen. Ye Myint, as she did
not read her speech in the harsh and aggressive tone she had been prompted
to at the rehearsal," he added.

The NCUB calls on the people of Burma not to attend such rallies if
possible. However if the people are not in a position to refuse, we request
them not to clap their hands but keep their silence in respect for our
national dignity and in order to oppose such a harsh military treatment. In
June 1996, the junta organised similar forced rallies in different parts of
Burma in order to show seeming public support of military rule and
opposition to the pro-democracy forces and the ethnic groups that have not
yet signed a cease-fire, whom they call "destructive elements" and "common
enemy of the state." 

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NLD: STATEMENT 86 (10/98) - THE RIGHT TO HOLD PUBLIC MEETINGS
14 October, 1998 

National League for Democracy, No: (97/b) West Shwegondine Road, Bahan,
Rangoon

Contents of the letter written to the Chairman of the State Peace and
Development Council by the Chairman of the National League for Democracy is
reproduced for information.

(F) " Subject- In the matter of the holding of a public meeting

1. The authorities that have assumed state power claimed that they would
restore and build a new and advanced democratic, stable and united nation
for which they are accountable.

2.  It is now more than eight years since the holding of the multi-party
general elections and the authorities have not only failed to convene
parliament, but have arrested and placed in custody most of the NLD
parliamentarians-elect, NLD organising committee members from the States,
Divisions, Townships, Villages and Wards, and ordinary NLD members.

3. Recently, the authorities have been compelling welfare organisations,
trading organisations, professional organisations, academic organisations,
students and other organisations involving government servants to hold
so-called "Meetings to display the peoples' wishes." They have been coerced
to attend these meetings where speeches and resolutions have had to be made
and taken as instructed by the authorities. Using and manipulating these
organisations for political ends is improper and is a deliberate ploy by
the authorities to confuse the political issues.

4. The National League for Democracy is a legally registered political
party and has the confidence of the people by having gained 82 percent of
the seats in the parliamentary general elections. Therefore, we claim the
right to hold a public meeting to inform and reveal to the people about
what is happening in the country today." (END)

The Central Executive Committee National League for Democracy
Rangoon 14 October 1998 

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NLD: STATEMENT 87 (10/98) - VIOLATIONS OF THE LAW 
15 October, 1998 

National League for Democracy, No: (97/b) West Shwegondine Road, Bahan,
Rangoon

Contents of the letter dated 14 October 1998 from the Chairman of the
National League for Democracy to the Chairman of the State Peace and
Development Council are reproduced below for information.

(f) " Subject- Violations of law

1. The State Law and Order Restoration Council (now the State Peace and
Development Council) which proclaimed that it would "restore law and order
and peace and tranquillity to the country" has been and is violating
Section 503 of the Penal Code which provides that "a person is guilty of
criminal intimidation if he threatens to cause harm to the body or the
character or property of another person or harm to the body, character of
property of any other person in whom that person has an interest in order
that the person so threatened perform or act as directed, or perform an act
forbidden by law to avoid the threat against him from being carried out".

2. Instances of such violations are

  (a) The parliamentarians-elect of the NLD and other political parties,
members of the NLD organising committees, and  other ordinary members have
been illegally arrested and imprisoned. But the facts have been distorted
by the military strategic department for international consumption and they
have published that "a great number of NLD members have been invited to the
government guest house to give their views as to how parliament can be
convened without a constitution and to present them with the government's
position on the matter."  Please refer to our Statement 71(9/98) dated 23
September 1998. [see The BurmaNet News, 2 October, 1998 Issue #1109.]

  (b) The truth is that this is a manoeuvre with criminal intent and by use
of criminal intimidation to abrogate the authority given voluntarily and
freely by the NLD members and parliamentarians-elect to the Central
Executive Committee to represent them and to act on their behalf. Our
information is that those individuals of the NLD who have refused to be
intimidated are now being dispatched to the Insein jail.

3. Signatures, statements or letters from some NLD members (invitees)
indicating that they revoke their power of attorney, or that they resign
from their positions as parliamentarians-elect, or that they will not be
attending the parliament that will be convened by the NLD have been
obtained under duress by the authorities and if these are published or if
reference is made to them in any publication, they will be tainted and the
military intelligence service that is acting on behalf of the government
will be held liable to prosecution for criminal intimidation which is
punishable by 2 years imprisonment, or with fine or with both under the
existing law.

4. Since the 27 May 1998, NLD parliamentarians-elect and members have been
forced to sign bonds restricting their movements under 1961 Habitual
Criminal Offenders Act Section 5(1). This is an outright affront to their
reputation and insult to their esteemed positions in society. But it has
cast a greater slur on the reputation of the authorities who have exceeded
the limits of their jurisdiction in the enforcement of their illegal
activities.

5. Those who have resisted the authorities by refusing to sign documents
presented to them have had to face illegal action under the 1950 Emergency
Provisions Law Section 5(a). Because they will not act as directed by the
authorities, they now face imprisonment.

6. As mentioned above, it is clear that the authorities have contravened
the provisions of the Penal Code. Obtaining consent through "criminal
intimidation," "force," "duress," "illegal use of authorities," "false
representation," "misrepresentation," "mistake" are ingredients that cause
consent to be void. We wish to inform you that consent given without the
free will of the person is no consent at all. Moreover, using every devise
to make parliamentarians resign from their positions is illegal. Only when
parliament is convened, a parliamentarian can present his letter of
resignation to the Speaker of House and his resignation has to be approved
by the House." END

The Central Executive Committee National League for Democracy
Rangoon 15 October 1998 

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BBC: GROWING ANGER IN BURMA 
19 October, 1998 by Irene Slegt

EAST ASIA TODAY

Burmese people are increasingly frustrated with the government

Burma has been a military dictatorship for thirty-six years. Generations of
student activists have struggled for democracy, but every time the military
has managed to keep the country in its iron grip. The habit of fear runs
deep in Burmese society. Fearing student protests, the authorities have
closed the universities. But despite such measures the students have
continued their protests. In this weeks postcard Irene Slegt describes a
night in Rangoon:

It's ten o' clock at night and the streets are dark and quiet. Only the
luxury hotels form bright beacons in the darkness, desperately hiding the
fact they are as good as empty. In a city with a population of over five
million, it feels almost like a curfew. On a road beside the compound
housing the Ministry of War -- a huge expanse covering several hectares at
the foot of Burma's holiest Buddhist shrine, the Shwedagon Pagoda -- road
blocks force us to slow down. Under the orange glow of street lights, which
do work here, huddle heavily armed soldiers. In the dark red wall behind
them holes for snipers to shoot through are carved out. It's anybody's
guess how many soldiers are behind.

Since 1996, most senior army officers and their families have moved into
the compound. "They are afraid to live among the people," my driver said,
and grinned as if their fear gives him some satisfaction. Then he added
philosophically, "Maybe they are even more afraid than we are."

The city was awash with rumours. Word had spread quickly that the students
were protesting again and people had heard voices in the night calling "We
want education.  We want democracy.  Help us."

We were on the way to the university campus where hundreds of students,
including my driver's son and his friends, had been protesting for several
days. But the university was surrounded by soldiers and riot police and it
was impossible to get close. We tried to listen for songs and protest
slogans but the night remained silent but for the chirping of the crickets.
It was not a place to linger. The police were on the lookout for curious
passers-by, especially foreigners with cameras. My driver was worried about
his son. But at the same time he was proud. "Students" he said, "are the
ones who have to show courage, it's their moral role."  But will their
courage win over people who have lived in fear for so many years?

Fear is deeply embedded in Burmese society. The opposition leader Aung San
Suu Kyi says it's one of the big problems in Burma, adding that "when
people who are armed to the teeth are afraid you can imagine how fearful
ordinary people are. But the people in Burma are growing more and more
angry. Angry that there is not enough to eat in a country known for its
abundance. Angry that there are only a few hours electricity a day. Angry
that they are lied to by a regime that's filling its own pockets and
doesn't care for the people"

"Fear mixed with anger is a potent mixture," said a Burmese religious
leader. He spoke of an explosion to come, which could be ignited by any
spark. Burmese people have long been brave, long been afraid, but rarely
have they been as angry as now. And bottled up anger is not likely to find
its way out through pro-democracy student protests but could lead to
uncontrollable mob violence on the streets of Rangoon.

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MYANMAR INFORMATION COMMITTEE: PRIVATE SECTOR IN BURMA SOON TO HAVE
INTERNET ACCESS 
14 October, 1998 from <OKKAR66129@xxxxxxx> 

Information Sheet No. A-648(I)

[Information Sheets issued under the email addresses MYANPERSP@xxxxxxx and
OKKAR66129@xxxxxxx match those issued by the Directorate of Defence
Services Intelligence (DDSI) in Rangoon, and can be assumed to reflect
official SPDC opinion.]

Information Technology Forum jointly sponsored by XYBASE Technologies
(Malaysia) and Mastech Co Ltd (Myanmar) was held at Traders Hotel on Sule
Pagoda Road on 13 October with an address by Chairman of Myanmar Computer
Science Development Council Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development
Council Lt. Gen. Khin Nyunt.

In his address, he said, Union of Myanmar is also trying to formulate an
Information Technology Master Plan. In order to develop the country's
Information Technology, Myanmar must work closely together with members of
ASEAN like Singapore and Malaysia in preparing to carry out Information
Technology projects. Although Myanmar's endeavours in the field of
Information Technology have been quite recent, significant progress has
been achieved within this short period due to the correct guidance of the
Government and vigorous efforts of the computer scientists and technicians
to develop the computer technology which is the base of Information
Technology.  As a means of encouragement to the development of computer
technology, the Government has granted permission to import computers with
very little tariff by classifying them as education aids and priority
items. In this way, tens of thousands of computers are imported annually
and are widely used by the Government, private, economic and social
organizations all over the country.

As for computer education, computers have been installed at state high
schools as well as state middle schools where computer technology is taught
to the students.  In order to spread not only basic computer technology but
also advanced computer technology, a new University of Computer Studies for
Upper Myanmar was opened in Mandalay in 1997 in addition to the one in
Yangon.  Besides the present undergraduate as well as postgraduate degree
and diploma courses, plans are already under way to open doctorate courses.
Moreover, to provide an opportunity for high school graduates to learn
advanced computer technology, undergraduate diploma course as also being
conducted at the Universities of Computer Studies in Yangon and Mandalay
while arrangements are being made to have such facilities in states and
divisions as well.

With a view to systematic development of Information Technology in Myanmar,
the Government promulgated Myanmar Computer Technology Development Law on
30th September, 1996 and founded Myanmar Computer Technology Development
Council.  The Myanmar Computer Technology Development Council in turn is
trying to form the Myanmar Computer Federation which will greatly assist in
developing Information Technology needed for the country by pooling
together resources in the nation. Towards this end, it has established the
necessary committees to work on the establishment of the Federation and
subsidiary associations at various levels. Consequently, Myanmar Computer
Technicians Association and Myanmar Computer Entrepreneurs Association were
successfully formed on 17th May, 1998. In addition, Myanmar Computer
Enthusiasts Association was founded on July 24th, 1998.

Therefore, arrangements are being made to establish Myanmar Computer
Federation based on these three associations.  For the development of
computer technology and related industries and services, the Government has
been holding many domestic and international conferences. For example, the
first Symposium on Information Technology Initiative in Myanmar was
successfully held on 29th June, 1998.

Furthermore, in cooperation with Japan computer organizations, Myanmar
Computer Federation will hold the Myanmar-Japan Bilateral Conference on
Information Technology Cooperation on November 10, 1998. As a result of
these attempts, some students have received scholarships under the
sponsorship of (CICC) of Japan and (SCP) of Singapore and are already
undertaking their studies.  At the same time, Myanmar Computer Federation
will be accepted as an organization representing the Union of Myanmar at
the annual conference of the Asian Oceanian Computing Industry Organization
(ASOCIO) to be held on 25th and 26th November, 1998 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

One of the major fields of Information Technology is the communication
sector. In this regard, with the installation of X-25 Packet Switching
System in Myanma Posts and Telecommunication, E-mail and Data Communication
Services are being provided to the customers. Thus, at present, business
enterprises in Yangon and Mandalay can communicate not only locally but
also internationally by means of E-mail and Data Communication. Moreover,
Internet will be accessible to the private sector within a few days since
arrangements are being made for Internet Service which the country needs
urgently.  The speakers and associations who will address the Seminar will
include: PIKOM, computer entrepreneurs from Malaysia; Malaysian Micro
Electronic and Information Technology development association MIMOS;
Information Technology associations like University Putra Malaysia (UPM)
which are important for human resources development; Multimedia Development
Corporation (MDC) which takes the leading role in the renowned Multimedia
Super Corridor (MSC) project; and companies like XYBASE, which has been
responsible for the Information Technology network for recently inaugurated
Malaysia's New International Airport.

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AFP: MYANMAR JUNTA SLAMS BRITAIN'S SANCTIONS THREAT AS IMMORAL 
19 October, 1998 

YANGON, Oct 19 (AFP) - Myanmar on Monday slammed Britain for demanding
tougher sanctions against the military state, saying such efforts would
only hurt the "poorest segment" of its population.

In a letter to junior foreign office minister Derek Fatchett, the junta
accused Britain of being "infatuated" with opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

"If the British Government decides to impose sanctions on Myanmar, it will
merely be following ... the Americans," said the letter, written by the
junta's ambassador to Washington, Tin Winn, and published in Myanmar's
official information sheet. 

It followed Fatchett's call last Thursday for tougher action against the
ruling State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) over its poor human
rights record.

The letter said sanctions would be "blunt and immoral," and "invariably
hurt the poorest segment of the population, not least the infants, the sick
and the elderly among them."

"The world knows what we in Myanmar have suspected for years: The British
are infatuated with Aung San Suu Kyi and are willing to promote her at any
cost," the letter said.

The SPDC refuses to recognise 1990 general elections in Myanmar which the
National League for Democracy (NLD) under Nobel peace laureate Aung San Suu
Kyi won by a large majority.

Aung San Suu Kyi has urged the international community to sever trade ties
and for tourists to stay away in an effort to force the junta's hand.

The European Union has taken a series of measures against Myanmar,
including military and economic embargoes and a ban on entry visas for
senior members of the SPDC and their families.

Fatchett told a conference in London on Myanmar, formerly known as Burma
and a one-time British colony, that the visa ban could be extended to
include transit visas.

He also demanded action within the International Labour Organization (ILO),
saying Britain would call for Myanmar's suspension from the UN agency if it
failed to meet its obligations as a member.

The junta's letter, dated October 16, said it would not yield to any amount
of pressure from Britain, the EU or the UN.

"In the circumstance, your threat to dislodge Myanmar from the ILO simply
rings hollow," it said.

"If you should decide to single out Myanmar and carry out the threat, I am
confident that those who stand for justice and human rights will not allow
such tyranny to prevail."

Fatchett described the political situation in Myanmar as "grim," with
"callous, country-wide human rights abuses."

"We need, among other things, to have measures which make clear to the
regime that Burma (Myanmar) will not be integrated into the world until its
government changes its ways," he said.

The United States, Canada and the EU, as well as a slew of US corporations,
have introduced economic sanctions and boycotts to pressure the Yangon
government on human rights.

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AFP: POLICE FEAR INFLUX OF CHEAP ECSTASY FROM MYANMAR 
19 October, 1998 

BANGKOK, Oct 19 (AFP) - Thai anti narcotics authorities on Monday expressed
alarm that new facilities in Myanmar capable of producing ecstasy could
cause a flood of cheap imports of the designer drug.

Narcotics Control Board Deputy secretary-general Sorasit Sangprasert told
AFP Thailand would be the main destination for the drug which would be
available at half the current market cost.

"The cost will be 50 percent cheaper when compared to ecstasy imported from
the Netherlands," he said.

Ecstasy, the drug of choice among those in the entertainment industry,
currently sells for about 1,000 baht (26 dollars) per dose.

Sorasit declined to comment on who was involved in the trafficking but
another narcotics police officer said minority groups on the border of
Thailand and Myanmar were now starting to produce and sell the drug.

"We are really concerned with the report we got, so we have begun a special
monitoring along the border," the policeman said.

Three months ago, 100,000 tablets of ecstasy (methylenedixymethamphetamine)
seized in Bangkok were believed to be produced at high-tech laboratories in
Myanmar working with the ethnic Wa minority.

In an effort to stem the tide of imported amphetamines, the Thai cabinet
last week targetted 14 provinces and instructed narcotics officials, the
military and a special task force including military officers to monitor
the borders.

They would focus on three border provinces, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Mae
Hong Son, the main entry points for drugs from Laos and Myanmar.

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