Daily News-September 04 - 2001- Tuesday

  • Hints of Change in Myanmar
  • Top Myanmar general begins Thailand visit amid protests
  • Protesters slam Myanmar official's visit to Thailand
  • Activists rally in protest
  • Khin Nyunt supports proposal for summit
  • Shan party head expresses cautious optimism on government-Suu Kyi talks
  • Newly-formed ethnic committee 'to strive' for tripartite talks
  • Myanmar minister slams media for exaggeration of HIV problem
  • Myanmar Delegation Leaves for Thailand
  • Myanmar, India Possess Strong Supplementation in Economy
  • Foreign Investment in Myanmar Sharply Up in First Four Months
  • Minnows Cambodia Draw With Myanmar

    • Hints of Change in Myanmar

    source : Newyork Times

    Recent weeks have brought signs that the repressive military junta that has ruled Myanmar since 1988 may be reconsidering its stranglehold on the country's democratic forces, led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the Nobel Peace Prize winner. Washington and other governments should encourage this process, but must maintain economic sanctions against the junta until the generals agree to end their tyrannical rule.

    Last week, a United Nations special envoy, Razali Ismail, visited Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, for four days of meetings with Mrs. Aung San Suu Kyi and military leaders. Regrettably, the junta's leader, Gen. Than Shwe, declined to meet with Mr. Razali. But the opposition and the military have been talking since last fall, and last week two senior leaders of Mrs. Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy were released from house arrest. Nearly 200 N.L.D. members have been freed since the dialogue with the military began. But more than 1,500 people remain jailed for political reasons, including 29 N.L.D. members of the parliament elected in 1990 but never convened.

    The military is being pushed toward dialogue by the feeble state of Myanmar's economy. International aid and foreign investment have been drastically curtailed since the 1988 coup. The economic pressure has triggered a debate within the junta, and some members now argue for compromise with the N.L.D. and the country's non-Burmese ethnic minorities. To be meaningful, such a compromise would have to include liberating Mrs. Aung San Suu Kyi from house arrest and releasing all imprisoned N.L.D. members. The party must be allowed to function freely, with new democratic elections scheduled and the junta pledging to abide by the results. There must also be an end to forced labor, which remains widespread in Myanmar.

    Unfortunately, Japan seems unwilling to wait for such steps. It recently announced a resumption of development aid and is now weighing a grant of more than $20 million to modernize a power plant that serves military as well as civilian needs. The prospect of resumed foreign aid can be a useful incentive for further steps by the junta. That aid should not be granted prematurely.
    Top Myanmar general begins Thailand visit amid protests

    By Nopporn Wong-Anan

    BANGKOK (Reuters) - Myanmar military intelligence chief Lieutenant-General Khin Nyunt, the third most senior member of the military government, began a visit to Thailand on Monday aimed at soothing tension over drugs and a simmering border row.

    Tight security has been laid on for the visit, with much of Khin Nyunt's programme shrouded in secrecy, because of pledges by exiled Myanmar dissidents and Thai activists to mount demonstrations. The two countries have been making efforts to patch up ties after relations deteriorated sharply early in the year.

    Khin Nyunt, who is Secretary One of the ruling State Peace and Development Council (SPDC), leads an entourage of 39 cabinet members and senior military officers for the three-day visit. "We are neighbours," Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra told Reuters ahead of a meeting with Khin Nyunt. "We have to have a close relationship."

    Khin Nyunt will be given an audience with Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej on Tuesday in southern Thailand, an honour usually given to heads of state and very important national figures.

    ACCUSATIONS OVER DRUGS

    Thailand blames the United Wa State Army (UWSA), an ethnic minority army allied with the Myanmar government, for producing most of the methamphetamine pills flooding across the border. Myanmar denies it is supporting the drugs trade and says the UWSA is no longer involved in drugs. A series of skirmishes earlier in the year along the 2,400 km (1,490-mile) Thai-Myanmar border took ties to a new low. The two countries have several territorial disputes along the border.

    But ties have improved since an official visit by Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to Yangon in June.Khin Nyunt is the most senior member of Myanmar's military government to visit Thailand since SPDC Chairman Senior-General Than Shwe in March 1999.

    Thai Defence Ministry spokesman Colonel Jongsak Panichkul said a "top-down approach", where leaders of both countries meet regularly, would help keep a lid on tensions on the border. Items on the agenda of the visit include promoting bilateral cooperation to combat drugs, and fishing rights.

    Anti-Myanmar activists said the country was not co-operating in combating drugs and said Thailand should not welcome the visit. "During the past year, the relationship between Myanmar and Thailand has been built on the interests of certain groups of people rather than the well-being of the two countries," said Metha Maskhao, president of the Students' Federation of Thailand. "Such relationships should be condemned as being insincere in genuinely helping both countries," Metha was quoted by the Bangkok Post daily saying.

    Thai authorities beefed up security around a Myanmar student detention centre in Ratchaburi, 101 km west of Bangkok, to prevent protests against Khin Nyunt's visit.
    Protesters slam Myanmar official's visit to Thailand

    BANGKOK, Sept. 3, Kyodo - Myanmar military intelligence chief Lt. Gen. Khin Nyunt arrived in Thailand on Monday for an official three-day visit amid protests by pro-democracy activists.

    Some 20 activists led by the Thai Action Committee for Democracy in Burma gathered to protest the visit in front of the Prime Minister's Office, where Khin Nyunt met with Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

    Khin Nyunt, first secretary of the ruling State Peace and Development Council, is visiting at the invitation of Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Gen. Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, who visited Myanmar in July.It is Khin Nyunt's first official visit to Thailand as first secretary though he accompanied top junta leader Than Shwe here in 1999. He is also the chief of Defense Services Intelligence Bureau.

    The protesters called on Thailand to review its relations with Myanmar, arguing good ties with Yangon would make the international community doubt the health of Thailand's democracy.

    The Yangon junta is accused of suppressing democracy and human rights. The opposition National League for Democracy (NLD) led by Aung San Suu Kyi won the 1990 general election by a landslide but has been prevented by the military from taking power.

    The protesters called on the Thai government to make public all agreements made with Myanmar, to halt repatriations of Myanmar refugees, to put pressure on Yangon to improve political and economic conditions and to boost ties with the NLD rather than just the junta. They also demanded the junta unconditionally release more political prisoners and open all universities in the country.

    Khin Nyunt was accompanied by a 32-member entourage including Home Affairs Minister Col. Tin Hlaing, Hotels and Tourism Minister Maj. Gen. Saw Lwin, Immigration Minister Saw Tun and Fisheries Minister Brig. Gen. Maung Maung Thein.

    During his talks with Thaksin, Khin Nyunt said the United Wa State Army (UWSA), an ethnic minority army, has promised to stop production of all kinds of narcotics by 2005 and begin crop-substitution programs, according to Thai Foreign Minister Surakiart Sathirathat. Thaksin vowed to put an end to allegations that Myanmar supports the production of methamphetamine pills by the UWSA, Surakiart told reporters, adding that Thailand offered tax privileges for imports of crop-substitution products.''Myanmar shows its sincerity to help Thailand tackle drug trafficking and large numbers of narcotics are often suppressed and confiscated,'' Surakiart said.

    Relations between the two countries soured after border disputes and clashes between troops followed by a war of words in which each accused the other of threatening its security. Illicit narcotics are at the core of relations between the two countries, with Thailand demanding Myanmar end the influx of stimulants through minority-controlled areas along the border. Thailand alleges Myanmar supports narcotics production while Myanmar accuses Thailand of supporting anti-junta minority guerrillas.
    Activists rally in protest

    source : Bangkokpost

    Sanctions demanded against ruling junta

    Protesters yesterday rallied against the official visit of Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and urged the government to impose sanctions on Burma's military regime.

    The demonstrators, mostly Thai university students, wore sarongs and headbands and carried placards denouncing the junta and its ``blood-tainted'' trade agreements with Thailand.Burma's government, of which Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt is first secretary, has been widely criticised for its negative human rights record and oppressive rule.

    The ruling junta, which closed Burma's educational establishments and universities, was told to ``open our schools'' by those gathered outside Government House.

    The students, supported by the Students' Federation of Thailand, chanted ``Stop Khin Nyunt'' and, kneeling on the footpath, lowered their heads to the ground in a gesture against human rights abuses and student suppression.

    They submitted an open letter to the government through Watcharapan Chantharakajorn, the assistant secretary to the prime minister.The letter urged Thailand to review its relations with Rangoon and said bilateral agreements must be conducted in an open manner.The letter urged Rangoon to enter into dialogue with illegal migrant workers and improve political and social conditions in Burma.Bangkok must stop repatriating refugees until fighting and human rights violations cease, it said.

    Rangoon should also meet the National League for Democracy, the letter said, and Thailand should play a bigger role in encouraging democracy in Burma.The junta must release all political prisoners and revamp the justice system.

    Suriyasai Katasila, secretary-general of the SFT, said the visit was inappropriate considering Thailand's long struggle against dictatorships.
    Khin Nyunt supports proposal for summit

    Bangkok Post, Tuesday 04 September 2001

    Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra yesterday offered Burma preferential trade terms for crops cultivated as substitutes for drug derivatives. The premier made the offer after Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, the visiting first secretary of Burma's State Peace and Development Council, said the Wa had promised to stamp out drugs by 2005 and turn to other cash crops.

    Foreign Minister Surakiart Sathirathai said Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt also confirmed Rangoon's intention to realise agreements earlier reached with Thailand on the exchange of intelligence, and for diplomats of the two countries to play a bigger role in curbing drugs. Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt also confirmed Rangoon's support for a Thai proposal for heads of state of Burma, China, Laos and Thailand to convene in a summit to signal their serious intent to wipe out the trade in illegal drugs.

    He held separate talks with Mr Thaksin, Defence Minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh and Mr Surakiart, who will host lunch for the Burmese guest today.. Mr Thaksin briefed Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt on Thai plans for foreign labour in the next few months since military measures might be needed occasionally.

    The prime minister also spoke about repatriation plans for displaced persons, making it clear Thailand would not push them back against their will. Thailand would co-operate with international agencies to build settlements in safe areas inside Burma that would provide voluntary returnees with vocational training.

    Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt agreed to the idea in principle and would leave the matter for further discussions in a meeting of the Thai-Burmese Joint Commission roughly planned for December in Phuket. It will be the first time the issue of displaced people will appear on the agenda.

    He also proposed in talks with the foreign minister the creation of a joint task force to manage Burmese workers. The new body, which would comprise foreign affairs, and labour and social welfare officials on the Thai side, could be ready for inclusion in a memorandum of understanding on cross-border labour for the two foreign ministers to sign at the yearend meeting in Phuket.

    Burma also wanted Thailand to send a team to negotiate a joint fishery venture, promising to give the matter special consideration, Mr Surakiart said. Burma was asked to ease financial conditions for Thai investors so they could form joint fishery ventures with Burmese partners. Burma closed its waters to Thailand after the October 1999 seizure of its embassy in Bangkok by Burmese exiles. On other issues, the two sides agreed to convene at an early date the Joint Boundary Committee co-chaired by Win Aung, the Burmese foreign minister, and Pracha Gunakasem, adviser to the Thai foreign minister.

    The two countries' commerce ministers would meet soon to realise an earlier agreement for co-operation in agricultural and account trade. Rangoon will reconsider lifting a ban on 15 Thai imports imposed since 1998 on a case-by-case basis after Thailand forwards the list for consideration. But Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt indicated that products affecting consumers' health would not be allowed into Burma. He urged Thailand to expedite a draft on co-operation between investment authorities.

    Mr Thaksin will have experts study the feasibility of two routes to the Andaman Sea proposed by Burma, and consider investment sources for them. The routes will link Kanchanaburi province with Tavoy in Burma, and Bang Saphan in Prachuap Khiri Khan with Pokpien, located further south. Thailand would provide funding for a second bridge linking Mae Sai with Tachilek, Mr Surakiart said.

    Mr Thaksin reiterated Thailand's willingness to support national reconciliation in Burma without interfering in any related events.As a goodwill gesture, Burma would release 60 Thai prisoners held on charges unrelated to drugs.

    Col Chongsak Panichkul, the Defence Ministry spokesman, said Gen Chavalit urged that problems along the Thai-Burmese border be solved in a transparent manner. Gen Chavalit called for the settting up of a general border committee, co-chaired by the Burmese and Thai defence ministers, along the lines of similar ones set up with Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia.

    Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt agreed to make an urgent study of these issues, both of which are expected to be revisited during the Regional Border Committee meeting on Sept 6-7 in Chon Buri. Gen Chavalit and Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt agreed to set up a Thai-Burmese cultural and economic association.
    Shan party head expresses cautious optimism on government-Suu Kyi talks

    Text of report by DVB on 31 August

    DVB has already reported that during his Rangoon visit Mr Razali Ismail held discussions with representatives of five national race political parties where U Khun Tun Oo from the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy [SNLD] attended the meeting and discussed ethnic affairs. DVB contacted U Khun Tun Oo to learn more about the discussions. Ko Moe Aye conducted the interview.

    [Ko Moe Aye] Mr Razali met five national race leaders including you.
    [Khun Tun Oo] Yes.

    [Ko Moe Aye] Can you tell us anything about the meeting?
    [Khun Tun Oo] Since tripartite talks are not yet possible we requested him to work for the success of the two-party talks. We were also told that he would continue to work till the tripartite talks.

    [Ko Moe Aye] Mr Razali said the UN would not neglect ethnic affairs.
    [Khun Tun Oo] Yes, he did say that. He said it was in the UN resolution and the national race issue would have to be resolved by tripartite talks. He also reaffirmed that the national race issue is not forgotten. He said the UN would never desert the national groups.

    [Ko Moe Aye] Regarding the present situation, are you satisfied with the way the two-party talks are progressing?
    [Khun Tun Oo] He [Mr Razali] does not know and I do not know as well so I cannot comment on that. The talks are proceeding in a very cautious and closely controlled manner so nothing concrete is coming out of them. We heard that the talks are progressing well and satisfactorily. That's about it. In my view I would rather use the term cautious optimism than optimism.

    [Ko Moe Aye] As far as we know the national groups this side [exiles] are also worried whether their affairs might be passed over or neglected.
    [Khun Tun Oo] It is clear at present. The principle that the five national groups have adopted is that since the condition of the economy, social, health, and education sectors are at a low ebb, we will give priority to fix that first. Only when that seems to be on the right track will we consider the dialogue process and move from two-party to tripartite talks. We believe the UN will not abandon us. Even if the matter is not brought up now it will become obvious in future. The matter must be resolved whether now or later. Well, we are as worried as the national races outside the country [exiles] are worried, but the situation inside the country is worse especially in the districts.

    [Ko Moe Aye] Yes. When Mr Razali met the national races, including the SNLD, he is supposed to have said that the talks between Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the SPDC had reached a very important stage. What about that?
    [Khun Tun Oo] I don't know about that. Mr Razali did not say that. He did not say that they had reached an important stage but he did say that there was improvement. That's all.

    [Ko Moe Aye] If the SPDC really wanted national reconciliation, a nationwide cease-fire should be enforced. What is your opinion?
    [Khun Tun Oo] To give my personal opinion they [the SPDC] are still feeling the water [preceding six words rendered in English]. To grant a genuine cease-fire and meet with all national races depends on the progress of the current bipartite talks.

    [Ko Moe Aye] In the latest developments U Aung Shwe [chairman of National League for Democracy, NLD] and U Tin Oo [NLD vice-chairman] have been released but Daw Aung San Suu Kyi still remains under de facto house arrest. What is your view about that?
    [Khun Tun Oo] That is politics and the move improves the political climate. The government frees a political party chairman and they are also holding talks. That is good. Mr Razali came and then met a number of [NLD] party members apart from Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. These are good signs. Any legal political party should be allowed to function freely and work for the good of the country.
    Newly-formed ethnic committee 'to strive' for tripartite talks

    Text of report by DVB on 31 August

    DVB has already reported in its news yesterday about the closing of a Conference of National Groups of Burma attended by over 50 representatives. According to news received today the meeting formed NSCC, National Solidarity and Cooperation Committee [Burmese: Amyotha thwe si yay hnit pu paung saung ywet ye kawmati]. This committee will mainly strive to bring about tripartite talks. This was disclosed in the Lonekhilar Declaration issued today.

    The four-day conference attended by national groups from the border areas and the national groups that have signed cease-fire agreements with the SPDC. In order to know the ethnic nationalities' view, to learn more about the national groups conference, and the ongoing talks between the SPDC military government and the opposition National League for Democracy [NLD], DVB interviewed KNU, Karen National Union Chairman Phado Saw Ba Thin about the conference.

    [Phado Saw Ba Thin] The national groups after careful consideration of the prevailing political climate in Burma have realized that national unity is of paramount importance and the current political problems should be solved by political means. They held discussions and unanimously agreed the need to form a committee representing all the national races. The committee is called National Solidarity and Cooperation Committee, Burma. The committee has issued its views on the talks between the SPDC military government and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. Similarly, it has been agreed that the committee will take the leading role in the tripartite talks.

    [Htet Aung Kyaw] We have learned about the prevailing political situation in Burma from UN special envoy who just departed. What is the view of the national groups on the SPDC-Daw Aung San Suu Kyi talks?
    [Phado Saw Ba Thin] Well, we heard the news about the dialogue nearly nine or 10 months ago but there has been no substantial development. We believe that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's participation in the talks is to try and solve the prevailing political problem by political mean.

    [Htet Aung Kyaw] From what we heard, those inside the country like U Khun Tun Oo and U Saw Mra Aung have the opinion that the tripartite talks will be held only after the bipartite talks. What is the main view of the committee on the tripartite talks?
    [Phado Saw Ba Thin] What we know about what U Khun Tun Oo and all said was just hearsay and we have not had any confirmation. We believe that we need a committee to represent all the national races, Burma's problem is a political problem and should be solved peacefully by political means using the dialogue approach, and we will participate in the tripartite talks. We will all strive to bring about the tripartite talks.

    [Htet Aung Kyaw] What is the future task of this committee?
    [Phado Saw Ba Thin] The committee was formed with the view of national unity and national solidarity. The majority at the meeting decided to work together in unity, to participate in the tripartite talks to solve Burma's political problems by political means, to strive for the emergence of tripartite talks, and to continue working for national solidarity.
    Myanmar minister slams media for exaggeration of HIV problem

    YANGON, Sept. 3, Kyodo - Myanmar Health Minister Maj. Gen. Ket Sein on Monday complained of exaggeration of the number of Myanmar's HIV carriers and AIDS patients by foreign media at the opening ceremony of a regional World Health Organization (WHO) meeting.

    ''Contrary to the gloomy picture presented in some reports, especially those of Western media, HIV/AIDS is not rampant in Myanmar. Data from high risk sentinel sites in some urban and border areas cannot be generalized to represent the whole country,'' Ket Sein said at the opening ceremony of the 54th session of the WHO Southeast Asia Regional Committee.

    ''However, we are fully aware of the tremendous toll it could exact, not only on the victims, but also society as a whole. Myanmar is committed to fight the disease by using all its available resources,'' he said.

    WHO Regional Director Uton Muchtar Rafei said at the opening ceremony, ''I have been closely associated with the health development in Myanmar since the early 1980s. I have witnessed with great interest several community-level health development initiatives. The WHO is happy to be associated with these initiatives, of which some have received international recognition.'' The WHO Southeast Asia regional conference in Yangon continues until Thursday.
    Myanmar Delegation Leaves for Thailand

    Information Sheet N0. B-1941( I ) 3rd September, 2001

    Myanmar delegation led by Chief Justice left Yangon for Bangkok, Thailand on 2 September to attend the 22nd General Assembly of ASEAN Inter-parliamentary Organization to be held from 2 to 7 September.

    The delegation comprised member of Multiparty Democracy General Election Commission and Joint-Secretary of National Convention Convening Work Committee.
    Myanmar, India Possess Strong Supplementation in Economy

    YANGON, September 3 (Xinhuanet) -- A few days ago, Myanmar and India signed a contract here for India to build a dyeing and printing factory for the state-run Myanmar Textile Industries on a plot of 6.68 hectares. This reflected from one aspect that the Myanmar-India bilateral economic and trade cooperative ties are continuously strengthening.

    In recent years, especially since Myanmar's joining of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in July 1997, the economic and trade ties between Myanmar and India have scored rapid development.

    On March 29, 1998, Myanmar and India signed a contract on India 's extending of a credit line of 10 million U.S. dollars to Myanmar for setting up industrial plants and for supply of railway rolling stocks from India.

    On April 25 the same year, the two countries signed again a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in agriculture and allied sectors. In February 1999, India injected 4.5 million dollars into Myanmar's manufacturing sector.

    On November 17, 2000, the two countries signed another contract on India's provision of more credit line of 15 million dollars to Myanmar for sourcing industrial and electrical equipment from India.

    A fact that deserves mention is that India spent one billion rupees (about 22 million dollars), building for Myanmar a 160- kilometer-long highway (Tamu-Kalewa) in the country's northwestern border area. The highway forms an important transport link between the two countries' border areas, closely connecting Myanmar and India far up to central Myanmar and the commercial and cultural center of Mandalay, which is also Myanmar's second largest city. This highway was formally handed over to the Myanmar side on February 13 this year for putting into service. It will promote the socio-economic development of the northwestern border of Myanmar and will also enhance the two countries' bilateral economic and trade exchange.

    With regard to their bilateral trade, Indian authorities declared that India stands as Myanmar's largest export market at present, taking 80 percent of the country's exports of beans and pulses and timber.

    Meanwhile, in 1999-2000 fiscal year, Myanmar's exports to India amounted to 128 million dollars, while its imports from India represented 68.6 million dollars, increasing by 10.6 times of that in 1990-91. Up to now, Myanmar and India have opened one border trade point each, that is Tamu-Manipur, on their respective sides along the 1, 400-kilometer common border. The two countries have also agreed in principle to open another border trade point Rhi-Champhai in the future.

    Since Myanmar and India established diplomatic relations on January 4, 1948, the two countries have successively signed a number of agreements including a treaty of friendship and other accords on boundary, trade, air transport, drug control cooperation, border trade, scientific and technical and cultural cooperation.

    Myanmar and India both belong to developing countries and are members of the BIMST-EC, a regional economic grouping which comprises five countries along the Bay of Bengal -- Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Thailand. Myanmar and India possess relatively strong supplementation in economy and in the new century, the two countries' economic and trade ties are bound to achieve greater development.
    Foreign Investment in Myanmar Sharply Up in First Four Months

    YANGON, September 3 (Xinhuanet) -- Foreign investment in Myanmar totaled 41.49 million U.S. dollars in seven projects in the first four months of this year, rising by 118.13 percent from the same period of 2000, according to the latest figures issued by the country's Central Statistical Organization.

    Of the investment, which came from five countries and regions during the period, Thailand took the lead with 25.75 million dollars, followed by China's Hong Kong (7.5 million ), Republic of Korea (4.21 million),Singapore (3.53 million) and Canada (0.5 million).

    Of the sectors injected by these foreign investment, construction stood the highest with 20.5 million dollars, followed by manufacturing (15.24 million), hotels and tourism (5.25 million) and mining (0.5 million).

    In 2000, there came investment in Myanmar from nine countries and regions, mainly from Republic of Korea, Britain, China and Canada, with a total amount of 152.8 million dollars. These investment during the year were mostly injected into the sectors of manufacturing, oil and gas and agriculture.

    According to official statistics, since opening to foreign investment in late 1988, Myanmar had drawn a total of such contracted investment of 7,381.49 million dollars in 363 projects as of the end of April 2001. Of the leading foreign investors, Singapore ranked the first with 1,507.53 million dollars, followed by Britain with 1.401 billion and Thailand with 1,289.75 million.
    Minnows Cambodia Draw With Myanmar

    KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 3 (Bernama) -- Myanmar and Cambodia battled hard but had to settle for a goalless draw in their Group A match of the SEA Games men's football competition at the MPPJ Stadium, near here, Monday night.

    Cambodia came close to breaking the deadlock in the 20th minute. Off a mistake by Myanmar defender Min Thwin, Cambodian striker Chea Makara snatched the ball in the penalty box and blasted a shot which was palmed out by Myanmar goalkeeper Aung Aung Oo.

    Myanmar, playing their first match in the Games, came charging back after that. Cambodian goalkeeper Ouk Mic was forced to make two splendid saves, in the 38th minute from Nay Thu Hlaing's attempt and in the 42nd minute from a header by Aung Kyaw Myint. Myanmar managed to prise open the Cambodian backline in the 63rd minute following a solo run by Aung Kyaw Moe into the penalty box but his stiff grounder was saved by Ouk Mic.

    Cambodia, who were beaten 7-0 by Thailand in their first game, immediately launched a counter-attack but Chea Virath's attempt from inside the penalty box was well blocked by Myanmar's defence.Myanmar, who looked the more dangerous side, almost scored in the 76th minute when Aung Kyaw Tijn was put through by Tint Naing Tun Thein but shot straight to the goalkeeper. Three minutes later, Myanmar missed another golden scoring opportunity when Min Naing's thunderous shot went just inches wide.

    Myanmar coach David Booth said he was upset with the way his strikers blew their chances."We should have won the game. The players passed the ball well but when they came into the opponents' penalty box they were slow to release the ball," he said at a post-match news conference.

    Cambodian coach Joachim Fickert said he was not happy with the draw as they could have collected the full three points based on the scoring opportunities they had. "Nevertheless, it gave some confidence to the players before playing their next game," he said.

    MYANMAR: 1-Aung Aung Oo, 2-Min Thu, 3-Zaw Lynn Tun, 4-Soe Myat Min, 5-Soe Lin Tun (14-Thet Naing Soe), 6-Tint Naing Tun Thein, 8-Aung Kyaw Moe, 9-Nay Thu Hlaing, 12-Yan Paing (10-Min Naing), 13-Min Thwin, 15-Aung Kyaw Myint (11-Aung Kyaw Tijn).

    CAMBODIA: 18-Ouk Mic, 3-Sam El Nasa, 4-Yous Bonarath, 5-Peas Sothy, 6-Meas Channa, 7-Tes Sophat, 8-Pok Chanthan, 9-Chea Virath (20-Neang Tith Mesa), 10-Chea Makara, 12-Poen Sam Nang, 13-Rith Dika (7-Tes Sophat), 14-Koa Nisai. Referee: Luong The Tai (Vietnam)