CHRONOLOGY 1998

Chuan wants Burma to adapt

Thailand’s Chuan Leekpai administration announced it will follow a policy of “constructive engagement” with Burma, but the Thai Deputy Foreign Minister urged Rangoon not to isolate itself.

“The policy of constructive engagement is going to carry on, but we will put stress on the word ‘constructive’,” Deputy Foreign Minister Sukhumbhand Paribatra told Parliament as part of a presentation of the new government’s policies.

UN slams Burma on liberties

The UN criticised Burma’s record on human rights in a report by the Special Rapporteur of the Commission on Human Rights, Rajsoomer Lallah, pointing to continuing extra-judicial activities and the absence of steps towards a democratic government.

It also noted that the violation of children’s rights continue.

Lallah has repeatedly been refused permission to enter Burma by the Rangoon authorities to obtain information firsthand for this report — even though the ruling junta has indicated that the UN special rapporteur would be allowed to enter.

Thai army asked to stop anti-Slorc groups

Burma called on the Thai army to prevent Burmese minority groups from using Thai territory as support bases for their activities.

Thai army chief Gen. Chettha Thanajaro said he agreed toprevent Burmese minority groups, especially the Karen National Union, from using Thai soil as bases for their anti-Slorc moves as requested by Slorc first secretary Lt-Gen.