Daily News-July 09 - 2001- Monday

  • Burma poised for new government, elections
  • Burma poised to free Suu Kyi
  • Ethnic groups said ready for tripartite talks to solve political impasse
  • Burma criticizes Voice of America for "irresponsible" report
  • Interview with U LWIN by DVB
  • Man found dead at Geylang identified as Myanmar national
  • Myanmar Physicians Conduct Kidney Transplant on 42-year-old Patient
  • Junta downplays reports of breakthrough in Suu Kyi talks

    • Burma poised for new government, elections

    The Sydney Morning Herald
    By Mark Baker, Herald Correspondent in Singapore

    A senior Thai minister claims the Burmese Opposition leader, Ms Aung San Suu Kyi, and the country's military leaders are poised to announce the formation of a new national government and an election timetable.

    The Defence Minister, General Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, said months of secret negotiations between Ms Suu Kyi and senior military officers had reached agreement on a plan to end the decade-long political crisis that has crippled Burma's economy and left the country an international pariah.

    "Once all the groups are engaged in forming a national government and get to work, confidence among the former rivals will soon be established. After a while a new election should be called," he told Bangkok's Nation newspaper.

    General Chavalit, who has served as both prime minister and Thailand's armed forces commander, did not say when a deal would be announced, and would not reveal the source of his information. But he is known to be close to senior members of the Burmese regime and is preparing for an official visit to Rangoon later this month.

    His dramatic announcement came as the regime released another group of political prisoners,fuelling speculation that Ms Suu Kyi, who has not been seen in public for nine months, is about to emerge from virtual house arrest.

    Seven members of Ms Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy were released on Friday, bringing to 29 the number of detainees freed since the middle of last month. All seven were elected MPs in the 1991 elections which the NLD won before being blocked from taking power by the military. But Ms Suu Kyi, the NLD chairman, Aung Shwe, and vice chairman Tin Oo remain confined to their homes in Rangoon after being stopped on September 22 last year as they attempted to travel outside the capital.

    Some NLD officials believe preparations are being made for the three to be freed before Burmese Martyrs Day on July 19 - the anniversary of the assassination in 1947 of Ms Suu Kyi's father and Burmese independence hero, General Aung San.

    Ms Suu Kyi has been meeting regularly since late last year with the deputy chief of military intelligence, General Kyaw Win, but both sides have refused to discuss details of their talks. Senior officials said in March that the meetings were going "very well" and the head of the regime,General Than Shwe, gave a speech in which he cautiously praised democracy.However, some observers remain sceptical of a breakthrough.

    "I don't think anyone here thinks there is that kind of movement in prospect in the near term," a senior regional diplomat based in Rangoon told the Herald.

    "Nobody knows what's going on in the talks between Aung San Suu Kyi and the Government. No one is in a position to really know. But the release of the detainees is contributing to a more positive atmosphere."

    Sources close to Ms Suu Kyi and the military negotiators have previously outlined a scenario in which the armed forces and senior NLD officials would form an interim administration while preparations were made for new elections.

    It is understood Ms Suu Kyi has privately indicated she would accept military demands that she not play an active role in politics, provided there were guarantees of a return to democracy.
    Burma poised to free Suu Kyi

    Micahel Sheridan
    The Sunday Times

    BURMA'S opposition leader, the Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, could be freed from house arrest under a deal with the military regime to secure new elections.

    Thailand's defence minister said yesterday that, following secret talks, Suu Kyi and the regime were ready to form a national government ahead of elections. The minister, General Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, is known to be close to the Burmese military junta. Chavalit told Bangkok newspapers that the regime's military intelligence chief, Lieutenant General Khin Nyunt, had come to an agreement with the opposition leader.

    "Once all groups are engaged in . . . a national government and get to work, confidence among the former rivals will soon be established," he said. "After a while, a new election should be held."

    The German press agency DPA also reported that Suu Kyi may be freed before July 19, known as Martyrs Day to commemorate the assassination of her father, Aung San.

    A breakthrough in Burma will be welcomed around the world. The country's atrocious human rights record has attracted international condemnation and sanctions.

    Suu Kyi returned from Britain to Burma after the junta cracked down on student protests at the end of the 1980s. Her party, the National League for Democracy, won elections but the generals ignored the result and placed her under arrest. In recent weeks the military has released 129 members of the NLD from detention, including seven members of parliament.

    Diplomats have cautioned that serious issues remain to be resolved, with two rebel groups still waging a guerrilla war along the Thai border.
    Ethnic groups said ready for tripartite talks to solve political impasse

    BBC Monitoring Service - United Kingdom; Jul 8, 2001

    Text of report by Burmese opposition radio on 5 July

    At a time when UN special envoy Mr Razali and the Japanese government were commenting that the talks between the SPDC [State Peace and Development Council] and the National League for Democracy [NLD] are progressing and that it is appropriate to give aid to the SPDC, one of the Thai-Burma [Myanmar] border based ethnic armed groups, the KNU - Karen National Union, issued a statement today stating that the talks lack genuineness.

    The KNU statement welcomed the bilateral talks brokered by the UN but the lack of specific news after almost a year and the continued offensive against the ethnic armed groups proved that the SPDC military government is not engaging in the talks with genuine interest. With regards to the statement and to learn more about the views of the national races, DVB interviewed KNU Secretary-General Phado Mahn Shar.

    [Begin recording] [Phado Mahn Shar] For the talks to be genuine, both sides should respect each other, the country should be informed, and should be free and fair. At the moment, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the top NLD leaders are still under house arrest. There are also many political prisoners in the jails and their situations have been deteriorating. Another thing is they have stopped using the term annihilating the NLD but they are still restricting the party from performing its normal activities. They are also mounting offensives against the KNU up till now. These are all their way of solving political problems and it is contrary to what it should be. By looking at these situations we believe that the talks have not reached the right path.

    [Htet Aung Kyaw] Yes. What I want to ask is, they have recently released some political prisoners including elected representatives and have allowed some NLD offices to reopen. Can't you say that these are steps towards the right direction?

    [Phado Mahn Shar] We believe they are doing all that to relieve themselves of international pressure, like pressure from the ILO [International Labour Organization] and other nations. They should do more than that. In fact we believe they should do much more than that.

    [Htet Aung Kyaw] Since you believe the current talks are not genuine, what factors do you need to say the talks are sincere?

    [Phado Mahn Shar] For the talks to be sincere and genuine, firstly they should lift all restrictions imposed on NLD and then allow it to function, organize, and stand as a free political party. Secondly, we believe they must unconditionally release all the top NLD leaders. Similarly, we feel they should immediately release all political prisoners whom they have unlawfully detained. They are still planning offensives against the national races especially the KNU. We believe the offensives against the national races should immediately decrease the moment they started to take a step forward to solve political problems by political means. Another thing and this is the most important is frankness.

    [Htet Aung Kyaw] We discovered in the statement that the tripartite talks are mentioned and they have been urged to go in that direction. We heard that UN special envoy Mr Razali attempted to hold talks with the national races leaders but the talks did not materialized because he could not find an organization or a delegate that represents all the groups.

    [Phado Mahn Shar] If Mr Razali Ismail tried to meet with the national races leaders and arrange for a tripartite meeting then it is a very good move and is also in accord with UN resolutions because we must definitely include the national races.

    [Htet Aung Kyaw] According to our sources, Mr Razali wanted to meet with delegates or a representative organization of the national races but since he couldn't find any the talks did not take place. In other words, the national races did not have a common stance. It is like questioning the unity of the national races. What is your opinion?

    [Phado Mahn Shar] Well, it is very clear. The SPDC is pointing to disunity among the national races and they are the ones responsible for that disunity. If the SPDC stop the division and let the national races freely meet, organize, and talk then we absolutely believe that we can all stand united with a common view. If the tripartite dialogue takes place now and the participation of the national races is required then it is not a difficult task to immediately obtain a common stance of the national races in a united and free environment. [End of recording]
    Burma criticizes Voice of America for "irresponsible" report

    BBC Monitoring Service - United Kingdom; Jul 8, 2001

    Text of report in English from Information Sheet No B-1877; published by Myanmar Information Committee web site on 6 July; subheading as published

    Irresponsible reportings should be avoided

    VOA [Voice of America] Myanmar [Burma] Language Section broadcast on 4 July a news item on counterfeit 500-kyat notes circulating in some of the border towns on Thai side. The report stated that these counterfeit currency notes were produced in Myanmar by the government of Myanmar and that the former drug-lord Khun Sa, Lo Hsit Han and the Wa group are being held responsible for bringing in these fake notes into Thailand. It also went on to say that the illegal Myanmar workers in Thailand who converted their wages into the Myanmar currency were being seriously effected.

    The government of Myanmar is aware that counterfeit bank notes are being illegally produced outside its borders and smuggled into Myanmar. Small consignments of these fake notes have been seized a number of times and the customs, immigration and security officials concerned are on high alert to prevent these notes from coming into Myanmar.

    It is indeed regretful and disappointing to learn that VOA in its reporting has based its information on hearsay alone without any checking-out with the relevant Myanmar authorities.

    The Myanmar Information Committee is and has always been in full cooperation with the various news agencies extending its services as much as possible in enabling them to report correctly and factually on issues and news concerning Myanmar. It is quite unfortunate that VOA chose to focus on sensationalism alone, ignoring to take the responsibility of authenticating the news before reportage.
    Interview with U LWIN by DVB

    BBC Monitoring Service - United Kingdom; Jul 8, 2001

    Text of report by Burmese opposition radio on 6 July

    DVB [Democratic Voice of Burma] has learned that the SPDC [State Peace and Development Council] military government has again released political prisoners - seven elected representatives held at the Guest Houses. They were all released at about 1300 [local time] today [6 July] from Yemon cantonment detention centre and the SPDC spokesman has issued a statement stating that all the remaining NLD [National League for Democracy] elected representatives in Rangoon [Yangon] have returned to their homes.

    But the NLD joint secretary, U Lwin, told DVB that three NLD elected representatives still remained in detention.

    The names and constituencies of the seven released NLD elected representatives are U Thein Nyunt, age 57 years, Thingangyun Township Constituency-1; U Myint Thein, age 73 years, Thingangyun Township Constituency-2; U Hla Thein, age 51 years, Tamwe Township Constituency-1, U Thein Myint, age 51 years, Tamwe Township Constituency-2; Dr Myo Win, age 47 years, Kawa Township Constituency-1; U Thein Oo, age 52 years, Oktwin Township Constituency-1; and U Win Myint, age 50 years, Danubyu Township Constituency-1. Since the June trip of UN Special Envoy Mr Razali, 35 political detainees have been released.

    According to latest reports received by DVB, the Sanchaung Township NLD signboard was reinstalled with the office opening this morning. NLD sources told DVB that Kawhmu, Kungyangon, Insein, Hlaingtharyar, and Ahlone Township NLD branches would be reopened in the coming weeks.

    Taikkyi and Hmawbi branches were reopened in the past weeks while Shwepyitha branch was reopened on 4 July. The other three opened NLD branches were the ones that were left unclosed.

    DVB interviewed NLD Joint Secretary U Lwin on the release of NLD elected representatives. DVB first asked him to verify whether all detained NLD elected representatives were released.

    [Begin recording] [U Lwin] It is not true. There are three remaining. They are Dr Aung Moe Kyaw in Magwe Division, U Saw Hlaing in Sagaing Division, and U Tin Htut Oo in Mandalay Division.

    [Htet Aung Kyaw] How many elected representatives are there in prison excluding those that were detained [at the Guest Houses]?

    [U Lwin] There are 37 elected representatives who are currently in jail.

    [Htet Aung Kyaw] Now that many have been released most people are saying that the talks have been improving. What is your view?

    [U Lwin] The release is one thing and the dialogue is another. They are having talks with their own agenda.

    [Htet Aung Kyaw] According to our sources we heard that they agreed at the talks to release the elected representatives first, then the other political prisoners who are sick, and next will be those who are overdue. We heard this is the first step. What can you say?

    [U Lwin] I do not know exactly.

    [Htet Aung Kyaw] The Sanchaung NLD office was reopened today. What is the situation of the NLD branch offices?

    [U Lwin] Well, the branch offices are reopening one after another according to their programmes but how can I answer about the situation. Well we have already reopened four branches.

    [Htet Aung Kyaw] What can you say about the NLD elected representatives and the political prisoners that are still in jail? When will they be released?

    [U Lwin] I don't know. They are still in jail. We only heard the new from your reports.

    [Htet Aung Kyaw] Well news is going around that the talks are progressing. What can you say about the prospect?

    [U Lwin] What more can I say when the responsible people are not saying anything.

    [Htet Aung Kyaw] As most of the elected representatives have been released from detention what will be the future function of the NLD and the CRPP [Committee Representing People's Parliament].

    [U Lwin] They have been recently released so what change can you expect.

    [Htet Aung Kyaw] Well what can you comment on the probable release of Aung San Suu Kyi and U Aung Shwe.

    [U Lwin] I don't know. [End of recording]
    Man found dead at Geylang identified as Myanmar national

    (Channel NewsAsia)

    Police has identified the man found dead in a back lane of a Geylang Lorong 24 hotel on Saturday as a Myanmar national.

    They are withholding his identity till they have informed the 36-year-old's next of kin. The man was found dead with head injuries and police have classified the case as murder.
    Myanmar Physicians Conduct Kidney Transplant on 42-year-old Patient

    Information Sheet- N0. B-1879 ( I )-7th July, 2001

    Myanmar physicians began performing a kidney transplant on a 42-year-old patient at the New Yangon General Hospital beginning on 6 July.

    The kidney of the patient, U Tin Maung Win, an ethnic Palaung from Namhsan Township in Shan State, will be transplanted with the kidney donated by his 20-year-old son, Aung Lay Win. The whole kidney transplant operation, which is the sixth in Myanmar, will take five days till 10 July.
    Junta downplays reports of breakthrough in Suu Kyi talks

    YANGON, July 9 (AFP) - Myanmar's military government Monday downplayed speculation that it is poised to release pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi and announce a new national government.

    "There has been too much speculation going on," a senior spokesman for the regime said in a statement.

    "Talk of a breakthrough in Myanmar, where the ruling junta has been meeting with Aung San Suu Kyi behind closed doors since October, was sparked by comments from Thai Defence Minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh.Chavalit, a former army chief who is known to have close ties with the generals in Yangon, expressed optimism at the weekend that 40 years of military rule in Myanmar would soon come to an end.

    ""Once all the groups are engaged in forming a national government and get to work, confidence among the former rivals will soon be established," he told The Nation newspaper in Bangkok. "After a while, a new election should be called," he said.

    "However, diplomats in the Myanmar capital said there was no sign of an imminent development in the talks, which have been progressing slowly in complete secrecy.

    ""All of us here have not seen any signs that there's going to be any dramatic movement or development," one observer said.

    ""This is just going to take some time to work it out and there's no sense among anybody, in the atmosphere or little hints and gestures or any obscure signals, that something dramatic is about to happen."

    "But Chavalit's comments were backed by General Chetta Tanajaro, another former army chief and a senior adviser on Myanmar to Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

    ""I think Myanmar's military government and the NLD (National League for Democracy) are starting to understand each other," he told AFP Monday."A new government in Myanmar would be a good thing for this region and I think it will happen soon."

    "Despite the optimism among Thai government circles, dissident and rebel groups have voiced frustration at the slow pace of the dialogue and their exclusion from the process.However, confidence in the process has been boosted in recent weeks by the release of dozens of NLD MPs, elected in the disallowed 1990 ballot, who had been held in government guesthouses.

    "In light of this, Aung San Suu Kyi is expected to emerge briefly from her home, where she has been detained since September, to attend the July 19 ceremony marking the 1997 assassination of her father General Aung San.Previously she had declined to leave the lakeside residence on any personal missions, even deciding not to attend the funeral of her much-loved aunt who died in the family compound earlier this year.

    "The junta is believed to be keen to have the Nobel peace laureate attend the televised Martyrs Day ceremony at Yangon's Shwedagon pagoda, to send a signal that national reconciliation is progressing well.

    ""I think people are expecting to see her in public on Martyrs Day as happens every year on that day," one diplomat said."If she doesn't go it will be interpreted negatively and in fact would be seized upon by everybody as a sign that things are not going well," he said.

    "In the past Aung San Suu Kyi had consistently refused to cooperate with propaganda stunts intended to give a veneer of respectability to the political situation in Myanmar, the diplomat said.

    ""But the recent releases might have a bearing on it -- they may be enough to coax her into going."

    "The junta declined to confirm whether Aung San Suu Kyi was expected to attend the ceremony, saying only that an invitation had been extended to "all the family members of the martyrs"."It is up to the individual to attend the ceremony or not," the spokesman said.

    "However, most observers believe the NLD leader will not be released from house arrest until both sides are ready to make a statement on the content and progress of their talks, a stage which may still be a long way off.