BurmaNet News, October 18, 2006

[Editor]

October 18, 2006 Issue # 3068


INSIDE BURMA
Irrawaddy: Activists celebrate ‘silent birthday’
Irrawaddy: KIO leaders seek talks with junta
DVB: No homecoming for Thet Win Aung: his remains forced to be cremated
hastily
Mizzima: Burmese films short on improved technology

ON THE BORDER
Irrawaddy: Thai Premier praised for promising improvements for refugees
Express News Service: 'Myanmar to help India in operations against militants'

HEALTH / AIDS
Mizzima: HIV related deaths on the rise in Chin state

DRUGS
AFP: Myanmar arrests 445 suspected drug dealers: report

BUSINESS / TRADE
AFP: Critics attack Myanmar's 'blood gem' auctions
AP: Myanmar foreign trade up almost 15 percent for fiscal year through March

REGIONAL
Irrawaddy: Thailand may delay controversial dam project in

INTERNATIONAL
AFP: Australia 'appalled' over Myanmar prisoner's death

____________________________________
INSIDE BURMA

October 18, Irrawaddy
Activists celebrate ‘silent birthday’ - Yeni

Though currently unable to attend birthday celebrations, Burma’s
well-known activist Min Ko Naing will not be forgotten by Burma’s
democracy movement. Young activists, former political prisoners and
admirers of the charismatic opposition figure gathered at his home in
Rangoon on Wednesday to celebrate his 44th birthday.

“We celebrate this birthday without the one we are honoring. So we name
today’s gathering  the “silent birthday,” Kyaw Min Yuu, better known by
his nickname Jimmy, and one of the celebration’s organizers, told The
Irrawaddy by phone on Wednesday.

Min Ko Naing, the pseudonym for Paw Oo Htun, has been detained by
authorities, along with four other activists from the 88 Generation
Students group, in an undisclosed location since late September.

During the nationwide democracy uprisings in 1988, Min Ko Naing—the name
translates in English to “Conqueror of Kings”—rose to prominence as the
chairman of the All Burma Federation of Students’ Unions.

Many political observers in the country place him second only to Aung San
Suu Kyi as the most respected leader in Burma’s democracy movement, noting
that he has a keen ability to instill a sense of political responsibility
in people long accustomed to oppression.

Moe Thee Zun, a close friend and fellow activist now living in Washington,
said that his friend has a great capacity for sharing the feelings of
others and bringing them relief. Min Ko Naing always looks at politics
with peaceful eyes and a big heart. “Whatever he does, even in politics,
is very imaginative,” said Moe Thee Zun.

Most leaders of the 1988 pro-democracy movement who didn't flee the
country were imprisoned for more than a decade. Min Ko Naing was arrested
on March 23, 1989 and given a sentence of 20 years in prison. But he and
his colleagues were released in 2004 and 2005.

Unbroken by their time in jail, the former student leaders assumed a fresh
political role in Burma with the creation of the 88 Generation Students
group, which quickly appealed to the international community to resume
humanitarian aid to the military-ruled country.

These efforts earned Min Ko Naing and his colleagues wide support among
activists and politicians inside and outside Burma. The 88 Generation
believes that Burma needs humanitarian aid, not more discussions about it.
“But we also insist that all such processes must be governed by
transparency and accountability,” said Jimmy, a leading member of the
group.

The boldness of their efforts stands in contrast to the virtual paralysis
of the main opposition party, the National League for Democracy, led by
Suu Kyi.

Some observers say the NLD, despite its large and loyal base, seems
incapable of taking any political initiative while Suu Kyi remains under
house arrest. She has been in detention for nearly 11 of the past 17
years, and continuously since May 2003. “People think the [NLD] is just
hoping for a genuine national reconciliation,” said Amyotheryei Win Naing,
a Rangoon-based political commentator.

Five members of the group, including Min Ko Naing, were taken from their
homes in Rangoon by security officials in late September, as the junta
prepared to reconvene its constitution-drafting National Convention.
State-run media has since accused the detained activists of attempting to
“cause internal commotion and commit terrorist attacks in connection with
the Washington’s successful push to get Burma on the formal agenda of the
UN Security Council.

In response, the group initiated two campaigns in support of their
detained leaders: one to gather signatures for a petition demanding the
release of all of Burma’s political prisoners and a “constructive
compromise” between the military government and opposition movements, and
the other, called “White Expression,” to encourage Burmese to wear all
white clothing during the week of October 10-18 to show their support for
the activist group and to honor the 44th birthday of Min Ko Naing.

Min Ko Naing’s parents and other family members honored his birthday on
Wednesday by holding a religious ceremony in the morning, where they
offered mohinga (Burmese fish soup with noodles) to participants.

According to the 88 Generation Students group, about 1,000 people turned
up to the ceremony wearing white clothing and signing the group’s
petition. “Up to now, we have received about 300,000 signatures. But exact
numbers are difficult to determine because signatures from rural regions
have not been processed,” Jimmy said.

____________________________________

October 18, Irrawaddy
KIO leaders seek talks with junta - Khun Sam

The Kachin Independence Organization will seek to meet with Burmese
government officials to clear the air following the group's refusal to
speak out against the inclusion of the Burma issue on the UN Security
Council agenda.

The KIO has informed the junta’s Northern Commander Maj-Gen Ohn Myint that
it wants to meet with top leaders in the central military government in
Naypyidaw, according to the KIO.

“We plan to have a meeting with Burmese leaders," Lum Dau, a KIO liaison
officer based in Rangoon told The Irrawaddy Wednesday. "Our leader and
general secretary will go.”

KIO Chairman Lanyaw Zawng Hra and General Secretary Dr Lahkyen La Ja are
expected to meet with Maj-Gen Ye Myint, chief of the Military Affairs
Security, according to Lum Dau.

Meanwhile sources close to the KIO say the junta’s Northern Commander
Maj-Gen Ohn Myint has encouraged the New Democratic Army-Kachin and
another KIO breakaway army faction led by Col Lasang Awng Wa to increase
pressure on the KIO. In recent years, all Kachin ceasefire groups have
faced mounting dissention within their ranks, and the junta eagerly takes
advantages of such divisions. Zahkung Ting Ying, the leader of the NDA-K,
told The Irrawaddy Wednesday the report was false.

All Kachin ceasefire groups are playing a role in the current discussions
in Rangoon to draft a new constitution. Some smaller ceasefire groups,
including NDA-K, have issued statements condemning the proposal before the
UN Security Council.

The KIO officially told the regime in late September that it wants to
remain neutral and a partisan statement could lead to misunderstanding
within the Kachin community. A number of other ethnic groups have agreed
to the junta's demand.

Shortly after the KIO refusal, the government blocked one of the group’s
trade routes, which is a major source of revenue. Some unlicensed vehicles
belonging to KIO members were also confiscated, according to reports.

____________________________________

October 17, Democratic Voice of Burma
No homecoming for Thet Win Aung: his remains forced to be cremated hastily

The remains of student leader Thet Win Aung who died suddenly at Mandalay
Jail yesterday evening, was neither allowed to be taken back to his home
in Rangoon nor buried in a normal way. He was cremated without much
ceremony early this afternoon during a funeral hastily organised by the
military authorities.

His grieving father Win Maung, who flew all the way from Rangoon this
morning, was forced by the authorities to follow the hastily arranged
funeral, despite his pleas for a dignified funeral for his son. He was
only allowed to see his beloved son’s face for the last time, half an hour
before the funer al and subsequent cremation.

Thet Win Aung’s friend Marky and older brother Thein Naing went to the
Interior Ministry of the ruling military junta, State Peace and
Development Council (SPDC) this morning to request the authorities to
allow his other brother Pyone Cho who has been re-detained recently attend
the funeral of his brother, but their request was turned down by faceless
officials.

Despite the short notice, the funeral was attended by more than 100
mourners including Mandalay Division National League for Democracy (NLD)
social welfare group members, party members and 88 Generation Students
group members.

____________________________________

October 18, Mizzima News
Burmese films short on improved technology: Swe Zin Htaik - Nga Ngai

The absence of improved film making technology makes the quality of
Burmese films inferior to those by other film industries in Asia, said a
prominent Burmese film actress.

Grace Swe Zin Htaik, attending the Third Eye 5th Asian Film Festival in
Mumbai along with other film directors and actors, said while Burmese film
stars, directors and producers are competent and have necessary skills,
the lack of latest technology and equipment undermine the quality of
Burmese films.

Speaking to Mizzima over telephone, the Burmese film Academy Award winner,
Grace Swe Zin Htaik said, "We have qualified actors, actresses, directors
and producers but we are weak in technology."

Even for upgrading of the cameras and post production facilities for the
films, Burmese film crews have to go out of the country. And the film
industry still has a weak production process such as developing and
copying of films, added Grace, who is the main translator of the 13-member
Burmese delegation attending the Asian Film Festival in Mumbai.

"I think our machine, sound system and even photo quality needs to be
developed," Grace added.

With a special focus on Burma, six Burmese films were screened at the
Third Eye 5th Asian Film Festival being held from October 12 to 19 in
India's commercial city Mumbai, where Bollywood is located.

Burmese film history dates back to as early as 1946 prior to the country's
independence from British rule. And the first non-governmental
organization for Myanma movie industry was formed in March 1946.

Following the military coup in 1962, all private enterprise including the
film industry and cinema halls were nationalized.

However, efforts by the Myanma Film Association to promote the quality of
Burmese films, is in evidence. The MFA has sent delegations to various
film festivals in order to exchange ideas and skills.

In 2005, Burmese film makers attended at least eight film festivals around
the world, Shwe Zin Htaik said.

Burmese film delegations are also set to take part in the ensuing Chinese
Golden Rooster Hundred Flower Film Festival to be held in Sanya City,
Hainan province in China from November 10 to 24.

____________________________________
ON THE BORDER

October 18, Irrawaddy
Thai Premier praised for promising improvements for refugees - Shah Paung

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has praised Thailand’s
new government for pledging to improve the living conditions of thousands
of Burmese refugees in camps along the country’s border with Burma.

UNHCR spokesperson Jennifer Pagonis said at a press conference in Geneva
on Tuesday that the agency is encouraged by Thai Prime Minister Surayud
Chulanont’s promise to improve the welfare of 140,000 mostly ethnic Karen
refugees from Burma.

“We were pleased that he named as his third priority improving the living
conditions and standards in the refugee camps, which are run by [the] Thai
government and are home to refugees from Myanmar, formerly known as
Burma,” Pagonis said. Surayud’s government has said its first priority is
to achieve political stability in Thailand’s restive south and to resolve
the insurgency there.

Last week, Surayud met representatives of UN agencies in Bangkok and
promised an improvement of standards in the nine refugee camps run by the
Thai government. According to the UNHCR, Surayud’s government is to issue
refugees with identity cards allowing them to move freely outside the
camps and to work legally.

“These steps would be in line with accepted standards and would also meet
the genuine needs of Thailand’s growing economy for a bigger workforce,”
Pagonis said.

Officials of the Karen Refugee Committee welcomed the reported
developments, but said they had not yet officially been informed.

Improvements for refugees had been discussed with the previous Thai
government during a visit to Thailand in August by UN representative
Antonio Guterres. During his four-day stay in Thailand, Guterres visited
the Tham Hin refugee camp together with US Assistant Secretary of State
for Refugees and Migration, Ellen Sauerbrey.

____________________________________

October 17, Express News Service
'Myanmar to help India in operations against militants'

New Delhi: Army Chief Gen JJ Singh today revealed that operations against
militant groups along the 1,643-km border with Myanmar would be conducted
in coordination with the Myanmarese Army.

The declaration came on the day the dialogue process with Naga separatist
outfit NSCN-IM resumed in Amsterdam and at a time when the army is
cracking down on the ULFA in Assam.

India has the right pill for Myanmar on way to democracy

"The terrain there is very forbidding. Militant camps are not easily
identifiable in the area, covered by thick jungles. We will be operating
in coordination with Myanmar, but we cannot call it a joint operation.

We have seen Myanmar recently taking steps to neutralise militant camps on
its territory," Gen Singh said at a press conference after the Army
Commanders Conference which ended today. Units of the Tezpur-based 4 Corps
and Assam Rifles are already on active missions in the area.

Dismissing claims by the NSCN(I-M) that the army was covertly funding the
rival NSCN(K) (Khaplang), Gen Singh said, "They have always said that the
army or state is helping the NSCN(K).

But the two groups have different ideologies. We have noticed disaffection
surfacing between sections of the NSCN(I-M) itself, and the NSCN(K)
appears to be taking advantage of that."

Amendments to the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), under which the
Army functions in Assam, Nagaland and Manipur, are likely to be tabled in
the next session of Parliament next month, though Gen Singh didn't think
"the government would leave the army in the lurch".

The conference also discussed a manpower restructuring plan for the army.
"Assuming we can resolve our problems in J-K and the North East, we can
restructure the army into a lean, mean fighting force. This should be
possible over the next 15 years or so," the Army Chief said.

On the equipment modernisation front, Gen Singh revealed the army would
shortly conduct trials on a squadron of indigenous Arjun tanks to decide
where the "heavy tanks" would best be deployed in the semi-desert areas of
North Rajasthan and South Punjab.

Home on AFSP

As the controversy over the repeal of Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act
1958 continues, the Home Ministry has decided to ask for comments from
concerned ministries and the states where the law has been implemented.
Briefing the media, Minister of State for Home Sriprakash Jaiswal said the
Justice BP Jeevan Reddy Committee Report would be sent to the defence
ministry and the states for comment. The matter came up for discussion at
the ministry's Parliamentary Consultative Committee meeting on Tuesday.

Commanders' meet

PM Manmohan Singh will address the armed forces Combined Commanders'
Conference on Wednesday. The three service chiefs and the Defence Minister
will brief him on achievements and the agenda for the upcoming year. The
conference will also be addressed by Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee,
Home Minister Shivraj Patil and Finance Minister P Chidambaram.

____________________________________
HEALTH / AIDS

October 18, Mizzima News
HIV related deaths on the rise in Chin state - Muana

In the absence of provisions for blood tests, the mortality rate of people
in western Burma's Chin state has given rise to suspicions of escalation
in HIV positive infections.

The disease is suspected to have claimed 100 lives between July 2002 to
May 2006 in Falam Township in Chin state, said delegates of the Burma
Christian Council during information sharing with the Integrated Voluntary
Public Health Education Network (IVPHEN) in India's northeastern state of
Mizoram.

Other Townships in Chin State have also witnessed deaths from suspected
HIV symptoms.

The Chin Medical Backpack Team, a voluntary health group operating along
the Indo-Burmese borders of Thantlang, Matupi and Paletwa Townships in
Chin state said the possibility of HIV/AIDS cannot be ruled out as the
cause of the deaths in Chin State.

Dawt Mang, Director of CMBPT told Mizzima, "There is a possibility of HIV
related deaths as no organization or government agencies conduct blood
sample tests. Proper data cannot be provided as more research has to be
conducted."

The visiting delegates identified, Tahan town in Sagaing division as being
on the top of the list of suspected HIV positive deaths.

The major suspected carriers of HIV/AIDS in Chin State are reportedly Chin
migrant workers returning from Malaysia, Pakhan of Kachin state and
Northeastern states of India.

The delegates of the BCC requested IVPHEN volunteers to concentrate more
on Burmese migrants in Mizoram by imparting awareness education and basic
prevention of HIV/AIDS.

The delegates admitted that the BCC field educationists and awareness
campaigners in Chin State missed many of the younger generation due to
early migration in search of economic stability.

An awareness campaigner said, "Most of the time we talk to older people
and children on HIV/AIDS awareness. But we could only cover a few of the
younger generation."

The BCC has started active campaign on HIV/AIDS awareness and basic
reventive measures since 2002. The Council is based in Tahan with its head
office and has Falam, Hakha, Thantlang projects as its branches to cover
Chin state.

_____________________________________
DRUGS

October 18, Agence France Presse
Myanmar arrests 445 suspected drug dealers: report

Military run Myanmar arrested 445 suspected drug dealers and seized nearly
650 kilograms of opium in September, state media said on Wednesday.

Women accounted for nearly 20 percent of the total arrests, the state run
daily New Light of Myanmar said, citing police figures.

Myanmar regularly burns hauls of narcotics in an effort to convince the
world that it is cracking down on rampant drug production, but the country
remains the world's second largest opium producer after Afghanistan, and
is a major producer of amphetamines.

Police also confiscated more than 478,000 amphetamine tablets and one
kilogram of heroin in September, the daily said.

The United States, a vocal critic of Myanmar, has said methamphetamine
production in Myanmar is one of the most serious problems facing Southeast
Asia.

Much of it is produced in rebel held areas along the borders with China
and Thailand, a region where drug gangs operate freely.

China has also pressured Myanmar to crack down on the drug trade. Chinese
authorities blame Myanmar narcotrafficking for soaring rates of drug
addiction and HIV infection in its Yunnan province.

_____________________________________
BUSINESS / TRADE

October 18, Agence France Presse
Critics attack Myanmar's 'blood gem' auctions - Charlotte McDonald-Gibson

It is a long journey from the rocky mines of Myanmar to the toned necks
and slender wrists of US celebrities gliding along red carpets.

But with up to 90 percent of the world's rubies and many other precious
gems mined in Myanmar, chances are that a vast proportion of the stones
glinting in the windows of high-end jewelers worldwide originate in the
military-ruled nation.

Hundreds of gems and pieces of jade from Myanmar, formally known as Burma,
are due to be sold at auction starting Thursday, and the junta's frequent
sales have become an increasingly important source of foreign currency.

But human rights groups and some dealers are urging a boycott, and compare
the gems with Africa's so-called blood diamonds which are mined in war
zones to finance further violence.
"Buying these gems from Burma, I would say that people are unwittingly
supporting the Burmese regime with hard currency ... and pushing Burmese
youth to die under great hardship," says Aung Din, policy director for the
US Campaign for Burma.

However, some gem dealers and experts dismiss attempts to boycott
Myanmar's precious stones as futile and unnecessary, saying it will only
push the market into the hands of criminals.

"The stones will go to the black market, it is no different, because of
the demand in the market," says Pornchai Chuenchomlada, president of the
Thai Gem and Jewelry Traders Association (TGJTA).

Myanmar has been under military rule since 1962. The continued house
arrest of democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi and alleged human rights
abuses by the junta prompted the United States and Europe to slap economic
sanctions on Myanmar, one of the poorest nations in the world.

But immediately after the United States passed an import ban in 2003, gem
dealers began lobbying to circumvent the sanctions, leading to a clause
stating that if a gemstone is cut and polished in a third country, it is
no longer considered of Myanmar origin.

"That stone is now a legal import into the United States," says Richard
Hughes, a US-based gemologist.

Hughes says that all gemstones mined across Myanmar, either by groups
controlled by the junta or by private enterprises, are meant to be
officially valued by a government committee.
The high quality stones go to auction, where thousands of dealers from the
world over gather to bid on lots that include jade, rubies and blue
sapphires.

Most bidders are from China and Thailand, says Hughes, who attended an
auction in 2004, but they also come from Europe and the United States.

Myanmar's state-run media has said that an auction in July raised 124.2
million dollars. The sale due to take place from October 19-29 could
reportedly raise more than 100 million dollars.
While about 95 percent of the jade stays in Asia, the gems are mostly
purchased by Thais to be cut and polished be-fore being sold on to dealers
and shops abroad.

TGJTA's Pornchai says that for years the black market dominated the trade,
but rising oil prices have made mining costlier for smaller illegal
operations, and the government has been able to take control of the mines.

"I don't have figures but I believe it is one of the major benefits for
the country," he says.
But the idea of buying stones from a military-ruled nation worries some
jewelers.

"The fact that virtually every Burmese-origin gemstone offers benefit to
one of the most oppressive regimes on the planet made our decision to
boycott Burmese gemstones very clear," Brian Leber, a US-based jeweler,
tells AFP from his home in Illinois.

One of the highest-profile companies boycotting Myanmar's gems is Tiffany
and Co, which stopped selling them in 2003. But Leber says there are still
plenty of jewelers who are either ignorant of the situation or turn a
blind eye.

"An alarming number are fully aware of the situation in Burma yet are
seemingly content to ignore the issue," he says.

Hughes, by contrast, believes the international community should engage
with Myanmar's junta rather than pushing it further into isolation.

"These people are paranoid under the best of circumstances and if you
start threatening them that only increases their paranoia," he says.

And besides, he says, the gemstones will simply go through neighboring
countries and reach the west as Thai gemstones.

"It is not the product that is the problem, it is the politics," he says.

As dealers debate the pros and cons of the trade, human rights groups call
for a complete ban on the import of gems from Myanmar's mines.

"A gift of a ruby is meant to symbolize love, but if it comes from Burma
the true price is paid in blood and oppression," says Mark Farmaner of
Burma Campaign UK.

____________________________________

October 18, Associated Press
Myanmar foreign trade up almost 15 percent for fiscal year through March

Myanmar's total foreign trade for the 2005-06 fiscal year was almost 15
percent higher than that for the year before, according to government
statistics seen Wednesday.

The amount of trade for the year through March totaled US$5.54 billion
(euro4.4 billion) compared to US$4.83 billion the previous year, an
increase of 14.7 percent, said the Ministry of National Planning and
Development in its latest statistical survey report.

The report said exports jumped 20 percent to US$3.6 billion (euro2.9
billion) from US$2.87 billion the previous year.

The agriculture, timber, gas and garment sectors all registered increased
exports in 2005-06. Most of Myanmar's exports go to neighboring Thailand.

The statistics also showed Myanmar's imports edging up slightly to US$1.98
billion (euro1.57 billion) during the year from US$1.95 billion.

The leading source of Myanmar's imports was Singapore, with more than
US$558 US$ million (euro443 million) of goods accounting for over 28
percent of the total import value.

The second biggest source of imports was China, accounting for 24 percent,
or US$468 million (euro371 million) by value.

The United States and the European Union have imposed economic sanctions
against Myanmar in recent years to pressure the military government to
improve human rights and release detained pro-democracy leader Aung San
Suu Kyi.

Myanmar is believed to have a large amount of unmeasured trade, mostly
goods smuggled across its land borders, especially with eastern neighbor
Thailand.

The trade totals also do not include illegal drugs. Myanmar is the world's
second biggest exporter of heroin after Afghanistan, and also exports a
large amount of the illicit stimulant methamphetamine, mostly to Thailand.

____________________________________
REGIONAL

October 18, Irrawaddy
Thailand may delay controversial dam project in Burma - Sai Silp

Piyasvasti Amranand, Thailand’s energy minister, is considering a move to
refocus the country’s hydropower projects from Burma to Laos, according to
a source close to the minister.

“The projects in Burma, including the Tasang dam, are just plans at the
moment that need more time for discussion by the cabinet, not only by the
ministry, the source said.

These projects are being cited as the reason for record foreign investment
in Burma, which stands at more than US $6 billion for the 2005-2006 fiscal
year, according to a recent Associated Press report.

Thailand invested $6.03 billion in energy sector projects—mainly for the
7,100-megawatt Tasang hydropower plant on Burma’s Salween River in
southern Shan State.

Thailand has also invested in the 3,000-megawatt Namtoen 2 power plant in
Laos, which is expected to be online by the end of 2006 and provide
electricity to Thailand over a 25-year period.

The Namtoen 2 plant will soon be operational, and therefore may constitute
a better focus for Thailand’s energy efforts, according to the ministry
source.

Environmental and human rights activists called on the Thai government in
September to withdraw their support for the Salween project, claiming the
work would displace thousands of households and permanently damage the
local environment.

An agreement on the Salween project was reached last April between
Thailand’s MDX construction company and the Ministry of Energy’s
department of hydroelectric power, under deposed prime minister Thaksin
Shinawatra’s cabinet.

But activists are still concerned that the project will go forward even if
the Thailand’s interim government revokes its investment.

Sai Sai, a coordinator of Saleween Watch, said the environmental activist
group has discussed a new campaign against the project in November, but
that they are waiting to see how the interim government will proceed.

The Salween project is expected to take 15 years to complete, at a cost of
$6 billion.

_____________________________________
INTERNATIONAL

October 17, Agence France Presse
Australia 'appalled' over Myanmar prisoner's death

Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer was appalled at the death of
a political prisoner in Myanmar, he said Wednesday, calling on Yangon's
military junta to free all political detainees.

"I was saddened and appalled at the death in Mandalay prison on 16 October
of Thet Win Aung, a young Burmese (Myanmar) student activist who was
unjustifiably imprisoned by the Burmese regime," Downer said.

"I call on Burmese authorities to undertake a thorough and independent
investigation into Thet Win Aung's death and to release immediately and
unconditionally political prisoners in Burma," he said in a statement.

The sharp comments came after rights group Amnesty International said
Tuesday that Thet Win Aung had died in a Myanmar prison where he was
tortured and may have been denied treatment for health problems, including
malaria.

He had been sentenced to 59 years in prison in 1998 for his part in
organising student demonstrations that called for improvements to schools
and the release of political prisoners.
He had also taken part in a pro-democracy student uprising in August 1988,
which was brutally crushed by the military.

Downer said the circumstances of Thet Win Aung's death underscored
concerns about conditions in Myanmar's prisons and made it urgent for the
junta to allow the International Committee of the Red Cross to resume
their suspended prison visits programme in the Southeast Asian country.
Canberra's embassy in Yangon would convey its concerns to the government,
the minister said.
The United Nations estimates about 1,100 political prisoners are held in
Myanmar, which has been ruled by the military since 1962.

The most famous of them is Nobel peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, the
leader of the pro-democracy opposition, who has spent more than a decade
under house arrest.