BurmaNet News February 4, 2005

[Editor]

February 4, 2005 Issue # 2650

INSIDE BURMA
Irrawaddy: Burma high on list of countries jailing journalists
AP via Irrawaddy: Rangoon denies recruiting child soldiers
AP via Irrawaddy: Officials received sentences for imposing forced labor
Narinjara: 70 people gunned down by Burmese Navy

DRUGS
DVB: Burmese drug baron wanted by Thai authority
SHAN: Wa leader on the run: Wei no friend of mine

BUSINESS / MONEY
Thai Press Reports: Thai investors seek expanded business opportunities in
Myanmar

INTERNATIONAL
VOA: Germany gives UNICEF $1 million for children in Burma

OPINION / OTHER
Toronto Star: Former refugee our newest press baron

______________________________________
INSIDE BURMA

February 4, Irrawaddy
Burma high on list of countries jailing journalists

Eleven journalists were behind bars in Burma at the end of 2004, the New
York-based Committee to Protect Journalists, or CPJ, said Thursday in its
annual review.

The Committee reported that 122 journalists were imprisoned in 20
countries for practicing their profession.

The list of countries is headed by China, where 42 journalists were in
jail at the end of 2004. Burma was fourth on the list, behind Cuba (23)
and Eritrea (17).

"These four countries operate outside the international mainstream," CPJ
Executive Director Ann Cooper said in the CPJ's news release. "The
widespread jailing of journalists is pursued only by those few nations
that distrust their own citizens and care little about the opinion of the
rest of the world."

Three of the Burmese journalists named in the CPJ report were freed last
month, bringing the number of journalists still in prison to eight.

The CPJ also noted in its report that two of the imprisoned Burmese
journalists, documentary film-makers Aung Pwint and Nyein Thit, are
serving eight-year terms for making independent documentaries portraying
the harsh realities of life in Burma, including poverty and forced labor.

The two film-makers were honored with the CPJ's 2004 International Press
Freedom Award last November.

The CPJ sent to the Burmese embassy in Washington this week an appeal for
the release of the two film-makers, signed by 400 prominent journalists
and press freedom advocates.

____________________________________

February 4, Associated Press via Irrawaddy
Rangoon denies recruiting child soldiers

Burma’s ruling military government says it is being unjustly accused of
recruiting child soldiers into its armed forces, according to a news
report Friday.

Some human rights groups have alleged some 70,000 soldiers under the age
of 18 are serving in the country’s forces.

“Some saboteurs at home and abroad, who are trying to discredit the
government, are alleging the government recruits juvenile soldiers for the
front lines, and are trying to raise the matter at the United Nations for
that global body to take action against Myanmar [Burma],” Lt-Gen Thein
Sein was quoted as saying.

Thein Sein, a senior member of the ruling junta, was speaking at a meeting
of the Committee for Prevention of Recruitment of Minors for the Armed
Forces, said the Myanma Ahlin newspaper.

The general, who heads the committee, said the accusations continue
despite the enactment of a law stipulating that only those who have
reached the age of 18 could be recruited.

Last year, New York-based Human Rights Watch said 20 percent or more of
Burma’s soldiers on active duty were under the age of 18. Burma has an
estimated 350,000 soldiers in its national army, making it the biggest
army of child soldiers in the world, according to Human Rights Watch and
other groups.

The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child has also expressed concern
over the use of under-aged recruits by both the Burmese government and
ethnic insurgent groups.

____________________________________

February 4, Associated Press via Irrawaddy
Officials received sentences for imposing forced labor

In an unprecedented decision, four local officials have been found guilty
of forcing villagers to work on a road-building project and were given
prison sentences of up to 16 months, a United Nations official said
Thursday.

Western nations and human rights groups have accused Burma of widespread
use of forced labor, especially for public works projects such as road
building.

“This is a very significant development because this is the first time
anybody has ever been found guilty of imposing forced labor in Myanmar
[Burma],” said Richard Horsey, a liaison officer from the UN International
Labor Organization, or ILO.

The ILO is seeking to eliminate forced labor in Burma and in 2002
established an office in the capital, Rangoon, to work with Burmese
authorities to eliminate the practice.

Villagers from Kawhmu Township near Rangoon lodged court cases in mid 2004
against four local officials they accused of forcing residents to work on
road construction. The villagers were threatened with punishment or forced
to pay a fine if they did not work, they said.

All four village officials were recently found guilty and were given
eight-month prison sentences, Horsey said. One of the four was found
guilty on two separate counts and is to serve two consecutive eight-month
terms, he said.

“Although the problem remains serious, this step will go some way in
changing the climate of impunity surrounding those who impose forced
labor. This can help to reduce the prevalence of the practice,” Horsey
said.

“The case was conducted in a very open and transparent way. If this
becomes widely known within the country, it will change the climate of
impunity,” Horsey said.

Since the establishment of the ILO office, many have complained directly
to the UN agency in Rangoon or have gone directly to the courts, he said.

____________________________________

February 4, Narinjara News
70 people gunned down by Burmese Navy

At least 70 people were reportedly gunned down in Burmas waters by the
Burmese Navy on January 22nd, while they were attempting to enter into
Bangladesh, from Burma, across the Naff River, by boats containing smuggled
rice.

The incident took place near the village of Kyauk Pandu, which is located
on the eastern bank of the Naff River, in Maung Daw Township, opposite
Taknef, Bangladesh.

According to sources, about 50 boats from several villages in Burma's
Arakan State, were preparing to cross the Naff River near Kyauk Pandu
village, when a navy gun ship appeared and immediately opened fire on the
fleet.

"Several people fell dead into the water and a number of the smugglers were
arrested," said a witness from a nearby village, adding that the number of
dead, wounded, and arrested was unclear and that people were fearful to
investigate the matter further.

Some people from Arakan State believe that at least 70 people were dead in
the incident, many of whom were from the townships of Kyauk Pru, Rambree,
Pona Kyunt, Akyab, Kyauk Taw, Pauk Taw, and Mrauk Oo.

A local Arakanese trader from Akyab said yesterday, in Cox'sbazar, that
news of the incident was spreading among the Arakanese community in Akyab
and Panna Kyunt and that family members of those recently involved in rice
smuggling into Bangladesh were fearful for their well-being.

The respective relatives do not to dare to look for their family members
who may be involved in the incident for fear of action against them by the
authorities.

Akyab resident sources said a number of people who were arrested at the
scene are now being interrogated by the authorities.

"As far as I know, the authorities are now trying to ascertain the
identities of the masterminds and their gang involved in the smuggling of
rice to Bangladesh," said a rice businessman from Akyab.

All of the arrestees are currently being held in Akyab and they have not
had the chance to contact their families, said a relative of one arrestee.

The smuggling of rice from Burma into Bangladesh has recently increased as
Arakanese farmers look to get more profits from their paddy after reduced
local prices failed to match the demand. Most of the rice is smuggled
across the border by boat, after a bribe is paid to the local authorities.#


For further information, please contact Narinjara:
Phone: 880 189 42 55 36 (Mobile)
E-mail: narinjar at aitlbd.net
_____________________________________
DRUGS

February 3, Democratic Voice of Burma
Burmese drug baron wanted by Thai authority

The Thai government issued an arrest warrant for a Burmese drug baron who
is planning to attend the constitution drafting “National Convention”
sponsored by Burma’s military junta, as a representative.

57-year old Mahaja was the right-hand man of the opium warlord Khunsa and
he is attending the convention as the representative of the Homong region.
The warrant is connected to the case of eight United Wa State Army (UWSA)
leaders wanted by the US government and the Thai police believe that
Mahaja has connections with them.

Moreover, the leader of a Wa splinter group Mahasan and Mahaja are said to
be half-brothers.

According to Shan Herald News Agency for News (SHAN) researcher who has
been watching drug-trafficking activities in Burma, Mahaja is the chairman
of Shan State South (SSS) Company and he took control of Homong after
Khunsa left the region and became the mayor. He is believed to be still
actively involved in the production of narcotics and black marketing
activities across the Thai-Burma border.

It is not known whether Mahaja and team are going to assume to attend the
convention after the indictment and it is neither clear whether UWSA would
resume attending the convention.

_____________________________________

February 4, Shan Herald Agency for News
Wa leader on the run: Wei no friend of mine

Maha Sang, leader of the non-ceasefire Wa National Army, has issued a
statement dated 2 February,  rejecting all allegations that he had been a
business associate to druglord Wei Hsuehkang and his own half-brother Maha
Ja.

The communique, written in Burmese, and received by S.H.A.N. today, claims
the 60-year old former Wa prince still feels bitter about his
incarceration in the Wa capital of Panghsang in 1989 through
misinformation by Wei Hsuehkang. "Rifts inside the Wa National
Organization as well as misunderstandings with the UWSA were created by
Wei Hsuehkang, the ex-commander of Opium King Khun Sa," it reads. "(He)
had also waged a relentless war of words against the WNO with the aim to
destroy the movement."

The statement also denies connections to Maha Ja, who is reputed to have
taken over Khun Sa's drug business in Homong, opposite Maehongson. "The
WNO has ceaselessly fought for the liberation of the Wa people from
oppression, Right of Self Determination and a genuine federal union,"  it
states, "a political stand entirely different from Maha Ja and Wei
Hsuehkang. The false allegations (against its leaders) therefore have
greatly impaired the cause for national liberation and the Right of Self
Determination."

According to The Nation, 2 February, Thai anti-narcotics officials staged
multiple raids both in Chiangmai and Maehongson following approval of
arrest warrants for Maha Sang and Maha Ja by the Maehongson provincial
court. The raids resulted in the arrest of Boonjerd Chuenjit, 40, who was
suspected of distributing drugs and laundering money for them.

Maha Sang was born on 27 October 1945 in Wiang Ngern, one of the former
three main princely states in the Wa region, reads his bio-data. He had
fought against the Communist Party of Burma since 1968. Defeated, he moved
to the Thai border to form the Wa National Organization in 1976. In 1984,
the group was joined by the Wei brothers who broke away from Khun Sa. The
alliance however did not last long. Five years later, Maha Sang was taken
into custody by the UWSA during his trip to Panghsang, allegedly by Wei
Hsuehkang's report that Maha Sang was in cohorts with Khun Sa, then
Panghsang's bitterest enemy.

On 4 January 1990, he was back on the Thai border following his escape
from his captors.

WNO is a member of the National Democratic Front, a coalition of the
ethnic armed groups still fighting against Rangoon.
_____________________________________
BUSINESS / MONEY

February 4, Thai Press Reports
Thai investors seek expanded business opportunities in Myanmar

A major Thai business delegations is going Myanmar later this month to
explore business and investment opportunities.

The 22-25 February tour is being led by the Thai Board of Investment (BOI).

The delegation will visit five Myanmar cities, including the capital,
Yangon. The other cities on the itinerary are Moulmein, Thaton, Pa-an, and
Bego.

BOI Secretary-General Sathit Sirirangkamanond said the trip will provide
opportunities for Thai business people to exchange views and to negotiate
with their Myanmar counterparts, as well as meet with their compatriots
already doing business in the neighbouring country.

Mr. Sathit said the Thai business delegation would also have the
opportunity to discuss investment opportunities with senior local
officials of each of the cities visited.

Their tour includes visits to a Myanmar lighting factory, a textile
factory, and a Thai-owned shrimp farm.

The planned business trip is a part of BOI strategy to boost Thai
investment in neighbouring countries in line with the Ayeyawaddy-Chao
Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS).

The ACMECS cooperation framework, initiated by Prime Minister Thaksin
Shinawatra in 2003, links Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand.

Thai investment in Myanmar ranks third after Singapore and Britain.
Manufacturing industries, tourism, fisheries and mining are among
businesses run in Myanmar by Thai investors.
_____________________________________
INTERNATIONAL

February 4, Voice of America
Germany gives UNICEF $1 million for children in Burma

Germany has donated $1 million to the United Nations Children's Fund to
improve and provide better access to primary education for children in
Burma.

The German Embassy in Rangoon said Friday that the funds would be used to
help children living in 500 of Burma's poorest communities receive a
better quality, child-friendly primary education.

The statement also said the money will help provide necessities such as
clean water and sanitation facilities and basic school supplies for poor
families.

The Embassy added that UNICEF's primary education program will focus on
keeping children in school during their first two years, after which they
stand a much better chance of completing primary school.
_____________________________________
OPINION / OTHER

February 4, Toronto Star
Former refugee our newest press baron—Joe Fiorito

There are newspaper wars and there are real wars, and there are times when
real wars give rise to newspapers.

Myint Schwe was a political prisoner in Myanmar, at the height of that
country's bitter civil unrest. He does not talk about jail much. He lives
here now. He came as a refugee. He studied journalism at Ryerson; recently
he took journalism's steepest plunge. Myint Schwe is the proprietor of
Toronto's newest paper, the Burma Herald. He writes, edits, and publishes
from his apartment on the 10th floor of a high-rise near the corner of
Jane and Finch.

His office is his living room. He keeps a shrine with an apple, some
flowers, and a small Buddha by the window; nearby is a shelf of Burmese
phone books. His computer is just off the kitchen. Actually, everything is
just off the kitchen. It is a small apartment.

At this stage, so is the paper.

"This issue I did 16 pages. It comes out once a month. I printed 2,000
copies." Where is it available? "I drop 20 copies at the Burmese Buddhist
temple, 100 at the Burmese-Chinese Association downtown, 200 at the
monastery, and 150 at the Burmese grocery on Bloor near Lansdowne." He
also mails copies to embassies around the world.

The price? "It's free; who's going to buy it?" That's a problem. The
Burmese community is small, and life here is expensive. If he hasn't sold
many ads, and if his income from single-issue sales is zero, how can he
afford to publish? It seems the Herald has some angels in the ranks of the
Burmese diaspora.

"A friend in the States donated $600. Another donated $500. A friend from
Vancouver donated $100. Someone from New Jersey gave me $50 for six
issues. And my credit card is overloaded, ha, ha." The laughter was that
of a man facing long odds with a large fund of goodwill.

Myint has correspondents in Asia, the United States and Canada. They file
their copy free. And he is now looking for a part-time job. "I'll take
anything part-time. I need a survival job." Myint Schwe, meet Conrad
Black.

He said: "I went to Thailand for five months recently. I had an internship
at the Bangkok Post. In four and a half months, I wrote six feature
articles." His chief objective in Bangkok was not the internship.

Thailand shares a long border with Myanmar. Did the
prisoner-turned-journalist try to get back into his former country? He
shrugged. "I tried with the help of a rebel leader. As you know, there is
a ceasefire agreement. I traveled to the Burmese border three times. They
said it would be better to go home and try to get in from Ottawa. If I had
gotten in and been caught, it would have been jail for me, at least seven
years." He's been there, and had that done to him.

He said: "I went to the refugee camps along the border. The largest has
20,000 people, maybe more. The people are hanging on with NGO (relief
agencies') food. Most of them have day jobs in Thailand as labourers or
selling groceries for pennies. They are frustrated. They have no future.
They live in constant fear of being sent back to Burma. There is also
friction between the Muslim minority and the Christian majority. Only last
month there was a brawl." The rest of the world pays little attention.

The Burma Herald does contain a few pages of English. In the latest
edition there was an editorial analysis of the new-found friendliness of
Myanmar's military governors; Myint does not trust them an inch.

There was a report on a summit meeting of some 1,000 Buddhist monks who
met recently in Yangon; and another report on the disarray of Aung San Suu
Kyi's party, the National League for Democracy, while she remains under
house arrest.

In a concession to the tabloid nature of the times, and thanks to the
presence of a reporter on the scene, the paper also carried a concert
review. The young Burmese pop star Tint Tint Htoon performed in Los
Angeles a while ago. Htoon sang and danced and shared the stage with some
local dancers. As she told her interviewer later, "If our shakes were in
disharmony, it is because we did not have enough time for rehearsal."

The paper also reported: "Fans were not allowed to shoot for memory but
nobody obeyed. Cellphone cameras flickered in the night. The show started
at 2 in the afternoon, carried on till 8.30."

The gyrations of pop stars and the machinations of despots; such are the
editorial burdens of the modern publisher.

Why does Myint persist?

"We are a tiny minority. There are only about 2,000 Burmese in Toronto.
All the other minorities have radio, TV and newspapers, but we are
invisible." Less so now.