Questions and Answers at press conference (7/2006) of Information Committee

Yangon, 2 Nov — Press conference (7/2006) of the Information Committee of the State Peace and Development Council was held at the Ministry of Information on Theinbyu Road, here, this morning.

Present were information officials, U Sein Win of Kyodo News Agency, Patron of Myanmar Foreign Correspondents Club U Hla Htway, President U Sao Kai Hpa, Secretary U Thitsa Hla Htway, correspondents, and editorial staff of local journals and magazines.

Local and foreign journalists raised queries in connection with the clarification made by Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan and Director-General of Myanmar Police Force Brig-Gen Khin Yi.

The queries and answers are as follows:

U Nyunt Tin ( Fuji TV): I am Nyunt Tin from Fuji TV. The foreign news agency, Fuji TV, reported the case of Thet Win Aung on 17 October. After two weeks on 2 November the verification was made. Foreign news agencies occasionally released news on our country. I think there is no need to counter all the news stories foreign news agencies release. Verification on important cases such as peace talks with KNU, the National Convention and something that can harm the security of the country should be made as soon as possible. I would like to ask the minister if such important statement can be made as soon as possible.

Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan: I understand you held discussions with positive attitude in the interests of the country and the people. I pledge the committee will make necessary arrangements for timely release of stories that should be released. Unlike in the past, we are releasing many of the stories in time.

U Aung Shwe Oo (NTV): We've learned the positions of aboveground and underground leftists and rightists and anti-government organi-zations. What I want to know is the strength, position and stance of BCP and cooperation with rightist organizations.

Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan: Now, the BCP has no storong forces in the country but only UG cells. It is still practising the previous policy and cooperating with rightist organizations and often holds discussions in border areas. Expatriate groups like NCUB took some of the points in the Demo 2006 Plan drawn by the BCP and launched the mass movement.

U Hla Htway (Nihon Keizai Shimbun): The minister and the director-general of MPF made clarifications in connection with the ‘88' generation students. It is obvious that Min Ko Naing, Ko Ko Gyi and Htay Kyaw and others have contact with NCUB, NCGUB and ABSDF. They received cash assistance provided by embassies of certain Western nations. My question is “Has the decision been made to put those five on trial?”

Brig-Gen Khin Yi: At present, Min Ko Naing, Ko Ko Gyi, Htay Kywe, Min Zeya and Pyone Cho, five ‘88' generation students are being questioned in connection with security and sabotage. We have many evidences concrete enough to punish them. But, some links are yet to be exposed. That is why there has been no action taken against them for the time being.

Q:U Win Kyaw Oo (Myanmar Times): The first question is what criteria are used to decide that international community deals with Myanmar with positive attitude towards Myanmar and interferes in the country's internal affairs. The second question is that it is difficult to make rapid political reforms, but economically, there are certain ASEAN member nations which have developed rapidly. For instance. Vietnam is a latecomer concerning market economic system. But, among the new ASEAN members it has advanced economically. Myanmar, too, will be able to cooperate more with the international economic community if it introduce reforms in the vital sectors such as the agriculture and communications sectors. I would like to know for what sort of economic sector the government is making arrangements to make reform first. The last question is that the government newspapers say that the support for NLD is on the decrease as evidenced by resignation of its party members. In this connection, I would like to ask how the government studies the public opinion. I would also like to know whether the government assumes that the political development of Myanmar would be possible only when Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and political prisoners are held in detention?

Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan: You ask what are the points to describe the international dealings with constructive attitude towards Myanmar or foreign interference in the country's internal affairs. Our government is carrying out tasks based on the policies and programmes, namely, the first—Our Three Main National Causes. They are non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of solidarity and perpetuation "of sovereignty. Similarly, the four political objectives, the four economic objectives and the four social objectives are the policies and programmes of the government. The third point is that the government is discharging duties keeping in the four national interest. Concerning the maintaining international relations, the nation practises the active and independent foreign policy. Moreover, it follows the five principles of peaceful coexistence.

Hence, if the words and deeds of the international community do not contravene our policies and programmes, such behaviour or moves may be regarded as constructive dealings and actions. If they are against our policies and programmes and if they are designed to cause disintegration of national solidarity they will be regarded as interference in our internal affairs. This is the answer to No 1 question.

No 2 question is that political reforms take time but economic reforms can be brought about more quickly, if compared with political reforms. Vietnam today has developed rapidly due to economic reforms. He asks which sectors will be chosen for cooperation for similar progress. In this connection, we have laws already such as foreign investment law and the law concerning making investment by nationals. In those laws areas of cooperation are mentioned. Today, there is foreign investment in the off-shore oil and gas exploration projects. In the industrial sector of the nation, there is foreign investment. Very soon, investors will be invited to do business in a wide range of sectors after the enactment of Thilawa special economic zone law. So, we have invited foreign investment for those sectors. We are doing so in accordance with the four economic objectives for the progress of national economy. The existing laws and the law to be introduced offer rights and privileges similar to the laws of other nations to attract the foreign investors.

I understand that he wants to ask why Myanmar cannot make progress while Vietnam can develop its economy markedly. It is not that the opportunities and rights offered by Myanmar government to the investors are fewer. The foreign investment law of Myanmar and that of other nations are not different. Different nations introduce laws concerning own interests and others' on the basis of domestic conditions. They do not differ much.

However, why our country is facing difficulties? If you study well, you will understand it. A great deal of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is needed if a developing country needs to develop rapidly. At the same time, such a developing nation needs international aids, loans, grants and assistance in its drive to develop. Moreover, there must be trade and other business cooperation undertaken out of goodwill with the nation. Then only, will a developing country develop rapidly.

However, our country today is facing attempts to stop or hinder our positive moves in spite of our offers inviting and attracting foreign investments. It is not that the business opportunities we offer are less than others. Who are trying to stop or hinder our efforts? If we study closely we will see that the main problem is that those from outside the nation are resorting to all kinds of obstructions and hindrances wielding the influence to stop the inflow of foreign investment. It is known to all that some foreign companies working in the country had to leave due to pressure, blockages and coercion from outside. Similarly, certain companies engaged in the off-shore oil and gas exploration had to sell out the shares and left the country. The Total company, for instance, is achieving success with its Yadana oilfield but it is under pressure to leave the country after the threat of selling out its shares.

For these reasons, Foreign Direct Investment in Myanmar is not as much as that in other countries. However, lately there has been an increased inflow of FDI. Meanwhile, the assistance of IMF, the World Bank and rich nations is important. The countries that have developed are largely due to such aids, loans and grants.

In our country, do we have such aids, loans and grants? Who have stopped them? All know the answer. The group at home has demanded to stop or halt such and such assistance. The big nations and organizations outside the country wishing to install a puppet government colluded with the internal group and halted the assistance. They went so far as stopping the Global Fund said to be engaged in the humanitarian work. It closed down its work in the country. There are problems if compared with Vietnam because of the blockages just stated.

No 3 question is how the government studies the decline in public support of NLD? It is quite clear.

I would like to ask you Ko Win Kyaw Oo. The policies practised today by NLD are: Defiance of all orders; Confrontation; and the four moves to stop or halt certain works. Those four demands for stopping foreign investments; for stopping the inflow of loans, aids and grants; for stopping the tourists from coming to Myanmar; and for stopping trading with the country and boycotting the products manufactured in the country. They following the same policy even today.

Do you like them, Ko Win Kyaw Oo? Please try to answer. (U Win Kyaw Oo answered he did not like them.) If you don't like them, will the public like them? Will the majority of the public like them? Due to such pressure and closures, our quota of garments ceased or was reduced. As a consequence, about 160 factories had to shut down. About 40 factories had to lay off workers. More than 80,000 workers lost their jobs and over 400,000 dependants were affected. Will those people like them? Please answer my question. (U Win Kyaw Oo answered he did not like them.) Well, I do not like them either. I don't think Ko Win Kyaw Oo will like them. If so, the attitude of the people is clear.

Another thing is that due to suffered their mistakes, the people have adversely suffered much. And so has the nation. I simply believe that if there were no such hindrances the nation today will have developed doubled or almost doubled. In the agriculture sector, there are irrigation networks, in the road transport there are roads and bridges and in the communications sector there are telephones and satellite phones and cellular phones. Regarding education and health, there are rich opportunities. In the past in the border areas, schools were nonexistent. No learning. No roads and no towns. No health care. Please Ko Win Kyaw Oo, go to those border areas and see for yourself.

There are roads, bridges, electricity, dams and reservoirs as well as schools and dispensaries for the national races in the border areas. If there were no blockages just stated but due assistance and cooperation, the progress will be doubled or nearly doubled, I believe. This is in the interest of the nation and the people. No one will refuse something that serves his interest. But who are blocking them? Who are creating problems? It is clear. What will be the public opinion towards such persons? I believe you will see reason. So, concerning the public opinion towards NLD this is the answer.

Another question is if the political development of Myanmar and national unity would be possible only when Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and political prisoners are held in detention. My answer is that the persons held in the prisons today are there mainly because they have violated law. In dealing with political matters, the acts that will undermine stability, peace and the rule of law and that will incite violence and riots will not be tolerated.

It is because in the country, political affairs and economic undertakings cannot be managed nor national unity built in the absence of stability, peace and the rule of law. Hence, preventive measures will have to be taken if there are acts that will undermine stability, peace and the rule of law and that will incite violence and riots.

Without stability, peace and the rule of law, we cannot manage political, economic, social and education affairs. There are certain countries that are in no position to manage such affairs due to lack of stability, peace and the rule of law. Iraq may be cited. No political results can be produced; no unity can be forged; and no economy can be built due to lack of stability, peace and the rule of law. In Myanmar, we are in need of stability, peace and the rule of law to be able to introduce democracy desired by the people, economic progress and market economy. We will have to prevent the elements, the groups and the acts that will undermine stability, peace and the rule of law. Action will have to be taken against them if necessary.

U Ko Ko of Yangon Times weekly journal asked which legal actions would be taken against those who staged the “Signature Campaign”, “White Expression Campaign” and “Prayer Campaign”. He also asked to explain “Clean Government” that was used in the speeches of the Prime Minister at some meetings and whether the hot lines set up by some ministries recently to directly complain about malpractice or irregularities of ministries and to explain reforms in some governmental departments if they were related to implementation of the “Clean Government”. He also asked the information minister to explain the implementation of the “Clean Government”.

Information Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan said that in 1988, there was an anarchy in the country and the community peace and tranquillity had deteriorated that could lead to the disintegration of the Union. That was the reason why the Tatmadaw took the responsibilities of the State. It is very important to ensure community peace and tranquillity in the country. Since then, the Tatmadaw government has carried out the development tasks.

The reason why Min Ko Naing, the ‘88' Generation Student and his group were being interrogated is that the authorities have to take preventive action to prevent the jeopardising of the community peace and tranquillity and a possible riot. The group led by Min Ko Naing took part in a 1988 uprising, and there is an evidence of a link between the group and exile groups and cash assistance from foreign countries to Min Ko Naing and his group. Therefore, they are being interrogated by the authority. Other members of his group staged “Signature Campaign”, “White Expression Campaign” and “Prayer Campaign”. It is customary in the country to dress white shirts. At the press conference, the number of people dressed in white is more than in other colours.

The custom and religion was used as a pretext for staging campaigns. Their intent is clear to incite the people to violence and unrest. Therefore, if their actions jeopardise the community peace and tranquillity and lead to unrest and violence in the country, they will not only be detained and be interrogated, but also actions will be taken against them.

Concerning the second question, Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan said steps to implement the “Clean Government” is being implemented under the leadership of the Prime Minister.

Division/District/Township Peace and Development Councils are being reformed so that the administrative system can adapt to new constitution. Those who will involve in the new administrative system are being trained . Similarly, the government set up direct call lines for the people in case they find difficulties or malpractice in custom, electric power, communication and commerce services, they can directly complain to authority concerned. The implementation of the “Clean Government” system is being implemented under the leadership of the Prime Minister. May be the details of the implementation will be explained later.

Regarding the first question, Director-General of the Myanmar Police Force Brig-Gen Khin Yi said that according to the news put on the internet that the ‘88' Generation Student group managed to collect 535,580 signatures from across the country. The number does not represent the total population of the country because it has a population of over 54 million. Besides, the total number of signatures has been obtained by fraud. There are also charges against those who take part in the petition. For example, Wa Toke (a) Phyo Zaw Lynn of Uto Village, Moenyo, was charged against the collection of signatures by fraud.

It is customary to dress white shirts in some social organizations and in schools. Therefore, students and social organizations have complained about the “White Expression Campaign”.

Led by the ‘88' Generation Students, an estimated over 100 people, dressed in white, gathered at Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon on 29 October in silent prayer. At the campaign, the Pagoda Board of Trustees demanded not to hold the ceremony without prior consent to the board of trustees according to the rules and regulations of the board declared in 1997. The authority will keep those who stage the campaign under surveillance until the community peace and tranquillity is jeopardised. However, if some social organisations, people and religious associations complain about the campaign, actions will be taken against those who participated in it.

“Signature Campaign”, “White Expression Campaign” and “Prayer Campaign”, the coming December Blood Campaign, US Campaign for Burman, Postcard Campaign, Mail Box Campaign, Signboard Campaign etc of “88' Generation Students, are not within the law. Therefore, the authority will keep their actions under surveillance within the law.

U Myat Khaing (Snap Shot Journal): I've got three questions to ask. The first is that how the government will arrange things if Gambari comes here. The second is whether there is any plan for Gambari to meet political in mate including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and Min Ko Naing. And the third question is how the government will take measures regarding the price rise of onions, which is a serious issue among the public. Now I have another question to ask the Director General of MPF. I've learnt that some police members are preparing to take action against an NLD member who got involved in signature campaign by framing him for an illegal three-digit gambling. Is it true?

Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan: Mr Gambari will only meet State leaders because he was invited by State leaders. That is the answer to your first question. Besides, he will probably visit the National Convention as it is being convened. Regarding the second question, Mr Gambari has never asked us to visit Daw Suu Kyi or Min Ko Naing.

Brig-Gen Khin Yi: I think your last question refers to the case of a person by the name of Win Ko of Yethabya village in Moenyo township. Only this case is still in my mind. On 16 October at Letpadan railway station, we took action against Win Ko, youth in charge-2 of NLD (Monyo) and his accomplice Wa Tok as some documents related to the illegal three-digit gambling were found out in their hands. Before his arrest, he (Win Ko) had been launching a signature campaign among farmers demanding for the release of Min Ko Naing and Ko Ko Gyi. As I have mentioned earlier, to get a tip-off about any attempts to commit destructive acts for the sake of security in the country, police members in cooperation with ‘Swanarshin' members are working through the day at important points such as stations, bus terminals, seaports, airports and exit and entrance roads. Such measures also involve elimination of gambling. The operation against the signature campaign is also the one our Myanmar Police Force has launched after drawing a systematic plan. On 15 October 2006, at Letpadan station Win Ko got off a train en route from Khinmon. As the police noticed him acting suspiciously with a bag on his shoulders. So he was under investigation at the station office and arrested as some documents related to the illegal three-digit gambling were found in his bag. We did not arrest him for his launching a signature campaign. If we want to make such arrests, there are so many people who commit acts of launching signature campaigns. Wa Toke was released on bail as he was not involved in the case. But he is now under investigation as Ko Pauk and Daw Myint Myint Khin of Uto Village in Monyo township have complained that he made them give their signatures with an excuse for the election of village headman. We made arrests for such illegal gambling not for launching signature campaign.

U Ohn Than, Managing Director of Myanma Agriculture Service: I would like to explain the cultivation of onions in Myanmar. Last year 179,000 acres of land were put under onions. Arrangements are being made to cultivate 180,000 acres of onions this year. There are two cultivation seasons — monsoon and winter. About 7,000 acres of land are put onions in monsoon but cultivation of more than 170,000 acres of onions is undertaken in winter. So onion cultivation is mainly in winter.

U Khin Maung Lay, Managing Director of Directorate of Trade: Now the permit of onion exports are suspended. According to our export policy, export permit will be granted only when there is surplus at home. For the time being, the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation in cooperation with local authorities concerned are working to extend onion cultivation this winter.

U Myat Soe (Leyar Sipwar Journal): I am U Myat Soe of Leyar Sipwar Journal. I heard someone had manipulated market prices of summer onion. So, please tell me arrangements to control price of onion. Another question is matters related to old currency notes. In this regard, the banks give out old currency notes to the customers. In spreading rumour, I heard production of currency notes worth one kyat or five kyats cost more than its original values. Indeed, the complaints on circulation of money and problems between bus conductors and passengers can tarnish image of the government. Despite a small case, it is very important. Therefore, I would also like to know arrangements for tackling the problem of old currency notes.

Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan: Monsoon and winter season onions are being cultivated.

If price of onion is high at the market, the growers will extend cultivation acreage of onion more than that of previous year. I would like to reply to the first question that it does not matter because farmers will grow more acres of onion due to the organizing and supervision of the local authorities with the assistance being provided by the government. In addition, State leaders had laid down export and import policy. With regard to the export matter, priority is given to ensure sufficiency of food at local market. Surplus of the local consumption is permitted to export. As far as I know, export of onion had been stopped since August due to causing onion scarcity at the local market. Controlling the export of onion will solve the problem. On the other hand, monsoon onion will be in season. Earlier, the item was delayed to enter the market owing to the heavy rain and transport difficulty. At present, onion will enter the market due to favourable climatic condition and good transport facilities.

I would like to answer another question. As far as I know, now the Ministry of Finance and Revenue is tackling the matters related to the currency note.

U Aung Thu Myaing (Ji Ji News Agency)

I am U Aung Thu Myaing of Ji Ji News Agency. Is it true Mr Gambari is going to pay a visit between 9 and 12.

And the second question is during his visit, if matters on putting Myanmar on the UNSC Agenda will be discussed or not. And another question is that whether arrangements will be made to hold press conference between Mr Gambari and journalists. And I would like to know the meaning of Swanar Shin which is included in the clarification of the director-general of MPF.

Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan

For the first question, I would like to reply that Mr Gambari will pay a visit in the near future.

Regarding the question during Mr Gambari's visit, if matters on putting Myanmar on the UNSC Agenda will be discussed or not, up to now he did not inform us what topics are to be discussed. In meeting with the dignitaries of the State during his previous visit, matters on UN and Myanmar were discussed. He also met with the National Convention Convening Commission and raised questions on the National Convention. We replied to his queries and explained the progress of the National Convention. What I would like to say that what is to be discussed or what questions are to be raised are not fixed. Therefore, I would like to reply that he did not inform us in advance.

For the question on holding press conference, I would like to reply that it is up to Mr Gambari to hold a press conference.

Brig-Gen Khin Yi

The meaning of Swanar Shin is that people are the strength of the nation. Therefore, we enlist these strength to handle the affairs of the nation. Members of Fire Brigade, Red Cross and Ward Peace and Development Councils are giving a helping hand to the tasks of law enforcement and community peace and tranquillity without salaries and they are the strength who provide assistance voluntarily and thus the State honours them with that word, Swanar Shin.

U Min Lwin (Ashay Ywa News Journal)

Before raising a question, I would like to talk about the so-called ‘88' generation student political activists with the age of forty and above who are married. It can be found there are two common facts among them. The first one is that these persons were sentenced for joining terrorist groups which opposed the government in 1988 unrest and the ones of DPNS, ABSDF led by Moe Thi Zon who went underground. These persons took part in the ‘88' unrest. The second fact is that according to historical background or today's situation, BCP is behind them.

Recently BCP Po Thangyaung said that to incite a people's uprising through public battle plan, the normal activities are to be welcomed and proactive efforts are to be made. Changing the quantity to quality, tasks are to be carried out for the people's movement plan to meet a success, he said. It can be vividly seen that BCP is behind these activities. My first question is that how immense the danger posed by BCP?

Secondly, activities of the so-called ‘88' generation student with the age of forty and above centered on NLD and holding of dialogue. The present stance of NLD is that it has walked out of the National Convention. And another fact, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, may be in 1997, gave support to Genuine Federal included in Mae Tharawhta declaration which stood against the National Convention. So, to what degree NLD can pose a threat to the National Convention?

Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan

The first question is that how immense the danger posed by BCP? There are both visible and invisible dangers. The visible danger is like what I have said that in the country BCP today is no powerful organization, army or their base. The strength of BCP that can be seen today is as UG abroad and there are some of them in the country. As it has no strength, it made temporary allies with other insurgents with some strength like NCUB. This is called the visible danger.

The invisible danger is that BCP put a plan called Demo 2006 Battle Plan on the Internet and spread it among the people. Myanmar Police Force and officials concerned who are responsible for security are always alert to study, scrutinize, detect and expose the danger posed to the nation. To put it in a nutshell, officials are to scrutinize and expose the invisible danger of BCP. Moreover, the people have faced a bitter experience on BCP and thus they have no trust in communism. This is the opinion on the invisible danger. This is concerned with the fact how immense the danger posed by BCP.

Another fact is that today, during the period of 40 years, people have experienced communism, parliament democracy and socialism. They have knowledge to differentiate what is good and bad. This is a strength which can deter the danger. So I would like to say that the knowledge of the people is the strength to curb the danger posed by BCP.

And NLD and Daw Suu Kyi supported the Maetharawhta declaration of insurgents in 1997. The declaration called for Genuine Federal. So, the question is that to what extent the stance of NLD and Daw Suu Kyi can pose a danger to the National Convention.

Nowadays, the National Convention is being held with the participation of delegates of 8 strata of life. It is known to all that the 8 strata includes national races, delegates of armed groups which have returned to the legal fold, political parties, representatives-elect, peasants, workers and intellectual and intelligentsia. They represent 55 million of people. NLD does not represent the people. It represents its own party. If one study the situation of the party, it will find splits in the party. Therefore, exclusion of NLD which represents its own party from the National Convention will not pose any danger.

According to the basic principles and the detailed basic principles which have been adopted, the State Constitution which will emerge in the future is the best for the country. Even foreign political experts said that Myanmar's Constitution provides federal principle opportunities although it does not state federal system. So, I come to the conclusion that there will be no disturbance whethere NLD takes part in the National Convention or not in drafting the constitution.

U Kyaw Swa Min (Flower News Journal)

I have read in the last week's newspaper that Myanmar was excluded from the list of the Non Cooperative Country and Territory. What will be the result?

Brig-Gen Khin Yi

I am going to touch on the background history. Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has put Myanmar in the list of the Non Cooperative Country and Territory for six years starting from 2001. FATF, based in Paris, has been handling financial matters together with G7 countries since 1989. The group is detecting such matters as Bank of Financial Institution throughout the world, money laundering and financing terrorism. Thus its decision is to be respected even by the United Nations. As this organization has put Myanmar in NCTT, we have tried to remove ourselves from the list.

FATF uses 25 criteria. Myanmar infringed 15 out of the 25 criteria such as no Money Laundering Law, no control mechanism and no sufficient law on Bank and Financial Institution. The Central Control Board, with the minister as the chairman and I as the secretary, have solved these problems and in June, 2005, the country was excluded from the list. As a result, the nation was acknowledged as a cooperating country in financial matters. Then, Myanmar will be able to enjoy the benefits such as loans granted by the World Bank, IMF and ADB will grant loans and provide training. This is good news for the nation and it can be said that our efforts are effective.

U Aung Hla Tun, (Reuters)

I am glad to know the improvement in the prisons. I would like to know that what is the situation to grant jail visit to ICRC?

Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan

We have not told that ICRC would not visit jails. Coordination is being made for the convenience of both parties when they pay visits to jails. I would like to say that through the coordination, proper arrangements will be made.