RANGOON'S DEFENCE MINISTRY ON ALERT

[moe@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]

RANGOON'S DEFENCE MINISTRY ON ALERT
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Rangoon has been performing very badly in the media but the regime is
gaining  momentum in its efforts to have constructive engagement with
neighbouring countries like China and India. ASEAN still has to decide what
kind of policy to prescribe for the abnormally undemocratic member nation
like Burma. So far the stand in ASEAN has been firm. The hostage crisis in
Bangkok led the Thai-Burma relation to a  halt. Both regimes have been
experiencing the aftermath effects since then. 

On the other hand Rangoon has been using big bucks for its defence.
According to the latest CIA report,  Rangoon spent  US $3.904 billion
(FY97/98)  for its defence. To be in power, the regime has to spend the
state funds mostly for the military expenditures. Most of the funds go to
the intelligence services: spies and counter-spies. There are three military
branches: Army, Navy, and Air Force. The army has been equipped with Chinese
tanks and weaponery. The navy has been upgraded too. The air force has been
upgraded with fighters  from China too. 

In terms of military confrontations, Rangoon is engaging its army with the
Shan State Army, the Karen National Union and the All Burma Students'
Democratic Front. Troops' movement at the Thai-Burma border has been very
visible these days. KH-11 see them on a daily basis. Tensions have been
rising between Bangkok and Rangoon. The armies from both sides have been put
on alert for nearly 3 months.One cannot forget  the sporadic conflict with
Thailand over alignment of border.






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Disputes?international: sporadic conflict with Thailand over alignment of
border 

Illicit drugs: world's largest producer of illicit opium (cultivation in
1998?130,300 hectares, a 16% decline
from 1997; potential production?1,750 metric tons, down 26% due to drought
and the first eradication
effort since the current government took power in 1987) and a minor producer
of cannabis for the
international drug trade; surrender of drug warlord KHUN SA's Mong Tai Army
in January 1996 was hailed
by Rangoon as a major counternarcotics success, but lack of serious
government commitment and resources
continues to hinder the overall antidrug effort; growing role in the
production of methamphetamines for
regional consumption