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Burmese paper says no leniency for (r)



Subject: Re: Burmese paper says no leniency for jailed Britons

a most valuable post, may i say, thank you david arnott.ds

"...some small fry vagrants and mercenary hooligans".

if it werent so serious as it is or so pathetic, one would be inclined
to think we were watching a monthy python rerun of the british feudals
lashing tongues with the french, in some hilariously articulate scenes.
the more the junta talks, as usual, the more utterly unacceptable their
behavior. its like, when you are wrong, or perhaps even right, and you
go to court, and stand before the judge, and the big mistake is to open
your big mouth and start yapping, the more the yap, the more complete
nonsense comes pouring out, where reason less to say. 

the sentencing and process and result as the diplomats know is totally
unacceptable and they must never be inclined to accept it by any stance
or posture.

free burma movement must stand active on this.

David Arnott wrote:
> 
> THIS ONE'S A CLASSIC OF POLITICAL PORNOGRAPHY.  PLEASE DO A PRINT-OUT IN A
> GOTHIC FONT AND FRAME IT.  SOME PHRASES MIGHT EVEN BE WORTH IMMORTALISING
> ON A T-SHIRT.
> 
> ONE OR TWO COMMENTS:
> 
> IT'S WORTH NOTING THAT THE AUTHOR BEGINS BY INVOKING THE UN CHARTER AS
> AUTHORITY FOR THE JUNTA'S ACTIVITIES, QUOTING SOME SECTIONS ON SOVEREIGNTY.
>  THE QUESTION OF WHAT CONSTITUTES "SOVEREIGNTY" IS A RATHER HOT ISSUE
> THESE DAYS, WHAT WITH IRAQ AND EAST TIMOR, RECENT STATEMENTS BY THE
> SECRETARY-GENERAL AND THE WHOLE ISSUE OF GLOBALISATION.  JUST TO TAKE ONE
> ASPECT, BY JOINING THE UNITED NATIONS AND SIGNING ONTO TREATIES,  STATES
> TAKE ON OBLIGATIONS., WHICH THEREBY LIMIT INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL SOVEREIGNTY
> (A CONCEPT THAT ALSO CORRESPONDS TO BUDDHIST TEACHING -- SEE THE
> "DASA-RAJA-DHAMMA" ATTACHED BELOW).
> 
> ARTICLES 55 AND 56 OF THE UN CHARTER STATE:
> 
> Article 55
> 
> With a view to the creation of conditions of stability and well-being which
> are necessary for peaceful and friendly relations among nations based on
> respect for the principle of equal rights and self-determination of
> peoples, the United Nations shall promote:
> a. higher standards of living, full employment, and conditions of economic
> and social
> progress and development;
> b. solutions of international economic, social, health, and related
> problems; and
> international cultural and educational cooperation; and
> c. universal respect for, and observance of, human rights and fundamental
> freedoms
> for all without distinction as to race, sex, language, or religion.
> 
> Article 56
> 
> All Members pledge themselves to take joint and separate action in
> co-operation with
> the Organization for the achievement of the purposes set forth in Article 55.
> 
> PARAGRAPH C OF ARTICLE 55 IS DEVELOPED IN THE UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF
> HUMAN RIGHTS AND REFINED IN HUMAN RIGHTS TREATIES. ARTICLE 56 SHOWS A CLEAR
> OBLIGATION TO RESPECT THIS AND OTHER PRINCIPLES OF THE UNITED NATIONS.
> 
> NOW, BACK TO SERIOUS MATTERS:
> 
> DNA
> 
> ***********************
> 
> BBC Summary of World Broadcasts
> 
> October 05, 1999, Tuesday
> 
> Burmese paper says no leniency for jailed Britons
> 
>  'Myanmar Alin', Rangoon, in Burmese 18 Sep 99 p 4
> 
> All nations are entitled to have their sovereignty respected and Burma will
> not back down and order a release of the detained Britons, no matter what
> pressure is used, according to a Burmese newspaper.
> Referring to the jailed Britons as "creatures" supporting anti-government
> "vermin" who are entitled to no sympathy, such as they have received from
> Western media such as the BBC. The article also criticizes the British
> embassy for its conduct in the affair.
> 
> Text of article by Nga Khin Nyo entitled: "Afloat in spittle" published by
> Burmese newspaper
> 'Myanmar Alin' on 18th September
> 
> By the way ... [ellipsis as published] just as Myanmar [Burma] is an
> independent country with
> sovereign power, it has also been a member of UN for over 70 years. The
> sovereignty of a country
> denotes its legislative, administrative and judicial powers. The country on
> the other hand is the
> depository of its sovereignty and powers.
> 
> Clause 2, sub-clause (5) of UN Charter states as follows: "The United
> Nations cannot intervene in
> matters over which a country has sovereign powers."
> 
> Well?
> 
> If even the United Nations cannot intervene in matters over which a country
> exercises sovereignty there is no need to take notice of the rest of the
> countries, and organizations and individuals that go under different names.
> 
> There is also the resolution No (36/103) passed by the General Assembly on
> 9th December 1981
> relating to prohibition of interference in the internal affairs of countries.
> 
> One point clearly stated in the declaration was:
> 
> "No country or any group of countries shall interfere in another country's
> internal affairs or external
> matters for any reason or in any way whatsoever."
> 
> In that declaration a special clarification on human rights was made as under:
> 
> "Every country must avoid the wrongful use of human rights issues with a
> view to interfere in other
> countries'internal matters. Every country must abstain from exercising
> pressure to create instability and mistrust between countries or groups of
> countries." However, some organizations with various names backed by a few
> powerful countries and other multihued creatures are blatantly destroying
> and ignoring the above mentioned UN Charter, declaration, and resolution
> and creating havoc by interfering in Myanmar's internal affairs.
> 
> If anyone from whichever country or planet contravenes any existing law,
> published orders and
> directives within the sovereign country of Myanmar, action can be taken.
> The existing government need not be responsible to anybody for doing so.
> 
> What is the meaning of the hue and cry like a flock of crows expressing
> worry and fear over the legal
> action taken by Myanmar government according to the enacted laws of the
> country for intentionally
> and blatantly insulting the sovereignty of Myanmar.
> 
> It will be a mistake to think that the government frightened by the uproar
> will relax and order the release.
> On previous occasions foreign intruders were treated leniently and merely
> deported as a gesture of
> generosity and that not be taken as a gesture of fright. It was to avoid
> lengthy talks between nations just over some small fry vagrants and
> mercenary hooligans.
> 
> Foreign media are doing everything to magnify what are routine matters for
> the responsible authorities taking action and making inquiries regarding
> the two white persons - male and female - who challenged Myanmar's
> sovereignty with disregard and brazenness. There must be something more
> than innocent behind the dissemination of exaggerated news by the media to
> cause an uproar all over the world.
> 
> "The Britons were arrested at a time when severe repressive measures were
> being taken to prevent
> efforts to organize anti-government demonstrations on the 'Four nines Day'
> falling on 9th September
> 1999." That was a news release by the VOA [Voice of America] and by
> observing that you can plainly see how distorted it was. Does it not appear
> as if the government unfairly arrested the British citizens on flimsy
> grounds? Why not call these two - two creatures - why use the noun citizens?
> 
> Who are the two white creatures? Are they ordinary tourists? How much has
> the white male James
> Mawdsley exceeded the limits? Everyone knows how generous and flexible the
> authorities concerned have been with him the first two times.
> 
> The other one, the white female called Rachel Goldwyn, who is she? Before
> entering Myanmar, she
> openly challenged the government in her interview with RFA [Radio Free
> Asia]. Later on she arrived in Rangoon and single-handedly started to shout
> unmannerly things at street corners. It is to be thanked that this
> shameless woman did not take off her clothes and hold a nude demonstration.
> 
> They feel bored being deported by the government. They regard deportation
> as the floor price from the foreign based so-called democratic forces
> comprised of outlaws and vermin, then enter Myanmar and shout mispronounced
> phrases, distribute the fliers provided by the exiles. They then label this
> kind of activity as Democracy and Human Rights Movement. Goodness!
> 
> Do you know what the BBC broadcast about that fellow Mawdsley? " Arrested
> while bringing
> pro-democracy articles." It was only after BBC's broadcast that it was
> known such an item exists. To
> coin such phrases. "Pro-democracy articles!" Better be careful, chaps.
> According to your praise
> "condom" becomes a pro-democracy item.
> 
> The British Foreign Office and those with the rank of consul at the British
> embassy in Myanmar made a big issue of the matter. Mawdsley's father who
> could not control his son also made meaningless remarks. He claims to be
> concerned that his son would be tortured.
> 
> To make the story worse, foreign media also spread the news that when
> Mawdsley was jailed the
> second time he was held in solitary confinement. People inside the jail
> know best how the fellow gorged himself in jail. As there are no huts
> inside the jail he was kept in a brick building and provided with boiled
> rice early morning, meat for morning and evening meals, and boiled noodles
> at night. On top of that he had bread everyday. This fellow sang loudly
> during his stay.
> 
> The consul from the British embassy in Yangon [Rangoon] began muttering
> about consular access
> because he could not get to see his fellow at the time he wanted. Jail
> visits have prescribed dates.
> Moreover, regarding consular access, you may not get it the same day you
> applied. Office working
> procedures must be understood. Are such matters done expeditiously in
> England too?
> 
> I am dissatisfied about one thing. The way Myanmar people who were born and
> brought up in
> Myanmar and now working for BBC, VOA, and RFA could fabricate and
> exaggerate the news
> relating to these two foreigners in order to please their western masters,
> little knowing that the dignity of the motherland and people had been
> grossly insulted. I wonder if the situation isn't similar to providing
> aphrodisiac to a person about to meet one's sister.
> 
> However, the programme broadcast by BBC TV on its The World Today programme
> featuring the
> interview between Myanmar Ambassador to UK Dr Kyaw Win and the producer,
> Stephen Cole, was
> able to present the truth to the world viewers.
> 
> With regard to the query relating to the arrest of the white male and
> female the Myanmar ambassador's reply was:
> 
> "Every country, every state has laws enacted for its own. Governments have
> to act in accordance with such laws and regulations. In the presence of
> existing laws it is immaterial whether a person's view is right or wrong
> but a decision must be made according to law."
> 
> Of the two persons arrested, James Mawdsley infringed existing laws three
> times. This was done with the intention to create unrest in Myanmar, which
> is already tranquil and peaceful. Government
> authorities suspended punishment and released him previously. He, himself,
> gave an undertaking that a similar behaviour would not be repeated in the
> future.
> 
> The second person arrested, Ms. Goldwyn, did not come to sing songs as
> mentioned by the media.
> She, herself, tied her legs with iron chains to create unrest in the
> country through anti-government
> propaganda.
> 
> Laws are intended to protect a country's peace and prosperity. We cannot
> allow Myanmar to become another East Timor.
> 
> In the case of the two foreigners, the government did not refuse to grant
> consular access. The
> government is still in the process of considering the request to give
> consular access. The two not only infringed the law of Myanmar but also
> that of their own country.
> 
> Should a Myanmar national come to England and meddle in Northern Ireland
> matters and the British
> government take action, the Myanmar ambassador would not give sympathetic
> consideration but tell that person that it was not his or her concern and
> to face the consequences.
> 
> No sympathy would be shown to anyone breaking the laws of the country. The
> silent majority desire to lead a peaceful life. The government must protect
> these people and prevent anything that will affect them.
> 
> I appreciate the ambassador's explanation. Why cannot the restless people
> in the British embassy in
> Myanmar adopt the same attitude? Are the two male and female creatures that
> came to Myanmar
> and grossly insulted the country trying to promote the glory of the British
> Union Jack?
> 
> The words and deeds by the British embassy in the treatment of those two
> persons, who had made
> prior arrangements to systematically encroach and interfere in Myanmar
> after having established some form of connection to the anti-government
> exiles, amounted to acceptance and recognition of their activities and an
> assessment ought to be made whether that conform to diplomatic conduct.
> 
> You can ask what happened after concerted efforts were made to create
> unrest in Myanmar in line
> with "Four-nines." Nothing happened. There was peace and quiet. There was
> heavy downpour in
> Mandalay and Monywa in Upper Myanmar and wonderfully calm. It was the same
> in Yangon. Wasn't it?
> 
> It was only in some foreign countries that lawless elements to earn their
> fee kept on howling and barking in front of embassies. There were also some
> multicoloured hybrids among them.
> 
> According to the information I obtained, the ageing NLD people felt
> disconcerted on that 9-9-99 day. Should any disturbance occur some place,
> they were ready to go with flapping jackets and upraised sarongs. Believe
> it. This was the programme prepared by the powers that be. It is learned
> that they did not do anything to create unrest and demonstrations. It was
> the work of anti-government exiles. These people had no objective or
> purpose. NLD has an objective, a programme. Should there be unrest NLD
> would take control with a view to establish an objective and guidelines.
> They planned to side with the demonstrations and steer their movement.
> 
> They are glorifying themselves as if should there be a mob, only they could
> control it. You know it. They did the same thing in 1988 and gained
> foothold. If there is intense desire to be in control why not take a
> whistle and volunteer to work as old policemen at traffic lights and
> pedestrian crossings? Some tea-money can be earned if the relationship is
> cordial and quick of hand. Don't let the bus conductors know that these are
> the old men from NLD. They will spit in the face.
> 
> However, there ought to be no problems because all the fugitives, including
> the old NLD people, with the dedication for 9-9-99 who are scheming to ride
> the hearses are those afloat in the peoples' spittle.
> 
> ***************************
> 
> DASA-RAJA-DHAMMA
> 
> The basic framework of Buddhist ethics for rulers is set out in the "Ten
> Duties of the King" (dasa-raja-dhamma). Here, as in the Universal
> Declaration of Human Rights, legitimacy is grounded in the will of the
> people ("The will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of
> government" -- UDHR Article 21, para 3) -- Western values? Asian values?
> Universal values?
> 
> 1. Dana -- liberality, generosity, charity.  The ruler should not have
> craving and attachment for wealth and property, but should give it away for
> the welfare of the people.
> 
> 2. Sila -- a high and moral character.  He should never destroy life,
> cheat, steal and exploit others, commit adultery, utter falsehood, or take
> intoxicating drinks.
> 
> 3. Pariccaga -- sacrificing everything for the good of the people.  He must
> be prepared to give up all personal comfort, name and fame, and even his
> life, in the interest of the people.
> 
> 4. Ajjava -- honesty and integrity.  He must be free from fear and favor in
> the discharge of his duties, must be sincere in his intentions, and must
> not deceive the public.
> 
> 5. Maddava -- kindness and gentleness.  He must possess a genial temperament.
> 
> 6. Tapa -- austerity of habits.  He must lead a simple life, and should not
> indulge in a life of luxury.  He must have self-control.
> 
> 7.  Akkodha -- freedom from envy, ill-will, enemity. He should bear no
> grudge against anybody.
> 
> 8.  Avihimsa -- non-violence, which means not only that he should harm
> nobody, but that he should try to promote peace by avoiding and preventing
> war, and everything which involves violence and destruction of life.
> 
> 9. Khanti -- patience, forbearance, tolerance, understanding.  He must be
> able to bear hardships, difficulties and insults without losing his temper.
> 
> 10. Avirodha -- non-opposition, non-obstruction, that is to say that he
> should not oppose the will of the people, should not obstruct any measures
> that are conducive to the welfare of the people. In other words he should
> rule in harmony with his people.
> 
> (Translated by Ven Walpola Rahula in "What the Buddha Taught")
> Internet ProLink PC User