BI WEEKLY NO. 4 2-8 nov 2000
JUNTA OFFICIALLY BANS FORCED LABOR AFTER ILO VISIT
PIRATE ATTACKS UP IN BURMA AND ALL AROUND THE GLOBE
KYIN NYUNT SAYS NEW PRIORITY ON EDUCATION
JUNTA WANTS TO BE PART OF AICO
VISA ON ARRIVAL GRANTED IN BURMA
JUNTA PLEDGES DIGITAL PHONE NETWORK IN BURMA
BURMA AND INDIA AGREE TO COOPERATE IN FIGHTING REBELS IN INDIA
INDIA CALLS FOR NEW TRANSPORT LINKS WITH BURMA
FOREIGN INVESTMENT IN BURMA SURGES IN 2000
BURMA METAL EXPORTS DOUBLE
SWEDEN SUBMITS UN RESOLUTION CONDEMNING JUNTA
JAILED FISHERMAN REPATRIATED TO BURMA
THREE HUNDRED CHIN STRANDED IN GUAM
Burma said Thursday it has issued a government ordinance banning forced labor in compliance with demands for reform made by the International Labor Organization (ILO). Burma's Deputy Foreign Minister Khin Maung Win said the order became effective last Friday. Labour Minister Major-General Tin Ngwe had issued a similar statement last June when the ILO came for the first time this past June. The ILO's key policy-making body opened a two-week session on Thursday during which Burma is expected to face renewed pressure over accusations of widespread use of forced labor. If Burma is found not to have done enough, the ILO could bring down a range of measures, including further sanctions from its member nations that could deal a mortal blow to the already decrepit economy. By all accounts, the military government is taking the ILO's threat very seriously and has repeatedly said it is willing to cooperate. In ILO team is to report next week to the ILO's Governing Body on its recent mission there, before a November 30 deadline for the ruling junta to make its laws and practices conform to an international treaty banning forced labour, a spokesman said. In an unprecedented move last June, the annual meeting of the ILO's 174 member states called in effect for worldwide sanctions on Burma after a 1998 inquiry found forced labour to be ``widespread and systematic.'' But under a compromise, the forum gave Rangoon five months to comply, setting the scene for a showdown at the ILO Governing Body's Nov 2-17 session. The body has 28 member states, 14 employer organizations and 14 labor groups. Diplomatic sources said that the ordinance containing the ban lacks ''the specifics'' needed to avoid punishing measures that could include the suspension and downsizing of assistance from U.N. agencies and international organizations. The Burmese government then said Tuesday it had issued a powerful directive banning forced labor, in a sign of its deep concern over sanctions threatened by the ILO. This second decree from the SPDC represents the highest level order available in the military-run country and backs a Home Ministry directive on the same issue. "This order has been circulated right down to the village level and posted in every police station," he said. "It states that all responsible persons including the armed forces, police and local authorities should not requisition forced labor." Khin Maung Win said that with the decree from the SPDC, Burma had now done everything possible to convince the ILO it was serious about eliminating forced labor. Another report by the United Nations Labour Agency has concluded that Burma has made some progress towards changing its laws to end the use of forced labour. But it says it is unclear what the country's authorities are doing to ensure the practice is stopped. Burma still refuses to officially admit that forced labor is a problem, despite reams of evidence from rights groups and a 1998 ILO committee of inquiry which found the practice was "widespread and systematic". Refugees who escape over the border in Thailand tell depressingly consistent accounts of military raids on villages, where even the old and infirm are rounded up and put to work carrying weapons and supplies.
"Myanmar in dock again at ILO on forced labour," Nov 2. Reuters
"Myanmar bans forced labor in compliance with ILO," Nov 2. Kyodo News
“Myanmar villagers say forced labor persists, despite ILO threat,” Nov 2. AP
“Myanmar Escaped Villagers Say Forced Labor Persists,” Nov 2. AP
“Burma Govt Dismisses Allegations Of Forced Labor,” Nov 2. AP
“Forced labour still on, Burma villagers say,” Nov 3. The Nation
“ILO May Still Punish Myanmar Despite Ban on Forced Labor,” Nov 6. Kyodo
“Myanmar junta makes last-ditch attempt to head off ILO sanctions,” Nov 7. AFP
“Myanmar May Face Sanctions Despite Steps On Forced Labor,” Nov 7. UNWIRE
“Burma makes progress against forced Labour,” Nov 8. BBC
Pirate attacks have soared to a 10-year high across the globe, with Indonesia's waterways the riskiest of all, a maritime monitoring group said Wednesday. Authorities recorded 294 pirate attacks worldwide from January to September of this year, up from 180 in the same period last year, the International Maritime Bureau said in its quarterly piracy survey. Indonesia, the world's largest archipelago with 13,000 islands, suffered 90 attacks by pirates this year, up from 66 in 1999 and 31 in 1998. Most pirates in the narrow sea channel easily elude authorities using sophisticated communications devices and by slipping into numerous island hide-outs, the bureau said. Pirates' boats also are hard to distinguish from the hundreds of small ships in the straits, it said. Piracy was also on the rise in Thailand, Burma, Vietnam, Peru and Angola, but attacks dropped in Venezuela, Nigeria and Somalia.
"Piracy Attacks at 10-year High," Nov 1. AP
Speaking at the opening ceremony of an ASEAN ministerial meeting on youth in Rangoon, Lieutenant-General Khin Nyunt, first secretary of the SLORC, said that Burma is in the process of implementing a four-year plan for education as part of its human resources development in its bid to keep pace with the more advanced nations of ASEAN by raising the standard of education as a national priority. At the same time, he added, education opportunities are being opened up nation-wide with universities and colleges being established in all regions of the country including border areas to enable children and youth to have access to education. With regard to cooperation with ASEAN in the field of education, he disclosed that Burma has joined the membership of ASEAN University Network to nurture the country's youth to be highly competent in facing the challenges around the world in the 21st century. He reiterated that Burma stands ready to cooperate with ASEAN members in nurturing youths to materialize the objective of ASEAN Vision 2020.
"ASEAN Ministers Meet on Youth in Myanmar," Nov 2. Xinhua
JUNTA WANTS TO BE PART OF AICO
A meeting of an ASEAN working group on industrial cooperation opened here to discuss ways and means of extending the ASEAN Industrial Cooperation Scheme (AICO) from the original six to include the remaining four member states -- Cambodia, Laos, Burma and Vietnam. The two-day 28th meeting of the working group, the first of its kind hosted by Burma, is attended by industrial officials of the 10 ASEAN member countries, representatives of ASEAN Secretariat and ASEAN Chambers of Commerce and Industry. Addressing the opening of the meeting Wednesday, Burma Deputy Minister of Industry-1 Brigadier-General Kyaw Win stressed the need to expand the area of cooperation to the AICO projects, saying that the new ASEAN members should be given opportunities in the scheme. He briefed the participants on Burma's endeavors in development of its industrial sector, both public and private, establishing so far a total of 18 industrial zones in the country to promote the sector. It was reported that up to the end of 1999, there were 74 AICO projects participated by the original six ASEAN member states except Brunei. The AICO scheme, based on the principles and concepts of the Common Effective Preferential Tariff (CEPT) scheme for the ASEAN Free Trade Area, minimizes tariff dissimilarities and offers qualified participating companies the immediate benefit of the CEPT tariff rates in the range of zero to five percent.
"ASEAN Industrial Cooperation Meeting Opens in Myanmar," Nov 2. Xinhua
VISA ON ARRIVAL GRANTED IN BURMA
There has been a new development in the ongoing visas-on-arrival debate following an announcement by the Ministry for Tourism that tourists who travelled to Cambodia, Laos and Thailand would be able to use the same visa to enter Burma from next year. U Khin Maung Latt, Director General of Tourism, announced the policy change at a press conference attached to the Myanmar Travel Show in Bangkok earlier this month. The new arrangement forms part of the "Golden Land" agreement made between Burma, Laos, Cambodia and Thailand to promote tourism to the region. The visa scheme will be linked to package tourism deals for tourists travelling to two or more of the four countries involved. "We
have agreement between the Ministers of these four countries to do these packages," said U Khin Maung Latt. "All four countries will promote all four countries using flexible packages that include visas covering all countries (within the four) that are visited. The Myanmar Times claims that "experts all say that visa
on arrival would make a huge difference to the numbers of tourists, perhaps to the extent of 200,000, who visit the country and that visas remain the biggest obstacle to visiting Burma."
“Promotors face struggle, but travel show helps raise awareness,” Nov 2. Bangkok Post
"Visas on arrival for travellers from the Golden Land," Nov 5. Burma Times
JUNTA PLEDGES DIGITAL PHONE NETWORK IN BURMA
Telecommunications Minister Brig-Gen Win Tin has pledged to replace the country's 40-year-old analog phone system with a new, multi-million dollar digital exchange to overcome problems caused by network failures. The Minister's announcement was made to meeting of members of the Central Supervisory Committee for Communications Policy two weeks ago. With telecommunications playing an increasingly crucial daily business role for local firms and institutions, the committee is seeking ways to bring Burma's phone system up-to-date. The move towards a digital network is already underway in some parts of suburban Yangon, but no timeframe has yet been established for the extension of that system. Brig-Gen Win Tin's comments came in the wake of survey results, released earlier this year, which showed Burma's per capita telephone ownership rate was just 0.5 per cent. The Minister said his Government's immediate goal should be to match neighbouring Bangladesh's per capita connection rate of 0.8 per cent.
"Myanmar Times: No timeframe, but Govt pledges digital network," Oct 29. Myanmar Times
The United Nation's special human rights rapporteur on Burma, Rajsoomer Lallah, has resigned. As a special rapporteur, Mr Lallah's mandate was to present reports to the Geneva-based UN Human Rights Commission. Mr Lallah told the French news agency that he lacked the logistical and administrative support that he needed from the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mary Robinson. He also said that funding difficulties may have been the reason for the lack of support. Mr Lallah said he was disappointed at the lack of progress during his mandate. Earlier this month, he helped produce a damning UN report accusing the military government of torture and rape, and massacres in which more than 100 minority people had died. He has been in the post for four years, but has never been allowed by Burma's military regime to visit the country. His predecessor had also stepped down, citing similar grievances. Correspondents say Mr Lallah's resignation will be particularly embarrassing for the United Nations because it highlights internal difficulties.
"UN human rights rapporteur resigns," Nov 3. BBC
“UN special rapporteur on Myanmar resigns citing lack of support,” Nov 3. AFP
"UN rapporteur on Burma resigns," Nov 4. BBC
“Exasperated UN observer leaves big shoes to fill,” Nov 6. South China Morning Post
BURMA AND INDIA AGREE TO COOPERATE IN FIGHTING REBELS IN INDIA
The Burmese home minister has met his Indian counterpart along with the Indian Foreign Minister to discuss the defense of their common border against insurgents. Colonel Tin Hlaing is currently on a nine-day tour of India and is the most senior Burmese minister to visit the country this year. The two nations have agreed to cooperate in fighting ethnic rebels who are challenging their governments. Burma also has assured India that it would not allow its territory to be used by extremists for anti-India activities. “While we support democracy, India does not believe in interfering in the internal affairs of another country,” a spokesman said. Officials said Colonel Hlaing had assured the Indian leaders of Burma's continued support in tackling ethnic rebels. Observers say the Burmese Minister's visit is intended to consolidate earlier military arrangements at a political level. General Maung Aye, considered the second most powerful member of Burma’s ruling military, will pay an official goodwill visit to India in mid-November, Burmese officials said on Wednesday.
“Burma promises India defensive support,” Nov 4. BBC
“Myanmar not to allow anti-India activity,” Nov 5, The Hindu.
“Myanmar extends help to curb insurgency,” Nov 5. The Statesman
“Stress on better policing of Indo-Myanmar border,” Nov 5. The Hindustan
“Myanmar Home Minister meets Advani,” Nov 5. South Nexus
“India And Myanmar Discuss Combatting Terrorism,” Nov 6. Asia Pulse
“Myanmar leader to visit India mid-November,” Nov 8. Reuters
INDIA CALLS FOR NEW TRANSPORT LINKS WITH BURMA
India today reiterated the need for new transport links with Burma to push economic and security ties between the two countries. The External Affairs Minister, Mr. Jaswant Singh, today advocated the
need for greater economic cooperation with Burma, including development of “infrastructure projects.” The Minister made these observations before the visiting Home Minister of Burma, Colonel Tin
Hlaing. India attaches high importance to Burma on account of its strategic location. With a 1600 km border with India, the country is seen as an essential land bridge connecting South and South East Asia. Not surprisingly, India wants to construct roads to Burma as part of its efforts to draw physically closer to South-East Asia. New Delhi is already engaged in constructing a border road from Tamu to Kalemyo, a
key communication junction in the center of Burma.
"Need for transport links with Myanmar reiterated," Nov 3. The Hindu Newspaper
Business leaders from Japan and Burma agreed Friday to establish a framework under which young Burmese engineers and managers could come to Japan for training. The agreement was reached during a conference to discuss ways to help small businesses in the Southeast Asian country. The two sides also looked at ways of creating a better investment environment for small and midsize Japanese companies.
On Thursday, the Japanese delegation met with Lt. Gen. Khin and other government officials. The Japanese delegation, headed by Tomoo Takahara, adviser to Itochu Corp., discussed with its Burmese counterpart ways to compliment the Japanese government's economic restructuring assistance with cooperation from the private sector. It is estimated there are about 50,000 small-scale manufacturers in Burma, most of which are badly organized and not competitive in international markets.
“Business leaders plan Japan stint for Myanmarese,” Nov 4. The Japan Times
“Myanmar-Japan Business Committee Meeting Held in Yangon,” Nov 4. Xinhua
FOREIGN INVESTMENT IN BURMA SURGES IN 2000
Foreign Investment in Burma in the first three months alone of the present fiscal year 2000-2001, which began in April, has overtaken that absorbed in the two previous fiscal years with 64.133 million U.S.
dollars, according to the latest data of the official Economic Indicators. The country drew only 29.455 million and 55.61 million dollars respectively in 1998-99 and 1999-2000. The investment in the first quarter of 2000-2001 is seen as encouraging as the country has experienced a fall in the investment for years. The obtaining of the encouraging amount of the foreign investment during the three-month period as compared with the two previous fiscal years is attributed to the huge investment alone in the oil and gas sector with 47.55 million dollars and that in the manufacturing sector with 15.871 million. It is noted that South Korea, Canada and Malaysia injected the largest investment in the three-month period with 30.21 million, 21.45 million and 9.832 million dollars respectively.
“Foreign Investment in Myanmar Encouraging at Start of 2000-2001,” Nov 6. Xinhua
BURMA METAL EXPORTS DOUBLE
Burma exported 14,000 tons of base metal and ores in the first six months of this year, doubled as compared with the same period of 1999, according to the latest official economic indicators. Meanwhile, the country imported base metal manufactures worth of 113 million dollars in the half-year period, 93 million less than the same period of 1999. Burma is well endowed with mineral resources, having two state enterprises under the Ministry of Mines undertaking the production of metallic minerals such as gold, copper, silver, lead, zinc, tin and tungsten, and one enterprise dealing with non- metallic minerals or industrial minerals such as iron, steel, coal, limestone, gypsum and dolomite. The production of precious stones such as gems, jade and diamond are handled by another state enterprise known as the Myanmar Gems Enterprise under the same ministry.
“Myanmar's Metal Export Doubled in First Half of 2000,” Nov 4. Xinhua
SWEDEN SUBMITS UN RESOLUTION CONDEMNING JUNTA
Sweden has submitted to a U.N. human rights committee a draft resolution blasting Burma's junta for its treatment of pro-democracy supporters and other human rights violations, U.N. sources said Friday. The resolution, submitted Thursday to the Third Committee of the Millennium General Assembly, urges the junta to remove ''all restrictions on Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi's and other NLD members' freedom of movement.''
“Sweden submits resolution condemning Myanmar junta to U.N.,” Nov 3. Kyodo News
“Junta faces UN censure on rights,” Nov 11. The Nation
JAILED FISHERMAN REPATRIATED TO BURMA
The Burmese government has agreed to take back 54 fishermen languishing in Indian prisons for three years, jail authorities said Friday. The agreement for their repatriation came during the visit of
Burmese Home Minister Tin Hlaing to India. Hlaing met with Foreign Minister Jaswant Singh and Defense Minister George Fernandes in New Delhi Friday and discussed strengthening of mechanisms to check terrorism, gun and drug trafficking and illegal border crossings, the United News of India news agency reported. The 54 Burmese fishermen were arrested by Indian coast guards in 1997 after they were found in Indian territorial waters in the Bay of Bengal. They identified themselves as Thais.
“Myanmarese fishermen to return home after 3 years in Indian jails,” Nov 5. AP
THREE HUNDRED CHIN STRANDED IN GUAM
About three hundred Chin who fled from military repression in Burma are stranded on Guam, a small island of US’s territory in the Pacific Ocean, where they continue to face uncertain future, said Canada-based Chin Human Rights Organization (CHRO). The Chin asylum-seekrs, which include Church leaders, doctors, teachers and political activists, are waiting for their application for refugee status to be determined by the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service (USINS). The Guam authority detains some of them for illegal entry into the territory. Majority of them survive only with the help of local Christian Churches and support from Chin community around the world, said CHRO in its Rhododendron Human Rights News Letter issued in October. It is not known clearly how they landed in this remote island of Pacific Ocean.
“Chins from Burma stranded in a Pacific Island,” Nov 7. Mizzima