BurmaNet News: August 29 - 31 2003

[editor at burmanet.org]

August 29-31 2003 Issue #2316

INSIDE BURMA
VOA: US says Burmese Activist on Hunger Strike
Sydney Morning Herald: No freedom for Suu Kyi in Burma junta's reform plan
Radio Australia: New US sanctions on Burma come into effect
DVB: Anti-sanction mantra recited in Burma today
Reuters: Myanmar blames opposition for democracy delay

DRUGS
Xinhua: Myanmar destroys over 600 hectares of poppy plantations

MONEY
Irrawaddy: Burma Switches to Euros
Kaladan: Account Trade between Burma and Bangladesh Hangs in The Balance
UK Newsquest Regional Press: Firm to reduce Burma links

INTERNATIONAL
Radio Australia: Washington applies more pressure on Burma

GUNS
Press Trust of India: India, Myanmar to hold high-level defence talks

OPINIONS/STATEMENTS
Bangkok Post: Burmese reshuffle keeps world guessing
Bangkok Post: Cosmetic changes across the border
Irrawaddy: An Interview with Burma’s New PM (Political Satire)
Irrawaddy: Will The "Prince of Evil" Bring Hope to Burma?



 INSIDE BURMA

VOA August 31, 2003
US says Burmese Activist on Hunger Strike

The United States says Burmese pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi has
begun a hunger strike to protest her detention by the country's military
rulers.

The U.S. State Department announced Sunday that it had learned of Aung San
Suu Kyi's strike, and it called on Burmese officials to immediately
release her and other detainees.

"We are deeply concerned for her safety and well-being," State Department
spokesman Philip Reeker said in a press statement. "We again call for her
immediate release as well as the release of her National League for
Democracy colleagues and all political prisoners in Burma."

The Nobel Peace Prize winner was arrested in late May after a clash
between her supporters and pro-government groups. She has not been seen in
public since then.

Burma's new prime minister, General Khin Nyunt, promised democratic
reforms and new elections in a speech on Saturday, but did not give a
timetable for the process.

Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy won Burma's last
parliamentary election by a landslide in 1990, but the military refused to
relinquish power.

___________________________________________________


Sydney Morning Herald August 31, 2003
No freedom for Suu Kyi in Burma junta's reform plan
By Mark Baker

The Burmese military regime has unveiled a plan to return the country to
democracy but refused to give a timetable or to signal when it will
release the jailed opposition leader, Aung San Suu Kyi.

General Khin Nyunt, the military intelligence chief newly appointed as
prime minister, announced that stalled talks on drafting a new
constitution would be resumed, leading to a national referendum on
political reform and, possibly, elections.

But in a meeting with senior officials at the weekend, General Khin Nyunt
gave no commitment on freeing Ms Suu Kyi, who has been held at a secret
location in Rangoon since a bloody crackdown on her National League for
Democracy in May.

Burmese exile groups and regional analysts dismissed the seven-point
reform plan as a ploy to relieve mounting international pressure - now
backed by Burma's South-East Asian neighbours - for the release of Ms Suu
Kyi and a return to civilian rule.

The announcement last week that General Khin Nyunt would take over the
role of prime minister from the junta chief, General Than Shwe, fuelled
speculation that a political breakthrough was imminent.

Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister, Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, who is close to
the Burmese generals, predicted that Ms Suu Kyi would be freed within four
or five months and offered an important role in a new government.

But in his speech, General Khin Nyunt made only one reference to the Nobel
Peace laureate, blaming her and the NLD for the collapse in 1996 of talks
on drafting a new constitution.

"Subsequent attempts by the Government to seek her co-operation to solve
problems by dialogue with government leaders also failed mainly due to
colonialists' interference," he said.

The plan for democratic reform would begin with the recalling of the
previous national constitutional convention with the same participants, he
said. He gave no details of timing, but a senior military official told
the Reuters news agency that it was hoped the talks would start as soon as
possible.

General Khin Nyunt said that once a constitution was agreed, it would be
put to a national referendum. If approved, this would lead to free and
fair elections on the basis of the constitution.

The NLD won a landslide victory in the last national elections, in 1990,
but was blocked from taking power by the junta, which has ruled the
country since a coup in 1962 and driven its economy to the verge of
bankruptcy.

Prominent Burmese exiles have dismissed the reform proposals as a shallow
attempt to relieve the crippling pressure of international economic
sanctions, tightened after Ms Suu Kyi's latest arrest, and growing demands
for change by fellow members of the Association of South-East Asian
Nations.

Aung Zaw, the editor of the magazine Irrawaddy, published in Thailand
said: "This is nothing to get excited about. This is exactly the line the
regime was pushing 10 years ago. Nothing has changed."

The United States, which has joined the European Union and Japan in
tightening sanctions against Burma,
responded on Friday to General Khin Nyunt's appointment as prime minister
by renewing its demands for the release of Ms Suu Kyi and scores of other
jailed NLD officials.

"The delay in releasing Aung San Suu Kyi and the others who have been
detained for peacefully expressing their political views is unacceptable,"
said a State Department spokesman, Philip Reeker.

"It is clear that no progress is possible without the unconditional
release of Aung San Suu Kyi and restoration of her ability to travel
freely in Burma."

___________________________________________________


Radio Australia August 29, 2003
New US sanctions on Burma come into effect

Tough, new United States sanctions against Burma have come into effect.

Observors say the measures will have a profound effect on the country's
already battered economy.

The sanctions include a ban on all imports from Burma, worth $US356
million a year.

The sanctions also freeze property holdings and financial assets held by
members of the ruling military junta in US banks, and halt foreign
remittances.

US president George W Bush says the measures will provide strong
incentives for democratic change.

The new sanctions follow international outrage over the arrest of
democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi in May.

Ms Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy won a landslide victory in
1990, but the country's military has never allowed her party to take up
government.

___________________________________________________


Democratic Voice of Burma August 29, 2003
Anti-sanction mantra recited in Burma today

The superstitious military regime of Burma, the SPDC is today forcing
people to recite ‘ant-danger’ mantras which are supposed to protect the
junta from the dangers and wards off the impacts of sanctions imposed by
the US government, in the opinions of some observers. Assigned groups of
worshippers are ordered to recite ‘Upathanta’ mantra from Tri-pitika bible
in turn. In some towns, monks are told to recite them.

People are told to recite these mantras at famous temples and pagodas. At
Shwe Mawdaw Pagoda in Pegu and Shwe Sandaw Pagoda in Taungoo, Pegu
Division, people have been reciting the mantra since early this morning,
according to local people. Groups of twenty women have to recite the
mantra in turn inside the buildings of the temples and they are ordered to
keep on doing it for nine consecutive days.

The people from some wards who are unable to recite the mantras are forced
to contribute to the costs for offerings of bananas and coconuts. During
the recitals, the pagoda compounds are guarded by guards and other
worshippers are not allowed to enter the areas.

A managing committee member of Shwe Mawdaw Pagoda told the DVB as follows:

A managing committee member of Shwe Mawdaw Pagoda : The recitals for today
have finished at Shwe Mawdaw. They recite the mantra in groups. We heard
that they will do it nine days in groups. Each group has to recite for an
hour.

DVB : Do they recite it every day?

A managing committee member of Shwe Mawdaw Pagoda : Yes. They have to
recite the appointed mantra.

DVB : What is the purpose of the recitals?

A managing committee member of Shwe Mawdaw Pagoda : I don’t know about that.
A local resident told DVB that similar recitals are being performed at
Shwe Sandaw Pagoda in Taungoo:

A Taungoo resident : Yes. They are performing the recitals at the famous
Shwe Sandaw Pagoda in Taungoo since four o’clock this morning. As far as I
know, at the moment, only monks are reciting at the pagoda. There are nine
monks. No other worshippers are allowed to go there. The mantra is even
quite difficult for the monks to recite. It is quite difficult for normal
people to learn to recite.

___________________________________________________


Reuters August 31, 2003
Myanmar blames opposition for democracy delay

Military-ruled Myanmar blamed Aung San Suu Kyi's opposition party on
Sunday for frustrating reforms in the country and said U.S. economic
sanctions were only aimed at encouraging the emergence of a puppet
government.

This came a day after the country's new prime minister set out a "road map
to democracy", promising fresh talks with detained Suu Kyi's National
League for Democracy (NLD) and a new constitution leading to elections.

"The National League for Democracy party walked out of the constitutional
assembly. The National Convention and the drafting of the constitution
could not be completed," the state-owned Kyemon newspaper said.

"This is the reason why a parliamentary democracy government has still not
emerged 13 years after the election was held," it said, referring to 1990
elections which Suu Kyi's party won. The military ignored the result.

The newspaper also criticised a law signed by the United States on July 28
closing the U.S. market to imports from Myanmar, also known as Burma.

"It is undeniable fact that the law is merely meant for the emergence of a
government obedient to them," it said.

U.S. President George W. Bush (news - web sites) signed the bill to
increase pressure on the ruling junta to release Nobel laureate Suu Kyi,
detained on May 30 after a clash between her supporters and pro-government
groups outside the capital, Yangon.

Businessmen in the impoverished nation say 100 of the country's 300
textile and garment factories recently closed in anticipation of the
sanctions, leaving tens of thousands jobless.

On Saturday, new Myanmar Prime Minister Khin Nyunt promised to resume
talks with the NLD, and set out a seven-stage "road map to democracy", a
phrase echoing Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's plans to bring
democracy to Myanmar.

Thaksin said later his government was ready to support Myanmar's
democratic plan.

"The change in Myanmar's standpoint may have come from pressure from the
international community. It (the plan) is something the Myanmar government
had in mind. They just waited for the right time," Thaksin said.

___________________________________________________


DRUGS

Xinhua August 30, 2003
Myanmar destroys over 600 hectares of poppy plantations

The Myanmar authorities destroyed 623 hectares of illegally grown opium
poppy plantations during the 2002-03 cultivation season up to late August,
according to the Myanmar Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control on
Saturday.

The poppy plantations, destroyed by the army units, police force and
anti-drug squad, include 183 hectares grown in the southern Shan state.

According to a 2002 report of the United Nations, in 2002, Myanmar's
opium-cultivated area was 81,400 hectares with opium production of 828
tons. About 2.4 percent of the country's adult population smoke opium.

A report of the UN Office on Drug and Crime (UNODC), issued on June 18,
2003, said Myanmar's poppy-cultivated area is 62,100 hectares (153,450
acres) in 2003 and its opium output is estimated to reach 810 tons in the
year, based on the satellite and field surveys.

___________________________________________________


MONEY

Irrawaddy August 29, 2003
Burma Switches to Euros
By Min Zin
With US sanctions on Burma officially taking effect yesterday, businesses
in Rangoon have been opening accounts in euros at the Myanmar Foreign
Trade Bank (MFTB) to avoid transaction problems, sources in Rangoon said.

Since US President George Bush signed the sanction bill on July 29,
foreign banks have been refusing Letters of Credit from Burmese financial
institutions—a move which immediately impacted on export and import
businesses in Burma.

Since transactions can no longer be conducted using US dollars,
authorities have been looking at ways to change the currency system," an
economist in the capital explained. "They have been floating the idea of
using Chinese currency, euros or Thai baht as a substitute to US dollars."
Now the euro appears to be the favored alternative currency.
"We all are still testing the water," said Aung Lwin, a local businessman
in Rangoon. "I have opened an account with 100 euros at the MFTB. As far
as I know, no one has started using their euro accounts for business
transactions—we still don’t know how they will work."

Many experts doubt the changeover from US dollars to euros will be smooth.
The euro is not as internationalized as the dollar, and still has to be
converted to US dollars in most transactions. Financial analysts in
Rangoon say most foreign banks will charge between five and seven percent
to convert funds into euros.

A Singapore-based Burmese economist, Dr Khin Maung Kyi, predicts the
junta’s euro plan will fail. "As conversion charges become an additional
cost, the price of imports will rise and the income from exports will
decrease."

In addition to this, economic observers point out that the euro tends to
fluctuate more often than the greenback. Another concern among members of
Rangoon’s business community is how the value of Burmese Foreign Exchange
Certificates (FEC) will be affected, seeing as the FEC is tied to the US
dollar.

Meanwhile, China has offered to help neighboring Burma’s export industry,
business sources say. "I think China will offer regular loans and
assistance," another economist explained. But China won’t be helping
traders in Burma with Letters of Credit or facilitating financial
transactions, the source added.

___________________________________________________


Kaladan August 28, 2003
Account Trade between Burma and Bangladesh Hangs in The Balance

Account trade between Bangladesh and Burma hangs in the balance as the US
has imposed economic restrictions on Rangoon.

Dollar crisis worsened in Rangoon following the economic restrictions. Due
to restriction on opening Letter of Credits (LCs) in Burma, Dhaka and
Yangon had decided to introduce account trade, which has now become
uncertain due to the US sanction, said a senior official at the Ministry
of Commerce.

According to a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed in March 2003,
account trade will be settled in every six months. But Burma may face a
big problem for settling the accounts due to dollar crisis, he added.

There was a proposal to open LCs in euro dollars, but there are also
apprehensions that adequate euro dollars may not be available with Burma,
said the official.

According to the MoU, Bangladesh and Burma will have to sign another
agreement for banking arrangement and send indicative list of products for
account trade.

Sonali Bank has already been authorised for banking arrangement and the
draft was sent to Burma.

Yangon has approved the draft and authorised a bank, namely Burma
Investment and Commercial Bank (BICB) for settling the account.

The managing director of BICB was scheduled to visit Bangladesh May this
year and all preparations were made, but Burma authorities cancelled the
visit at the eleventh hour.

Bangladesh has sent an indicative list of 45 products for export under
account trade. But Burma is yet to send its list to Bangladesh.

Account trade between Bangladesh and Rangoon will begin shortly,"
Bangladesh Commerce Minister told reporters recently, after an
inter-ministerial meeting held at the Ministry of Commerce conference
room.

___________________________________________________


UK Newsquest Regional Press August 30, 2003
Firm to reduce Burma links

A furniture company has promised it is trying to reduce its links to a
brutal military dictatorship in Burma.

Eastbourne-based garden furniture company Lister Lutyens has been included
on a "dirty list" published by the Burma Campaign UK.

The group has "named and shamed" firms with operations in Burma which
directly or indirectly help finance the military junta running the
south-east Asian country.

The regime has been condemned by the United Nations for crimes against
humanity and for preventing a transfer of power to the legally-elected
government.

Nick Mottershead joint managing director of the firm based in Alder Close
said they used teak produced in Thailand Indonesia and Laos as well as
Burma.

He said "environmental concerns" had prompted the company to concentrate
on teak produced in Thailand but said it would take time to completely
replace the Burma operations.

He said: "With a high volume of sales it would be impossible to change
immediately all our sources of supply.

We will endeavour to increase the volume of finished goods boughtutilising
this certified timber.

Burgess Hill-based garden furniture firm Alexander Rose was also included
on the list.

The firm insisted it did not support the military regime and only worked
with factories which looked after their local workforces with
higher-than-average wages medical care and schooling for their children.

___________________________________________________


INTERNATIONAL

Radio Australia News August 30, 2003
Washington applies more pressure on Burma

The United States is keeping up pressure on Burma's leaders on the third
month of democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi's detention.

Washington has told the junta the country is suffering from an apalling
and tragic climate of fear.

The statement came after tough new US sanctions on Burma went into force,
and a government reshuffle in Rangoon.

The State Department has condemned what it says was a premeditated assault
on Aung San Suu Kyi by thugs sponsored by the junta..

It says there is no acceptable explanation for her continued detention,
and the world community -- including the United States -- has demanded her
immediate release.

___________________________________________________


GUNS

Press Trust of India August 29, 2003
India, Myanmar to hold high-level defence talks

India and Myanmar will open high-level defence exchanges, with the Naval
Chief Admiral Madhvendera Singh embarking upon a visit to Yangon from
September 3 and Myanmar Air Force Chief Major General Myat arriving here
on Monday.

Singh would be the first Indian Naval Chief to visit Myanmar after almost
three decades and his visit assumes significance in view of New Delhi
repeatedly voicing concern over use of Myanmar Naval facility on Coco
island in the Andaman Sea by the Chinese Navy.

Though the Defence Ministry sources here were tight-lipped about the visit
and schedule of Naval Chief in Myanmar, sources said with the recent
warming up of relations between Yangon and New Delhi it was likely that
the Myanmar Navy would invite the Indian Naval Chief for a visit to the
strategically-located island, which straddles the entry into Malacca
Straits.

India and Myanmar have been having high-level army to army contacts
specially working out coordinated operations against North Eastern
insurgent groups having training camps in Myanmar but this is for the
first time that the two neighbours would open a dialogue also involving
the Air Force and Navy.

During his visit, the Naval Chief would hold intensive talks with the
leaders of the military junta focused on increasing Navy to Navy
cooperation.

___________________________________________________


OPINIONS/STATEMENTS

Bangkok Post August 29, 2003
Burmese reshuffle keeps world guessing

Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, the enigmatic deputy prime minister, is known for
his sweeping statements whose reasoning is obscure at best. His prediction
this week that Aung San Suu Kyi, the detained Burmese opposition leader,
would not only be released soon but become a part of the military
government, is just one of the more memorable.

While most analysts cannot see Mrs Suu Kyi sipping tea with General Than
Shwe any time soon, some believe Monday's appointment of General Khin
Nyunt, the pragmatic intelligence chief, to replace the military strongman
as prime minister is a highly positive change. Still others are not so
sure. They are more inclined to see it as a public relations stunt, an
effort by the junta to present a more moderate face to an outraged
international community and so hold it at bay.

Those with a more benign view argue that Gen Khin Nyunt, as prime
minister, will be in charge of the day to day running of the country. They
believe he will make a major shift in policy and resume the dialogue
process with the opposition leader. To underline their argument, they
point to the fact that several new ministers have been appointed to assist
the general, including his close confidant from military intelligence,
Major-General Thein Swe.

The other group sees the changes as largely cosmetic and Gen Khin Nyunt as
just a puppet for Gen Than Shwe, who will remain head of the armed forces
and the State Peace and Development Council, the elite core of the junta
in which the real power resides. They also point out that the new prime
minister no longer has a position in the SPDC and Lieutenant-General Soe
Win, a hard-line protege of Gen Than Shwe, has been promoted to replace
him as secretary one on the council.

We can be certain of one thing only: The international boycott of Burma is
having a telling effect on the regime. The United States and the European
Union imposed stiff economic sanctions on the country following the bloody
attack on Mrs Suu Kyi and her supporters in May, supposedly by government
trained thugs and prison inmates.

The Freedom and Democracy Act, which US President George W. Bush signed
last month, bars remittances from the United States to Burma. This has
decimated Burma's international transactions since much of its trade is
conducted in the US currency, through American banks. The junta is said to
be trying to use other currencies to circumvent this but it is obviously
facing great difficulties.

Even Asean, a long-time apologist for Rangoon, felt compelled to set aside
its rule on non-interference in members' affairs to call for the release
of Mrs Suu Kyi. Thailand also put forward a road map to democracy for the
SPDC to follow, but sadly it is leading nowhere.

Perhaps it is for these reasons that Rangoon reshuffled its cabinet so
energetically for the 14th time since Nov 15, 1997. It may just be a
smokescreen ahead of Asean and Apec meetings set for October. After all,
when it adopted a name change six years ago, from the State Law and Order
Restoration Council, the junta promised to push for democracy and
development. It has little to show for these efforts.

If the junta thinks it can fool the world with cosmetic changes while
refusing to deal with Mrs Suu Kyi, who it has kept prisoner in her own
home for seven of the 13 years since she won a landslide victory in the
1990 general election, it is only fooling itself. It would be nice if, for
once, Gen Chavalit proved correct. But given the junta's track record,
more than memorable pronouncements will be needed to convince us that the
generals in Rangoon are finally acting in good faith.

___________________________________________________


Bangkok Post August 29, 2003
Cosmetic changes across the border
By Thirasant Mann

“Have a blast!”is certainly not the thing to say these days when wishing
friends a good time _ especially if they're off to India.

But in Burma, the generals are doing just that _ having a jolly good time
at the expense of the outside world which keeps insisting that it follow
road maps, when it has been saying all along to those who would listen
that it prefers taking the slow boat to China!

In the latest game of musical chairs, the junta's top dog Gen Than Shwe
has given up his PM slot to Gen Khin Nyunt while retaining his seat as
chief of SPDC (Spit on Peace and Democracy Council), the military clique
that wields the real power.

Hardliners have been moved up the ranks; the moderate Gen Khin Nyunt has
been spat out of the council altogether and will now concentrate on
massaging the massive ego of the free but easily fooled outside world,
which might as well be living in the Outer Limits altogether if it really
believes the generals are going to give up power any decade now.

So we can expect to hear loud exclamations of peace-loving platitudes
like: ``We may draw the line at having fighting peacocks flutter on our
national flag, but we don't keep our birds behind bars, we let them flit
about delightedly in houses well guarded against unpatriotic poachers of
any political stripe.''

Of course, it was expected that long-time Burma friend Gen Chavalit would
readily read the latest reshuffle to mean that The Lady will stop singing
the blues in ``four or five months'' and condescend to take tea with the
generals in the democratically landscaped political garden.

His rosy interpretation was apparently based on astrological calculations
pertaining to Mars' proximity to Earth _ contrary, as usual, to all the
other seers who, remembering the ancient Sanskrit warning ``Shubh Mangala
Saavdhaan'' (Beware the Good Mars), have predicted violence and mayhem
around the globe.

Some critics have gone so far as to say the good general may have eaten
too many Mars bars for his own good.

One old Burma expert who politely declined to remember his name, said Gen
Than Shwe actually gave up the PM's chair because his personal soothsayer
had warned him he must on no condition leave the country any time before
Christmas.

But, as prime minister, he would have had to attend the Apec summit this
October, possibly scorching himself horribly in the presence of the
Burning Bush.

So now, Gen Khin Nyunt's appointment as prime minister has nicely resolved
his dilemma.

Our deputy PM's optimism seems boundless, no doubt inspired by numerous
readings of the road map to nowhere: ``Politics in Burma cannot afford to
remain static. It will keep developing following the leadership change.
Things are going to get better in four or five months.''

Everybody else seems to think otherwise. Nothing has changed in Burma for
years, so why should it be any different in four months?

The so-called ``opposition leader'' actually won the election over a
decade ago but has not been allowed to hold legitimate office. That
doesn't make her ``leader of the opposition'' but actually the elected
leader of Burma opposing the military junta which refuses to become ``the
opposition''.

``Might is right'' has only served to create and prolong an injustice,
which our long-time Burma friend seems conveniently to be overlooking.

But how can one blame our deputy PM when even the prime minister and
foreign minister seem just as blinkered, both painting wonderful pictures
of how the new shake-up will enhance cooperation in drug suppression and
resolve ethnic border skirmishes, and how Burma will suddenly gain vision
to see beyond the Light of Myanmar!

___________________________________________________


Irrawaddy August 29, 2003
An Interview with Burma’s New PM (Political Satire)

After a major cabinet reshuffle in Burma on Monday, the country’s military
leaders have kept everyone guessing with only vague details about new
roles and how power will be distributed.

All attention has focused on Gen Khin Nyunt, former Secretary One of the
ruling State Peace and Development Council and head of intelligence. As of
Monday Khin Nyunt became Burma’s new Prime Minister, which has always been
seen as a ceremonial post with little actual power.

Was it a demotion or a promotion? Pundits are not yet sure. In another
twist, the newly appointed Premier has not appeared in public for more
than a week. An Irrawaddy reporter spoke exclusively to Khin Nyunt by
telephone today, just as he was getting comfortable in the Prime
Minister’s big chair.

QUESTION: Your Excellency, Prime Minister, how many congratulatory letters
have you received so far?

ANSWER: [Laughs] Oh, not so many, little chap. I don’t understand why
people are so excited about my appointment. You know this is a good thing
for the country. I can work for the country. I love being Prime Minister!

Q: Is it true that you also received condolence letters and messages
saying ‘Sorry, General—we are going to miss you’?

A: No, no. That’s absolutely untrue. I think some journalists in Bangkok
make up stories [background noise 
 interference].

Q: When are you going to form a transitional government? Some in Asean
[the Association of Southeast Asian Nations] see your appointment as a
precursor to new political developments in Burma?

A: Sure, sure. Listen little boy, day and night we are working very, very
hard to achieve our objectives. I rarely sleep and I don’t take holidays.
We have to implement our political objectives and national causes. Don’t
you see them in our newspaper? We made it clear that our government is
committed to the welfare of our people? But of course, it will take many
more years to achieve all our objectives.

Q: But your excellency, I spoke with your Thai friend, Gen Chavalit
Yongchaiyudh. He is full of praise and has positive comments about your
government. He said that there will be a new government with Aung San Suu
Kyi in the cabinet. Is that true?

A: Well, our old pal Chavalit has done many things for us. We must
congratulate his sense of understanding and knowledge on our nation’s
environment and forests. Please tell him that we always appreciate our
friends in the Kingdom who have been acting on behalf of the government in
Yangon [Rangoon]. They are our great friends. They are our ambassadors.
Don’t be scared, we will make them proud. But please tell Chavalit not to
hurry—six moths is no good. We need more time, so tell him to wait six
more years.

Q: Thai newspapers predicted your appointment last month. Did you
intentionally leak the news and rumors to Bangkok?

A: No, no. That’s not true. I would never do that. I only do that sort of
thing when I need to sabotage and blackmail my enemies and rivals here.

Q: Now that you are PM, you can do whatever you like, just like prime
ministers in neighboring countries. You can kill drug dealers or order
thugs to burn down the Thai embassy in Rangoon.

A: Don’t be silly. In Myanmar [Burma], we love peace.

Q: What about your sister? Are you going to free her soon?

A: [Interference 
 no sound] Do you mean Sandar [Win]? I beg you not to
mention her name again in this interview. That would completely ruin my
new career.

Q: No, I mean Aung San Suu Kyi.

A: Oh, that one. That little troublemaker. Well, we have to consider
whether it is better for her to stay in prison or under house arrest. She
gave us too many headaches. We cannot concentrate on the country’s
development. I hope you realize there are assassins going around the
country and they want to kill her.
But let me assure you 
 you need not worry about the little Lady at all.
It is not true that that we organized the attack. It was a riot. Do you
know a lot of Myanmar people hate her? But we will keep her well and feed
her everyday and she can stay in prison as long as she wants.

Q: Do you remember Bill Richardson? The US Congressman? He said several
years ago that he thinks the future of Burma will be determined by two
people: yourself and Aung San Suu Kyi. He also thinks you are pragmatic
and sincere.

A: Oh, that American publicity-seeking boy. He was very polite, I remember
him. I liked that line he gave to the press. I ordered editors at The
Mirror reprint his statement. I think it was really good PR for me, those
were my golden days. But now our newspapers have run out of paper and
there are more boys who want to be just like me, so I have to share the
column. It’s such a pity. But still, I appreciate when press in the region
say I belong to the "moderate forces". You should help me spread that
around Bangkok a little more. Can you do that for me, boy?

Q: Umm 
 Let me ask you some more questions 


A: Well, make it quick. I have to leave soon. I have so many appointments
these days. We are arresting more dissidents. I have problems exchanging
kyat into dollars. I think the black market rate is pretty high. But FEC
is down; I am disappointed.

I must also go and see my soothsayer today. He said that I need to ward
off some misfortune. He asked me to pretend to fall from ladder so I won’t
be demoted. I need to do it now.

Q: You have charisma and you’re a character. People admire you. But you
disappeared from the public eye for so long. You have not appeared on
Myanmar TV for many days and all your friends in Thailand are worried.

A: Well, please tell them not to worry. Everything is fine and everything
is under control. The prisoners are safe. People do not complain. They
want us to rule the country as long as we want. That’s wonderful because
we are not even elected in this country and we have no constitution!
Please tell my Thai friends to ignore reports in papers and fabricated
statements issued by so-called dissidents. Tell them to wipe out these
so-called dissidents and NGOs. Throw them in the Chao Phraya River. Let
them drown.

Q: Oh okay 


A: Let me tell you. Write about our wealth and the richness in culture. I
love Myanmar culture and never promote alien culture. I even disowned my
son to show I did not approve of his marriage to a foreigner.

Write about how much we love Myanmar. How we sacrifice our lives and blood
to the country. Our Tatmadaw (armed forces) State Dynasty is going to make
Myanmar one of the most prosperous countries in Asean.

Q: Time is short, your Excellency, so please allow me to continue. Is it
true that your appointment is to fend off the growing pressure from
outside and US sanctions?

A: [Heavy breathing] No, that’s absolute nonsense. We are fine. We are
marching toward democracy, please convey this message to American friends.
Please tell friends in the West that we love democracy, just as they do.

Let me tell you that there is no pressure whatsoever. My appointment was
decided by our Chairman for the sake of the country. Asean is our friend.
We would love them to come to Rangoon in 2006. I understand they pretend
to get angry with us because of pressure. But let me tell you that we have
mutual understanding. Thailand is even helping us with a roadmap. This is
good for us.

Q: What about economic sanctions, are they hurting Burma?

A: [Silence] That’s all rubbish! We are a rich people—the US has no clue.
Sure, it is going to hurt people but not us. We will survive. You know
some Western powers are in collusion with some destructive elements who
are opposed to the pubic interest. They impose economic sanctions on
Myanmar in the name of human rights and democracy with every intention of
forcing people into misery [Bang! The PM must be pounding his desk].

Q: What about the generals, Soe Win and Shwe Mann. Are they your good
friends?

A: [In the background, the reporter hears "Defend your Country" playing
loud] Yes, yes. We are brothers. They are all good soldiers. They love the
country. You know they are ready to defend the country from any kind of
hostile attacks.

One of them was very busy in Upper Burma recently. I am quite sure you
heard the story of attack on convoy, yeah. The other guy is quiet, but he
is smart. But I don’t trust him. I keep all their files. You know his son
just got married at the Sedona [Hotel]. They received 64 automobile keys
and plenty of gifts. I think he is so corrupt, but that’s off the record,
okay?

Q: People are saying that you may have to quit as head of military
intelligence [MI]? Brig-Gen Kyaw Win is going to be the new intelligence
chief, right?

A: Oh, that is just rumor and hearsay. Please don’t believe the rumor
about a split among our leaders. We are all united. I gather you reporters
have nothing to do, so you make a living by writing about us and conjure
conspiracy theories. You see, we have no problems here. Kyaw Win is a
smart man, I like him [more heavy breathing].

But I want to keep running MI. I enjoy it and I learned a lot being MI
chief. I have to take care of a lot of things. You know that once you are
a spy, you will always be a spy.

Q: People are curious to know what you will be wearing as Prime Minister?

A: Oh, I love national dress. Like Premier Thaksin [in Thailand], I have
to promote our traditional outfits then sell them to tourists for twice
the price. I like them. "Love your country, love your culture" that should
be a slogan to promote Myanmar. But please understand, I have to wear a
uniform when I attend cabinet meetings and some closed door meetings. It
is more appropriate to be in a uniform when I mingle with other tough guys
who want to bully me.

Q: As you are now the PM, do you have more power to make decisions?

A: Oh, you’re a naughty little journalist. Let me assure you that I can
make my own decisions. I am now about to drive to some temples to visit
some monks. Later, my wife and I will go shopping, then to the movies
tonight. This afternoon, I have to attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony to
open new toilets at City Hall. Do you know I have very busy schedule?
Later this month, I plan to visit some road projects in Shan State to
offer necessary instructions. I have so much power as Prime Minister!

Q: Your Excellency [getting impatient], when are you going to address the
nation? People are waiting to hear from you. You are the first secret
police chief to become Premier—this must be wonderful for the country.

A: Yeah, little cheeky idiot! I have to make a policy speech tomorrow. But
my speechwriter is busy cleaning my new office. My other boys are busy
interrogating prisoners so I guess I have to write my own speech. That’s
terrible.

But I can give you some highlights 
 I will talk about our political
objectives and national causes. Tell the people about our achievements in
last 15 years. We are a great nation, this is the Golden Land. We need to
fight against drugs and for cooperation. But I won’t tell them about our
dirty trick on this "little sister" and her party, which is about to
vanish.

Well, those are just hints. It is not going to be a long speech though. I
am getting tired these days. It won’t be as long as the seven-hour speech
I gave in 1990 when I was brawny and young. It will be very short.

But when I finish I will need approval from my bosses. I now have more
than one boss now, you know? Then I will need to ask permission to speak.
I must go now, my driver is waiting. [The martial song in the background
gets louder and then Burma’s new PM hangs up the phone.]

___________________________________________________


Irrawaddy August 29, 2003
Will The "Prince of Evil" Bring Hope to Burma?

Journalists covering Burma have been scrambling this week to judge the
impact of the change of command in Burma. Last Monday, Burmese leaders
surprised the world by announcing a major reshuffle of the cabinet and the
ruling State Peace and Development Council (SPDC).

The junta promoted several hardliners, presumably to consolidate their
grip on power. This is not good news. Gen Khin Nyunt, the intelligence
chief and former number three in the SPDC, was appointed Prime Minister.
Analysts say Khin Nyunt’s "promotion" is a public relations ploy to fend
off escalating pressure against the regime.

Some observers view Khin Nyunt as a moderate reformist with friends in the
region and the West. Junta leaders hope their new front man will ease
tension and repair Burma’s status as Southeast Asia’s "pariah."

But Khin Nyunt’s track record doesn’t bode well. Many believe that Khin
Nyunt masterminded the 1988 violence, during which unarmed pro-democracy
campaigners were sprayed with bullets. Because of his involvement in
suppressing the uprising, he was later dubbed the country’s "prince of
evil".

To hear pundits now talk about the "moderate" Khin Nyunt borders on the
ridiculous. Still, many view his appointment as a positive development.
Some leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) have
pinned their hopes for change in Burma on Khin Nyunt. After hearing news
of the reshuffle, Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and one his
deputies, Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, spoke highly of Burma’s new PM.

Thaskin saw the shake-up as a positive response to international pressure.
Chavalit welcomed Khin Nyunt’s appointment and applauded the generals for
moving in the right direction. Chavalit, who is known as a "friend of
Burma," also raised eyebrows by predicting that Suu Kyi would soon take a
seat in the government, next to the generals. Surely he was dreaming.

But one Asean leader came forward with a more politically mature statement
on Burma this week. Philippines Foreign Secretary Blas Ople said his
government was cautious about the cabinet change in Rangoon and demanded
that the regime free opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

The foreign secretary described Khin Nyunt as the "most outward-looking
figure in the government," but said the implications of Monday’s
announcement "remain unclear and deserve close watching."

Ople also said: "Regardless of any changes in leadership, Myanmar [Burma]
should immediately release Daw Suu Kyi and her followers and allow them to
participate fully and safely in the political life of the people of
Myanmar."

It is rare to hear such strong statements from an Asean leader. Ople’s
statement is evidence of the growing uneasiness about Burma in Asean
circles.

Regardless of Monday’s changes, Burma remains the region’s black sheep. It
is tarnished by tough US sanctions and the European Union’s visa ban.
Malaysian PM Mahathir Mohamad showed his frustration recently when he
suggested that Burma may need to be thrown out of the association.
Thailand responded to the growing crisis by putting its "road map" on the
table, but Rangoon has yet to show any interest.

Suu Kyi is still in custody, along with many of her party members and
supporters. Early this week, it was reported that one of her MPs was
blinded after prolonged torture. The military government, which came to
power behind brute force in 1988, has never stopped killing. Nonetheless,
some leaders in Asean and the West seem to believe that these leopards can
change their spots.

Can Khin Nyunt perform a miracle? Unlikely. Asean must understand this.
They must not reward the regime for making cosmetic changes.