Chronology

By The Irrawaddy AUGUST, 1997 - VOLUME 5 NO.4/5

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(Page 7 of 8)

Giuliani’s office had opposed the measure, but a two-thirds majority in the council would have overridden a veto.

"We want to see major changes in Burma," Giuliani said, describing conditions there as "beyond what the human conscience can tolerate".

Critics of the junta have long viewed such a ban in New York City, the US financial capital and seat of the United Nations, as a major symbolic victory.

"This will hurt the dictatorship and encourage democratic forces in Burma who are under severe pressure right now," said May Pyong Maung, a Burmese exile who testified before the mayor, according to a statement from the New York Burma Support Group.

US officials estimate US investment in Burma at about US$240 million (Bt6.24 billion), led by Unocal.

Democracy activist dies

A democracy advocate jailed by Burma’s military government since 1991 has died of heart failure. Tin Shwe, a 67 year-old organiser for NLD, died at Rangoon General Hospital.

The Slorc statement said Tin Shwe was known to suffer from heart disease and his family had visited him just two days before his death.

Tin Shwe, a lawyer and well-known writer, came from Monywa in Mandalay Division.

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