************************** BurmaNet ************************** "Appropriate Information Technologies, Practical Strategies" ************************************************************** The BurmaNet News: Sunday, February 19, 1995 Issue #112 QUOTE OF THE DAY: No Christians, only Karen Buddhist's are allowed to go. No Christian will be given safe passage. Letter from "pacifist" DKBA monk inviting Karen refugees to return. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Contents: **********************INSIDE BURMA**************************** IPS: LEARNING TO LOVE SLORC *****************KAREN STATE/KAWTHOOLEI*********************** IPS: KAREN CHILDREN LEARN THE HARD WAY NATION: EMBATTLED KAREN MOVEMENT IN DISARRAY DKBA/SLORC: "SAYADAW WRITES THIS LETTER TO YOU ALL." BRC-J: TWO REPORTS FROM THE BORDER BRC-J: MORE FROM THE BORDER NLM/SLORC: ARTICLE ON THE CAPTURE OF MANERPLAW BRC-J: TO THE DEFENDERS OF KAWMOORA ************************THAILAND****************************** SEASIA-L: THANONG MAY BE EXTRADICTED ON DRUGS CHARGE BURMANET: LETTER--AKHA HERITAGE FOUNDATION (AHF) NEEDS SUPPORT **********************INTERNATIONAL*************************** SCB: BURMESE-AMERICAN ASSOCIATION BRC-J: IN BURMA MISERY DOES NOT LOVE COMPANY BRC-J: PROTEST NISSEKI U.WASHINGTON: STUDENT SENATE RESOLUTION UWD: REGENTS ASKED TO SUPPORT SHAREHOLDER'S RESOLUTIONS **************************************************************** The BurmaNet News is an ********************************* electronic newspaper * Iti * covering Burma. 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Burma Issues is a Bangkok-based non- governmental organization that documents human rights conditions in Burma and maintains an archive of Burma-related documents. Views expressed in The BurmaNet News do not necessarily reflect those of either NCGUB or Burma Issues] ************************************************************** **************THE BURMANET NEWS--FEBRUARY 19, 1995************ ************************************************************** **********************INSIDE BURMA**************************** IPS: LEARNING TO LOVE SLORC February 13, 1995 By Leah Makabenta BANGKOK, Feb 8 (IPS) - Burma's military leaders are as unpopular as ever among human rights activists, but it is becoming clear that some governments and investors have decided that the generals in Rangoon are capable of retaining power indefinitely -- and the future lies in doing business with them. Last week, activists were joined by the U.S. and Australian governments in criticising the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) -- as the junta calls itself -- for not honouring a self-declared cease-fire with Burmese ethnic rebels and attacking the Karen minority group. But later that same week, French, Thai and U.S. companies signed a lucrative natural gas deal with Rangoon, indicating that Burma's considerable profit potential far outweighs the country's political difficulties. Indeed, securities analysts and regional diplomats say Burma has become the new mecca for foreign investors constantly in search of economic opportunities ever since SLORC declared an 'open door economic policy' in 1990 and ended decades of self- imposed socialist isolation. Singapore appears to have been the quickest to respond, leading the pack with tourism, hotel and airline projects. The foreign business community in Bangkok is not far behind, packing the daily flight to the Burmese capital, barely an hour away. The belief seems to be that if money is to be made there, the deals have to be sewn up now -- regardless of what activists have bitterly described as the dubious competence and lack of legitimacy of the country's military rulers. ''Investors are not concerned about Burma's long-term political development, they only answer to one criterion: profits,'' says a Thai activist who works with Burmese refugees. Not too long ago, Burma had been put in the diplomatic and trade basement for a bloody military crackdown on pro-democracy activists in 1988. The international image of the Rangoon junta was tarnished some more two years later, when it refused to hand over power to the opposition, which won a landslide victory in the 1990 polls. Instead, the military dug in its heels and put opposition leaders and supporters in jail. Lately, however, Rangoon has been dusting the red carpet not just for trade and investment delegations but high-ranking officials, including Chinese Foreign Minister Qian Qichen, Singapore Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong and assorted U.N. officials and U.S. congressmen. And incredible as it may seem to observers who say the country's political situation is deteriorating, some financial analysts see Burma as becoming the next economic tiger, perhaps with even better prospects of taking its place alongside the 'little dragons' of East Asia than Vietnam. In the latest upbeat assessment, Gary Biesty and James Chapman of Johnson Stokes & Master say Burma has all the ingredients that have attracted investors to other Asian emerging markets -- vast natural resources, including oil and gas, a large, well-educated workforce, high literacy rate and 45 million potential consumers. Moreover, Burma has one clear advantage over communist and Francophone Vietnam: a legal system based on English law offering an attractive legal environment for investors. The analysts see last week's deal to export gas to Thailand as providing a boost to the economy making available much needed funds for infrastructural development. The venture is the largest foreign investment in Burma to date and is estimated to amount to some one billion dollars over its life. Critics of the deal believe SLORC's attack on the Karen stemmed from the need to secure the gas pipeline route, which passes through Karen and Mon ethnic rebel territory so that financing and construction of the project could continue. ''Although there are problems to be overcome, it is not difficult to see Burma becoming another economic tiger,'' the analysts said in their report, adding that the time to start looking at the country's potential is now. Another eager drumbeater is the newly organised Hong Kong- based Myanmar Fund, which aims to raise 100 million dollars for business ventures in Burma. The people behind the fund are an overseas Chinese family from Burma that controls the Ho Group in Thailand and Robert Kuok, the Hong Kong-based Malaysian Chinese tycoon. The fund's research report refers to Burma as Asia's awakening 'Sleeping Beauty', a new frontier where just about everything offers economic opportunities. These include low-cost labour, tropical rainforests and fishery resources so abundant Burmese fishermen say ''the fish die of old age''. Although many critics discount such figures as ''manipulated'', SLORC has claimed economic success, reporting GDP growth of 10.8 percent in 1993 based on an official rate of inflation of 30 percent. 'Constructive engagement' advocates like the Association of South-east Asian Nations (ASEAN) have seized on this positive economic performance as encouraging signs that trading with SLORC will bring about the prosperity that will push the country's leaders to democracy. But the Burmese democracy movement that has been trying to persuade the world community to impose trade and investment sanctions on Burma says the limited economic gains are being used by SLORC not to improve the life of the Burmese people but to buy weapons to ensure that the regime stays in power. ''Because of investments and trade, SLORC has lots of money to buy weapons from China, it's become very difficult for us to fight them,'' says Sann Aung, minister for health and education of the exiled National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma (NCGUB). Meanwhile, a diplomat with years of experience in Rangoon behind him agrees that Burma's investment laws and regulations do offer a reasonably attractive package for investors. But, he says, the unresolved conflict over political power makes investing in the country a risky, if not questionable, venture. ''No matter the opportunities in the country, the regime is thoroughly detested by the people and that puts the whole society under an unbearable strain,'' says the diplomat. Analysts say Burma -- despite its enormous economic potential -- will only prosper if it can solve both its economic and political problems. That means a negotiated settlement between SLORC and its political rivals, including opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who has been under house arrest since 1989. They add that anyone serious about doing business with Burma cannot ignore the ethnic insurgents who have been fighting for autonomy since the late 1940s, and the democratically elected political leaders who are either in prison or in exile. As Sein Win, the NCGUB prime minister in exile, warned last week: ''When democracy is restored in Burma, we will remember who our friends are.'' *****************KAREN STATE/KAWTHOOLEI*********************** IPS: KAREN CHILDREN LEARN THE HARD WAY Inter Press Service By Ron Corben MAE SOT, Thailand, Feb 7 (IPS) - The students at the Huay Kalok school are bent over their books, furiously trying to prepare for exams that are just days away. But it is hard to concentrate when, just a few km west, their fathers, brothers, uncles and neighbours are fighting Burmese government troops. Indeed, the heavy thump of artillery can be distinctly heard here amid the cackle of chickens and the occasional bark of a street dog. Huay Kalok is one of the oldest semi-permanent refugee camps on the Thai-Burma border. It is also a sad reflection of a civil war in neighbouring Burma that seems to still have no end in sight after 46 years. Various ethnic groups in Burma have fought for autonomy in the last four decades. One of these groups is the Karen, which just a week ago suffered a blow when its stronghold of more than 40 years fell to the control of the government soldiers. But the Karen, among Burma's biggest and strongest ethnic minorities, have not given up. Less than 10 km away from here, at Kawmoora, the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) battle against the troops of the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC), as the junta in Rangoon calls itself. Amid the distant thunderous sound of shells crashing, Huay Kalok's 1,000 students -- ranging from kindergarten to high school -- sit dressed in uniform at long tables. Beneath ceilings of thatch and surrounded by walls of plastic sheets that serve as dividers among 'classrooms', the children ponder over exercise books on geography, math and English. Many of the older children have spent half their lives at the refugee camp. Some have been here for the past ten years. Huay Kalok was established sometime in the early 1980s. It comes under the control of the Karen Refugee Committee (KRC), and gets its funds from a broad range of international aid organisations. The students at the camp school were not supposed to have their final exams until March, but the tests have been advanced due to the fighting or what Hser Paw, one of the 27 teachers here, calls ''the situation''. Until the fall of Manerplaw in late January, most of the students would have been headed about 200 km to the north at the former stronghold township to attend college once they passed their Year 10 exams. But that does not seem an option now, says Hser Paw. The 28- year-old teacher is all too aware that whatever the students may record in their exams, speculations on their future ring hollow. And if fear and sadness are the prevailing sentiments among their elders, many of the teenagers here are feeling angry and frustrated. ''When we hear the attacks on the Karen, we are not interested in studies,'' says 17-year-old Dorcas Mo. ''We are angry. The SLORC talks about peace, but they are lying.'' By launching an offensive on the Karen, SLORC violated its self- declared cease-fire with Burma's ethnic groups. The fighting also displaced an estimated 100,000 people, with about 10,000 fleeing in recent weeks to neighbouring Thailand that already hosts more than 77,000 Burmese refugees. Resting on the edge of the Thai border town of Mae Sot 480 km from Bangkok, Huay Kalok itself has 4,400 residents. The nearby main road teems with Thai border guards. Beyond them and into Burma's jungles is the battle frontline. Now is the time for study under clear, blue skies, while the dusty road is still firm underfoot. A few short months away, the dirt paths will be turned into virtual quagmires as monsoon rains sweep in from the west. But now that it is the dry season, it is also perfect for the Burmese junta to mount an offensive aimed at quashing resistance by the country's ethnic groups. In 1993, SLORC succeeded talking the Kachin into signing a truce. But it had mixed results with the other rebel minorities. The Karen refused even to have formal talks with the junta in the absence of certain conditions, among them the freedom of detained dissident leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Suu Kyi is the head of the National League for Democracy (NLD), which won a landslide victory in the 1990 Burmese polls. But the military refused to relinquish power, and instead cracked down on the opposition and its supporters. The move turned Burma into an international pariah. But Rangoon has been trying to refurbish its image recently, and even publicised two meetings late last year with Suu Kyi. It also said it wanted to negotiate peacefully with the ethnic minorities. Then the Karen suffered a split in December. Buddhist Karen broke away from the Christian dominated Karen National Union (KNU) and led government troops to the group's jungle strongholds. Now, 17-year-old Blu So observes: ''The situation is very difficult. We can only pray to God.'' ''I want to help my Karen people,'' he says. ''We want peace. We want our leaders and the SLORC to meet with others from many countries.'' Dorcas Mo agrees. Although she is angry toward SLORC, she says their struggle must be done ''with non-violence''. In fact, she and some of her school friends staged a 24-hour strike and prayer rally a few days ago, in support of those fighting in Kawmoora. ''I want to put down SLORC and have democracy,'' says Dorcas Mo. ''But not with weapons.'' *****************KAREN STATE/KAWTHOOLEI*********************** NATION: EMBATTLED KAREN MOVEMENT IN DISARRAY February 17 1995 [Posted by news.reporter] by YINDEE LERTCHAROENCHOK For decades, the Christian-led senile KNU leadership has failed miserably to adapt to the fast changing global political environment and to address and cure several ills inside the organization, thus allowing the tumours to develop into an incurable cancer. The embattled Karen National Union (KNU), which lost its headquarters to the Burma Army last month shortly after the breakup of the 46-year-old ethnic movement due to an internal religious crisis, is still working out a thorough shakeup of its leadership and political and military strategy to cope with the Burmese junta's determined and aggressive policy to crush the guerrilla forces. The loss of the 21-year-old Manerplaw headquarters, which had also served, since late 1988, as the stronghold of other Burmese pro-democracy organizations and the emergence of the rival breakaway Democratic Kayin Buddhist Organization (DKBO) have thrown the KNU into disarray and forced its leaders to step back and reflect on the causes and consequences of their failure to prevent the avoidable catastrophe. While top KNU leaders are still trying to come to terms with the sudden turn of events, they sadly accept that the two incidents have resulted in serious political and military setbacks to their movement, which nearly ran aground after only two months of internal turmoil. Although they remain adamant that the Burmese Junta -- the State Law and Order Restoration Council (Slorc) -- is responsible in conspiring and instigating the religious strife inside the KNU, they acknowledge "the unpreparedness and mistakes" on their part in mishandling and "reacting too late" to suppress the sensitive Buddhist-Christian conflict. They agree that they underestimated the delicate and fragile religious problems and "terribly regret" the use of arms and force to resolve the disputes. The "undemocratic rule" inside the KNU organization, its ineptitude in political manoeuvering, media, and mass propaganda campaigns are some of the key shortfalls that have not been given proper consideration in recent years. The KNU's unrealistic hopes for and reliance on promised external political and miltary support, which often turned out to be mere lip-service diplomacy, has prompted the group to pursue a rather "inactive defensive" political and military policy in dealing with its own faith and survival. One of the most costly lessons, perhaps, was the KNU decision to defend its numerous static strongholds along the Thai border at all cost. The severe casualties and tremendous losso itarywaory in the Sleeping Dog Hill battles fought as part of an attempt to defend Manerplaw about three years ago prompted field commanders and junior leaders to force the key leaders to abandon the "defensive military strategy" and resort back to thei efcetmobile guerrilla warfare". Gradually exhausted with the unending and costly wars, rising younger pragmatic Karen leaders strongly feel that they are not trusted by their hardline superiors who still live in the past legacy of mistrust and intransigence in their struggle (or ethnic rights and autonomy, while the global political and security scenarios have evolved towards a peaceful solution to arms conflicts. h ew gnrtons observe that their senior leaders "have not been flexible when the situation has permitted them to pursue or probe the olive branches offered by the Burmese military rulers to end the five decades of ethnic unrest. The Slorc, which succee in striking a truce deal with about a dozen of Burrna's armed ethnic insurgencies, has tried to woo the KNU, without much progress, to enter cease-fire negotiations. The Karen rank-and-file also perceive that their leaders "are too obsessed or overwhelmed" with other, duties and responsibilities entrusted to them by fugitive Burmese democracy groups, which have been living and taking shelter under KNU hospitality, and have completely ojcie of ighting for their Karen homeland. Moreover, they feel that their higher authorities have failed to resolve other pressing KNU agendas and problems at lu reforms in ih fcntnt changes of military an oiia cnarios inside the country, democratization of the decision-making process, and resolving the brewing dissatisfaction over the decades-old Buddhist-Christian differences and discrimination. Several key guerrilla leaders acknowledged during interviews last week that although the KNU has a written rule of "collective leadership", the reality is that most decisions are still made by a few senior powers, particularly KNU President Gen Bo Mya, who retains the final say in all matters -- political and military alike. "Partly, it is our custom or tradition not to counter the elderly leaders' opinions of decisions Yes, it is one of our biggest mistakes not to oppose what we believe is not right or practical and then seeing things deteriorate," said one senior member of the KNU's 45- strong central committee. While he and other central committee members countered the DKBO's accusations of KNU leaders' discrimination against the practice of Buddhist activities and the promotion of members of the KNU Buddhist majority to higher positions, saying that all the promotions are made through "secret votes", several Burma analysis, however, said "the system itself is not democratic enough to permit the secret vote a fair choice of candidates of promotion". KNU Buddhist members and followers mainly junior field officers and frontline troops, feel they are unfairly treated despite the high risk to their lives on the battlefield, while the political and military policy-makers enjoy a rather safe haven replete with leadership luxuries While KNU higher-ups have over-looked the thorny questions, the hardliners in the Burmese junta and regional army commanders who prefer military operations to peace efforts have exploited them to their utmost benefit. The split inside the KNU and the subsequent sudden birth of DKBO and its military wing, the Democratic Kayin Buddhist Army, are neither spontaneous nor coincidental. Immediately, the DKBO led by Buddhist monk U Thuzana, who has been accused by the KNU of being a Slorc spy announced its allegiance and alliance to Rangoon and guided the Burmese troops to capture Manerplaw. They are currently assisting the Burmese troops in attacking Kawmoora, the KNU's 101th special military unit, opposite Thailand's Mae Sot district of Tak. "The use of force to suppress the Buddhist faction was the last straw that drove the group into open defiance against the KNU and into opened cooperation with the Slorc," said one analyst. The analysts belive the Slorc, which is throwing its full backing behind efforts to prop up the DKBO. will forcibly coerce the people in the Karen State to accept and support the DKBO as the ethnic representation of the Karen populace. The Slorc, they say, will probably use the Union Solidarity and Development Association, a nationwide mass movement of its own creation, to rally popular support to legitimize the DKBO. Moreover, a group of eight DKBA forces, armed with AK-47 rifles, M-79 grenade launchers and grenades, illegally sneaked across the Moei River into a Thai refugee camp last week to kidnap a KNU key civilian leader Padoh Mahn Yin Sein. The KNU believes Mahn Yin Sein, the administrative governor of Pa-an district and the most senior KNU Buddhist leader, will be forced to assume the leadership of the DKBO. The 55-year-old hostage is one of the seven delegates the KNU has designated to engage in preliminary peace talks with the Slorc. Amid this chaotic situation, senior KNU leaders see an urgent need to hold "an emergency meeting" among themselves to assess the whole situation, to reform the organization and to outline new political and military strategies to deal with the threat to their survival. They accept that a restructuring of the KNU organization including changes at some leaders, is inevitable. They quietly acknowledge that some ageing top leaders, including Gen Bo Mya himself, who has been strongly blamed for mishandling the religious conflicts, will have to step down or give way and allow younger generations to assume responsibilities. While they say the appointment of a new leadership rests on the decision of the meeting, which is to be held soon at a secret KNU location, it is highly possible that Gen Bo Mya, whose name has become an international trademark for Karen revolutionaries, and some other senile leaders "will be asked to accept an honorary position on a KNU advisory board." which is to be created. Still debatable is who will take up the presidency of the beleaguered Karen movement. Some Burma analysts believe that Brig Gen Shwe Saing, commander of the KNU 6th Brigade, the Brig Gen Oliver, commander of the KNU 4th Brigade, are the two possible candidates for the paramount post. Oliver, who controls territory covering the Mergui and Tavoy districts in Burma's southern Tenassarim Division, might opt out as he will be too preoccupied with the defence against the Slorc's imminent military offensive in his area, currently the main income-generating zone for the KNU, according to the analysts. The analysts said the new KNU headquarters, probably a mobile unit, is likely to located in the 6th Brigade area in Dyuplaya district. Other urgent tasks that need immediate KNU attention and action are how to reorganize the Karen mass support, particularly from those in dozens of refugee camps in Thailand who have been shaken by the uncertainty inside the KNU. Thai border and security officers have, since last month, detected an influx of Slorc and DKBA infiltrators, many of whom disguise themselves as Buddhist monks and illegally sneak into border camps to spread rumors and anti-KNU leaflets. The group has been urging and instigating the mainly-Buddhist refugees who number about 70,000 , to return to their homes in Burma and promising them that the Slorc will provide land, subsistence and other privileges. The KNU, which has declared its roadiness to engage in peace talks with the Slorc, might be forced to enter the talks with "a more softening stance" now that it has lost its considerable bargaining power after the two unfonunate incidents'. The guerrilla leaders will have no time to blame one another or to mourn their loss, but will need to immediately draw up a new political and military strategy as well as attract international attention and support in light of Burmese determination to wipe out their movement by sheer force. The survival of the KNU also rests on more democratic decisions and pragmatic leadership who are ready to cooperate among themselves as well as with other armed ethnic and Burmese democracy groups who share the same aspirations for peace ad democracy in Burma. *****************KAREN STATE/KAWTHOOLEI*********************** DKBA/SLORC: "SAYADAW WRITES THIS LETTER TO YOU ALL." Democratic Kayin Buddhist Association/SLORC Originally posted by Atiah beeby@firststate.com.au [This letter was sent to all the Buddhist leaders in every Karen refugee camp on the Thai/ Burma boarder. The following letter has been translated from Burmese script.] 1995, January 2nd, Tuesday Sayadaw writes this letter to you all. The reason for this letter is to ask your help concerning the religious problems Thoo Moie Hta. This letter is to be known to the Buddhist leaders in every camp, Baw Naw, Kway Ka Loe, Blaw Lu Kho, Mie Ta Rit, Ta Lor Thaw, Ka Mg Lay Kho, Mu Wah Kwee, Noh Boe, Beh Klor, Show Klo, Maung Ker and Kler Ko. Weapons must be confiscated as quickly as possible from every Christian leader who settles in these camps. All Karen Buddhist refugee families can come to Burma by car from Mie Ta Wah camp freely to Pa An City. From Pa An City you will be sent to your own native village. There is a launch already prepared for anybody who will return. You willbe safe on your trip. No Christians, only Karen Buddhist's are allowed to go. No Christian will be given safe passage. Do not let any hesitation or hindrance stop you from returning. Time of peace in the Karen State has come. Wish you all health and happiness Sayadaw U Thu Za Na Myae Kyi Ngu [The following are the rules for all those who return to Burma and are sent to live in the refugee camp at Thoo Moie Hta. The 10 rules are printed on the back of the Pass card issued at Pan An City when they are photographed and registered. All people who live in the compound must carry the sign of the Monk. This is a piece of yellow rope. The following has been translated from Burmese script. Rules for those who stay in the camp] 1. To remain vegetarian forever inside and outside the camp. 2. No-one is to argue or cause trouble in the compound. 3. There is to be no division between races. 4. Everybody must keep the fifth commandment of the Gautama Buddha at all times. (Do not kill) 5. Do not gossip or use slander that will cause harm to anybody in the compound. 6. No political discussion or arguments are allowed to disturb the people in the compound. 7. No religion, apart from Buddhism is allowed to be discussed in the compound. Those who can not cope with this decipline above are absolutely not allowed to settle in the compound. *****************KAREN STATE/KAWTHOOLEI*********************** BRC-J: TWO REPORTS FROM THE BORDER Received early 2/13/95 Dear BRC--J, I'd made tentative plans to meet Y at Mae Sariang tomorrow am but latest news/rumor is that DKBO/SLORC has cut transport in both directions now and Mae SamLap is dangerous with DKBO just opposite. Newsweek journalists who came here said they'd called out from Mae Samlap saying they wanted to talk. DKBO called back across the river with megaphone telling them to go away quickly (Look for story on PPH--KNU soldiers in upcoming issue. The story won't say much about the political situation. They didn't ask the right questions and the situation is too bleak to volunteer info.) I'm faxing DKBO statements received at ShoKlo in Burmese. One in Karen has been translated into Burmese. It seems as if many of the anti-KNU accusations are true, but the DKBO line is retaliation, separatism, crush the KNU in the name of Buddhl very demoralizing and confusing locally, the majority being Buddhist KNU. KawMooRaw is still under attack--shelling explosions can be heard through the night in Mae Sot. Maybe you are aware that Paw PaHta is a known safe-haven for escaped porters. Lately there are none, but after the fall of Manerplaw more than 170 made their way down the river, told by villagers to come to PPH. They came from Mudon, Moulmein, Rangoon, and satellite towns--it seems as if nowhere is safe. PPH gives free lodging, food, etc. PPH gives free lodging food, etc. BRC sent a volunteer with money to cover their needs, with supplies (food, slippers, clothing, small amount of money) for their passage home. PPH is considered far enough from Manerplaw for safe return home. Mae Sot (12 Feb) Sending these updates is frustrating--so much contradictory reporting. Dawn Gwin has been evacuated. On Thursday 9 Feb. a boat was traveling upriver from DG. They were attacked by Burmese speakers mostly, but some Karen language was heard. (Assume both SLORC and DKBO) (Earlier, when Manerplaw fell, DKBO did not attack students when they had an opportunity to do so.) Now in DG area, all ABSDF have retreated to Thai side (including Salween). Just visited injured students from boat attack. They were continuously shot at. One was seriously injured and captured! The other 6 on board managed to swim to Thai side. Two escaped, apparently unscathed and are in the Thai jungle so far unaccounted for. The remaining 4 were injured. 2 were released from hospital and are at Dr. C's. The other 2 remain hospitalized--one with 2 bullet wounds in his shoulder, one will lose his eye. These 4 injured managed to swim, then hide amongst the rocks on the Thai side for more than an hour of continued shelling. They made their way to a Karen village. Assisted by villagers, on to Mae Sariang. Soe Aung and a medic accompanied them at night to Mae Sot. A medic and an attendant staying with them at the hospital. There's also another student who lost a foot when a mine exploded at Dawn Gwin (maybe a week ago?) He lies in pain, a bloodied bandage on his propped-up stump. Dr. KTO says it reeks of gangrene and most likely needs to be further amputated. Poor man--he's in terrible agony. The medic is administering pain-killer secretly. Good to see they at least have continued ABSDF support. At PPH we had news of heavy reinforcements to SLORC's closest position (7 kms) and news of SLORC's plan to move as far as PPH. We were all busy packing our evacuation bags (I'm getting better at this!) ABSDF near PPH also plans to evacuate families too. Still much confusion/panic regarding DKBO--more and more KNU soldiers are "disappearing" and relatives are worried. On the brighter side, we hope, is the formation of a new group called NOBO. The leader is a mid-50 year old Buddhist commander at KawMooRaa, where morale is extremely low because of continued attack and Buddhists are especially confused. In one week, he's recruited 200 Karen Buddhists. They are organizing with the support of KNU--receiving food and weapons from KNU to flight SLORC. They have vowed to never join any group which oppresses people. Intends to negotiate with DKBO. Also vows to never make misjudgments as KNU leadership did in the past. >From NBH03114@niftyserve.or.jp Tue Feb 14 02:15:48 1995 Date: Tue, 14 Feb 1995 16:48:00 +0900 From: =?ISO-2022-JP?B?GyRCQG46aiEhN3UbKEI=?= Subject: The border again To: tun@macpsy.ucsf.edu (Coban Tun) DATE:February 12, 1995 TIME: 7:31PMJST SUBJ:A Report from the Salween Received by BRC-J Sunday afternoon, Feb. 12, 1995 An eye-witness report from the Salween As you know from my previous letter, I spent time at the front line last week and left with a growing respect for the student army who seemed to be facing extreme odds against them. After my return, I started hearing rumours and stories from all sorts of sources regarding Dawn Gwin, the students, SLORC, and the DKBO. There was very little confirmed information coming from the students as all lines of communication had been cut. I started to worry and decided to go and see for myself and to come back with clear and concise information. I had no idea at the time just how bad the situation had become in terms of access and safety. I will explain what SLORC and the DKBO are doing in terms of the river and its banks rather than behind the mountain ranges. You have travelled along the Salween, so you will understand what I am trying to say. The SLORC now have control of the Salween River from Manerpalw to Bon Ya Hta and further north towards Weggie. Their objective is to control the whole of the Salween, which they are going to do. Mae Sam Lap is now under the control of SLORC and the DKBO rather than the Democratic forces. At the beginning of last week as SLORC and the DKBO made their way north from Manerplaw towards Dawn Gwin, their main objective was first to take control of Mae Sam Lap. Having done this, they are now assured of supplies and the trade that occurs there. Unfortunately for the local people living in Mae Sam Lap, the last thing they want is to continue business with SLORC and the DKBO. They are also very frightened of these people. The day that SLORC made their way to Mae Sam Lap, the students sent a boat to Mae Sam Lap to get some supplies for Yaung Ni Oo. They did not know that the enemy had already reached the banks opposite Mae Sam Lap. (The soldiers have occupied the Karen checkpoint between Mae Sam Lap and Dawn Gwin.) After the boat arrived, the students realized the situation and made their way very quickly up the hill towards the student shop. On the way it became very clear that travelling along the river either by boat or on foot was very dangerous. By the time I left yesterday, the only boats on the river were SLORC boats, but even they were further south rather than in this area. It also means that all lines of communication, travel, supplies, and access are either cut or extremely limited. There are some parts of the journey where we had to travel right along the side of the river, hugging the rocks as we went. You have to travel one by one at these points, and even then, you run for it. They shoot at people anyway, and you have to hope that they are just shooting to create fear rather than at you. I reached Yaung Ni Oo at dusk. Khin Maung Win was travelling with me together with one other student. As we climbed up the hill to take the path into the village, a land mine went off at Camp 209 which is on the Burma side of the river opposite Yaung Ni Oo. SLORC were on their way. All the families at the village have been moved deeper into Thailand along the Yaung Ni Oo valley out of firing range. They are living with two bamboo poles and a blanket for a roof. Plastic mats serve as their floors. Belongings are in plastic bags, and everybody is getting ready for the next move even deeper into Thailand about 3 hours away. They will move step by step. They have found a new place to settle which will be about one hour trek from the road that runs from Mae Sariang to Mae Ka Hta. Supplies, however, still have to be carried down the mountain for about an hour. The Thai authorities in this area are very sympathetic and have given the student families permission to move deeper into Thailand. Chuan Leekpai visited Mae Ka Hta and Mae Sam Lap last week and has told the Thai border patrol and the Thai army to help those that flee from the Burma side and into Thailand. The relationship with the local Thai commander there is good. Thank goodness. In the meantime, the Thai authorities have also given permission for refugees in Bon Ya Hta and other new refugee camps north of Daw Gwin the OK to move inside deeper. They realize that SLORC will fire into Thailand and cross the river to steal supplies. However, I am going up there again next week to check this out and to make sure the student families have been able to move and are settled safely. The next morning I set off quite early to go and film the SLORC who were on the other side of the river at a place called U Tu Hta which is 1 km south of Dawn Gwin. I could not travel along the river, so I spent four and a half hours travelling through the jungle. It was really difficult, but by hanging from trees, sliding down crevices, holding onto the roots of the bamboo for stability, we finally made it to place on the Thai side opposite U Tu Hta. The SLORC were using a helicopter to bring in troops and supplies, they were also using a boat. Along the mountain range facing into Kawthoolei, towards Papun, they have set up their artillery. I spent about an hour getting briefed as to the situation and what all this means. SLORC is clearly about to make a final push north. They are using U Tu Hta right now as a place from which to launch their attacks. About 1200 soldiers (3 batallions) are making their way behind the mountains at U Tu Hta towards Dawn Gwin. Its only a matter of days before they reach there and can keep going north. SLORC will secure their control of the Salween, the Thais and SLORC can talk about building their dams, and we will continue to fight the military dictatorship. The KNU and ABSDF will be formed into smaller guerilla units and start being active inside Burma. There will not be a big HQ either on the Burma side (obviously), nor will operations be run from Thailand. Communications will be absolutely key here for any of us to be able to function politically and effectively. Funding is needed for political work and campaigns with a strong focus on issues that we can win and that we can use to reach the world community. More important than anything else, however, is funding to support the movement inside Burma. *****************KAREN STATE/KAWTHOOLEI*********************** BRC-J: MORE FROM THE BORDER FROM:NBH03114@niftyserve.or.jp Burmese Relief Center--Japan DATE:February 19, 1995 TIME 9:49AM JST Mae Sariang 17 Feb. 1995 Hi Gang, Finally left ShoKlo and Dr. KTO's kids. We evacuated Tuesday--moved nearly everything except basic supply of medicine at hospital. Dr.'s medics stay on hand in shifts--still 2 in-patients and outpatients everyday. Paw Pa Hta is nearly 80% evacuated, only 1 shop remains open. Here's an update on news: 13 Feb. 2 students walking from xx Thai village into the Family Village were "attacked" by DKBO--DKBO are deep inside Thailand. On e medic ran away. The other student was captured by DKBO but was released when he promised to negotiate ABSDF's cooperation. Maybe DKBO doesn't want to attack the students? Update on boat attack--3 students dead. You can imagine the confusion of the injured ones we met in Mae Sot--they'd been sitting targets and barely managed to swim to the bank with injuries. That was the last ABSDF boat. One lost in an accident, one seized in Mae Sam Lap, then this one. ZZZ, a mutual friend, was scheduled to be on that boat, but due to the mine accident at Dawn Gwin, was called to accompany the victim to Mae Sot (the amputee I mentioned previously). He, the medic, left suddenly and his bag was following on that boat that was captured after the attack. Unfortunately, he'd kept a detailed diary.... You'll be glad to know that Ven. U Than Wara Sayadaw of Peaceful Monastery, where the pagoda was completed last year, evacuated to the Thai side directly opposite his monastery. His monastery is now occupied by DKBO. Also, we heard on BBC the strongest condemnation ever has come from Thai government (maybe you know this, but I've been away from newspapers for more than a week). Officially condemned SLORC attacks on Thai side and blamed DKBO on SLORC. More than 20 letters sent to Burma plus Burmese Embassy called in for personal visit. SLORC local regiment commander sent a letter to Thai troops--telling them to move back and SLORC would control the border until fighting finished. The monk U Thu Za Na is being used by SLORC and DKBO as figurehead leader. He's reported to be in a monastery practicing/teaching Buddhism. He's totally UNPOLITICAL and UNMILITARY. SLORC propaganda at the moment. The offensive is officially over for this season!!??!! And the KNU Buddhist leader kidnaped VOLUNTARILY joined the DKBO!! Last night we had a scare at ShoKlo. We heard gunshots very close. There was lots of panic, but it turned out to be a Thai soldier angry over gambling. There are rumors that DKBO is coming today (the 17th) or the 27th to Paw Pa Hta. Meet E and C of (NGO) who just returned from Family Village. They promised one month's supply of food and medicine and, after that, will assess the situation for further assistance. The students need to move the Family Village again because the second site is not secure. They are worried about DKBO. Of course, ABSDF doesn't want to stay with the refugees because they must continue their political activities. 14 Feb. Mae Sariang office raided. All 8 men present arrested. Not Ma Thet because she was sick and also not another pregnant woman. The fine was 10,000 Baht. As for the southern areas, villages are evacuating voluntarily since the beginning of February's offensive. I suppose you hard that DKBO stole food from refugees on Thai territory. Further rumors of DKBO in Noe Bon (sp?) refugee camp. They are said to have killed one high-ranking KNU leader and to have planted mines at the school and clinic in camp. More when I can. *****************KAREN STATE/KAWTHOOLEI*********************** NLM/SLORC: ARTICLE ON THE CAPTURE OF MANERPLAW The New Light of Myanmar [Featuring accusations against Kevin Heppner, Robert Helvey and Gene Sharp---BurmaNet] 04 February 1995 Yangon, 3 Feb - The Ministry of Defence held a Press Conference in connection w ith the capturing of Manerplaw, the KNU Headquarters by the breakaway Democratic Kayin Buddhist Organization (DKBO) at Myanma Television and Radio Department on Pyay Road at 9 :45 am today. Present at the Press Conferec were Director Brig-Gen Aung Thun of the Pu blic Relations and Psychological Warfare of the Ministry of Defence Deputy Director Col Kyaw W in of the Defence Services Intelligence, Officiating Head Lt-Col Kyaw Thein of Office of the Strategic Studies, local and foreign newsmen headed by Managing Director U Than Maung of the News and Periodicals Enterprise, Director - General U Kyi Lwin of the Myanma Televis ion and Radio Department and officials concerned. Brig-Gen Aung Thein first explained the programme for clarifying the situa tion in connection with the capturing of the Manerplaw Camp of the KNU Headquarters by breakaway D KBO. Col Kyaw Win then explained the situation of the capturing of the Manerpl aw Camp of the KNU Hq by the break-away DKBO. He said the State Law and Order and Restoration Council issued Declaration No 11/97 on 24 April 1992 in connection with the releasing of political prisoners who no lo nger posed a danger to the general security and convening of National Convention in order to lay down basic principles for the drafting of a Constitution. Moreover, with a view to consoli dating national unity, the Tatmadaw which was launching military offensives against the armed g roups in the jungles, halted offensives for national reconciliation on 28 April 1993. Secret ary-1 of the State Law and Order Restoration Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt extended invitations to arm ed national groups in the jungles to return to the legal fold and join hands with the Gover nment in implementing regional developmenttasks at Loikaw, Kayah State, on 17 November 1 993; at Thanbyuzayat in Mon State on 25 November 1993; at Hpa-an in Kayin State on 26 N ovember 1993 and at Myapadine Village in Kawkareik Township, Kayin State on 5 April 199 4. In addition to this, the Secretary-1 time and again extended invitations to the armed natio nal groups in the jungles to return to the legal fold at ceremonies held by the State and during his inspection tours of states and divisions. The Government with the genuine goodwill for Myanmar Naing-Ngan to become a peaceful, prosperous and modern nation extended a hand of welcome to the KNU armed group in the jungles to return to the legal fold, but the KNU, taking advantage of the halt in military operations by the Tatmadaw, launched major offensives against the Tatmadaw outpost in Htim ukhi and captured the outpost on 25 July 1992. They also continued to attack Tatmadaw co lumns on the move many times, shelled some towns and villages where civilians lived with hea vy weapons, fired at buses along the transportation route and robbed the people of their propert y, killed civilians, kidnapped people, forcefully recruited people from the villages and collected e xtortion money and rations from the people and resorted to all sorts of destructive acts and cause d the people much trouble in succession. During the time of invitations extended to make peace, the KNU to earn pol itical gains gathered together the DAB, NDF, NLD(LA),NCGUB and formed the NCUB led by Bo M ya on 4 August 1992 and laid down a strategy to launch a diplomatic offensive to u rge the United Nations to remove Myanmar Naing-Ngan as its member nation and to disgrace Myanm ar Naing-Ngan internationally. After that Bo Mya himself went to the United States and he took with him a paper compiled by the KNU to be submitted at Carter Centre entitled "Thoughts and Recommendations regarding US and UN policy towards Burma" translated by a Canadian, Kevin Heppner. Some of the words written under the sub-title "Suggest ions for US and UN policy on Burma" were accusation against the government and for the US t o take action against Myanmar Naing-Ngan according to the following seven points: - (a) to impose arms and trade embargo and to stop all assistance and investment s; (b) to stop all arms sales to Myanmar Naing-Ngan by all international bodies; (c) to prevent American firms from investing in Myanmar Naing-Ngan; (d) for the international community to ostracize Myanmar Naing-Ngan; (e) for US to pressure the government to put an end to civil strife and to han d over power to a civil government; (f) for US to deny assistance to Myanmar Naing-Ngan which is not sincere in na rcotic drug abuse control work; and (g) for US to make direct contacts with DAB and NCUB in taking steps for peace . He also went to the United Kingdom from 21 October to 5 November. The rema ining members of the NCUB went globe-trotting in 1993 and 1994 and made false accusat ion against the Government for human rights abuse, destroying the environment and drug abus e control tasks so that the international community will have wrong impression on the Governmen t and asked the UN to recognize the NCUB as a member, to assist them financially, and toured ma ny countries and asked some of the governments and non-governmental organizations to provide them arms and ammunition and food aid. As the second strategy of the NCUB, it formed the Political Defiance Commi ttee with the objective to use all sorts of subversive acts so that the people will have wron g impressions of the Government and lose their respect on it and so disturbances and upheavals will break out in the country. Thus, they made contacts with underground elements within the country and distributed agitative pamphlets, set off bombs in townships to disturb peace and tranquilit y and cause disturbances and resorted to other disruptive acts. Those who gave training in political defiance (PD) activities were a former retired US Defence Attache Robert Helvey and one Gene Sharp. It was seen that during the three-year period of extending invitation for peace, t he KNU were bent on undermining the interest of the people. KNU Bo Mya sent KNU Lt-Col Law Wadi, demolition expert Lt-Col Saw Isaac, m ining camp in charge Phado Saw Htoo and Jack to drug warlord Khun Sa at Homein Camp and ha d discussions from 10 to 12 April 1994 on cooperation between KNU and MTA, assist ing in making land mines and arms and ammunition and other economic cooperation. Drug Warlord Khun Sa sent MTA Vice Chief of Staff Kan Sitt and Khun Sai (Khun Sa's uncle) to KNU Hq in Manerplaw where Bo Mya was and coordinated matters on cooperating in military a nd economic affairs, from 15 to 17 April 1994,it is learnt. Although the Government with genuine goodwill extended an olive branch, KN U leader Saw Bo Mya made his young leaders and subordinates believe that peace will be made just to soothe them. On the other hand he made use of the word "peace" just to get political g ains and shouted out for peace just to make others think so, but actually what he presnted were that it was not for Kayin nationals,impossible for them and should not be so. He maneuvered to turn peace into a political platform. The KNU youths wanted peace to come one day and waited in v ain for nearly years. As they were eager to penetrate the darkness and e notelght, th dsaifction in their hearts, it is learnt. There was about 80 per cent of Buddhists in the KNU group and all of them revered Myainggyingu Sayadaw U Thuzana. In May 1993, Bo Mya treated the Sayadaw rudely for building the Datthabala Pagoda on Laykaytu Hill near Thumwehta and KNU Buddhis t troops and civilians became dissatisfied with his attitude and about 400 of them demonstra ted at Manerplaw camp. As Bo Mya had to give in the problem was temporarily solved. Then again o n 29 November 1994, about 40 members of the Sangha including Myainggyingu Sayadaw we re driven by Bo Mya and Rambo Monk from Thumwehta area. Due to general dissatisfaction wh ich had cropped up in the past on the KNU leaders, their selfishness, including their l iving in luxury, bias in giving ranks, their unwillingness to gain peace and other factors, they coul d no longer beat them. KNU Buddhist soldiers and civilians took up arms against the KNU led by B o Mya and revolted against them. Thus, members of KNU central who were dissatisfied with Nga Mya and members of the Brigades 1, 6 and 7 gathered force which swelled to a strength o f over 3,000. This group formed the DKBO and opposed Nga Mya. On 1 December 1994, the DKBO issued a declaration in which it laid down th e four aims --- to achieve peace and tranquility for the people in the entire Kayin State, to g ive priority to progress, strive for economic development and to preserve the religion and cult ure of Kayin nationals. Members of the DKBO realized that the Kayin nationals will continfer as long as the KNU led by Nga Mya exists. And they began to attack the base camps of Ng a Mya. Local people gave their strongsupport to the DKBO and drove out the KNU forces of Nga Mya. This had enabled DKBO to occupy Nga Mya's base camps. During the occupation, tens of thousands of people in Kayin State provided a great deal of food and personal goods. On 5 January 1995, Nga Mya's KNU forces launched massive offensives agains t DKBO which was winning strong public support. As a result, Phaungdaw U Pagoda was destroy ed and Aiksathaya Kyaungtaik and a sima were burnt down at Thumwehta. Hundreds of peop le including civilians were killed. Thumwehta village was destroyed. Under the circumstance s, the people asked for Tatmadaw's help. Accordingly, the Tatmadaw extended assistance to DKB O which has correct objectives, with the aim of ensuring peace and tranquility in Kayin Sta te and welfare of the people. Members of the DKBO were emboldened by public support and Tatmadaw's a ssistance and they won a series of victories over Nga Mya's forces finally eliminating th em. At last, they occupied the Manerplaw camp of the KNU headquarters. KNU (Central) disintegrated due to Nga Mya's poor leadership, narrow-minde dness, KNU leaders' establishment of businesses in the other country and living in luxury there, unfair management of the followers, restrictions on religious freedom and cheating th e followers in the name of peace. When the KNU was formed, its aim and conviction was to strive f or the development of Kayin nationals. In practice, however, it had not accomplished a nything. During its 46-year period of revolution, the KNU had not done anything in the interest of Kayin State. Instead, it blasted, fired on and set ablaze schools, hospitals, factories, roa ds, bridges, motor vehicles and trains provided by the government for the development of Kayin Sta sch destructive acts, Kayin State became a battlefield. Troubled by military e ngagements, the villagers were in no position to live in peace. The farms they worked also beca me useless. They had to leave their villages in ruin. Land owners finally turned out to be refug ees. The State Law and Order Restoration Council, soon after the assumption of State duties, resor ted to peaceful means but the KNU leadership ignored public cause and peace. Secretary-1 of the State Law and Order Restoration Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyu nt, on behalf of the State Law and Order Restoration Council, toured the states and extended a warm and hearty welcome to the armed groups to return to the legal fold for the establis hment of a peaceful, pleasant, modern and developed Myanmar and for national reconciliation. This of fer has been known not only in the country but also in the world. As a result, the Kachin In dependence Organization (KIO),Kayinni National People's Liberation Front (KNPLF),Kayan Nat ional Liberation Party(KNLP) and Shan State Nationalities People's Liberation Organiz ation (SSNPLO) armed groups returned to the legal fold. KNU, however, did not turn up for a meeting. After the government's peace offer, the people of Kayin State had great ex pectations that the rays of peace had dawned and a meeting would soon take place between the govern ment and the KNU. Noted leaders of Kayin nationals in the country advised KNU leaders headed by Bo Mya through correspondence or messengers that it was most opportune for making peac e. In disregard of the mass of Kayin State and Kayin elders, Bo Mya gave repeated troubles to t he people with destructive acts during the nearly three years when peace was being offered. Th e public, therefore, detested and hated the KNU. While the public were longing for peace, the DKBO which also aspires for peace, broke away from the KNU. The people of the entire Kayin State then gave their strongest support to the DKBO. As the DKBO has correct aim to achieve peace and development in Kayin Stat e, it has won full public support and also won victories with the assistance of the Tatmadaw. Very soon, the rays of peace will radiate in Kayin State and the residents will fully enjoy th e fruits of peace. Next, local and foreign media personnel asked questions. Director of Publi c Relations and Psychological Warfare Brig-Gen Aung Thein, Deputy Director of Defence Services Intelligence Col Kyaw Win and officiating Head of the Office of Strategic Strategies Lt-Col Kyaw Thein replied to the points asked by the journalists. The news conference ended at 11 am. Similarly, the capturing of Manerplaw Camp of the KNU headquarters by the break-away Democratic Kayin Buddhist Organization was clarified to the military attaches a t the Tatmadaw Guest House on Inya Road at 8 am today by Col Kyaw Win and Lt-Col Kyaw Thein who also replied toquestions raised. - MNA *****************KAREN STATE/KAWTHOOLEI*********************** BRC-J: TO THE DEFENDERS OF KAWMOORA FROM:NBH03114@niftyserve.or.jp Burmese Relief Center--Japan DATE:February 18, 1995 TIME 4:40PM JST SUBJ:To the Defenders of Kawmoora The following is intended to offer encouragement to the courageous defenders of Kawmoora, much in our thoughts and prayers these days. BRC--J THEY FOUGHT AND DIED AT KAWMOORA The Tyrant sends his legions forth Engines of death from the Cathay Khan (1) Imported to Burma, once proud, now enslaved "Crush the rebels", the Old Man raved. (2) The Karen folk, Field of Victories lost Ever free though their freedom be in death Formed a last brigade, both vets and youth raw (3) "They shall not pass at Kawmoora". SLORC's guns and bombs do tear the earth Trees flattened, rivers red with blood Fires ravage the once green hills The Demon of War, his belly fills. The Commander said, " tis true we erred" "Our rule was not completely just" (4) "But ten thousands boys and girls, their song so gay (5) Laid down their lives for Kawthoolei". "Shall the dream of liberty be forever lost As old friends turn their backs on our fate?" "Oh, Thais, were we the ones who fair Ayutthaya raped? (6) Not us, who in forest forts our liberty shaped". At Thermopylae, that narrow pass, the Greeks held back the Persian hoards. (7) At Paris, the poor did rise, declared their regime, then died. (8) At Stalingrad did Rurik slay the Nazi beast. (9) Of all these great events and men, the heroes of Kawmoora are not the least. Scholar, your den warmed by books, exotic art and wifely love, Remember those who fight and die a silent war Remember the solemn oath they took those fatal days "They shall not pass at Kawmoora". Donald M. Seekins February 18, 1995 notes: 1: Cathay Khan: "Cathay" is an old Western name for China. The Cathay Khan was Khubilai (1215-1294), who established the Yuan Dynasty. But I use this term to describe the despotic leaders of the People's Republic of China. 2: The Old Man: Ne Win. 3. "vets": war veterans. 4: "not completely just": refers to the alleged discrimination against Buddhist Karens in the Karen National Union by its Christian leaders. 5: "gay": in the old meaning of the word, meaning "happy"; not in its newer meaning, which is "homosexual". 6: "fair Ayutthaya raped": refers to the Burman pillage of the Siamese capital in the eighteenth century. 7: At the Battle of Thermopylae, a small number of heroic Greek soldiers defeated a much larger army of Persians, whose king was determined to subjugate Greece (fiy B.C.) 8: "their regime": refers to the Paris Commune of 1872, when workers took over Paris and established a socialist regime. It was suppressed brutally that same year by French government troops. 9: "Rurik": the legendary founder of Russia. Used here to refer to ordinary Russian people, the "sons and daughters of Rurik". ************************THAILAND****************************** SEASIA-L: THANONG MAY BE EXTRADICTED ON DRUGS CHARGE L.J.Summers bit.listserv.seasia-l 8:05 AM Feb 15, 1995 (at SEAS.HULL.AC.UK) (From News system) Content-type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" A major wire service reports that Thanong Siripreechapong, the former Thai member of parliament whose extradiction to the US is being sought by a California court, has given himself up to authorities in Thailand. (He disappeared earlier this month after a warrant had been issued for his arrest.) Thanong has denied involvement in drugs trafficking. He is due to appear in a Thai court on Feb 23 when a public prosecutor may decide to extradict him. Documents from the California case implicate Thanong in marijuana smuggling operations netting more than 10 million dollars over eleven years (1977-87). The report states that, if Thanong is extradicted, this would be the first time any Thai national has ever been sent abroad to face criminal charges. Can anyone confirm the last point? Does anyone know of cases in the US implicating Cambodian officials? It is said by people-whose-job-it-is-to-know [in the Cambodian government] that a very high percentage of the private banks in that country exist only for laundering profits from drugs trafficking. I hear much less about the quantity of drugs smuggled via Cambodia. L.J.Summers@seas.hull.ac.uk ----------------------------------------------------------------- -------- Laura J. Summers, Centre for South-East Asian Studies; The University of Hull; Kingston upon Hull HU6 7RX - U.K. Tel/Fax: +44 (1482)465758 ***************************** Laura, Thanong turned himself in and was refused bail. It is looking like they might actually extradite him but I'm not sure he needs to buy his plane ticket just yet. There are a number of other Thai lawmakers who could find themselves in a similar position if a precedent is set with Thanong. Thanong has been indicted on smuggling 40 tons of marijuana and eight others are sitting in American prisons for their part in the same operation. Thanong hasn't been indicted for his "alleged" involvement in heroin trafficking, but it is an open secret. If he is extradited to the U.S., he will be the first Thai national, although several of Khun Sa's aides are facing a similar fate (the validity of their citizenship papers is dodgey). Regards, Strider ************************THAILAND****************************** BURMANET: LETTER--AKHA HERITAGE FOUNDATION (AHF) NEEDS SUPPORT Posted by "Richard A. Crooker" February 19, 1995 I am forwarding a parts of a recent letter that I received from Matthew McDaniel, founder of the AHF, which is located in Mae Sai. Perhaps some of your readers can assist him. Matthew is not on the Internet, so he must be reached by either regular mail or Fax. He can be contacted at: The Akha Heritage Foundation, P.O. Box 40, Maesai, Chiangrai, Thailand 57130; Fax 66-53-733-055. Matthew writes: "I could use a reference guide to the Internet. Also, I could use the names of any professional fraternal organizations who get together for purposes other than talking shop. A lot of physicians' organizations are like this, with a social action side to it. I am looking for anyone who would support literacy and the publishing of word work books for children. "I am getting out to the [Akha] villages more often, as some money comes in; but I really can use more supplies and more money for what it takes to get the supplies out to the villages. There are daily expenses required to keep this alll happening, from postage to photos of what is going on to the transport and fuel to get there. "The need in the villages for the most basic medicines is so great that it is often beyond what we can imagine in the West. For instance, in the West we might see one child with scabies, but here there are whole villages of people with scabies. The amount of medicine it takes to get rid of them is a lot! Ring worm or skin fungus is a similar situation. There is also head lice, leading to secondary infections. "Many of the villages need assistance in procuring a cleaner water supply. Sometimes this can be done without piping, but it is usually required, as cleaner sources, which are mountain springs, are some distance away. Another serious problem is malaria, common in all of the villages among children. Even simple things like dysentery can be killers without basic dehydration salts. "In addition, I am looking for medical professionals or organizations who can help with suppling equipment. Volunteer Doctors and Nurses are welcome." Additional needs that Matthew describes are as follows: "Mapping out villages, finding out how many people are in them and what the common illnesses are and probable causes . . . video recording stories of the old folks is important to preserving the knowledge of a vanishing culture . . . mini-projects like these by way of d conducted by graduate students] . . . ." Please consider assisting him or suggesting to him ideas or the names of people who might be better able to support his needs. **********************INTERNATIONAL*************************** SCB: BURMESE-AMERICAN ASSOCIATION DebbieW123@aol.com Feb 9, 1995 The Burmese American Association was founded in San Francisco, California in 1993 and serves the Burmese community. Its Mission Statements are as follows: 1. To protect our Constitutional Rights 2. To oppose all forms of Discrimination. 3. To achieve our Community Objectives, Socially and Economically. 4. To hold high standards in every aspect of our Community movements & services. 5. To keep informed of Myanmar Economic developments 6. To provide educational programs to the Community. 7. To maintain cultural heritage. One Board member writes: "Unity among our Community is depending on the leadership perception and attitude. The leadership perception and attitude should be for the benefit of the community. BAA success depends on how the community foresee the leaders and their actions. Maybe this is the last chance to unite the community to be actively involved in the United States, socially and economically." Afforementioned Mission Statements cannot be accomplished without committed leaders and supportive members. Last year BAA succeeded in: 1) Offering translating services to the Burmese citizens who sought aslyum in INS hearings (they entered the US illegally) 2) Organizing a picnic 3) Organizing a New Year's Party 4) Collecting and donating money to Burmese families in Los Angeles who were affected by the L.A. earthquake This year we would like to expand our services to the Burmese community by: 1) Setting up educational programs ie. investing, financial planning. 2) Legal Assistance through a legal referral program. 3) Working to protect our Constitutional Rights by sponsoring or taking legal action to prohibit the elimination of Affirmative Action as proposed by Governor Wilson. We are seeking to have associations with various parts of California and the United States so that we will be able to form a larger network of members. If you are willing to be a associate who can distribute information and solicit new members, let us know. Burmese American Association Membership Form. (A Non-profit organization founded in 1993 in San Francisco, California) 36526 Bottlebrush Ct., Newark, CA. 94560 (510) 795-0492 HOT LINE (510) 797-1BAA (797-1222) Individual Member $25/year Student $10/year Senior Citizen (over 65) $10/year Family $40/year Life Member (individual) $100 (one time payment) Life Member (Family) $200 (one time payment) Names: 1. _______________________ 2. _______________________ 3. _______________________ Profession: _______________________ Work Phone: _______________________ Home Address: _______________________ City: _______________________ State: _______________________ Zip: _______________________ ______ I/WE WOULD LIKE TO HELP WITH ASSN. ACTIVITIES ______ I/WE WOULD LIKE TO SERVE ON THE BOARD.. SIGNATURE ________________ DATE: _____________ Please send this form with your check to: Burmese American Association 36526 Bottlebrush Ct. Newark, CA. 94560 ************ [If anyone has more information about the BAA's political views (or lack of same), please contact BurmaNet.---Strider **********************INTERNATIONAL*************************** BRC-J: IN BURMA MISERY DOES NOT LOVE COMPANY Burmese Relief Center--Japan DATE:February 18, 1995 TIME 9:04PM JST SUBJ:Don't Visit Myanmar Thinking of traveling to Burma? The Burmese people ask that you please think again. As long as the country is controlled by SLORC, the brutal military junta, not only willyour visit fail to benefit Burma, but it will actually hasten the destruction of Burma'lture and people. Here's how: Tourism funds SLORC's war against the Burmse people: SLORC is promoting tourism as a quick and easy way to sustain its military spending, which consumes about half of the national budget. Wehre does this money go? To buy the guns, bullets, and mortars SLORC uses against its sole enemy: the Burmese people. Tourism enslaves the Burmese people: Tens of thousands of civilians are being forced by the Burmese goverrk without pay, often in shackles, to construct road and to carry out other projects intended to attract tourists. Tourism destroys Burma's heritage: In Shan State, a palace treasured by the local people was destroyed by the SLORC and is being replaced by a replica. Why? To demoralize the Shan people and at the same time reap tourist dollars. Historic houses in Mandalay and Rangoon are also being razed to widen roads and build hotels in preparation for the flood of tourists SLORC expects for its Visit Myanmar Year 1996. Don't be one of SLORC's "fellow travelers." Don't come to Burma until democracy does. Come back when we're FREE! DON'T visit Myanmar Year 1996 or 1995, for that matter. For more information, contact: Burmese Relief Center--Japan 266-27 Ozuku cho Kashihara, Nara 634, Japan Tel: +81-7442-8236 Fax: +81-7442-4-6254 **********************INTERNATIONAL*************************** BRC-J: PROTEST NISSEKI FROM:NBH03114@niftyserve.or.jp Burmese Relief Center--Japan DATE:February 18, 1995 TIME: 8:15PM JST STRIKE a blow against dictatorship STRIKE a blow for democracy Join our Drive-by Protest against Nisseki Fill up at Nisseki, and you fill the pockets of Slorc, the brutal military junta controlling Burma. Nippon Oil, by exploring in Burma, exploits Burma's people. Here's how: Strategic pipeline placement: Slorc wants to build a 500-km pipeline thrree Pagodas Pass area in Mon State. The Mon are one of many ethnic groups struggling against the oppressive regime. Nisseki has given Slorc an excuse to rape and relocate Mon villagers. Slave labor: Slorc routinely forces ordinary people to work under inhuman conditions and without compensation to build pipelines, service roads, and other support structures for the oil industry. Supporting dictators:The money Nippon Oil pays to inst opposition groups and tightens Slorc's weapons grip on power. Fed up? Then don't fill up! Instead, drive through your local Nisseki station and tell the attendant why you aren't buying and register your support for democracy in Burma. Fed up? Then write Nippon Oil! Japanese companies are sensitive to pressure. Tell Mr. Hidejiro Osawa, Nippon Oil's President, to stop doing business with Slorc and to withdraw. Just drop a postcard or send a fax to Nisseki, and register your support for democracy in Burma. Mr. Hidejiro Osawa President Nippon Oil Co. Ltd. 1-3-12 Nishi Shimbashi Minato-ku Tokyo 105, JAPAN Tel. (82) 3-3502-1111 Fax. (82) 3-3502-9351 As a sample: Dear Mr. Osawa, Your company's involvement in Burma is fueling a cruel dictatorship, which engages in slave labor, forced relocation, and other blatant abuses of human rights. As a supporter of Burma's Democracy Movement, I urge Nippon Oil to immediately withdraw from Burma. Thank you for your prompt attention. Sincerely, Want to help more? Contact: Burmese Relief Center--Japan 266-27 Ozuku-cho, Kashihara-shi, Nara-ken 634 Tel: (07442) 2-8236 -- Fax: (07442) 4-6254 **********************INTERNATIONAL*************************** U.WASHINGTON: STUDENT SENATE RESOLUTION The Associated Students of the University of Washington passed the following Student Senate Resolution on Tuesday, Feb. 14th: Associated Students of the University of Washington Student Senate First Regular Session R 1-2 January 6, 1995 Timothy Landon Beth Kempton University Affairs University Investments In Corporations Doing Business in Burma (Myanmar) WHEREAS the illegitimate military government of Burma (Myanmar), the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC), brutally suppresses Burmese people's movement toward democracy and has massacred or imprisoned thousands of human rights demonstrators. 1 WHEREAS since 1989, SLORC has held under house arrest Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, whose party, the National League for Democracy, won a landslide victory in the national elections. 2 WHEREAS President Clinton urged SLORC to "release Aung San Suu Kyi and all political prisoners, respect the results of the May 1990 elections and commit itself to genuine democratic reform." 3 WHEREAS former ambassador to Burma, Burton Levin, stated: "Foreign investment in most countries acts as a catalyst ot promote change, but the Burmese regime is so single-minded that whatever money they obtain from foreign sources, they pour straight into the army while the rest of the country is collapsing." 4 WHEREAS Levi Strauss, Liz Claibourne, Eddie Bauer, and Amoco have ceased operations in Burma. 5 WHEREAS the University of Washington currently holds stock in corporations known to be operating in the country of Burma. 6 THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE ASSOCIATED STUDENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON: THAT the Unviversity of Washington will vote its proxies in favor of shareholder's resolutions that request corporations to publish a report on their operations in Burma or to withdraw f Notes 1. From proposed resolution at Unocal Corporation Annual Shareholder's Meeting, 4-25-94 2. ibid 3. ibid 4. ibid 5. Seattle Post-Intelligncer, 10-27-94, p. B10 6. Meeting with V'Ella Warren, 12- 6 -94; Unocal $302,476, PepsiCo $2,000,000, SantaFe Energy $684,000 ***************************************************************** Burma Action Group University of Washington tlandon@u.washington.edu Box 119, HUB 207, FK-30 (206) 548-9029 Seattle, WA 98195 ***************************************************************** **********************INTERNATIONAL*************************** UWD: REGENTS ASKED TO SUPPORT SHAREHOLDER'S RESOLUTIONS University of Washington Daily Wed. Feb 15, 1995 The issue of human-rights violations in Burma has again been raised by a group of five UW students. "We have formed a student organization - the Burma Action Group," graduate student Beth Kempton said. The UW Student Senate voted yesterday to ask the Board of Regents to support a shareholder resolution encouraging companies in which the University owns stock to cease investment in Burma. The primary companies affected would be Unocal, in which the UW holds $700,000 worth of stocks, and PepsiCo, in which the UW has more than $1 million invested, Kempton said. UW investments are under the oversight of the the Board of Regents' Finance Committee, according to Treasurer V'Ella Warren. Students met with her on Monday to "discuss whehter or not it would be appropriate for the UW to support a particular side of the question," Warren said. "Issues of this type could be resolved by the Finance Committee, or they might refer it to the BOR," she added. There is precedent for the UW taking such a stand on investments. According to Warren, the UW divested its stock in South Africa in 1986. The divestiture ended when Nelson Mandela was elected president, ending years of white rule. ***************************************************************** Burma Action Group University of Washington tlandon@u.washington.edu Box 119, HUB 207, FK-30 (206) 548-9029 Seattle, WA 98195 ***************************************************************** ************************************************************** NEWS SOURCES REGULARLY COVERED/ABBREVIATIONS USED BY BURMANET: ABSDF: ALL BURMA STUDENT'S DEMOCRATIC FRONT AP: ASSOCIATED PRESS AFP: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE AW: ASIAWEEK AWSJ: ASIAN WALL STREET JOURNAL Bt.: THAI BAHT; 25 Bt.3 DUS$1 (APPROX), BBC: BRITISH BROADCASTING CORPORATION BI: BURMA ISSUES BKK POST: BANGKOK POST (DAILY NEWSPAPER, BANGKOK) BRC-CM: BURMESE RELIEF CENTER-CHIANG MAI BRC-J: BURMESE RELIEF CENTER-JAPAN CPPSM: C'TEE FOR PUBLICITY OF THE PEOPLE'S STRUGGLE IN MONLAND FEER: FAR EAST ECONOMIC REVIEW IRRAWADDY: NEWSLETTER PUBLISHED BY BURMA INFORMATION GROUP KHRG: KAREN HUMAN RIGHTS GROUP KNU: KAREN NATIONAL UNION Kt. BURMESE KYAT; UP TO 150 KYAT-US$1 BLACK MARKET 106 KYAT US$1-SEMI-OFFICIAL 6 KYAT-US$1 OFFICIAL MOA: MIRROR OF ARAKAN MNA: MYANMAR NEWS AGENCY (SLORC) NATION: THE NATION (DAILY NEWSPAPER, BANGKOK) NCGUB: NATIONAL COALITION GOVERNMENT OF THE UNION OF BURMA NLM: NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR (DAILY STATE-RUN NEWSPAPER, RANGOON) NMSP: NEW MON STATE PARTY RTA.:REC.TRAVEL.ASIA NEWSGROUP SCB.:SOC.CULTURE.BURMA NEWSGROUP SCT.:SOC.CULTURE.THAI NEWSGROUP SEASIA-L: S.E.ASIA BITNET MAILING LIST SLORC: STATE LAW AND ORDER RESTORATION COUNCIL USG: UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT XNA: XINHUA NEWS AGENCY **************************************************************