Daily News-April 05- 2001- Thursday


  • US Lawmakers asked Bush to maintain sanctions on Burma
  • Thai defence minister hails success of border talks with Burma
  • Thailand says Burma talks improve ties
  • Interview with Mahaja
  • Thailand: Burma To Open Border Within A Few Days
  • UN right envoy wraps up historic trip to Burma
  • UN rights envoy meets Aung San Suu Kyi on historic trip to Burma
  • Junta vows to help destroy drug plants


  • US Lawmakers asked Bush to maintain sanctions on Burma

    source : The Nation
    KAVI CHONGKITTAVORN

    US lawmakers have written to President George Bush urging that sanctions against the Burmese junta be maintained, a source said.Senators urged Bush not to change policy on Burma without full consultation with and cooperation from Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

    The bipartisan letter was signed by 35 US lawmakers and prominent citizens.

    According to the source, who asked not to be identified, the letter's aim was to encourage the president to stay "on course" with existing policy on Burma.It was also intended to pre-empt any lobbying effort in Washington to lift the sanctions, which have been in place since 1997.

    The letter, seen by The Nation, said any change in sanctions could give the regime less incentive to negotiate.

    "We are convinced that the sanctions have been partially responsible for prompting the regime to engage in political dialogue with Aung San Suu Kyi and her supporters," the letter said.

    In the past few months, the junta and opposition leaders have engaged in a secret dialogue aimed at breaking the political deadlock.

    The letter came during the visit to Rangoon by Paulo Sergio Pinheiro, a UN human-rights envoy who met with leaders of the junta and Suu Kyi.

    Political heavyweights such as Jesse Helms, Diane Feinstein, John Kerry, Ted Kennedy and Joseph Lieberman have already registered their support for a tougher US policy toward Burma.

    In April 1997, then-president Bill Clinton signed an executive order restricting new investment in Burma and suspending visas for senior Burmese officials.The European Union followed suit, and the sanctions have been in place ever since.

    The letter said there was strong evidence directly linking members of the regime to narcotics trafficking. Burma is one of the world's largest producers of opium for use in manufacturing heroin. "Only a democratically-elected government will share our commitment to end this lethal trade," the letter said.
    Thai defence minister hails success of border talks with Burma

    BBC Monitoring Service - United Kingdom; Apr 4, 2001
    Text of report by Thai radio on 4 April

    Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Gen Chavalit Yongchaiyudh has disclosed that the Thai and Burmese delegations managed to settle several disagreements during the Thai-Burmese Regional Committee meeting. The success, he noted, is beneficial to good relations and mutual understanding between the two countries.

    The results of the meeting will also lead to solutions to other remaining problems, which require further negotiations at the government level. The deputy prime minister and defence minister said he believes that after Prime Minister Police Lt-Col Thaksin Shinawatra pays an official visit to Burma, the remaining problems between Thailand and Burma will be tackled.

    [Chavalit] The supreme commander reported that the outcome of meeting was excellent. The two sides were able to reach agreement on many issues. Most importantly, it is beneficial to good relations and mutual understanding between the two countries. However, several issues could not be settled at the meeting and they will be passed on to the higher levels for further negotiations. At least, it will enable Thailand and our closest neighbour, Burma, to understand each other so that we can start to further enhance our good relations. [End recording]

    Gen Chavalit Yongchaiyudh also added that the problems which could not be unsettled during the meeting of the Thai-Burmese Regional Border Committee pertained to the dubious demarcation line and the demands for compensation for the damages caused by recent border skirmishes. The problems concerning the ethnic groups in Burma as well as the alleged Thai support for the Burmese ethnic rebels will have to be brought up for future negotiations at the national level.
    Thailand says Burma talks improve ties

    By Nopporn Wong-Anan

    BANGKOK (Reuters) - A three-day meeting of Thai and Myanmar officials aimed at soothing tension along their common border ended on Wednesday with relations improved, the head of the Thai delegation said.

    Lieutenant-General Wattanachai Chaimuanwong, commander of Thailand's third army which defends the northern border with Myanmar, told reporters the talks had helped improve understanding between the two sides.

    "The meeting was 90 percent successful," he told a news conference after returning to Bangkok.

    Relations between the two countries dived in February amid battles between Myanmar troops, their allies in the United Wa State Army (UWSA), and anti-government Shan rebels.Thailand has said the battles spilled over on to Thai soil, forcing a response. Myanmar denies this.The drugs trade has also damaged relations.

    "The talks have indeed mended the soured ties, and Myanmar has agreed to help Thailand solve our border and drugs problems," Wattanachai said.

    Bangkok has said the UWSA is the source of hundreds of millions of methamphetamine tablets flooding Thailand each year, and has accused Yangon of turning a blind eye to the problem.

    Myanmar says the Shan rebels are the region's main drug traffickers.

    Wattanachai, often a vocal critic of the Myanmar military, said Major General Thein Sein of the Triangle Region Command, the chief of Myanmar's delegation, agreed Myanmar soldiers would co-operate more closely with Thai troops in combating drugs.The two countries, which share a 2,400 km (1,490 mile) border, have waged a war of words since the February clashes.

    Wattanachai said Myanmar officials had conceded there were methamphetamine factories on their soil, but had said much of the drug-making equipment was imported from Thailand while the precursor chemicals were brought in from China.Thailand has agreed with China and Myanmar that the three countries should work together to crack down on drug production.

    After ending the meeting in the northeastern Myanmar town of Kengtung, the Thai delegation paid a courtesy visit to senior Myanmar government generals in Yangon before returning to Bangkok.The border committee last met in the Thai resort of Phuket in March 1999.

    Thai Foreign Minister Surakiart Sathirathai said on Wednesday the two countries would hold more regular meetings at various levels to strengthen ties.Surakiart is due to make an official visit to Myanmar on May 1 and 2 after an informal meeting of foreign ministers from the Association of South East Asian Nations in Yangon on April 30.
    'I WILL SHOOT THEM'

    source : The Nation

    HUA MUANG, Shan State, Burma - Despite having laid down his weapons in return for limited self-rule, Mahaja, once a fierce military commander in Burmese drug lord Khun Sa's Mong Tai Army, said he would not hesitate to pick them up again if the Wa and Kokang Chinese invade his area.

    "I will shoot them," Mahaja said during a recent interview with The Nation from one of his homes overlooking the 14-kilometre valley that served as the stronghold of Khun Sa's army.

    "If these groups enter our territory we are more than ready to fight. We won't be the first to shoot but we will definitely defend our territory," Mahaja said.Mahaja said he has been somewhat heavy-hearted by the ongoing mass relocation of the ethnic Wa and Kokang Chinese into the area by another pro-Rangoon group, the United Wa State Army (UWSA).

    Mahaja, who is of mixed Wa and Shan ethnic backgrounds, followed Khun Sa five years ago in surrendering to Rangoon in return for amnesty, but remained behind to pursue business opportunities. He now controls a 3,000-member militia, and is still regarded as a fierce, battle-hardened warrior.

    He said the Burmese government has asked if the Wa and Kokang Chinese could move into the area under his control."They said they want to help us develop the area. We said no because we can look after ourselves," he said.

    When asked why he was so opposed to sharing his territory with the Wa army, Mahaja said it was the stigma of drugs.

    Thai authorities have accused the UWSA of flooding the Kingdom with millions of methamphetamine pills and see the unwanted neighbours as a security threat. But Rangoon defends the relocations to Hua Muang as part of the UWSA's drug-eradication programme.

    "If the UWSA moves here, what will the international community think of us? They'll look at us as another drug trafficker and won't have anything to do with us," said Mahaja, adding that he is ready to let the UN and the US Drug Enforcement Agency inspect the area, once a major outlet for the world's heroin supply."But if they don't find anything [drugs], they should help us develop the area," he added.

    For the past year or so, the UWSA has carried out mass relocations of ethnic Wa and Kokang Chinese from the area along the Chinese border to recently built towns adjacent to Chiang Mai's Mae Ai and Fang districts.Rangoon defended the moves as part of the Wa's anti-drug programme, saying Thailand's closure of the border checkpoint leading to Mong Yawn has hampered the UWSA's efforts to become drug free.

    For decades, Rangoon has come under constant condemnation from the international community over the treatment of its people, including the practice of forced labour. Mahaja asked the world to put the situation in perspective.

    "There are wars going on. All sides violate the rights of their own people. In the end, it's the people who suffer," he said.

    Mahaja also urged the general public not demonise the ethnic Wa, many of whom are living under his control, just because some armed groups call themselves Wa.

    "Wa is just a name. The real culprits are the Chinese drug dealers from the mainland. You can take a methamphetamine and show it to any Wa villager and he won't know what it is," Mahaja said.

    Mahaja also accused the international community of being biased against Burma's military junta, especially its relationship to the Wa."Burma doesn't give permission to ethnic groups to produce drugs. But some of these groups do it anyway," he said.

    But convincing the international community, especially neighbouring Thailand, that he is drug free has not been easy, he said.

    In the past, some Thai officials have made their way here to talk about possible investments, he said. "But for the past two years, because of the tension along the border over drug trafficking, these visitors have pretty much disappeared," he said.

    Indeed, shaking the ghosts of the past must not be easy for a man who once worked under the notorious Khun Sa, reportedly one of the wealthiest men in Burma.

    Experts said no anti-drug policy in Burma will succeed unless it is linked with a real political solution that includes the armed ethnic groups fighting the government for autonomy.
    Thailand: Burma To Open Border Within A Few Days

    BANGKOK (AP)--Burma has agreed to open within a few days a key border checkpoint that was closed in February after the worst military clashes between the two sides in years, a senior official was quoted as saying Wednesday.

    A 40-member Thai delegation led by northern army commander Lt. Gen Wattanachai Chaimuanwong met with Burmese officials on Monday and Tuesday in the eastern Burma's town of Keng Tung in a bid to ease tensions.

    The talks between the two sides went well and were "very successful," Wattanachai said, according to the Thai News Agency.

    However, Burma's state-controlled media kept up its diatribe against Thailand with several anti-Thailand articles Wednesday including a cartoon suggesting that Thailand was a Western stooge.

    Relations between the two countries plunged after fighting between Burma's troops and anti-government rebels based along Thailand's northern border spilled into Thailand on Feb. 10. At least five civilians and a number of Burmese soldiers were killed when Thai troops joined the fray to keep the Burmese troops from intruding.

    Following the battles, several crossing were closed by both sides including the Mae Sai-Tachilek checkpoint, which lies at the northernmost point of Thailand, bringing trade there to a standstill.

    Two weeks ago, Thailand reopened its checkpoint at Mae Sai, but Burma has kept its gate at Tachilek shut.

    The Thai News Agency quoted Wattanachai as saying that Burma was expected to reopen the Tachilek crossing within two or three days.

    The bilateral ties have also been strained by Thai allegations that Burma is allowing an ethnic army, which has reached a cease-fire with the regime, to produce hundreds of millions of methamphetamines at the border every year and smuggle them for sale in Thailand.

    Wattanachai said that during his talks Burmese officials promised to cooperate with Thailand in its efforts to crack down on drug smuggling.
    UN right envoy wraps up historic trip to Burma

    Rangoon, April 5 (AFP)

    The United Nations' new human rights envoy Paulo Sergio Pinheiro Thursday wrapped up an historic visit to Burma where he met with junta leaders as well as senior members of Aung San Suu Kyi's opposition.

    Hopes that the Brazilian academic would be permitted to see the National League for Democracy (NLD) leader faded as his packed three-day agenda drew to a close without a visit to her Rangoon home.But on Wednesday he called on the opposition's headquarters here for an hour-long meeting with pro-democracy figures including party elder U Lwin, a member of the Central Executive Committee.

    U Lwin is one of the few people with regular access to Aung San Suu Kyi, who has been held under house arrest since September, and he would have been able to brief Pinheiro on her health and wellbeing.

    Questioned outside the headquarters, the special rapporteur declined to comment on the progress made during his trip which began Tuesday, saying only that he would make a report on his return to Geneva Friday.

    Pinheiro, the first UN human rights envoy to be allowed into Burma in five years, is due to leave Rangoon late Thursday after a final wrap-up meeting with Foreign Minister Win Aung.

    The junta's decision to allow him to visit only weeks after he replaced Rajsoomer Lallah, who quit last year after never being given leave to travel here, has been welcomed as another sign of the political thaw in Burma.

    Over the past six months Aung San Suu Kyi has held several meetings with junta number-three Lieutenant-General Khin Nyunt, in historic contacts that may lead to their first official dialogue since 1994.

    The secret talks have raised cautious hopes that the two sides may be able to negotiate a power-sharing agreement and a transition to democracy that would end a decade of political deadlock.

    Pinheiro's visit has been hailed as a sign of the ruling State Peace and Development Council's new willingness to begin cooperating with the outside world.

    Diplomats note the trip comes ahead of this month's UN general assembly on human rights, and after last year's damning resolution by the International Labor Organisation which caused deep concern here.

    During his visit, Pinheiro met with Home Affairs Minister Colonel Tin Hlaing, Labour Minister Major-General Tin Ngwe, and representatives of Rangoon's business community.

    Discussions were also held with representatives of the ethnic nationalities, whose agreement will be crucial in any transition to democracy.

    On Wednesday the special rapporteur travelled outside the capital to a controversial gas pipeline which the junta's critics say has been built at the cost of gross human rights violations against local people.

    The Burma's regime has been singled out as one of the world's worst human rights offenders, responsible for political repression, torture and forced labour within its borders.

    The UN Human Rights Commission last year passed a resolution expressing grave concern at the "systematic and increasingly severe" rights violations in the country.

    US lawmakers have reportedly attempted to turn up the heat on the junta this week by sending a petition to President George W. Bush that urged him to maintain sanctions despite signs of a political transition.

    The Nation newspaper said it had obtained a copy of a bipartisan letter signed by 35 legislators and prominent citizens which said sanctions should not be lifted without consulting Aung San Suu Kyi.

    It said the petition was aimed at encouraging the president to stay "on course" with the existing policy on Burma, which the US has condemned for its poor human rights record and involvement in the narcotics trade.

    "We are convinced that the sanctions have been partially responsible for prompting the regime to engage in political dialogue with Aung San Suu Kyi and her supporters," the letter said.
    UN rights envoy meets Aung San Suu Kyi on historic trip to Burma

    Rangoon, April 5 (AFP)

    The United Nations's new human rights envoy Paulo Sergio Pinheiro met with opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi Thursday in the highlight of an historic three-day visit to Burma, informed sources said.

    The UN special rapporteur, whose arrival here has been hailed as a sign of a diplomatic thaw in the military-run country, visited the Nobel peace laureate at her Rangoon home where she has been confined since September.

    On Wednesday Pinheiro was also allowed to call on the opposition National League for Democracy's headquarters for an hour-long meeting with senior members including party elder U Lwin.

    The envoy is due to leave Rangoon later Thursday after a wrap-up meeting with Foreign Minister Win Aung. He has said he will make a report on his findings when he returns to Geneva on Friday.

    The Brazilian academic is the first UN human rights envoy to be allowed into Burma in five years. He replaced Rajsoomer Lallah who quit last year after never being given permission to travel to Rangoon.

    Sources close to the talks said that in contrast to the outspoken Lallah, Pinheiro had adopted a non-confrontational approach which won plaudits among the notoriously touchy generals in Rangoon.

    During the three-day trip he met with top members of the junta including its number-three Lieutenant-General Khin Nyunt, who over the past six months has met several times with Aung San Suu Kyi.

    The historic contacts appear to be part of a confidence-building process that could clear the way for their first official dialogue since 1994.

    The secret talks have raised cautious hopes that the two sides may be able to negotiate a power-sharing agreement and a transition to democracy that would end a decade of political deadlock.

    Pinheiro's visit has been welcomed as a sign of the ruling State Peace and Development Council's new willingness to begin cooperating with the outside world.

    Diplomats note the trip comes ahead of this month's UN general assembly on human rights, and after last year's damning resolution by the International Labor Organisation which caused deep concern here.

    During his visit, Pinheiro met with Home Affairs Minister Colonel Tin Hlaing, Labour Minister Major-General Tin Ngwe, and representatives of Yangon's business community.

    The packed agenda also included discussions with representatives of the ethnic nationalities, whose agreement will be crucial in any transition to democracy.

    On Wednesday the envoy travelled outside the capital to a controversial gas pipeline which the junta's critics say has been built at the cost of gross human rights violations against local people.

    The Burma's regime has been singled out as one of the world's worst human rights offenders, responsible for political repression, torture and forced labour within its borders.

    The UN Human Rights Commission last year passed a resolution expressing grave concern at the "systematic and increasingly severe" rights violations in the country.

    US lawmakers have reportedly attempted to turn up the heat on the junta this week by sending a petition to President George W. Bush urging him to maintain sanctions despite signs of a political transition.

    The Nation newspaper said it had obtained a copy of a bipartisan letter signed by 35 legislators and prominent citizens which said sanctions should not be lifted without consulting Aung San Suu Kyi.
    Junta vows to help destroy drug plants

    Source : Bangkok Post

    Burma has promised to destroy any drug factories identified by Thailand inside its territory and is ready to allow verification by "unbiased" media, the Third Army commander said on returning from talks in Burma.

    Lt-Gen Wattanachai Chaimuenwong, head of the Thai delegation to the Regional Border Committee meeting in Kengtung, said this and other agreements were reached with Maj-Gen Thein Sein, his counterpart, who headed the Burmese side.

    The Burmese military was ready to help destroy border drug factories provided Thai authorities passed on information on their locations which could be verified, Lt-Gen Wattanachai said.

    The Third Army chief was satisfied "to a certain extent" with the outcome of the April 2-4 meeting, saying the atmosphere was friendly and agreements reached on several issues.

    Lt-Gen Wattanachai yesterday flew to Rangoon to meet Gen Maung Aye, the Burmese army chief, and Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, secretary one of the ruling State Peace and Development Council.

    Burma and Thailand also agreed to:- Exchange information on drug trafficking and trade.

    - Hold a Regional Border Committee meeting every six months. The next one is scheduled to take place in Bangkok and Pattaya in August.

    - Hold Township Border Committee meetings at least once a month.

    - Cease making press statements critical of each other.

    Sources said the Burmese side also asked that Thailand stop making movies such as Bang Rachan, a box office hit, and Atita, a popular TV series, which they felt had increased Thai people's hostility towards the Burmese. They also complained the Thai mass media's attitude towards Burma was highly negative.

    The Thai side responded that the media in Thailand was free and could not be controlled by the government or the military. However, Rangoon could ask the Thai Foreign Ministry to help arrange press conferences in Bangkok to counter any media reports deemed unfair by Burma.

    Lt-Gen Wattanachai said Thai forces deployed in areas near the Mae Sai-Tachilek pass would soon be pulled back.

    The border pass was expected to be reopened soon since Thailand had agreed to sell fuel oil to Burma on a government-to-government basis, and shipments would be made through the pass. Fuel oil is on the list of strategic goods which cannot be sold to other countries without government permission. Free trade of oil in the Thai-Burmese border area would not be allowed for fear shipments could end up in the hands of drug traffickers.

    The border disputes at Doi Lang in Chiang Mai and Koo Teng Na Yong in Chiang Rai remain unresolved and neither side will pull back its troops. However, it was agreed further negotiations would be held at the higher ministerial-level Joint Border Committee meetings.

    Sources said Gen Maung Aye complained to Lt-Gen Wattanachai that Burma had been misunderstood by the world community.

    The country was wrongly believed to be a major drug producer when, in fact, the raw material, chemicals and tools needed for such production all came from other countries. Drug factories could also be located anywhere since it would need only a one square-metre area to set up one such factory, he said.

    Maj-Gen Thein Sein also told Lt-Gen Wattanachai that the Red Wa's Mong Yawn town had not been developed with drug money, but with a special budget from Rangoon because the town site is in a special administrative zone.