CHRONOLOGY 1998

Boycotters prize Pepsi pullout

The global boycott movement against the military junta and its alleged human rights violations felled its biggest target to date: PepsiCo, Inc.

The number-two US soft drinks company was one of the last US firms to have a significant presence in Burma. In announcing its total withdrawal, the company said it was taking the step “based on our assessment of the spirit of current US government foreign policy.” Pepsi had been one of the primary consumer boycott targets since about 1990, when its move into the country coincided with the junta’s nullification of national elections won by the NLD.

Czechs honour Suu Kyi

Aung San Suu Kyi received an honorary doctorate in absentia from Prague’s Charles University. The Nobel laureate’s husband, British professor Michael Aris, accepted the honour for Suu Kyi.

The six centuries-old Czech university awarded a Doctor of Law degree on the 20^th anniversary of Prague’s Charter 77 human rights declaration, for Suu Kyi’s “active participation in the fight for democracy, freedom, and human rights.”

Japan urges Burma to pursue reforms

Japanese Premier Ryutaro Hashimoto urged Burma to pursue democratic reforms and bluntly warned them to play by “international rules” if they gain admission into Asean.

Hashimoto told a news conference on the last leg of a five-nation tour of Asean members that Burma should not use Asean membership as a “smokescreen” for “autocratic rule.”

Hun Sen visits Rangoon

Cambodian Second Prime Minister Hun Sen flew to Burma for a four-day official visit. The two sides discussed their bids to join Asean.

“I think this is an important visit to extend the friendship, understanding and cooperation,” Hun Sen told reporters before departing with a delegation of about 30 officials.

The prime minister met Burmese military leader Gen.