Dancing
with the Generals
In
Their Own Words
Interviews with Lord Bill Brett, Mr. Rolf Thusing,
H.E. Ambassador Asda Jayanama & Mr. Andrew Samet
ASEAN's
Proposal
In Brief
Burma Around The World
Briefing and Developments
Inside Washington
Busines Watch
SPDC Speaks
Media Resources
Voices of Burma
Ethnic Views
Burma Around The World
NEW YORK
- On May 27 the Committee for the Revival of Burmese Literature held a Literature
Talk at Hunter College. The well-known literary artists U Tin Moe, poet; U Thaung,
journalist; U Win Pe, film director and writer; and U Win Tun, cartoonist, discussed
the state of Burmese literature. The New York Roundtable holds periodic meetings
of organizations and individuals interested in Burma.
For more information contact the Burma UN Service Office by phone: (212) 338-0048
or fax: (212) 338-0049.
WASHINGTON, DC - The National Endowment for Democracy
(NED) and the Embassy of the Czech Republic held a panel discussion on May 15
titled, "Is there a statute of limitations on democratic elections? The case
of Burma." Dr. Thaung Htun of the UN Service Office of NCGUB provided introductory
remarks and the panel included Alexandr Vondra, Ambassador of the Czech Republic
to the US; Phillip Fishman, Assistant Director of the International Affairs
Department of AFL-CIO; Eric Schwartz, Senior Director for Multilateral and Humanitarian
Affairs of the National Security Council; and H.E. Asda Jayanama, Ambassador
of Thailand to the UN.
On March 10, Dr. Chris Beyrer of John Hopkins School of Public Health gave a
breakfast briefing on Capitol Hill entitled, "The Heroin Trail: The Spread of
HIV in South and Southeast Asia." Dr. Beyrer's recent work correlated outbreaks
of injection drug use and HIV throughout Southeast Asia with overland heroin
trafficking routes originating in Burma and Laos. The Washington Roundtable
is co-sponsored by Human Rights Watch/Asia, Jesuit Refugee Service, U.S. Committee
for Refugees, and Refugees International.
For more information contact Refugees International by phone: (202) 828-0110
or fax: (202) 828-0819.
LOS ANGELES - In May, the Burma Forum of Los Angeles
was dedicated to action around the annual Unocal Shareholder meeting in Brea,
California. Facing pressure from diverse groups and individuals, over 16% of
the shareholders voted for a resolution highlighting Unocal's involvement in
Burma. The Burma Forum of Los Angeles meets on the first Wednesday of every
month to discuss various ongoing campaigns.
Contact Heidi Quante by phone: (323) 653-4571 or email: bfla@freeburma.org.
SEATTLE - The Southeast Asia Center at the University
of Washington hosted a roundtable discussion, "Burma: Military Rule and Civil
Society" on April 17. Panelists were Mary Callahan of the Jackson School of
International Studies; Larry Dohrs of Free Burma Coalition; Gavin Douglas, Ethnomusicologist;
Christina Fink and Jennifer Leehey, Anthropologists; and Edith Mirante, founder
of Project Maje. The Burma Interest Group is a non-partisan forum attended by
representatives of NGO's, business, academia, and other interested parties that
meets monthly to discuss Burma-related topics.
For more information contact Larry Dohrs by phone: (206) 784-5742 or fax: (206)
784-8150.
PORTLAND
- Portland State University (PSU) hosted a "Night in Burma" on June 22 featuring
Burmese cuisine and a musical performance. Burmese refugees and human rights
workers provided an overview of the current humanitarian crisis in Burma and
premiered a videotaped interview with Aung San Suu Kyi. The Portland Burmese
Community, the Burma Action Committee, and the PSU Women's Studies Department
sponsored the event.
For more information about the Burma Action Committee and its meetings, contact
Jensine Larsen by phone: (503) 239-7726 or email: jensine@hevanet.com.
CANADA
- The Toronto Burma Roundtable meets monthly to discuss issues relating to Burma
and plan educational and political events.
For more information contact Elizabeth Shepherd by phone: (416) 465-3458 or
email: mandalay@sprint.ca.
LONDON - Aung San Suu Kyi's 55th birthday, June
18, was celebrated in London with a gala entertainment evening at the Royal
Court Theater. Attendees included actors Alan Rickman and Ewan McGregor. A variety
of prominent celebrities, politicians, and business people sent birthday messages.
The Burma Campaign UK organized the event.
For more information about The Burma Campaign UK contact by phone: 44-171-281-7377,
fax: 44-171-272-3559, or email: bagp@gn.apc.org.
Julie Sell and Rachel Goldwyn spoke on May 5 at the School of Oriental and African
Studies. Julie Sell is the author of Whispers at the Pagoda: Portraits of Modern
Burma, and recounted her interviews with Burmese and her travels in Burma. Rachel
Goldwyn spent three months in Insein Jail, Rangoon following her arrest for
making a pro-democracy protest last summer. Britain-Burma Society meets seven
times per year, with an interest in cultural, historical, and academic exchange.
For more information contact Derek Brooke-Wavell by phone: 44-118-947-6874,
fax: 44-118-954-6201, or e-mail: d.wavell@dtn.ntl.com.
NETHERLANDS - The Netherlands Burma Roundtable
is held once every two months with the goal of updating organizations and individuals
on current events and activities surrounding Burma.
For more information contact The Burma Centre Netherlands by phone: 31-20-671
69 52 or by fax: 31-20-671-35-13.
Briefings and Developments
UN ASSIGNS
NEW ENVOY ON BURMA, PASSES NEW RESOLUTIONS
In early April, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan appointed Razali
Ismail, a special adviser to Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, as a
new "special envoy" for Burma with a mandate to promote human rights
and the restoration of democracy. The appointment of a Malaysian was seen as
part of the international community's shift toward employing Burma's neighbors
to bring political and economic change. On June 30 Razali arrived for his first
visit to Burma. He stayed for five days and met with Aung San Suu Kyi and the
Chair and Vice Chair of the National League for Democracy; Lt. Gen. Khin Nyunt
and SPDC Foreign Minister Win Aung; and the ambassadors of France and Japan.
In a resolution passed on April 18 the UN Commission on Human Rights strongly
censured Burma's government for its "continuing pattern of gross and systematic
violations of human rights."
EUROPEAN UNION TAKES ACTION AGAINST BURMA
On April 11 the European Union (EU) agreed on three new measures strengthening
its position against Burma's military dictatorship. They are: a ban on the export
of equipment that could be used for internal repression or terrorism, the naming
of individuals within the regime to whom a pre-existing visa ban applies, and
a freeze on the assets of members and supporters of the regime. This is the
EU's first direct financial sanction against Burma. The measures stopped short
of banning investment in Burma, but the British government announced that two
weeks earlier it had formally urged Premier Oil company, the major British investor
in Burma, to withdraw its $200 million investment in the Yetagun gas project.
The Confederation of British Industry criticized the government on behalf of
Premier, who has since rejected the request. The French government did not urge
the withdrawal of the French oil company TotalFina, which also conducts business
in Burma.
JAPAN CONSIDERS OFFICIAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE (ODA) TO BURMA
On May 1, Japan announced the 500 million dollar assistance package to Burma.
International Trade and International Minister Takashi Fukaya met with Khin
Nyunt in Rangoon marking the first time a Japanese cabinet minister has visited
since the regime took power in 1988, when Japan discontinued its aid to Burma.
The ÒObuchi Plan,Ó was first made public by then Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi
last November in Manila and represents a softening of JapanÕs approach to Burma.
JapanÕs aim is for the SPDC to move more quickly toward a market economy. Further
assistance from Japan, such as the resumption of yen loans, is tied to progress
toward democracy.
Inside Washington
CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION
TRAVEL'S TO REGION
Two senior Congressional staff members visited Thailand in May to look into
conditions and the political situation of refugees along the Thai-Burma border.
Grover Joseph Rees, Staff Director for the House Subcommittee on International
Operations and Human Rights, and Natasha Watson from the staff of Senator Jesse
Helms (R-NC) traveled to Karenni refugee camps in Mae Hong Son district. The
team met with refugees, camp leaders, representatives of UN agencies and Thai
government officials. A June 11 article, which appeared in the English-language
daily, The Bangkok Post, reported that the US officials had given their approval
for the repatriation of Burmese refugees from Thailand. In a "Letter to
the Editor," Mr. Rees and Ms. Watson refuted this claim and stated that,
while they did express confidence that the refugees would be likely to return
voluntarily as soon as it is possible, they also "expressed grave reservations
- about whether safe return will be possible so long as the present military
regime remains in power within Burma."
HUMAN RIGHTS CAUCUS CO-SPONSORS "WOMEN OF BURMA DAY"
The Congressional Human Rights Caucus, in coordination with the Burmese Women's
Union and the National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma, held a briefing
on June 20 on Capitol Hill to celebrate "Women of Burma Day." The
day also marked the 55th birthday of democracy leader, Aung San Suu Kyi. Among
those addressing the audience was Congressman Tom Lantos. A panel comprised
of representatives of numerous Burmese groups discussed topics that included
women in conflict, the state of health and education in Burma and in refugee
camps and a Burmese women's peace movement.
Business Watch
US SUPREME
COURT OVERTURNS MASSACHUSSETS BURMA LAW
The US Supreme Court announced on June 19 its unanimous decision that the Massachusetts
Burma Law is preempted by the federal sanctions against Burma. The Massachusetts
law was first enacted in 1996 and led to President ClintonÕs 1997 ban on new
investments in the country. In February 2000 the Clinton Administration submitted
to the court its opinion that the law should be overturned. JuneÕs relatively
narrow ruling directly affects only the Massachusetts Burma Law; it did not
declare the use of human rights standards for government purchases unconstitutional.
However, many local selective purchasing laws are preempted unless Congress
expresses intent to allow selective purchasing under the federal sanctions.
Many cities and counties who adopted similar selective purchasing laws have
begun to seek alternative legislation.
JAPANESE COMPANIES QUIT BURMA
On May 1, Japanese officials in Rangoon publicized the withdrawal of Toyota
Motor and Ajinomoto Corporations operations from Burma. Ajinomoto is Japan's
top seasoning manufacturer. Its operations in Burma began in 1997 and became
impossible when the government banned the import of certain raw materials, saying
they were harmful. Toyota opened a dealership in Rangoon in 1998 when the government
had announced that it would allow automobile imports in the near future, but
it never implemented that policy. According to embassy officials, many Japanese
companies have withdrawn their business from Burma in the past year and among
those that remain (approximately 90), frustrations are growing because of: sudden
policy changes, slow progress on deregulation, corruption, and foreign sanctions
and consumer boycotts in the West. Other international companies who withdrew
their investments in Burma recently are Baker Hughes in March, Carlson Holdings
and King Koil in May, and Best Western in June.
SPDC Speaks
The following is an excerpt from "Pity ILO!," which appeared in the state-run The New Light of Myanmar on May 23 and 24, 2000
Pity ILO!
By Kappiya Kan Kaung
The responsible cooperation of Myanmar Government was that it had taken measures
in accordance with the Convention 29 which deals with forced labor. Myanmar
Government had done so to show its truthfulness and goodwill (toward the ILO)
and to be in accord in essence with the aims of the inquiry commission. However
- The report of the [ILO Commission of Inquiry] issued in July 1998 and the
suggestions were one-sided and biased. What was worse, they were groundless
allegations based on the false reports sent by the anti-Myanmar government elements
and remnant armed groups. A group of neo-colonialist nations and some of their
followers forcibly submitted a draft resolution alleging that forced labor was
widely practiced in Myanmar; they did so in total disregard of constructive
changes taking place in the country. It was an unruly act that was unprecedented
in the history of ILO covering a period of nearly 80 years. Take this into account.
Where is justice? Where is the truth and objectiveness? It amounted to political
bullying. It was an act of flagrant interference in the internal affairs of
Myanmar, and it was disgusting. So, the Myanmar Government decided to put an
end to the matter. But it was a black mark for the ILO. Since the draft resolution
was neither just nor relevant, but one-sided, Myanmar categorically rejected
it. And it was the resolute decision of the Myanmar government to suspend its
participation in the activities under the Conventions No. 29 and No. 87 until
the ILO treats its members on the basis of equality and justice, which it should.
It was regrettable - Yes. The prestigious conference of the ILO had been used
as a forum for political exploitation by Britain and some of its follower nations.
This incident amounted to a total violation of procedures, rules and disciplines
and dignity of the international conferences. As evil consequences, small nations
will be suspicious of the stance and dignity of the ILO. Other member nations
which have not yet signed the ILO Conventions are now reluctant to sign them
thinking that if it would amount to digging one's own grave. However - The National
League for Democracy, the informer of neo-colonialist embassies, inside the
country and new and old expatriates taking refuge in other nations are overjoyed
and they are giving an applause. [sic] White-collar and blue-collar workers
in Myanmar will not become foolish due to the ILO restrictions and obstructions.
Myanmar is not a nation in isolation. It has common borders with two big nations
which are capable of manufacturing goods starting from needles to rockets and
nuclear bombs. Technological development cannot be limited or restricted as
in the case of national boundaries. The thought that Myanmar will be relegated
because it does not have the right to attend the ILO Conference admits their
working methods and concepts are wrong. The result is that ILO has lost its
dignity due to its paying attention to the instigations and applying the ointment
at the wrong place, so to speak. So, I pity ILO.
Media Resources
Burma: Frontier Photographs
By Elizabeth Dell, John Falconer, David Odo, and Mandy Sadan May 2000
Edited by Robert H. Taylor
February 2000
Jennifer Wright
Marketing Manager Merrell Publishers
42 Southwark Street
London SE1 1UN
Phone: 44-171-403-2047
Fax: 44-171-407-1333
These photographs, published as a collection for the first time, provide a valuable
and enticing view of little-known Burma in the 1920s, when foreign powers had
a profound impact on its peoples and territories. Ranging from spectacular landscapes
to intimate portraits, the photographs were taken to document John Green's anthropological
and military work among the Kachin, Shan, Chin, and Karen people. The photographs
are accompanied by contemporary oral histories.
The White Umbrella
By Patricia Elliott Prologue
by Bertil Lintner, 1999
Post Books www.bangkokpost.net/postbooks/list3.html
A tale of modern Burma told through the life story of Sao Hearn Hkam, a Shan
princess. On its surface, the story of this former First Lady of Burma, member
of Parliament, founder of the Shan State Army, and refugee, is a glamorous mystery
of power, heroes, and the opium underworld; but it also conveys the reality
of ethnic conflict in the Golden Triangle, bound up in ancient traditions and
Cold War ideologies.
The 1988 Uprising in Burma
By Dr. Maung Maung, 1999
Southeast Asia Studies Yale University
P.O. Box 208206
New Haven, CT 06520-8206
Phone: 203-432-3431 Fax: 203-432-9381
Email: SEAS@yale.edu
Dr. Maung Maung was a close associate of General Ne Win and was elected president
of the Union of Burma on August 18, 1988. From a personal perspective he discusses
the failure of the post-1962 government, relating events up through the day
of the military takeover on September 18, 1988, when he was removed from office.
This is the last book he wrote before his death at age 69 in 1994.
Burmese Refugees in Thailand AT RISK: Press Backgrounder
By Human Rights Watch, May 2000
Phone: 1-202-612-4321 Fax: 1-202-612-4333
Email: hrwdc@hrw.org
Also available online: http://www.hrw.org/hrw/press/2000/05/
thailand0506.htm
This "backgrounder" expresses concern over Thailand's implementation
of its refugee policy - increasing arrests and some forced returns to Burma.
In the leadup to the annual meeting of the Asian Development Bank, Thai authorities
increased pressure on Burmese refugees in Chaing Mai. This report discusses
problems with group status determination, describes Thailand's "repatriation
rhetoric," and concludes with recommendations to the international community,
UNHCR, Thai authorities, and the SPDC.
Voices Of Burma
Federation of Trade
Unions-Burma (FTUB) on the Junta's Acceptance of the ILO Mission on Forced Labor
May 13, 2000
Burma is a country that has ratified the ILO Convention (29) on Forced Labour
and yet the regime has violated the Convention. Despite the year-by-year consistent
resolutions on Burma at the International Labour Conference (ILC) to respect
the workers' rights and the Convention on Forced Labor, the successive regimes
have disrespected and ignored them for nearly 40 years. We have to clarify that
Burma as a country and the people have no outstanding issues with the ILO. It
is the continued forced labor, violations of trade union rights and basic human
rights by the junta that are being addressed by the ILO, a forum where the workers
have an equal chance with the governments and the employers. The Commission
of Inquiry on Forced Labor in Burma had asked for a trip to Burma since 1998
and was denied permission. The junta also refused to come to the hearings in
Geneva. After denying the Commission of Inquiry on Forced Labor to visit Burma
for two years, now that the country is on the brink of having a major action
taken against them at the ILC, the junta has made a step to evade the possible
actions and called out that the Commission of Inquiry can come into Burma.
It is very unwise for the ASEAN Labor Ministers to have allowed themselves to
be pulled into the deception of the Burma junta by asking the ILO to have a
trip between now [the 12th of May] and before the ILC starts [the 28th of May]
a period of ten working days and expect the "issue between ILO and Myanmar"
to be solved. The ASEAN labor ministers also must insist to the junta that acceptance
of the ILO mission is not the end to the solution but that the junta needs to
comply with the ILO Convention on forced labor.
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Ethnic Views
A Lahu Refugee Family's Story
We were from southern Shan State. In our village we were farmers and owned land.
But the Burmese began selling land to the Wa. On February 9, 2000 our land was
taken. We left their village because of the demands for portering. If you refuse
you are beaten up. Our daughter's husband never came back from a portering trip
in February. Seventy villagers (13 families) left Burma on March 9, 2000. We
began arriving here in early April.
Daughter's Story. They took me while I was working on the farm. I carried
backpacks and went wherever they were going. We were not fed enough and we were
hit and beaten. After 13 days I snuck away with three or four other women. When
I returned our family's land was gone.
Mother's Story. I was at the entrance of the village on my way back from
the farm in the evening when they took me. I carried bags. They gave me little
food and scolded me but did not hit me. There were four or five other women
as well. After five days they let me go.
Father's Story. In December 1999 I was a porter for one month. I carried
backpacks with full mortar shells. I served as a translator of Akha and Shan,
so I was not beaten. They let me go. They came for me a second time and I did
not want to go, but they punched me hard in the chest so I had to go. Now I
cough and have painful breathing in my chest.
From an interview conducted during the month of May, 2000 along the Thai-Burma
border by Refugees International.
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