Chronology
(Page 8 of 8)
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Mon rebels surrender
More than 300 Mon rebels surrendered to the Burmese force near the Thai border in Prachuab Khiri Khan and handed over some 1,700 pieces of arms and ammunition.
The solemn surrendering ceremony was held at the last Mon stronghold in Chong Chee, an unofficial border pass between Thailand and Burma.
The rebels are now under the complete control of Burma’s 2nd Tactical Command, headed by Col Khin Maung Kyi who disarmed them.
The 300, under the command of Lt-Col Aung Hlaing, and more than 1,000 members of their families had broken away from the mainstream New Mon State Party nearly two years ago.
They had denounced their leader, Nai Shwe Kyin, who is the president of the New Mon State Party and also commander of the Mon forces, for contacting and signing a ceasefire agreement with the Slorc.
Consumers’ organisation urges paraquat ban
A consumers’ organisation has called for a ban on the sale of paraquat, an extremely toxic pesticide currently being marketed in Thailand by a Danish company despite a ban on the agro-chemical in Denmark.
A report by the Southeast Asia Information Network (SAIN) that 10,000 litres of the pesticide were sold in Burma was confirmed by the company involved, but denied by the Slorc.
Saree Angsamwong of the Consumers Foundation said that her organisation has called for a ban on the sale of paraquat — a potent herbicide often used to kill weeds along roadsides, around homes and on rubber, palm and sugar plantations — because of its public health and environmental impact.
Considered one of the "dirty dozen" pesticides, paraquat has already been banned by nine countries, including Denmark, but the Danish firm East Asiatic Co Ltd still sells the agro-chemical in Southeast Asia under the trade name Gramoxone.
Envoy arrives in Rangoon
Japanese envoy Hiroshi Hirabayashi was in Rangoon for talks with Burma leaders to underscore Japan’s concern over the crackdown on the democratic movement in Burma.
The special envoy of Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto, met Foreign Minister Ohn Gyaw and Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.
It was believed that the envoy delivered a personal message from Hashimoto to the country’s military rulers urging the junta to talk with the NLD.
ATM allots forex coupons
The first automatic teller machine dispensing foreign exchange coupons was opened in Burma by the May Flower Bank.
The privately-owned May Flower Bank operates the only ATMs in Burma, and only has about four or five of them, all in Rangoon.
Japan insurer sets foot in Burma
Yasuda Fire and Marine Insurance Co, Japan’s second-biggest insurance company, has signed a memorandum of understanding to form a joint venture with state-owned Myanma Insurance Co.
The agreement was signed by the managing directors of each company in the presence of Finance Minister Brig-Gen Win Tin, who said the venture was the first in the industry and would "enhance healthy growth of the insurance market."
The agreement will give Myanma Insurance Co, for 30 years the country’s sole insurer, added capacity as market-oriented reforms expand the Burmese economy.
Slorc fails to reopen schools
Schools across Burma remained closed two weeks after the scheduled beginning of the new academic year, but the military government said they would be reopen "very soon".
After the usual three-month vacation from March through May, the hottest months of the year in Burma, the regime told nearly eight million students nationwide not to return to classes.
The reason for the delay remains a mystery for parents and teachers alike, although by most accounts, many students are enjoying the additional time off.
Many Burmese suggested that the government would keep all schools closed to prevent any possible student demonstrations before Burma is formally admitted to the Asean.
"The relevant authorities have mentioned that there has been a slight delay, but the schools will be reopened very soon and preparations are already under way," a Slorc official said.
Slorc dampens birthday celebrations for Suu Kyi
Burmese military police prevented about a hundred of Aung San Suu Kyi’s supporters from visiting her Rangoon home to celebrate her 52nd birthday.
About 20 of Suu Kyi’s relatives and aides, however, were allowed into her compound for a quiet ceremony in which she offered food to five Buddhist monks, a traditional merit-making ritual.
Karenni party vows to continue fight with Slorc
The Karenni National Progressive Party has vowed to continue its fight with the Slorc until the latter withdraws its four battalions from Kayah State.
KNPP commander Maj-Gen Aung Mya said from his jungle base that he would hold talks with the Slorc only after their withdrawal.
The commander recalled the incident when he and other KNPP senior figures were nearly poisoned to death by government officials during their past talks in March 1995. The treatment cost him 200,000 baht.
Ramos says Asean will sway Burma
Burma’s membership of the Asean will draw the military regime back into the international community, Philippine President Fidel Ramos said.
Speaking before diplomats and government officials as part of a "report to the nation", Ramos said, "We are confident that membership in Asean will have an ameliorating effect on [Burma’s] economy and society."
He added membership would "gradually draw the Rangoon regime into the international community", although he did not elaborate.
Ramos also defended the impending extension of Asean membership to Burma saying, "To us in Asean, that [Burma] is part of the Southeast Asian family is reason to bring her into the fold."
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