Daily News-February 21 - 2001- Wednesday

  • Junta leaders, Suu Kyi in regular contact
  • Burma currency hits all-time low
  • Democracy still a feared word in Burma
  • Burma not aggressive, Nyunt says
  • Burma to Privatize More State Enterprises
  • 'Bang Rajan' being used to fire up troops
  • Headquarters of General Staff of PLA Condoles Death of Burma Military Leader
  • No sign of 14 people missing in Burmese helicopter crash
  • Burma hopes of finding more crash survivors fade
  • Burmese troops clash with rebels near Thai border
  • Burmese Minister Visits Southern Indian State
  • Thai military warned Rangoon "Military Forays could lead to war"
  • Thai Army says Dispute 'not connected' with Burma's helicopter crash
  • ABSDF Press release for helicopter crash

    • Junta leaders, Suu Kyi in regular contact

    source :The Hindu (New Delhi)
    February 19, 2001
    By Amit Baruah

    YANGON, FEB. 18. Myanmar's military authorities are maintaining a regular process of engagement with the National League for Democracy (NLD) general secretary, Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi.

    According to informed sources, a deputy to the Secretary-I of the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) and chief of the Director of Defence Services Intelligence, Lt. Gen. Khin Nyunt, has been having weekly sessions with Ms. Suu Kyi.

    The first contacts between the Nobel laureate and the military authorities started in October last year and have now blossomed into a couple of sessions every week.

    The sources told this correspondent that two issues were currently under discussion - what to do regarding the results of the 1990 elections (in which the NLD emerged the winner) and the drafting of a new Constitution for the country.

    They said the dialogue with Ms. Suu Kyi, who remains confined to her University Avenue home, but is allowed to visit relatives from time to time for social occasions, remains at a confidence- building stage.

    However, the sources maintained that the dialogue process appeared to be ``irreversible'', but no one wanted to put any time-frame to the talks, which have been welcomed by the world at large.

    It would appear that at this stage, Ms. Suu Kyi has two choices - stick to her position of the principled democrat or eventually arrive at a compromise with the military Government - and don the role of a practical politician.

    The sources were also of the opinion that the dialogue between Ms. Suu Kyi and the military authorities was principally home- grown, though the U.N. Secretary-General's special envoy, Mr. Razali Ismail, had facilitated the process by carrying regular messages between the two parties.

    For the SPDC, the fact that the country's economy is still not taking off and it receives absolutely no funding from international monetary institutions has become a very serious issue.

    Also, the prospective sanctions from the International Labour Organisation (currently in abeyance) seem to have influenced the decision of the Government to agree to the dialogue with Ms. Suu Kyi.

    The sources believe that by this dialogue, the Government has finally recognised the popular NLD leader as an interlocutor - a major concession in itself.

    The military authorities are aware that an influential section of the international community, which has been following a policy of non- engagement, is holding back further action on account of the current dialogue.However, the sources are quick to point out that despite all the problems, the military is firmly entrenched in the country, especially following agreements with a clutch of insurgent outfits that have plagued the country since its independence.

    Clearly, the process of dialogue itself will allow both parties to make assessments of each other. The sources believe that there are no discussions on power-sharing as yet and it is difficult to visualise the military packing the bags and returning to the barracks. They have no reason to do so.

    The country, overall, remains quiet - there are no challenges to the authority of the military. There is an atmosphere of a quiescence, a situation that suits the Government just fine.

    The sources stress that there are actually three parties involved - the military, the NLD and the insurgent groups. Finally, any constitutional arrangement must meet the demands of the numerous ethnic groups that want a place in the Sun in Myanmar.

    Opinion is divided here on whether the dialogue is part of a pressure-receiving tactic by the military or the process is for real. Finally, it would all depend on the content of the dialogue, which is taking place away from the public eye.

    Many believe that the decision of the two sides to keep their lips sealed on the talks is a positive sign. There has so far been nothing for the press apart from the confirmation from both sides that they have engaged.

    Given the fact that the decade of the 1990's was barren and the country moved no closer to reconciliation, the talks in themselves can only be welcomed.

    For the sake of this country, its well-wishers can only hope and pray that the talks lead to a solution that is acceptable to all the parties.
    Burma currency hits all-time low

    source :The Dailystar/AFP, Yangon

    Myanmar's currency, the kyat, has plunged to an all-time low on the free market, falling to 503 against the US dollar in a symptom of the nation's economic decline.

    The kyat's value on the black market, through which most business is carried out, compares to an official exchange rate of six to the greenback.

    The value of Foreign Exchange Certificates (FECs), a special currency denominated in dollars, has also fallen.

    The kyat's most recent slide started several weeks ago, when it was worth about 450 to the dollar, against about 320 at the beginning of this year before a substantial pay increase was awarded to government workers.

    Meanwhile FECs are valued at slightly more than 400 to the dollar. The kyat rate of FECs was once equal or even higher than that of the dollar when its local usage was widespread.

    The growing price disparity has been attributed to over-printing of the special currency, which has meant that the amount in circulation exceeds the number of dollars collected by the government.

    The shortfall has already been accounted for in the local economy. Some restaurants in Yangon are now charging 15 per cent more for meals paid for in FECs instead of dollars.

    "The government makes a profit of around 100 kyats on each dollar given the present gap in rates," one analyst said.

    The city is now awash in FECs, and as demand shrinks people are eager to hedge their bets by offloading the currency by buying dollars or gold. The price of gold in Myanmar has shot up as a result.
    Democracy still a feared word in Burma

    source : Mizzima

    From NDTV, Star News TV, monitored in New Delhi
    Monday, February 19, 2001 (Bangkok):

    Democracy has been locked up along with Myanmar's most famous dissident. The state is under martial law and its highest profile prisoner Aung San Suu Kyi is hidden from the visitor's eye.

    The firm grip of the military junta has ensured the stamping out in public of the country's movement for democracy. The reluctance of people to voice their thoughts is palpable. An ex MP from the NLD and a Suu Kyi supporter refused an interview for fear of being sent back to prison.

    "The very presence of a journalist is intimidating to people here. These people have grown up in a country which now for many decades had been one in which everyone knew that free speech was not allowed, which you could be directly and possibly punished for engaging in free speech," said, Jayne Dullard.

    For a city that is the seat of a military government, Yangon appears a calm and peaceful city. Its hard to imagine that in one corner of the city is the heavily guarded house of Suu Kyi where she has been held under house arrest for the last five months. While negotiations are on, no one knows whether they are just a front to relieve international pressure or whether this time, the military really means business.

    Artist Ma Thanegi, was one of Suu Kyi's closest aides who was released from prison on a suspended sentence in 1992, today argues against Suu Kyi's stand that sanctions against Myanmar must stay in place.

    "Its totally untrue to say that investment only benefits the generals. They are not people who need to worry about food on the table or rent for the next month. Its people who really need jobs or who have to worry about paying the rent, or food for this week," she said.

    However, whether sanctions remain or not, Myanmar is still paying a heavy price for dismantling democracy. And Suu Kyi must still hope that somewhere down the line, the military will realise its own limitations.
    Burma not aggressive, Nyunt says

    source : The Nation

    RANGOON - Burma's military regime was not "aggressive" in its foreign relations and wanted to resolve its border dispute with Thailand peacefully, a top Burmese general was quoted as saying yesterday.

    "The current [Burmese]-Thai border problem should be solved with [an] optimistic approach based on mutual understanding, respect and magnanimity as true good neighbours," Lt-General Khin Nyunt, fourth highest official in the state hierarchy, was quoted as saying by all three official Burmese newspapers yesterday.

    Earlier this month Burmese and Thai troops clashed when fighting between Burmese and rebel Shan State Army (SSA) forces spilt over into Thailand's Chiang Rai province. At least five civilians were killed on both sides of the border, driving relations to their lowest point in several years. Border checkpoints in the region have been closed for more than a week. Thailand launched a heavy artillery attack to drive out Burmese forces that the army said intruded onto Chiang Rai's Ban Pang Noon hill to attack the SSA. Burma, meanwhile, accused Thailand of aiding the Shan rebels.

    Khin Nyunt said the SSA and "a misunderstanding by some Thai authorities who had relied on false information from lower-level Thai officials" had been to blame for the dispute. "Although our government is a military government, we have no aggressive attitude. We promote friendly relations with every country and abide by international rules and regulations," Khin Nyunt said at a ceremony to mark the end of a teacher-training course on Monday at Phaunggyi, 60 kilometres north of Rangoon.

    But in an apparent jab at Thailand for allegedly supporting the Shan rebels, Khin Nyunt said Burma had never allowed another group to endanger other countries from its territory or used such groups for its own ends.That claim would be contested by Thailand, which has expressed growing frustration at the activities of another Burmese ethnic army, the United Wa State Army, that produces illegal drugs in the border area adjoining Thailand.

    The drug trade is regarded as socially divisive and a major cause of violent crime in Thailand. But the Wa army has reached a cease-fire agreement with Burma and enjoys virtual autonomy in areas of Shan State in eastern Burma.

    Thai Third Army commander Lt-General Wattanachai Chaimuanwong said yesterday tension on the northern border would be reduced if Thai and Burmese officials could hold a high-level meeting, but Burma would have to initiate this.

    "We would lose face if we went up to them and asked for one. We didn't do anything wrong. Besides, it's their turn to call a meeting," the commander said.

    There was no indication, Wattanachai said, that the Burmese government would reconvene the Regional Border Committee (RBC) set up to settle border disputes between the two countries. But Thailand believed Burma should be the one to call the meeting as it was Burma which "violated our sovereignty and territorial integrity". The RBC has not met for two years.Wattanachai said Thai troops would stand firm on the border, at least until there was an indication that the Burmese would pull back.

    According to the Shan Herald Agency for News (Shan) yesterday, ethnic Shan living in Thailand have been supplying the SSA.

    "Thanks to the media's kind coverage of our Army's struggle against drugs and the Burmese military, Shan exiles in Thailand have been visiting us every day with food, clothing, medicine and even cash donations," Lt-Colonel Kawnzuen, 39, commander of the SSA's Keng Tung front, was quoted by the agency as saying.

    The Keng Tung front is facing 11 battalions, two of which are from the United Wa State Army, a pro-Burma rebel army, according to the agency.
    Burma to Privatize More State Enterprises

    YANGON, February 20 (Xinhuanet) -- Five more state-owned enterprises, which include a land plot, a saw mill and three cinemas respectively located in the country's Bago and Mawlamyine townships, will be sold through competitive biddings, official newspaper The New Light of Myanmar reported Tuesday.

    These state enterprises are the first batch to be privatized in this year. Myanmar has been implementing a privatization plan for its state-owned economic enterprises since January 1995, aimed at systematically transferring them into effective business organizations.

    The plan, being implemented by the government-formed Privatization Commission, is carried out by auctioning and leasing out the enterprises or establishing joint-ventures with local and foreign investors.

    The first phase of the scheme covered 51 such enterprises including processing and manufacturing factories, livestock breeding farms and cinemas.

    According to official statistics, 118 state enterprises in 1999 and 19 of such enterprises in 2000 were covered by the privatization plan. These enterprises include land plots, rice mills, saw mills, cinemas, hotels, biscuit and garment factories and timber shops. It is reported that there is a total of 1,760 state enterprises in Myanmar, mostly being industrial enterprises.
    'Bang Rajan' being used to fire up troops

    source : The Nation

    THE Royal Thai Army will host a special screening today of "Bang Rajan" in a bid to promote patriotism among its personnel, an informed source said yesterday.

    The Thai blockbuster, about a heroic group of villagers who defend their community against Burmese invaders before the fall of Ayutthaya, will be screened exclusively for Army personnel at Kittikachorn Auditorium in the Army headquarters compound in Bangkok, the source said.

    The movie, which has reportedly grossed more than Bt150 million since its debut last month, is based on a popular tale about the small village of Bang Rajan, whose residents are said to have bravely fought a large invading Burmese army more than 200 years ago.

    The story of the outnumbered village warriors, who are finally defeated - but only after putting up a spirited defence for several months with the most primitive weapons, has been told by generations of Thais and has found a place in official history textbooks.

    The source said the special screening of the movie had been ordered by senior commanders eager to promote patriotism in the Army.The screening comes at a time of border tension between Thailand and Burma. Hundreds are troops have been stationed along the northern border following clashes near Mae Sai just over a week ago.

    The source would not say whether there was any link between this and the timing of the film screening.
    Headquarters of General Staff of PLA Condoles Death of Burma Military Leader

    BEIJING, February 20 (Xinhuanet) -- The Headquarters of the General Staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) expressed deep condolences to the military leaders of Myanmar in a telegram Tuesday on the death of Second Secretary of the Myanmar State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) Lieutenant-General Tin Oo. Tin Oo, also Chief of Staff of the Myanmar Army, was killed in a helicopter crash Monday morning.
    No sign of 14 people missing in Burmese helicopter crash

    source :ABC

    Rescue workers have failed to find the 14 people missing after yesterday's helicopter crash in Burma.Government officials say the crash killed the number four general in Burma's military junta - Tin Oo -though no bodies have yet been recovered.A full miltary burial is planned for the lieutenant-general later this week.

    Sources close to the government have told the French newsagency that Tin Oo could not be recued when the helicopter crashed into a river since he had a heart condition and couldn't swim.

    An official statement has blamed bad weather for the crash but sources close to the military regime in Rangoon say mechanical failure was to blame.

    A Thai army chief has ruled out the possibility of sabotage stating the crash happened in a guerilla-free zone in Burma.
    Burma hopes of finding more crash survivors fade

    source : Reuters

    YANGON, Feb. 21 — Myanmar officials said on Wednesday hope was fading of finding alive any of the 11 people still missing after a helicopter crash that killed the fourth most senior member of the country's military government.

    Lieutentant-General Tin Oo, Secretary Two of the ruling State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) and chief of staff of the army, was killed on Monday when the helicopter plunged into the Salwin River in Kayin state, southeast of the capital Yangon.

    Officials said that of 29 people aboard the helicopter, 13 had been rescued, and five bodies had so far been found. There was little hope that any of the remaining 11 missing passengers would be found alive.

    Officials said Brigadier-General Lun Maung, minister at the prime minister's office, was also believed to have been killed in the crash.

    But they said earlier reports that Colonel Thein Nyunt, minister for the development of border areas, had been killed were not correct.

    DEATH WEAKENS HAWKISH FACTION

    Diplomats in Yangon say the death of 67-year-old Tin Oo will weaken a hawkish faction led by General Maung Aye, vice chairman of the SPDC. Tin Oo was considered an ally of Maung Aye. Diplomats say there is a split in Myanmar between allies of Maung Aye, who are against any weakening in the military's iron grip on power, and a faction led by SPDC Secretary One Lieutenant-General Khin Nyunt which favours making modest reforms in the hope of improving Myanmar's economy.

    Maung Aye and Khin Nyunt are the second and third most senior members of the SPDC. Analysts say they are jostling for position to take over the reins of power given the ailing health of SPDC Chairman Than Shwe.

    Last month Khin Nyunt denied the military was split. He said there were no disagreements over a decision to initiate secret talks with the pro-democracy opposition led by Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi.

    Tin Oo survived two apparent attempts on his life in the 1990s. In April 1997 his eldest daughter was killed by a parcel bomb which authorities said was mailed to his house from Japan.In December 1996 two bombs exploded at a Buddhist shrine on the outskirts of Yangon after a visit by Tin Oo. The blasts killed five people and wounded 17. (With additional reporting by Andrew Marshall in Bangkok)
    Burmese troops clash with rebels near Thai border

    source : Reuters

    BANGKOK, Feb. 21 — Fresh clashes broke out between Myanmar soldiers and rebel ethnic guerrillas on Wednesday near the Thai border where Thai and Myanmar troops were involved in bloody confrontations earlier this month.

    A source in the rebel Shan State Army (SSA) said the guerrillas had attacked a Myanmar military outpost at dawn and killed 10 soldiers. There was no comment from the Myanmar authorities. The clashes were across the border from the Thai frontier town of Mae Sai.

    The town was hit by shells and bullets earlier this month during fighting between SSA rebels and Myanmar soldiers and their allies in the United Wa State Army. Thai soldiers returned fire, and the clashes provoked a war of words between the two countries.

    The SSA has fought Myanmar government forces for several decades to try to secure an autonomous Shan state.

    Myanmar has accused Bangkok of giving moral and military support to the Shan guerrillas, who it says are the major drug producers and smugglers in the region. Thai soldiers have said Myanmar's military is involved in the drugs trade and accuse the United Wa State Army of being behind most of the methamphetamines flooding Thailand. The border crossing between Mae Sai and the Myanmar town of Tachilek has been closed since the clashes earlier this month.

    Thai Third Region Army Commander Lieutenant General Watanachai Chaimhuanwong told local television on Wednesday that Thai soldiers were not involved in Wednesday's clashes and could not confirm the casualties.

    ''It is a fight between Myanmar and the Shan troops. We were not involved in or damaged by the clashes,'' he said.
    Burmese Minister Visits Southern Indian State

    Source : Asia Pulse

    HYDERABAD, Feb 21- - Burmese Deputy Science and Technology Minister U Hlaing Wing called on chief minister of the southern Indian state Andhra Pradesh N Chandrababu Naidu with a 13-member delegation.

    The visiting minister expressed appreciation for various initiatives taken up by Naidu in developing the state, an official release said.

    Wing said Andhra Pradesh played a role model for any Asian country in the field of Information Technology and Software industry.
    Thai military warned Rangoon "Military Forays could lead to war"

    Source : Bangkok Post

    The military has warned Rangoon it will retaliate if Burmese troops encroach on Thai territory again.

    Supreme Commander Gen Sampao Chusri said Burmese military leaders were asked to make sure its border patrols do not trespass on Thai soil again since Thai retaliation could lead to war.

    Lt-Gen Winai Phattiyakul, chief of the Directorate of the Joint Intelligence, submitted the warning to Burma's ambassador and military attache to Thailand.

    "We will not allow Burma to use Thai soil as a base for any military operations, even if they ask for permission," the supreme commander said.

    Both sides need to enter into talks so Thailand can convince Rangoon it does not support the anti-Rangoon Shan State Army, he said.

    Thailand has always denied backing the SSA and made it clear to Gen Maung Aye, a Burmese military leader, no Burmese minority groups would be allowed to operate in Thailand.

    Gen Sampao said the Supreme Command was ordered by Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and Defence Minister Gen Chavalit Yongchaiyudh to arrange talks with Rangoon.

    If local-level talks between Township Border Committees fail, meetings between Regional Border Committees and Joint Committees will be held, he said.

    The township talks will be chaired by Maj-Gen Thawat Charuklad, Chiang Rai's chief army officer, and Maj-Gen Kes Seng, his Burmese counterpart from Tachilek. Regional-level talks will be chaired by Third Army commander Lt-Gen Watthanachai Chaimuenwong and Lt-Gen Than Sein, Burma's southwest army chief.

    The Joint Committee talks will be chaired by the defence ministers of both nations.

    Meanwhile, Gen Sampao said Burmese troops yesterday rejected the army's 4pm deadline for complete withdrawal from the Phuteng Nayong area in Mae Sai district, Chiang Rai.

    Army chief Gen Surayud Chulanont said the army would be willing to enter into regional-level talks with Burma if Rangoon agrees.

    He told the prime minister the army was ready to defend Thai soil against another invasion and said the problem would not intensify if negotiations are held. Gen Surayud said regional talks had been postponed twice at Rangoon's request.
    Thai Army says Dispute 'not connected' with Burma's helicopter crash

    Source : Bangkok Post

    The border dispute between Thailand and Burma has nothing to do with Monday's helicopter crash that killed a powerful member of the Burmese junta, says the army.

    Army chief Gen Surayud Chulanont yesterday expressed his condolences to Rangoon and its army for the loss of army chief-of-staff Lt Gen Tin Oo.

    Gen Surayud said the border conflict had nothing to do with the crash, which took place more than 100km inside Burma.

    Supreme Commander Gen Sampao Chusri and newly-appointed Defence Minister Gen Chavalit Yongchaiyudh yesterday sent letters to express their condolences to the Burmese army.

    Sources said rumours had spread along the border that Gen Maung Aye, the Burmese supreme commander, was also killed in the crash as he was among generals on board. There was no word from Burma.

    Meanwhile, Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra would call a meeting with senior officers and security officials to discuss drug problems along the border.

    Gen Sampao said Mr Thaksin would soon pay an official visit to Burma and its neighbours to seek their co-operation in drug suppression.

    Sources said the country's most successful movie, Bang Rachan, a story of border residents in a fight against Burmese troops, would be shown in the army's conference hall today to encourage patriotism amid border tensions.
    ABSDF Press release for helicopter crash

    For Immediate Release (19.2.01)

    Helicopter crash in Burma kills the SPDC's Secretary 2 of Burma's ruling State Peace and Development Council (SPDC), Lieutenant General Tin Oo, was killed in a helicopter crash in Karen State today. He is regarded as the fourth most powerful man in the ruling junta. The helicopter, carrying 24 SPDC officials, crashed into Kawk Ghon mountain at 11 AM this morning. 10 people are missing.

    The death of Tin Oo will be a setback for the SPDC. This is the second tragic incident in Tin Oo's family. In 1997 Tin Oo's daughter was killed by a parcel bomb,says Than Khe, ABSDF's Vice Chairperson.

    Ten passengers remain missing including the SPDC's South Eastern Commander Thiha Thura Sitt Maing. Thirteen survivors were rescued and have been taken to Tawng Kalay Military hospital. U Ne Soe Naing was the only civilian among them. Tin Oo is the only passenger confirmed dead.

    The thirteen injured are: Brig. Gen. Than Maung, Maj. Ne Myo Oo, U Ne Soe Naing, Col. Hla Htay Min, Maj. Soe Aung Kjaw, Capt. Aung Zaw Tun,Capt. Ye Myint Tun, Lft.. Col. Khin Maung Myint, Corp. Myat Kyaw, Lft. Ohn Myint, Corp. Maung Maung, Sgt. Win Maw and Lft.. Col. Ohn Lwin.

    The information we acquired from the helicopter crash is from a highly credible source Than Khe said.

    For more information call (053) 681 865