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FBIS3-5917_0

Further on Events at Cambodian Aid Conference Ranariddh Announces Mine Import Ban

Language: English Article Type:BFN [Excerpt] Tokyo, March 11 KYODO -- Cambodia's First Prime Minister Norodom Ranariddh said Friday [11 March] that his country will prohibit the import and laying of land mines effective immediately. "On behalf of the royal government, I would like to say very clearly that we completely ban any laying out of mines," Ranariddh told reporters at the Japan National Press Club. Ranariddh, in Tokyo to attend a meeting of the International Committee on the Reconstruction of Cambodia (ICORC), also vowed that the Cambodian military will never again purchase mines. The announcement followed pledges by donor countries and organizations earlier Friday of more than 20 million dollars over two years to help Cambodia find and deactivate millions of mines. Ranariddh cited a message from King Norodom Sihanouk, issued just ahead of the meeting, in which the monarch said "history will condemn extremely harshly those who plant such mines in Cambodia." [passage omitted]

FBIS3-5918_0

Further on Events at Cambodian Aid Conference Foreign Minister Interviewed

Language: English Article Type:BFN [Excerpt] Tokyo, March 11 KYODO -- Cambodian Foreign Minister Norodom Sirivut took Thailand to task Friday [11 March] for allowing an illegal logging trade to thrive along Khmer Rouge- controlled border areas. Sirivut broached the subject in an interview with KYODO NEWS SERVICE during his visit to Tokyo for a two-day meeting of the International Committee on the Reconstruction of Cambodia (ICORC), which ended Friday. "It's not reasonable, it's not fair to say on one hand `we will help Cambodia' and on the other hand `we will bleed it'," he said, evidently referring to Thailand by the well-worn euphemism "neighboring country." Thailand participated in the ICORC meeting as a donor nation. Its thickly forested border with Cambodia is the scene of lucrative trade in Cambodian timber run by the Khmer Rouge. Sirivut said he made a "strong appeal" at the conference for Cambodia's neighbors to respect its laws concerning exploitation of timber, an apparent reference to a U.N.-backed logging ban Cambodia instituted at the beginning of 1993. "Natural resources are for the survival of Cambodia," said the foreign minister, who also serves as deputy prime minister. Sirivut's remarks followed an unconfirmed report about a soured December agreement between the Cambodian Government and the Khmer Rouge to share profits from the export to Thailand of some 120 million dollars worth of timber, stranded since the ban. The timber was reportedly moved into Khmer Rouge-controlled territory to be sold across the border from mid-February to the end of March, but Khmer Rouge attacks on government positions convinced the government that the guerrillas had broken their word. Government forces are now preparing to take over the logs and logging routes by force, according to the report quoting Thai sources. [passage omitted]

FBIS3-5921_0

Various Sectors React to Super 301 Measure

Language: Japanese Article Type:BFN [Text] The U.S. Government identified eight Japanese industrial sectors -- wood products, paper, plate glass, computers, supercomputers, electric telecommunications, medical equipment, and insurance -- as candidates subject to retaliatory action under the Super 301 trade provision (designed to impose sanctions on trading-partner nations which employ unfair trade practices). Companies in all of the sectors -- except for insurance, which comes under the control of the Finance Ministry's administration of issuing licenses and permits, and telecommunications, which enjoys an excess of exports over imports -- are perplexed and oppose the announcement. It seems that the plate glass and wood product industries, whose imports exceed exports, are having difficulty understanding what the United States' true intentions are. Many of these firms feel bullish, partly because of a lull in the appreciation of the yen. Plate Glass According to 1992 customs clearance statistics, Japan imported plate glass worth 4.5 billion yen from the United States, and the United States imported 1.6 billion yen of plate glass from Japan. The difference is that Japan spent 2.9 billion yen more than did the United States. Yasuhiko Kogawa, managing director of Asahi Glass Company, which is the largest glass producer in Japan, did not hesitate to express his dissatisfaction. He said: "Japan's imports exceed exports as far as the flat glass trade with the United States is concerned. Moreover, the scale of the glass trade between the two countries is small. Why is the United States so insistent about the plate glass sector?" In response to a request made by the United States, the Fair Trade Commission [FTC] investigated the realities of business practices in the industrial sectors. As a result, the FTC pointed out that business ties between glass manufacturers and their special agents are firm and that there was room for improvement. However, three plate glass companies maintain that the progressive rebate and postdiscount systems known as unfair traditional business practices, which are the cause of keiretsu, were successively abolished. Therefore, they say that "we no longer have the systems that can be improved further" (according to the same managing director). Paper Products The same thing can be said about paper products, of which Japan imports more than it exports. Since a settlement was reached for the time being following the conclusion of the Japanese-U.S. paper accord, Takashi Mano, managing director of the New Oji Paper Company, said: "The use

FBIS3-5924_0

Editorials Urge Action on Relations With U.S. `Sharpening Conflict' Viewed

Language: Japanese Article Type:BFN [Editorial: "Don't End It as a Show Performance"] [Text] "Japan-U.S. relations are the most important bilateral relations in the world," Michael Mansfield, former U.S. ambassador to Japan, used to say, and many people have thought that way and still do. While this thinking has been taken for granted, it is now becoming increasingly unclear whether the people really believe that to be true in the bottom of their hearts. That doubt is now here because in no way can we really believe that either the Hosokawa government or the Clinton government is seriously thinking that way. Some people say there is no need to worry "because the two nations are so deeply involved with each other economically." That may be true, but economic relations are indeed mercenary relations of interest, and there is nothing as changeable as such relations. The sharpening conflict in bilateral relations over the economic consultations is the best testimony to this. Some people say there is no need to worry "since the two nations are closely tied by the security pact." That may be true as well. But the security pact is informed by intentions on one side that are sometimes different from the other and vice versa, resulting in the peoples of both countries occasionally becoming sensitive and emotionally disgruntled toward each other. For instance, the presence of U.S. forces in Japan is now apt to be viewed as a heavy burden by both Japan and the United States. The problem, after all, arises from thinking that Japan-U.S. relations affect only the two countries themselves. That line of thought leads to the egotism of one side clashing with the that of the other. We would like to think of the U.S.-Japan relationship in terms of bilateral ties, but the relationship does not end there. Let us think. Japan and the United States between them hold about four-tenths of the gross national product (GNP) of the world. We need to realize how much trouble the quarreling of the two countries is causing other countries in the world. In fact, only recently, THE INTERNATIONAL HERALD TRIBUNE reported in a big- headline article that Asian countries are concerned about catching side blows from these quarrels. We think former Ambassador Mansfield had that thought in his mind when he used the phrase "most important bilateral relations." We do not want to repeat here what the

FBIS3-5965_0

Increase in Electric Power Production Reported

Language: English Article Type:BFN [Text] Pyongyang, March 11 (KCNA) -- The production of electric power is on the growth in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. According to data available at the State Commission of the Electric Power Industry, the power producers have increased the average daily load factor of electric power 2.6 percent above the same period last [word indistinct]. On March 17 general hydroelectric power enterprise topped its February target 3.2 percent and is going beyond its daily quotas this month more than 10 percent. The Changjagang power station is producing 9,000 to 10,000 kwh outside the daily assignments through an effective control of water and equipment and technical control. The Hochongang and Pujongang power stations are keeping production at a high level by actively introducing the operation method of high water level and high efficiency. The Pukchang thermal power complex and the east Pyongyang thermal power plant have increased the load factor of each generator 3.8 and 4.1 percent above the same time of last month by effectively controlling the boilers and raising the combustion rate to boost production.

FBIS3-5967_0

Research To Improve Medical Technology Noted

Language: English Article Type:BFN [Text] Pyongyang, March 11 (KCNA) -- New technology researches to improve medical services are brisk among the medical workers of Korea. During the past one year, many inventions and rationalization proposals have been produced in the prophylactic and therapheutic organs in Pyongyang. More than [word indistinct] of them have been introduced into clinics. One of the noteworthy successes is the separation and culture of pylorus spirillum, a main causer of gastric and [word indistinct] ulcers, and the development of a new Koryo medicine of big effect in treating them. New technologies introduced in the treatment of liver [word indistinct] hypertension portails and acute pneumonia and a special method of suture for preventing suppuration in operation are also effective in clinical practice. Soft cupping and water-eczema and massage appliances also have won the favor of the patients. Medical workers, while giving preventive and curative assistance to working people, write many valuable medical treatises. They total ten and several thousand annually nationwide. Scientific symposiums on the researches of medical workers are regularly held. The active efforts of the medical workers reliably guarantee the health of the working people.

FBIS3-5982_0

Conference Held With Thailand on Investment Official on Amendments to Laws

Language: English Article Type:BFN [By Marisa Chimprapha] [Text] VIENTIANE -- The Laotian National Assembly is considering changes in its laws to encourage foreign investment to the country. The assembly on Wednesday began a six-day meeting during which members will debate legal amendments approved recently by Cabinet, including a proposal to allow the setting up of an industrial estate. A senior Laotian official said yesterday the proposed amendments would provide more incentives for foreign investors in Laos, mostly Thais. Proposed changes included allowing businessmen longer tenure on rented land. "Businessmen are authorized to transfer the rental right to a third party -- which is not provided for in the present foreign investment law," he said. Businesses would not need to try to buy the land, because the lease period would be for up to 99 years, more than adequate for business planning. The amendments would also provide more protection for foreign investors. It is proposed to establish an industrial estate, partly because Laotian authorities are understaffed and already hard-pressed to monitor the 40-odd foreign industries already operating in Laos. "To have them in the same location will make our work easier and will also be to their advantage as the government will certainly develop necessary infrastructure and facilities in the estate," he said. The first industrial estate is expected to be developed about 30 kilometers north of Vientiane, on the way to Nam Ngum dam, if President Nouhak Phoumsavan announces approval. The official said the planned estate will not be located near Vientiane, to avoid polluting the capital. Leuan Sombounkhan, vice president of the committee for planning and co-operation, told THE NATION that tax incentives would be given to businesses which locate in industrial estates. The National Assembly conference is presided over by Saman Vi- gnaket, a member of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party central committee and president of the National Assembly. The opening was attended by Prime Minister Gen. Khamtai Siphandon President Nouhak and other Politburo members, National Assembly members and Cabinet members. In his opening address, Saman told the assembly the world situation could have both favorable and complicated effects on national development and security. "The world's people, especially those of developing and less- developed countries, struggle to safeguard their political independence while focusing efforts on socio-economic development to improve living conditions," the official quoted Saman as saying. In Southeast Asia the emerging trend was towards peace, stability and

FBIS3-5983_4

Conference Held With Thailand on Investment Article on Modernization Strategy

to the hilt but the real, solid ones are more cautious, waiting in the wings, weighing the pros and cons to decide whether to spend the same amount of money in Laos or Vietnam or Cambodia. The choice is never easy considering the varying degrees of uncertainty in all the three Indochinese countries. But some "big names" from Thailand have arrived, waving their drafts of MoUs, or "Memorandums of Understanding", as a way to test the waters. Thai banks have made inroads in Vientiane and Thai construction companies have lobbied hard to win contracts through some complicated rules which require both a good understanding of how things are done and who to talk to before gaining entry into the game. "Everything is negotiable," declared a top Laotian official in charge of drawing up the ground rules for foreign investors, responding to the growing complaints from Thai businessmen about unclear laws and regulations on a number of areas of investments. The pledge to apply flexibility in all areas might have come as good news to some. But the same statement also spells chaos and disorder. "If everything can be discussed, it also means that what applies today may not apply the following day or vice versa," a Thai trader says. The teething problems will be there for sometime. But one should not interpret the new sense of compromise as a gesture of weakness. The fierce sense of political independence which has been the hallmark of Laos' political philosophy through the Cold War remains as strong as ever. Any adjustments in its political structure will only come very slowly and after very careful consideration. "We are quite convinced that our present political structure of a one-party system is ideal for us. But changes will come if we consider them appropriate. For example, our parliament, which used to be a very quiet and inactive body, has lately been activated. House debates are a common theme and newspapers in Laos now have become more critical about issues that affect the country..." the same official says. The wind of change has arrived but this tiny country of calm and restraint appears determined to proceed at its own pace and with its own style. If Laos appeared to have picked up speed in recent years, that was only because Laos wants to make sure that it is not left far too much behind. As one local

FBIS3-5984_0

Prasong on U.S. Sanctions Against Thai Firms

Language: Thai Article Type:BFN [Text] Foreign Minister Squadron Leader Prasong Sunsiri was asked about a report that the Khmer Rouge had forced Thai gem-miners out of Cambodia. He said that there has been no information to that effect given to the Foreign Ministry and he would like to check the accuracy of the report before answering newsmen. However, he said that it is the policy of the Thai Government that no Thai workers engage in trade with the Khmer Rouge. He noted that from what happened in the past, the Khmer Rouge provided facilities for Thai residents. Asked about U.S. sanctions against three Thai companies with workers in Libya, he said the United States claimed that the three companies were helping Libya set up a chemical weapons production plant. The foreign minister said that U.S. ambassador to Thailand David Lambertson had already met and consulted with him on the matter. Prasong said the ambassador confirmed that the sanctions were against the three companies only and do not apply to other Thai companies or the Thai people.

FBIS3-5994_0

Editorial Terms Burma Joining ASEAN `Disgrace'

Language: English Article Type:BFN [Editorial: "A Sad Day for Burmese Democracy Movement and Its People"] [Excerpts] The United Nations in Geneva last week accused Burma's military government of persistent and extremely serious human rights violations, including torture and summary execution. [passage omitted] But that's UN business. Apparently it is of no concern to ASEAN. ASEAN's main fixation with the illegitimate pariah regime in Rangoon is the abundance of wealth it is sitting on, and how to exploit those riches. How the Burmese generals run their country is their own "internal affair". So after months of debate and soul-searching, ASEAN, comprising Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines and Brunei, has decided to invite Burma, for that country's well-being and as well as theirs, to attend its annual pow-wow in Bangkok in July as guest of the host nation. We wonder though if the remaining five member nations would have done the same had one of them been the host of this year's meeting and thereby risked criticism by most Western governments which shun the brutal military regime in Rangoon. [passage omitted] Another question is why Thailand, why this government, a democratically elected one, chose to ignore the exhortations of the media, its academics and most in the intellectual community to scrap its controversial "constructive engagement" policy with a regime hated by its people for its ruthless and arbitrary rule? As a democratic government it owes its allegiance first to its people. Not to a certain group of people with vested interests, and certainly not to a foreign government and a dictatorial one at that. This Government came into being after a bloody uprising less than two years ago in exchange for human lives and an end to military dictatorship. Yet today we are consorting with a regime and shaking a hand which is soaked with the blood of more than 3,000 of its own people who were killed in the 1988 suppression. This Government justifies its association with the Burmese generals saying there can be no political development until economic stability has been restored to that country. And without economic stability there could be no security in Burma and Southeast Asia as a whole. To achieve this aim, its policy and those of its ASEAN counterparts is not to isolate Burma, instead to embrace it with open arms into the ASEAN fold with the hope of coaxing it into establishing democratic

FBIS3-5995_0

Western Spiritual, Cultural `Pollution' Decried

Language: English Article Type:BFN [Text] HANOI, March 14 (AFP) -- The Vietnamese authorities sounded an anxious new warning Monday about Western influence, with editorials declaring the communist regime must not be destabilized by "Western spiritual and cultural pollution." The editorials have been stepped up since the lifting of the U.S. economic embargo on Vietnam earlier this year. In the latest commentaries, both the party and military newspapers called on Vietnamese to make "the irreversible choice" toward socialism, taking into account "the thoughts of Ho Chi Minh" during this period of opening. The Cold War language since the embargo was lifted earlier this year betrays the government's suspicions of Western influence, as increasing numbers [of] Americans have begun arriving in the country to do business, analysts say. Following closely the actions of its neighbour China, which has been facing US pressure on human rights, Vietnam is emphasizing the primary importance of political stability, and rejects "interference in its internal affairs." "The Vietnamese people recognize the leading role of the party, support political stability as helpful to doing business, and recognize that pluralism and a multiparty system are potential causes of social problems," the SAIGON GIAI PHONG (FREE SAIGON) daily wrote. The leadership is particularly wary of the return of some of the one million "Viet Kieu," or overseas Vietnamese who fled to the United States after the fall of Saigon in 1975. The leaders are eager for the money and business know-how the returnees would bring, but not the political and cultural influences picked up during years in the West, well-placed sources said. The other threat to the regime, the sources said, comes from inside Vietnam itself in the form of Catholic and Buddhist dissidents, other intellectuals, and disgraced former party or military members. The Vietnamese leadership now enjoys less ideological support abroad for its orthodoxy, with only Laos and Cuba left in the traditional communist camp. Cuban Foreign Minister Roberto Robaina arrives for a visit next week.

FBIS3-5996_0

Agreement With Vatican on Decisionmaking Noted

Language: English Article Type:BFN [Text] Hanoi VNA March 14 -- Vatican Deputy Secretary of State Monsignor Claudio Celli left here yesterday ending a week-long working visit to Vietnam. While in Vietnam, the Vatican representative held talks with Mr. Vu Quang, head of the government Commission for Religious Affairs. The two sides agreed that the Holy See will inform the Vietnamese Government of all issues relating to Vietnam Catholic Church and will make decision once the Vietnamese Government agrees. The Vatican representative met with members of the Standing Committee of the Vietnam Episcopal, visited churches in Hanoi, Bac Ninh, Nha Trang, and Da Nang. The Vatican guest was also received by Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Dy Nien.

FBIS3-6084_1

Tokyo, U.S. View Phone Accord Interpretation

between Japan and the United States over the interpretation of this expression -- "all available measures." It looks clear that the Japanese Government wants to avoid giving much meaning to the expression, and Vice Foreign Minister Kunihiko Saito insists, "All this means is to do something like conducting, on a regular basis, checks on degree of progress being made in dealings between the private companies." But on the U.S. side, U.S. Trade Representative Mickey Kantor openly praised the accord as "the first step in result-oriented agreements." It is apparent that the U.S. Government interprets the accord as "containing in effect the government guarantee" regarding progress made in market access. In fact, there was a fierce tug of war on this expression. One of the officials who took part in negotiations said, "In Japan's original draft, a limited expression of 'measures within the scope of law' was used." But at the strong resistance of the United States, Japan was forced to swallow the expression "all available measures." This shows how the United States was determined to get its way whether the other party wanted it or not. Some ranking government officials are concerned about the United States' firm attitude lest "the automobiles and auto parts, which is one of the three priority areas in the economic consultations, should become the next target. Private auto manufacturers are now moving toward presenting "voluntary targets to purchase U.S.-made products," but the officials are concerned lest the U.S. Government should ask the Japanese Government to provide de facto guarantee on their performance as done in the recent agreement on cellular phones. The Ministry of International Trade and Industry [MITI] is already alarmed, insisting, "This area is different from the telecommunications. The government issues few permits and licenses in this area, hence has little room to interfere." But in the framework talks, confrontation between two nations continues -- as the United States wants to have certain future targets set as "objective criteria," while Japan stands by the position it will not accept anything other than a yardstick to measure the degree of the past market access. As such, there is the possibility that the method the U.S. Government used in the negotiations this time will become a "bridgehead," based on which the United States will push for Japan's compromise. The next move by the United States can be one which will put Japan into real anguish.

FBIS3-6134_0

New Streetcar, Electric Railcar Make Trial Run

Language: Korean Article Type:BFN [Text] A trial run of a new type of streetcar and underground electric railcar, produced at the Kim Chong-tae electric locomotive general enterprise, has been successfully carried out. The trial run made on several occasions covered the long distance from Mangyongdae District's Songsan to Sopyongyang Stations passing by Potonggang District's Kwangbok, Red and (Kyongun) Streets. All of the streetcar's operative functions and spare parts operated smoothly in accordance with the technological demand. The streetcar moved swiftly and this made the people happy. By upholding the party's intention of developing the country's transportation and freighting system, and providing safer and more comfortable transportation conditions, the workers of the Kim Chong-tae electric locomotive general enterprise highly manifested the revolutionary spirit of self-reliance and fortitude to make a new type streetcar and underground electric railcar in just 70 days. They also successfully guaranteed the trial run of the streetcar and underground electric railcar. The streetcar was manufactured and completed safely in accordance with the topography of the capital and the passenger demand. According to the automatic operation of the streetcar, all the electric equipment and damping devices were operated smoothly from the first trial run. In particular, the efficiency of the starting apparatus, made by introducing the structural method of the electric circuit in accordance with our country's situation, was very good. This made it possible for the traction electric motor's starter to move freely, and firmly guaranteed its operation's reliability and safety. The underground electric railcar also had a successful trial run covering many blocks. All the elements including the traction part, electronic equipment, damping device, and buffer device operated normally. In the vigorous road of the overall march of socialism of our own style, our heroic working class magnificently produced a modern streetcar and underground electric railcar through their own strength, technology, and material, and successfully guaranteed the trial run. This has made the mass production of the vehicles possible to develop the country's transportation and freighting system. It is also of great significance because it provides safer and more comfortable transportation conditions and cultivated living conditions for the people. The streetcar and underground electric railcar, which will actively contribute to displaying the might of the country's self-dependent national economy and developing the capital's transportation and freighting, will soon go into mass production.

FBIS3-6166_2

Editorial Seeks Greater Role for ASEAN Forum

upset its regional partners. The most significant is its declaration of sovereignty over a large expanse of the South China Sea. Asean is aware that China used force to evict the Vietnamese from some of the Paracel and Spratly Islands in 1975 and 1988. These island archipelagos extend across important shipping lanes. However, the regional grouping should also note that the Chinese didn't show the same kind of aggression in pursuing their claim to the Senkaku Islands, northeast of Taiwan, controlled by militarily superior Japan. In Burma, China has become one of the closest foreign allies of the thuggish State Law and Order Restoration Council, supplying the military junta with arms destined to be used against domestic opponents. The United States, which previously had a high-profile military presence in Southeast Asia, is yet to decide on its role in the region. The much asked question now is: How will Asean react when these three powers wake up and stretch? Clearly, if Southeast Asia has not created a credible and cohesive multilateral security system by then, the smaller countries will be prey to traditional balance of power politics among the key actors. The ARF, proposed to be formed in July, runs the risk of just being an empty framework if fears of offending regional powers and partners inhibits discussion of internal problems. It is completely baffling how security threats can be identified and diffused if they are not even discussed in detail. For a start, the Spratly Islands issue and other connected disputes in the South China Sea -- from piracy to poaching of fisheries resources -- must be taken up by the ARF. Asean must send out a clear message that it does not condone what Beijing is doing in the South China Sea and China should make good its promise of joint development in the disputed territory to dispel Southeast Asian anxiety. In Asean, collective security is still in its infancy. Arms control, confidence-building measures, satellite surveillance and the verification of chemical weapons possession have not even been thought of yet. What is needed first and foremost in the region is an overall political framework that is strong enough to contain disorder and survive changes in member countries. A security mechanism for quick and effective action will have to follow. The ARF must prepare not for clashes two years from now, but for the politics of the 21st century.

FBIS3-6179_1

Vo Van Kiet Tours Hoa Binh Power Station

the north-south 500-kilovolt power line, which is of great importance to the cause of national construction. The prime minister expressed his hope that everyone will continue to complete the remaining work with the highest results. Next, the prime minister called on the Vietnamese cadres and workers and Russian specialists at the Hoa Binh hydroelectric power plant where the last phase of the installation of the eighth group of generators was in progress. The prime minister reminded everyone of the need to make continued efforts to guarantee the highest level of quality for this last group of generators. During his two-day visit to Hoa Binh, Vo Van Kiet devoted much of his time to touring a number of production establishments and to working sessions with leading provincial officials. He also toured Nam Phong Village in Ky Son District, where he called on a number of households which performed very well in the movement to promote the household economy. Next, while touring Trung Phong Village, the prime minister expressed his keen interest in sugar cane planting. Afterward, he visited the Cao Phong state farm. In his exchange of views with Farm Director Hoang Huu Qui, the prime minister said: [Vo Van Kiet] "What is the average annual income of each household here?" [Hoang Huu Qui] "On the average, each worker here earns 20 million dong per year. Some outstanding workers earn as much as 40-45 million dong each per year. The farm management collects fees on basic depreciation and agricultural taxes. In addition, each worker also makes a three-percent contribution to the production insurance fund. Altogether, each worker contributes about 40 percent of his or her income and keeps the rest, which stands at about 60 percent." [Vo Van Kiet] "Is production stable?" [Hoang Huu Qui] "Yes, it is stable. For example, the yield of each orchard is about 150 quintals, or 15 tons." [Vo Van Kiet] "Are there any supplemental measures to increase the incomes of the farm and households?" [Hoang Huu Qui] "Well, we think that intensive cultivation is one way to increase our crop yield. We also think of ways to generate high-yield saplings, which, in turn, will yield higher revenues." Also at Ky Xuan District, Vo Van Kiet visited the forested area in Dan Hoa village. He urged the local administration and people to continue to plant forest trees and fruit orchards on denuded land to earn more

FBIS3-6180_0

Three Generators Inaugurated at Ba Ria-Vung Tau

Language: Vietnamese Article Type:BFN [Text] The No. 2 Electricity Company inaugurated three 37.5-megawatt gas turbine generators at the Ba Ria-Vung Tau Power Station on the morning of 12 March. The three generators are now safely producing more than 92 million kilowatt-hours of electricity for the national line after being installed and completing a test run from 12 January to 2 March. Thanks to these generators, daily electricity resources for the southern provinces have increased by about 15-20 percent. The total cost of the 63-km, 220-kilovolt Ba Ria-Long Binh line and the three generators was more than 441 billion dong.

FBIS3-6189_0

Visit by U.S. Defense Official Discussed

Language: Korean Article Type:BFN [Text] Frank Wisner, U.S. under secretary of defense for policy, arrived in the ROK on 14 March to discuss the North Korean nuclear issue and measures to promote security cooperation between the ROK and the United States. Visiting the ROK after accompanying U.S. Secretary of State Christopher to China, Under Secretary Wisner on 15 March will seriously discuss the North Korean nuclear issue and other matters with Foreign Minister Han Sung-chu, Defense Minister Yi Pyong-tae, and Chong Chong-uk, senior presidential assistant for diplomacy and security. Regarding this issue, a government official noted that "Under Secretary Wisner has come to the ROK to better understand the latest security situation on the Korean peninsula. However, the issue of resuming this year's Team Spirit exercise, which has been conditionally suspended, will also be discussed in the event that no progress is made regarding the exchange of special envoys during the seventh North-South working-level contact slated for 16 March." Noting that Under Secretary Wisner is in charge of nuclear policy in the U.S. Defense Department, the official pointed out that during the current ROK-U.S. consultations, an overall review will be made concerning the North-South mutual nuclear inspections, which our side will raise in the course of exchanging special envoys, and concerning ways to resolve the North Korean nuclear issue. Seven members, including (Stanley Ross), deputy assistant secretary of defense for East Asian and Pacific affairs; Michael Ryan, assistant to the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Kent Wiedemann, special assistant for Asian Affairs of the National Security Council in the White House, are accompanying Under Secretary Wisner.

FBIS3-6195_1

DPRK Upgrades Light, Downgrades Heavy Industry

by the Information Analysis Office of the National Unification Board [NUB] from January to 10 March 1994 based on reports in North Korean newspapers, North Korea has increased the size of enterprises in light industry and trade, while reducing the size of enterprises in heavy industry. First, the "General Bureau of the Shoe Industry," which belongs to the light industrial sector, has been upgraded to the "Joint General Bureau of the Shoe Industry, and the "Korea Silk Company" has been upgraded to the "Joint Korea Silk Company." On the other hand, the Kangso District Coal Mining Complex has been downgraded to the Kangso District Coal Mining General Enterprise; the Kim Chong-tae Electric Locomotive Complex to the Kim Chong-tae Electric Locomotive General Enterprise; and the Kumsong Tractor Complex to the Kumsong Tractor General Plant. A general enterprise is a combination of enterprises that deal with the same kinds of materials according to the order of the production process. On the other hand, a complex is a combination of general enterprises that are technologically related to each other based on a large-scale production unit. Therefore, a complex has been defined as a parent organization of a general enterprise. The reason for North Korea's upgrading light industrial sectors into complexes and for downgrading heavy industrial sectors into general enterprises is the result of its policy to give priority to light industry. This is a change in policy to remove the unequal development of light industry and heavy industry, which is a deep-rooted problem of the North Korean economy. According to North Korea's announcement of the trade-is-best policy, the Unha Trade General Bureau has been upgraded to the Joint Unha Trade General Bureau. The Joint Unha Trade General Bureau has several light industrial subsidiaries, such as the Sariwon Textile Plant, the Kaesong Textile Plant, the Hwangju Fiber Plant, and the Songjin Fiber Plant. In early January, North Korea reshuffled ministers of economic- related ministries by appointing Kong Chin-tae as deputy premier in charge of economic affairs of the State Administration Council; Kim Pyong-kil as minister of the Mining Industry Ministry; Yi Chun-sok as minister of the Forestry Ministry; Kim Kil-yon as director of the State Academy of Science; and Chae Hui-chong as chairman of the State Science and Technology Committee. All of the above are from the working class rather than politicians. North Korea has undoubtedly taken these steps to raise its economic productivity.

FBIS3-6212_0

Ministry To Start Diplomatic Information Database

Language: English Article Type:BFN [Text] Seoul, March 14 (YONHAP) -- Responding to the era of internationalization, the Foreign Ministry will fully computerize the jobs of sanctioning plans and managing information starting next year, ministry officials said Monday [14 March]. Computerization is considered a must to accommodate the amount of information acquired by overseas missions and quickly meet demands as documents are now managed separately by bureau, office and division, the officials said. The ministry plans to start building up a data base on diplomatic information this year. It will begin with information on people, protocols, economic and trade statistics, National Assembly interpellation summaries, diplomatic schedules, dates of global events and international organizations this month. Work on the data base will continue to include diplomatic policies, materials, books and personnel. Comprehensive and efficient management of diplomatic information is neccessary to respond quickly and aggressively to changes in the world, an official said. In the long run, the ministry will adopt a multi-data system that handles letters, images and sounds at the same time and introduce an optical file system to produce colorful image data.

FBIS3-6268_0

Cilreco Urges South To Stop Waste Dumping

Language: English Article Type:BFN [Text] Pyongyang, March 15 (KCNA) -- The International Liaison Committee for Reunification and Peace in Korea (Cilreco) released a statement on March 7 urging the South Korean authorities to immediately open to the public their nuclear waste dumping into the sea and apologize to the Korean people and the world people. The statement said their nuclear waste dumping was a gross violation of the international accord and regulations and a criminal act harming the lives of the people and their living environment. "We condemn the South Korean authorities' nuclear arms development and call on all the peaceloving forces of the world to join in the movement for the withdrawal of the U.S. nuclear weapons from South Korea," it added.

FBIS3-6273_0

Progress in Agricultural Science Reported

Language: English Article Type:BFN [Text] Pyongyang, March 16 (KCNA) -- Agro-science has made progress in Korea. The variety of crops cultivated and applied in agriculture has increased three times over the past thirty years since the publication of the socialist rural theses (February 1964). Methods of farming suitable for different areas and soil have been completed on the principle of the right crop in the right time and the right crop on the right soil. Noteworthy is the completion of the method of farming on the northern highlands 1,000 to 1,400 metres above sea level and of the two-crop farming method in South Hwanghae and Kangwon Provinces and other areas with a relatively mild weather. Along with this, scientific and technological problems have been satisfactorily solved in the irrigation, comprehensive mechanization and extensive application of chemicals in agriculture. The study and development of various kinds of chemical fertilizers and herbicides suited to conditions for the growth of crops raised their qualitative composition. A large number of modern farm machines have been invented and introduced and nearly all farm work is done with the help of machines. The great leader President Kim Il-song, always paying deep attention to the development of the nation's agriculture, saw to it that chuche-based agro-science research institutions were set up. More than 180 branches and experimental farms have been built in all provinces since the agro-science research centre was built in December 1948. Training centres for agro-scientists and technicians were built up. Hundreds of thousands of agro-scientists and experts are active in the agricultural sector. The development of agro-science brought about a rapid growth of agricultural production. Over the past thirty years after the publication of the rural theses the production of grain increased 1.9 times, of which rice 1.8 times and maize 2.2 times. The number of tractors and lorries engaged in the agricultural domain increased six and five times respectively. The amount of chemical fertilizers per hectare rose to more than two tons from 300 kilograms.

FBIS3-6279_0

Southern Mindanao Emerging as `New Growth Area'

Language: English Article Type:BFN [By Malou L. Sayson] [Text] Southern Mindanao is fast shedding off its image as the country's traditional economic backdoor and in no time will emerge as the new growth area in the east of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The reason for this change is its abundant agriculture and natural resources which have continued luring unprecedented investments since the early 1990's. Southern Mindanao's passport to a grandiose transformation is its so-called SOCSARGEN (South Cotabato, Sarangani, General Santos City) growth corridor, dubbed as the "agricultural paradise" of the south. Agriculture Secretary Roberto S. Sebastian said the diversified agricultural potential highlighted by the vast and rich fishing grounds of the Celebes and Solomon seas could easily make the area the main gateway to East ASEAN markets. The growth trend has emerged in the early 1990's when investments jumped 800 million to around one billion pesos at present. New firms have also been noted to have mushroomed. Sebastian said there are about 200 big local and foreign investors who have confirmed investing in SOCSARGEN. Malaysia is one of the leading investors in the area as signalled by the recent visit of Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir bin Mohamed. Sebastian said a Philippine trade mission is set to visit Malaysia to discuss agriculture complementation between the two countries, especially in the aspect of fishing. A world-class fishport, 20 minutes away from Polomoloc, South Cotabato, is just a part of the infrastructure investments of over $200 million committed by the governments of the Philippines, the United States and Japan. Sebastian said the fishport complex, designed to cover a one-kilometer shoreline with a projected daily capacity of 1,000 metric tons of fish catch, could make SOCSARGEN competitive with Thailand's port. He said fish processing activities are concentrated in Thailand; but once the fishport complex is established, the country can capture part of the fish market. This is due to SOCSARGEN's proximity to the rich fishing grounds of the Solomon and Celebes seas located east of the country. Just by cutting the transit time is enough to lure commercial fishing vessels to land their catch in Southern Mindanao instead of Thailand, Sebastian added. Commercial fishing firms operating in General Santos City are leading participants in this lucrative regional fishing market. There are 34 commercial deep-sea fishing firms with a combined fleet of over 600 commercial fishing vessels' based in the city, making

FBIS3-6280_0

`Illegal Shipment' Clause Focus of Textile Talks

Language: English Article Type:BFN [By Achara Phongwutthitham] [Text] In an attempt to conclude the long-awaited bilateral textile agreement during the round of talks to take place at the end of this month, Thai officials are considering the wording of the illegal shipment circumvention clause. Thai and US officials are scheduled to hold their third round of talks this month. They are expected to focus on the illegal shipment clause as it is the last crucial and contentious issue to be resolved in the negotiations. The United States has already proposed some wording it would like to see included in the agreement, but the Thai side did not want to see the final agreement based on a US draft alone. The wording proposed by the US may conflict with some of Gatt's multilateral trade principles. And Thailand's agreement to such a clause might have put the country at a disadvantage on other issues in the future. A source in the Thai Garment Manufacturers Association said the US proposed very tough penalties for circumvention of the country-of-origin rules. Thai garment exporters would stand to lose portions of their quota if their products are found to have been trans-shipped to third countries before entering the US. The condition suggested by the Americans would give the United States the rights to inspect any plant in Thailand suspected of trans-shipping its output to the United States without advance notice. If any plant were shown to be guilty, the firm would be subject to being punished by the reduction of its quota by triple the amount of product illegally transshipped. The General Agreement on Trade and Tariffs (Gatt) calls for giving accused countries the chance to clear themselves by submitting documentation in support of their innocence. The US wants to be able to check things out at the source. The source said two previous negotiating sessions had failed to extend the textiles and garments agreement because the Thai side could not accept the US proposal. Many other textile and garment exporters like Hong Kong and China have agreed to sign bilateral textile quota agreements with the United States. The circumvention penalties insisted on by the United States differ for each country such an agreement has been concluded with. The old bilateral agreement which allowed for a limited amount of Thai textiles to be exported to the US without harming its domestic garment industry expired on Dec

FBIS3-6281_1

Editorial: U.S. Preparing `Economic War'

play a productive role in the making of the new international economic order with a collective consensus and to refuse to play into American hands. This is a time for the most creative ASEAN initiatives for a productive role and continued progress. Our joint collaboration should extend beyond the ASEAN and the ASEAN sub-region, beyond Southeast Asia, beyond East Asia and even beyond the Asia-Pacific region. ASEAN must of course be aware of its own limited weight in the international arena. Japan -- the Asian economic giant -- on the other hand, should realize and do some soul searching concerning her own position, both in the economic and political areas in the region is weakened, unless Japan inclines towards ASEAN and other Asian countries in her own interest. Whatever the political beliefs in China, the "one country with two policies" has to be taken seriously. China has been opening up her economy to world trade and investments for the past decade and has fairly successfully juxtaposed a free market system with a centrally-planned economy. There is no doubt that China today is economically healthier than the China of the Cultural Revolution and Maoism. ASEAN and other Asian states cannot ignore China in any "Asian" regional economic forum of the future apart from APEC [Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation]. ASEAN leaders, from its inception in 1967, have reviewed progress achieved and so plan new directions for the future. Unfortunately the record of achievements, particularly in the field of economic cooperation, has been dismal. The political and economic scenario of the world under ASEAN which existed in the 70s and 80s has been radically transformed. The socialist command economics of Eastern Europe have collapsed and are being replaced by a free market system. The Soviet Union is undergoing a political and economic upheaval of unprecedented proportions which will move it away from the rigid centrally-planned economies of the past to a more market-oriented system. We witness now the early failures of the free market and democracy in the former Communist countries. Indeed their situation now is worse than when their economies were centrally planned. On the other hand, there are a host of problems for the world arising out of the structural weakness on the world's biggest economy and the biggest debtor nation -- the United States. We now live in a world where the developing countries are deprived of the past leverage of

FBIS3-6298_2

Government Said `in a Quandary'

the other two main areas of bilateral relations -- and thus wants to avoid seeming too restrained in persuading China on human rights improvement. But Japan also does not want to upset Beijing, which insists that human rights are an internal affair, by pushing the issue too hard lest it damage Sino-Japanese relations. Tadashi Ikeda, the incumbent deputy foreign minister and former director general of the Foreign Ministry's Asian Affairs Bureau, explained the nature of Japan's approach on human rights in the February issue of "GAIKO FORUM," a monthly magazine on diplomacy. Japan considers "confrontational approaches" on human rights problems ineffective, and regards an approach which takes account of a country's social, economic and political situations as more realistic, Ikeda wrote. Since Western countries have themselves developed in those areas over a long period, Japan thinks it unrealistic to urge developing nations to ensure human rights immediately or put pressure on them, he wrote. It was this policy which led Japan to break with its Group of Seven (G-7) partners and resume official loans to China in 1990 after the G-7 had announced sanctions against Beijing at the Paris summit in July 1989 following the military crackdown on the prodemocracy movement at Tiananmen Square the previous month. In August 1991, then Prime Minister Toshiki Kaifu was also the first leader among major developed countries to visit China since the Tiananmen Square incident. Foreign Ministry officials said the expression Hosokawa is to use in calling on China to improve its human rights record is not yet decided. Hosokawa told his aides he wants to say what he "ought to say" concerning the matter, suggesting that he would speak out on the issue more frankly than the previous prime ministers from the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), according to government sources. Since assuming the premiership last August, Hosokawa has been trying to break away from nearly four decades of LDP traditions and develop more originality -- in everything from the way he gives news conferences to expressing apologies for Japanese actions during World War II, which was something of a taboo for his predecessors. Using strong expressions or not, Hosokawa will urge China to improve its human rights record by suggesting that Beijing could better win international support and understanding for its economic reform policy if it convinces other nations of its desire to improve internal problems, including human rights, the sources said.

FBIS3-6310_0

Southern Mindanao Emerging as `New Growth Area'

Language: English Article Type:BFN [By Malou L. Sayson] [Text] Southern Mindanao is fast shedding off its image as the country's traditional economic backdoor and in no time will emerge as the new growth area in the east of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The reason for this change is its abundant agriculture and natural resources which have continued luring unprecedented investments since the early 1990's. Southern Mindanao's passport to a grandiose transformation is its so-called SOCSARGEN (South Cotabato, Sarangani, General Santos City) growth corridor, dubbed as the "agricultural paradise" of the south. Agriculture Secretary Roberto S. Sebastian said the diversified agricultural potential highlighted by the vast and rich fishing grounds of the Celebes and Solomon seas could easily make the area the main gateway to East ASEAN markets. The growth trend has emerged in the early 1990's when investments jumped 800 million to around one billion pesos at present. New firms have also been noted to have mushroomed. Sebastian said there are about 200 big local and foreign investors who have confirmed investing in SOCSARGEN. Malaysia is one of the leading investors in the area as signalled by the recent visit of Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir bin Mohamed. Sebastian said a Philippine trade mission is set to visit Malaysia to discuss agriculture complementation between the two countries, especially in the aspect of fishing. A world-class fishport, 20 minutes away from Polomoloc, South Cotabato, is just a part of the infrastructure investments of over $200 million committed by the governments of the Philippines, the United States and Japan. Sebastian said the fishport complex, designed to cover a one-kilometer shoreline with a projected daily capacity of 1,000 metric tons of fish catch, could make SOCSARGEN competitive with Thailand's port. He said fish processing activities are concentrated in Thailand; but once the fishport complex is established, the country can capture part of the fish market. This is due to SOCSARGEN's proximity to the rich fishing grounds of the Solomon and Celebes seas located east of the country. Just by cutting the transit time is enough to lure commercial fishing vessels to land their catch in Southern Mindanao instead of Thailand, Sebastian added. Commercial fishing firms operating in General Santos City are leading participants in this lucrative regional fishing market. There are 34 commercial deep-sea fishing firms with a combined fleet of over 600 commercial fishing vessels' based in the city, making

FBIS3-6316_0

NHAN DAN Reviews Ties on Chuan Visit

Language: Vietnamese Article Type:BFN [Editorial from 16 March NHAN DAN: "Vietnamese-Thai Relations of Friendship and Cooperation Are Developing"] [Text] Thai Prime Minister Chuan Likphai's official friendship visit to Vietnam today follows the recent visit to our country by Singapore Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong. It is significant that the prime ministers of two ASEAN countries are paying official visits to Vietnam in a short period of time. This is yet another manifestation of the common aspirations of Vietnam and other friendly countries to accelerate bilateral relations and promote cooperation in the region in accordance with the trend of peace, stability, and development in Southeast Asia and the Asia-Pacific region. Thailand, a beautiful country with a long traditional culture, is enjoying rapid economic growth. Over the past several years, the government of Prime Minister Chuan Likphai has led the Thai people in overcoming numerous difficulties, stabilizing the political situation, and accelerating economic reform. In 1993, Thailand attained a GDP increase of 7.7 percent and was ranked among the countries of the world with a rapid developmental pace. Its industrial production increased by 10 percent; agriculture by 2.3 percent; exports by 12.8 percent; tourism by 13 percent; investment in the government sector by 54 percent; and investment in the private sector by 85.7 percent. Its foreign currency reserves reached $25 billion, and it was ranked among the 10 countries in the world with the highest foreign currency reserves. Thailand's per capita income is $1,660. Given this development pace, Thailand's economy will certainly grow by 8.3 percent this year. Vietnam and Thailand are two close neighbors with longstanding cultural ties. The two countries established diplomatic relations in 1976. In recent years, relations between the two countries have developed favorably, especially in the economic and cultural domains. Various bilateral agreements have been signed in the fields of trade, economic and scientific-technological cooperation, aviation services, and promotion and insurance of investments. The two countries have established joint committee for economic cooperation and have reached an agreement on avoiding double taxation. These bilateral agreements are being effectively implemented, thus creating a good basis for achieving high results in economic and trade cooperation between the two countries. The value of two-way trade in 1993 increased by $200 million, compared to $12 million in 1988. Today, Thailand has 43 investment projects in Vietnam with a total capital of $149 million -- third among the ASEAN countries. The Thai

FBIS3-6339_1

Thai Delegation Visit, Leadership Meetings Noted Kiet Holds Talks With Chuan

informed the guests of Vietnam's achievements in the present renovation, and stressed that Vietnam would continue that direction and be persistent in its foreign policy of independence, sovereignty, openness, multilateralisation, and attach importance to its relationship with countries in Southeast Asia and the Asia- Pacific. Prime Minister Chuan Likphai, for his part, expressed his pleasure to witness the achievements of the renovation process in Vietnam. The two sides expressed their satisfaction at the fine development of their friendship and multi-faceted cooperation between the two countries, over the past years, saying it is an important contribution to the trend for peace, stability and cooperation in Southeast Asia. They exchanged views on how to enhance their bilateral friendship and cooperation. The Thai side affirmed its government's readiness to assist and cooperate with Vietnam in the fields of science and technology, agriculture and personnel training. The Vietnamese side highly appreciated the concern of the king, the royal family and the government of Thailand about further cooperation with Vietnam in the interests of the two people's, for peace, stability and cooperation in Southeast Asia and the world as a whole. In the atmosphere of friendship and mutual understanding, the two sides also exchanged their views on concrete measures to reestablish order for fishing on Thailand gulf, and delineate the overlapping sea areas relating to the two countries, speed up the process of view exchange to finalize the document relating to the use of the Mekong river water and the transfer of the southern part of the Ho Chi Minh flight information region (for Ho Chi Minh). The two sides also compared notes on regional and international issues of common concern. The Vietnamese side highly appreciated Thailand and other ASEAN countries for their support to Vietnam to be observer and to participate in various committees and some cooperation programmes of the ASEAN in the fields of science, technology, culture, information, healthcare, tourism, environment, and personnel training. The Thai side reaffirmed its continuation to support Vietnam to join the ASEAN, and expressed its hope that Vietnam would soon become a full-member of the organization in an appropriate time. Thailand also applauded Vietnam to participate in the regional forum on security to be held in Bangkok in July 1994. The two sides held that the promotion of cooperation between Vietnam and ASEAN and Vietnam's participation in the forum conformed to the trend for cooperation in the region.

FBIS3-6381_0

Immigration Minister Discusses Refugee Problem

Language: English Article Type:BFN [From the "International Report" program] [Text] Australia will next month play host to a regional conference on the issue of illegal movement of people -- so-called people smuggling. Eighteen Asian and Pacific nations are expected to take part as well as representatives from international bodies involved in immigration issues. Australia's immigration minister, Nick Bolkus, says the practice amounts to slavery and has been growing in the Asia-Pacific region. Senator Bolkus told Linda Mottram it is a multi-billion dollar industry with organized crime links. [Begin recording] [Bolkus] To the extent that people can be smuggled into places and money is there for this to be done, people are focussing on those countries that they can smuggle them into. Although I think for all of us there has been a cooperative spirit in the past in respect to these issues, but we think that by having this regional conference in Australia we can have a cooperative spirit building in a way that we can preempt some of the problems in our region. [Mottram] What are the parallels specifically then between this consultation arrangement you have put in place and the agreed common plan of action in the eighties dealing with the Indochina boat people problem? [Bolkus] Well, in respect to that I think that the plan of action -- the comprehensive plan of action -- had as its target the orderly processing of potential refugees, the orderly acceptance of those people, and of course, the orderly return of those who were determined not to be refugees. So, there is always an element of what to do with non bona fide refugees. When it comes to people smuggling, we have always got to accept that some people are bona fide refugees, but when you are talking about organized crime involvement in people smuggling, you have also got to accept that we are talking overwhelmingly, I think, of cases that do not fit within our refugee category. The current approach is worth dwelling on. The comprehensive plan of action we got together with other countries in our region had worked on the problem which dealt with both refugees and non refugees. In this case, we are getting together once again with the countries in our region and other international mechanisms to once again work at, in this case, for greater priority on illegal smuggling, but also recognizing a need to

FBIS3-6388_0

South Urged To `Sincerely Come Forth' at Contact

Language: Korean Article Type:BFN [Commentary by Chong Pong-kil: "Foot-Dragging Tactic Aimed at Attaining Sinister Purpose"] [Text] The South side's maneuvers to use the issue of exchanging special envoys as a means to attain its sinister political aims are all the more viciously carried out. As it has already been known, our side resumed the working-level contact for the exchange of North-South special envoys in accordance with the agreements reached at the DPRK-U.S. contact in New York, and thus made a series of progress in realizing the envoy exchange. Out of the position to realize the exchange of North-South special envoys at the earliest possible date in a good atmosphere, our side took a magnanimous and momentous step at the sixth working- level contact, taking note of the fact that the South side has expressed understanding of the feasibility of the four just demands our side raised, even though on the whole is short of our expectations. As a result, a bright prospect for the exchange of special envoys was opened for the North and South. Since then, our side again called on the South side at the recent contact to return to the position of reconciliation and unity and accept our side's just proposal on announcing a joint communique. In addition, our side urged that the two sides should wind up the discussion of working procedures and conclude an agreement on the basis of the North-tabled agreement on the exchange of North-South presidential envoys. The reason we insisted on announcing the joint communique is because it would be a chance for the two sides to confirm that special envoys would certainly be exchanged. Thus, this would give hope to the fellow countrymen and mark a turning point for North-South relations. Announcing the joint communique would give an opportunity for the two sides to wind up the discussion of working procedures on the envoy exchange at an early date. At a time when people at home and abroad express concern over the prospect for the envoy exchange, the fact that the North and South, the parties concerned, reaffirm their will for the envoy exchange and agree to exchange special envoys at the earliest possible date would be a good thing, seen from every point of view. If the South side truly wants to exchange special envoys with us, it is reasonable to show its intention by welcoming and responding to our

FBIS3-6398_2

Papers React to IAEA Inspections of DPRK

if the continuity of safeguards is confirmed in the report or if North Korea's conversion of nuclear materials to military purposes is discovered, a special IAEA Board of Governors meeting will be automatically held regardless of whether or not the ROK and U.S. Governments want and, accordingly, the issue of imposing sanctions against North Korea will be discussed at the UN Security Council. In conclusion, the article analyzes that the IAEA will conclude the current inspection at the present stage because it does not want the third round of the U.S.-DPRK talks to be broken up and that it will, accordingly, assume the attitude that the North Korean nuclear issue should be settled at the U.S.-North Korean talks. The moderate HANGUK ILBO publishes on page 5 a 1,200-word article on the prospects of the nuclear issue after the North Korean Foreign Ministry spokesman's warning that North Korea may stop cooperating with IAEA inspections. The article reports that the government analyzes that North Korea's response is to utter in advance that it "could not keep the promise made in the (25 February) agreement because the United States is demanding the exchange of special envoys which is not in the agreement." The article speculates that because there can be no flexibility in the policy to have the special envoy exchange first despite North Korea's warning, the nuclear issue has to go back to the point before the 25 February agreement, and North Korea will have to try to negotiate with the United States again for the third round of talks and the ROK and the United States will have to discuss anew international sanctions on North Korea. The article adds, however, that time is not on North Korea's side this time because the IAEA will hurry to have a special Board of Governors meeting and speed up discussions on referring the issue to the United Nations. The article reports a "positive reverse" is also possible if North Korea agrees to postpone the third-round U.S.-North Korea talks. The article continues that some ROK and U.S. commentators expect the third-round talks in mid-April because it will be difficult for North Korea to ignore the benefit from extending a one-time invitation to the ROK special envoy to Pyongyang. The moderate KYONGHYANG SINMUN publishes on page 3 an 800-word editorial entitled "Urging a Firm Stance on North Korea's Nuclear Card." Referring to the "unsuccessful" IAEA inspections,

FBIS3-6426_0

Cuban Minister Meets Chea Sim, Concludes Visit

Language: French Article Type:BFN [Text] Phnom Penh 18 Mar (AKP) -- Samdech Chea Sim, acting head of state and chairman of the Kingdom of Cambodia National Assembly, received Roberto Robaina Gonzalez, visiting Cuban minister of foreign affairs, in Phnom Penh on 16 March. Gonzalez said he was glad to see the Cambodian problem settled through peaceful means. Cuba's chief diplomat thanked the Cambodian people for supporting Cuba in its struggle against the embargo imposed by the United States. He also expressed his desire to strengthen relations between Cambodia and Cuba. In his remarks, Samdech Chea Sim thanked Cuba for the support it has accorded the Cambodian people in their search for peace and for its aid in rehabilitating the Cambodian economy. The Cambodian leader welcomed the Cuban assembly's desire to strengthen relations between the two legislative organizations, stressing that there would be meetings between delegations in the near future to exchange experiences in the juridical domain. On the same occasion, Gonzalez asked Samdech Chea Sim to convey a letter from Cuban President Fidel Castro to His Majesty Norodom Sihanouk wishing the king good health. The Cuban president, moreover, expressed his desire for close relations between the two countries and wished the Cambodian people great success in the reconstruction of the country. The Cuban foreign minister left Phnom Penh on 16 March at the end of his two-day visit to Cambodia, during which he had a talk with Prince Kromkhun Norodom Sirivut, Cambodian minister of foreign affairs, was invited to a reception in his honor, and gave a news conference on what he saw during his Cambodian visit.

FBIS3-6436_0

Tokyo Objects to USTR Call for Guarantees

Language: Japanese Article Type:BFN [Text] The Japanese Government is reluctant to accept a U.S. Government demand to further open Japan's markets to U.S. products in the automobile and auto parts and semiconductors sectors, in addition to the mobile telephones (portable and car telephones) sector. It says this would constitute "excessive intervention in the private sector." Private businesses, too, are all reacting strongly against the United States, bewildered at its hard-line attitude. The Japanese automobile industry has made firm its plan to set up a consultative body together with the U.S. Big Three automakers to discuss ways to increase Japanese procurement of American automobiles. The government, thus, plans to emphasize these points to gain U.S. understanding. The United States is seeking a new action program aimed at maintaining the foreign share of the Japanese semiconductor market at a 20-percent level. In this regard, the Ministry of International Trade and Industry [MITI] stresses that "a 20-percent share was never a commitment, to begin with." Even if the United States should formally ask Japan to work out an action program at bilateral consultations to be held in Hawaii next week, MITI officials plan to tell U.S. negotiators that Japan "cannot accept share-based targets." Meanwhile, the Japanese semiconductor industry has reacted to the situation in a relatively calm manner, saying that its "relations with the U.S. semiconductor industry are not in a critical state," (as stated by an executive official at a major electronics maker). The reason is that although the foreign share of the domestic semiconductor market has indeed shown a downward trend, sales of foreign semiconductors have steadily increased. According to the Users' Committee of Foreign Semiconductors (UCOM), which has been organized by domestic electronics businesses, the sales of foreign semiconductors in Japan in the first half (April-September) of fiscal year 1993 increased by 25 percent over the same period in the previous fiscal year. As a result, hardly any U.S. maker has voiced dissatisfaction, even though the share of foreign semiconductors in the Japanese market has dropped. U.S. Trade Representative Mickey Kantor has asked the Japanese Government to guarantee further opening its markets to American automobiles and auto parts. In this regard, MITI has expressed strong objection, saying that "the automobiles sector is a free market since access is not limited in terms of locality, in contrast to the case of mobile telephones," (as stated by MITI Deputy Vice Minister Sozaburo

FBIS3-6455_4

Alatas Interviewed on NAM, Bosnia, Timor

begin the normalization process. Of course, we had to hold secret talks at first. Finally, in July 1990, I went to Beijing with President Suharto's message and tried to negotiate and sign a memorandum of understanding [MOU] with them. In August 1990, I signed the MOU with PRC officials. Therefore, I am amazed to hear some people's views that the Foreign Affairs Department only played a minor role in normalizing diplomatic ties with the PRC. [Ismartono] But the Foreign Affairs Department was kept in the dark on Israeli Prime Minister Rabin's visit to Indonesia. [Alatas] It is like this: there are decisions, like Rabin's visit, in which the department deliberately prefers not to get involved. Another example is the Taiwan issue. Otherwise, the government would be seen as giving implicit recognition to the two countries. [Ismartono] There is also criticism that the Foreign Affairs Department is too accommodating. For example, it only pays attention to the groups that benefit the United States and Japan, such as APEC [Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation] and ARF [ASEAN Regional Forum], which are expected to produce economic benefits. [Alatas] Who initiated the establishment of APEC? Who else if not our ministry? The idea originated in Australia, but they consulted us first because I was chairman of the ASEAN Standing Committee at the time. Therefore, APEC can be established in accordance with ASEAN's needs. The same is true of the ARF. Indonesia is ASEAN's largest member country, but we are not eager to boast of our achievements. [Ismartono] There is a proposal to establish an agency comparable to the National Security Council [NSC] in the United States. [Alatas] That proposal is worth studying, but it must be remembered that even in the United States the NSC does not work smoothly. It often clashes with the State Department. There were tugs-of-war between Kissinger and Rogers and between Kissinger and Vance to the point that Vance had to quit. In fact, Indonesia already has an agency like the NSC -- namely the Office of Coordinating Minister of Political Affairs and Security -- where the foreign minister, minister-state secretary, home minister, defense and security minister, armed forces commander, chief of the State Intelligence Coordinating Agency, and information minister sit down to discuss issues, including foreign policy. The truth is that the Foreign Affairs Department cannot stand and operate alone; we need feedback from other agencies. During our meetings at the

FBIS3-6466_0

Bunchu, PRC Envoy Discuss `Asia for Asia' Plan

Language: Thai Article Type:BFN [Text] Speaking to reporters after his meeting with the Chinese ambassador to Thailand on 17 March, Deputy Prime Minister Bunchu Rotchanasathian said he and the envoy had discussed economic and trade cooperation between Thailand and China and efforts to improve the living standards of the Thai and Chinese peoples. A special topic for discussion, he said, was the situation of various Asian countries, namely China, Thailand, and Japan, in encountering the protectionist trade measures imposed by the United States and European Union. Both Thailand and China have agreed with the concept of an Asia for Asia cooperation program. Under this program, Asian nations will join hands in developing the quality standards of their products, boosting the standard of living of their peoples, and coordinating the management of their natural resources in line with their cultural values so that they will not be dominated by western and U.S. influences. Bunchu said: "Prime Minister Chuan Likphai will bring up this issue for discussion and consultation with Japanese officials during his visit to Japan in April." Asked if the Asia for Asia program is a form of free trade cooperation, Bunchu replied that configuration has not been discussed. Further consultation must be held with all countries concerned to decide what can be done. Several countries will participate in this plan, which will include cultural cooperation. Bunchu also said that he will visit China at the invitation of the Chinese trade minister, and discuss with the Chinese side trade and investment cooperation among the four nations [Thailand, Laos, Burma, and China] under the Northern Quadrangle economic development program.

FBIS3-6471_0

ROK Creating `Deliberate Obstacles' to Exchange

Language: Korean Article Type:BFN [Text] The South Korean puppet clique's insincere attitude lacking will for dialogue [taehwa uijiga omnun pulsongsilhan taedo] has created severe obstacles [omjunghan nangwan] to North-South working-level contacts for an exchange of top-level special envoys, which have been arranged after a long time [mochorom maryondoen]. According to Seoul radio, in a meeting with reporters on 15 March, Yi Yong-tok, South Korean puppet unification board minister, made absurd remarks that the Panmunjom working-level contacts for the envoy exchange would end in failure, that the result of the contacts is unpredictable, and the like. Puppet defense minister Yi Pyong-tae also openly talked about resuming the Team Spirit joint military exercise this year when he met with the U.S. undersecretary of defense that day, saying that the exchange of special envoys between the South and the North was unlikely to be realized. The puppets' insidious remarks of discouraging [chanmurul kkionnun] the working-level contacts for the envoy exchange vividly show that the Kim Yong-sam group has no will to discuss pending issues between the North and the South. It is entirely related to the South Korean puppet clique's unjust behavior [pudanghan chosawa kwallyon toemnida] that the North-South working-level contacts for the exchange of special envoys, which have been resumed according to the agreement reached in the New York contact between the DPRK and the United States, went four rounds in March but failed to get anywhere. The South Korean puppets' maneuver to create deliberate obstacles [inwijogin nangwan] to the envoy exchange was utterly proven in the seventh working-level contact. The South side objected to our side's proposal for announcing a joint communique informing that the two sides reconfirmed the will for the envoy exchange and agreed to exchange special envoys at an early date. It also blindly [toponoko] objected to our side's suggestion that the issues of observing the principle of national independence, deciding on the way of national reunification, and promoting the great unity of the whole nation be stipulated in the draft agreement with regard to the missions of special envoys. The measure our side has taken is a constructive [konsolchogin] proposal that creates a significant momentum not only for hastening the envoy exchange but for making a new starting point in North-South relations and giving hope to all compatriots who are concerned about the prospect of the envoy exchange. Nevertheless, the South Korean puppets are trying to prevent

FBIS3-6511_0

Further on Visit of Thai Prime Minister Witnesses Signing of Joint Ventures

Language: English Article Type:BFN [Text] Hanoi -- After being put off from Wednesday due to coordination problems Prime Minister Chuan Likphai yesterday witnessed the signing of four Thai joint-venture projects in Vietnam with a combined investment of Bt [baht] 12 billion. The four projects include Vina Siam Bank, a joint venture between Siam Commercial Bank (33 per cent), Charoen Phokhaphan Group (33 per cent) and Bank for Agriculture of Vietnam (24 per cent). The investment in the new venture is US$15 million. The second project is an industrial estate between Bang Pakong Industrial Park and Sonadezi Bien Hoa of Vietnam. The project is worth around Bt10 billion. Third is a mining project between Usrint Industrial Groups and the provincial authority of Vinh Fu with an investment of Bt400 million. And last is a joint project by Advance Paint & Chemical (Thailand), Ngan Ha Economic & Engineering Consultants and Dong Tam Co with an investment of US$2 million. Chuan said that the agreements well reflected Thai investors' interest in entering the emerging economy. Speaking at a meeting on investment opportunities held by the Board of Investment (BoI) in Vietnam, Chuan said that the government has assigned the BoI to support Thai investors who wish to explore business opportunities in Vietnam. Sunthon Arunanonchai, president of CP Land Co Ltd, said that the banking venture is a follow-up to CP's finance business overseas after CP succeeded in setting up a finance company in Shanghai. The new banking venture should come into operation four or five months after receiving a banking licence. The headquarters of the bank should be located in Hanoi, Sunthon added. Vietnam's Bank of Agriculture is the biggest state-enterprise bank in Vietnam with about 300 branches nationwide. It is the fourth local bank which has a joint venture with foreign banks. Wikrom Khuwatcharacharoen, chief of Bang Pakong Industrial Park, said that the new industrial estate project will have a 30 per cent stake on the Vietnamese side, while the remaining 70 per cent will be shared among Bang Pakong Industrial Park, Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand, Exim Bank, CP Group, Bangkok Bank and some other Thai and foreign firms. The site, covering 5,000 rai, is 32 km from Ho Chi Minh City. The area will be developed into a comprehensive industrial estate and can handle more than 100 plants. After finalizing the size of the registered capital, the companies will start

FBIS3-6522_0

Tokyo Discusses Auto Export `Voluntary' Ceiling

Language: English Article Type:BFN [Text] Tokyo, March 18 KYODO -- Japan's trade minister hinted Friday [18 March] that Tokyo may cancel self-imposed restrictions on automobile exports to the United States, 13 years after their introduction. "The government has not yet decided, but the U.S. apparently does not appreciate the voluntary restrictions," Hiroshi Kumagai, minister of international trade and industry, said at a regular news conference. Japan has maintained a voluntary ceiling for its annual car exports to the U.S. since 1981, and is due to decide on a new limit at the end of the month. Kumagai said that U.S.-bound exports of cars manufactured in Japan have remained below the ceiling recently, mainly due to increased output at so-called transplant factories, or Japanese plants located in the U.S. The minister also cited the higher yen against the dollar as a reason why exports have slumped. Japan's voluntary restrictions on automobile exports are included among the trading practices criticized for lacking transparency at the conclusion of the Uruguay Round of global trade talks last December. Under the accord, trading nations agreed to end such practices within four years after the agreement is put into effect.

FBIS3-6524_0

Life Insurer on Retaliatory U.S. Finance Bill

Language: English Article Type:BFN [Text] Tokyo, March 18 KYODO -- A Japanese life insurance leader said Friday [18 March] he cannot understand a fresh U.S. move that could target his industry for trade retaliation. Responding to Senate passage of a bill that would allow U.S. retaliation against financial services, Toshiomi Uragami, chairman of the Life Insurance Association of Japan, told a news conference that he has heard no complaints from foreign life insurers about barriers to the Japanese market. Uragami noted the 10 foreign companies in the association and said he was certain that Japan is running a trade deficit with the United States in the insurance sector. The fair trade in financial services, passed Thursday by the U.S. upper house and expected to pass the House of Representatives to become law, was amended before passage to include insurance firms among those subject to retaliation. Insurance is also a candidate for possible sanctions under the recently revived Super 301 provision in U.S. Trade Law and is one of three priority sectors in bilateral trade framework talks. Asked about the effect on U.S. markets if Japanese life insurers pull out, Uragami said the impact of Japanese money fleeing currency and other risks would be limited because Japanese investors have been squeezing their dollar-based assets for the past two years. They have also hedged their holdings against exchange and other risks, he said. Uragami, who is also president of Sumitomo Life Insurance Co., said two years ago that one-fourth of his company's assets were in dollars but now the portion is down to 9 percent, of which 4 percent is hedged. Japanese institutional investors used to cover fund shortages in U.S. treasury and other capital markets, but Uragami said that influence has faded somewhat. He indicated that he thinks U.S. officials do not consider the possibility of fleeing Japanese investment to be a big danger for the market.

FBIS3-6545_0

Five New Electric Power Projects Planned

Language: English Article Type:BFN [Text] Tokyo, March 17 KYODO -- A government advisory panel Thursday [17 March] recommended that five new construction projects for electric power generation, including one nuclear power generator, be added to the current fiscal 1993 plan. The five new facilities would have a combined power generation capacity of 1.57 million kilowatts, according to government officials. Construction of the nuclear power generator would be the first such project allowed in six years. The Electric Power Development Coordination Council presented the recommendations to Prime Minister Morihiro Hosokawa. With the recommendation, the government will initiate legal procedures to implement the five projects by the end of month, the officials said. The newly planned nuclear power generator is to be the third at Tohoku Electric Power Co.'s Megawa Nuclear Power Plant in Miyagi Prefecture. Construction of the nuclear generator, set to have an output capacity of 825,000 kilowatts, is expected to be completed in March 2002. The other four facilities include one using heat recycled from an incinerator at Takahama Electric Power Plant in Gunma Prefecture, a hydroelectric power plant in Hyogo Prefecture, another hydroelectric plant in Tottori Prefecture, and a thermoelectric station on an island off Niigata Prefecture. These latest projects bring the total implemented by Japan in fiscal 1993 to 19 new electric power facilities -- seven hydroelectric, 11 thermoelectric, and one nuclear generator. The total generation capacity of the 19 facilities will come to 4.45 million kilowatts, the officials said.

FBIS3-6547_2

Trade Friction With U.S. Over Markets Analyzed

the United States, and Europe. The share of European-built cars is about 4 percent in Japan and the United States, and that percentage has not changed greatly. This is evidence there is no difference between the openness of the Japanese and American auto markets." As reasons why American-built automobiles are not sold in Japan, the article cites the following: "1) Approximately 80 percent of automobiles are sold for less than 3 million yen on the Japanese market. They are small automobiles with an engine displacement of less than 2,000CC [cubic centimeters], while most American-built cars are highly-priced large automobiles with an engine displacement of 3,000CC; 2) Most European-built automobiles are right-hand drive, but only a few American-built automobiles are right-hand drive; and 3) European auto manufacturers have spent heavily on the construction of their own car inspection centers before exporting their automobiles, but American auto manufacturers have made little efforts to that end." The article also points out: "While the defective rate of Japanese-made auto parts is three or five in one million, that of American-made auto parts is 250 in one million. American auto-parts manufacturers have failed to meet the supply date on many occasions." Noting that efforts on both sides have little by little generated the effect of addressing the imbalance, and that it is certain the imbalance has begun addressing itself, the article states: "Both Japan and the United States are urged to accumulate sober efforts instead of being locked in emotional confrontations." The second article on 9 March, an unattributed piece subtitled "Telecommunications Equipment -- The U.S. Demands Guaranteed Results," discusses Japan-U.S. friction over telecommunications equipment. Stating that final negotiations on the issue of opening the Japanese mobile phone market are being held between Japan and the United States, the article notes the wide differences between the two countries over the interpretation of the term "equal market access" which is incorporated into the preamble of the 1989 Japan-U.S. Telecommunications Agreement. Discussing the differences, the article says while the U.S. trade representative claims "the Motorola-type mobile phone operation is not given the same market access to relay stations as the NTT [Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation]-type mobile phone operation enjoys, the Post and Telecommunications Ministry [PTM] contends `equal market access' refers only to a general theory. The Japan Mobile Communications Corporation [known as IDO] has assigned frequencies to the Motorola-type mobile phone operation. What remains to be

FBIS3-6547_5

Trade Friction With U.S. Over Markets Analyzed

in the multimedia age." The article adds: "Japan is denying U.S. charges that the Japanese market is closed, citing the growing number of telecommunications companies in which foreign firms hold more than 20 percent of their capital." It goes on to concede: "There are many regulations in the Japanese telecommunications market, and this makes it hard to freely engage in the telecommunications business in Japan. Japanese manufacturers also are complaining about the situation." A major commercial electric appliance manufacturer is quoted as saying: "It is urgent for Japan to relax these regulations in order to avert trade friction with its trade partners and to bolster Japan's international competitiveness." Stressing that if Japan fails to keep its regulations from hindering the development of telecommunications technology, it will be criticized for keeping its telecommunications market closed and for crippling Japan's future high technology. The third article on 10 March, an unattributed piece subtitled "The Government Procurement of Supercomputers -- The United States Still Distrusts Japan's Reform of Tender System," views Japan-U.S. friction over government procurements. After a review by the Information Center at Tsukuba University on the disputes between Japan and the United States over the bidding for supercomputers, the article states: "The Japanese Government's procurement of supercomputers has become a symbol of high-tech friction between Japan and the United States." Stating that the government has already decided in this year's supplementary budget to procure 11 supercomputers--six American-built and five Japanese-built supercomputers--through biddings, the article notes that "so far 80 percent of the government's procurement of supercomputers has been Japanese-built." By the government procuring six American-built supercomputers, the United States feels that "given our technological power, it is a matter of course for the Japanese Government to procure our supercomputers." Discussing the dispute between Japan and the United States over the Japanese Government's procurement of supercomputers, the article states: "While the United States thinks the Japanese Government attaches importance to prices in its procurement of supercomputers and gives Japanese firms information on biddings, Japan contends that American supercomputer manufacturers are unable to gain access to Japan's supercomputer market because of the high competitiveness held by Japanese supercomputer manufacturers." It adds that American supercomputer manufacturers, who control more than 60 percent of the world market, have complained about their inability to display their competitiveness in the Japanese supercomputer market. Michiro Naruto, assistant director of Fujitsu Ltd, is quoted as saying: "Foreign-built supercomputers have

FBIS3-6547_6

Trade Friction With U.S. Over Markets Analyzed

"The Japanese Government's procurement of supercomputers has become a symbol of high-tech friction between Japan and the United States." Stating that the government has already decided in this year's supplementary budget to procure 11 supercomputers--six American-built and five Japanese-built supercomputers--through biddings, the article notes that "so far 80 percent of the government's procurement of supercomputers has been Japanese-built." By the government procuring six American-built supercomputers, the United States feels that "given our technological power, it is a matter of course for the Japanese Government to procure our supercomputers." Discussing the dispute between Japan and the United States over the Japanese Government's procurement of supercomputers, the article states: "While the United States thinks the Japanese Government attaches importance to prices in its procurement of supercomputers and gives Japanese firms information on biddings, Japan contends that American supercomputer manufacturers are unable to gain access to Japan's supercomputer market because of the high competitiveness held by Japanese supercomputer manufacturers." It adds that American supercomputer manufacturers, who control more than 60 percent of the world market, have complained about their inability to display their competitiveness in the Japanese supercomputer market. Michiro Naruto, assistant director of Fujitsu Ltd, is quoted as saying: "Foreign-built supercomputers have been kept out of the U.S. Government procurement market for security reasons. Not a single Japanese-built supercomputer has been sold on the market." The article further states that despite Japan's amendment of procedures for government procurement of supercomputers, as well as its adoption of a comprehensive appraisal system, the United States still complains about the way the Japanese Government procures supercomputers. Pointing out that in testimony before Congress on 8 March, U.S. Trade Representative Kantor cited supercomputers as an item indicative of the closure of the Japanese market, hinting at the possibility of the United States applying the Super 301 provision to supercomputers, the article responds by saying the United States points to the incompleteness of Japanese reform regarding the way the government procures supercomputers; dumping by Japanese supercomputer manufacturers still remains unchanged. It says: "Japanese supercomputer manufacturers acknowledge dumping." Also stressed is the fact that the "Japan-U.S. friction over the Japanese Government's procurement of supercomputers stems not from the lack of transparency of the tender system, but from the differences between Japanese and American management style." It notes that "it has become difficult for the two countries to find clues to defusing their friction." The fourth article on 11

FBIS3-6547_9

Trade Friction With U.S. Over Markets Analyzed

Glass Company, is quoted as saying: "Japanese glass manufacturers have done what is necessary to open the Japanese glass market. What remains to be done is for American firms to make the effort." A survey by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry shows "three-fourth of glass wholesalers that do not deal in imported glass have never received offers from foreign glass makers." The article adds: "It is true that in Japan importance is placed on long-term, stable deals." Touching on Japan-U.S. friction over paper products, Toru Yoshino, managing director of Shinoshi Paper Company, is quoted as saying: "American corporations have failed to properly deal with port strikes, and poorly respond to the Japanese market as regards aspects of supply." The article notes: "It would be very difficult for both Japan and the United States to find areas of agreement to settle their friction over paper products." The fifth and final article on 12 March, an unattributed piece subtitled "Insurance -- Japan Is In the Red," details Japan-U.S. friction over insurance. Noting that insurance is a sector in which Japan runs a large deficit with the United States, the article cites 1990 U.S. statistics showing that while Japan paid the United States $583 million in insurance transactions, the United States paid Japan $156 million. The question is raised of why the insurance sector became a priority sector for discussion in the Japan-U.S. economic framework talks. An unnamed official in an insurance firm is quoted as saying: "A major American insurance group, which has a close relationship with President Clinton, has lobbied the U.S. Government. The American Insurance Group is the only American insurance corporation unhappy with the Japanese Government." The article notes that in his testimony before Congress, Josef Molay [name as published], representative of the U.S. Insurance Association, touched on the closure of the Japanese insurance market, stressing: "The American financial service sector is the fastest growing sector. It maintains 77 percent of its workers on the job, and creates 90 percent of new jobs, while generating 70 percent of the gross domestic production (GDP). The sector also accounts for one-third of U.S. exports." Against the backdrop of its competitiveness, the United States stuck to the last to its demand for holding negotiations on the financial service sector in the Uruguay Round. Pointing out that the United States has highly appraised Japan for working for an amendment to the

FBIS3-6554_1

Vatican Reassignment of Bishop Criticized

selection of clergy, a source of tension between the church and Vietnam for some time. The Vatican has so far refused to comment on statements by the Vietnamese government, saying it was waiting for Celli's return to Rome. "As far as the case of Bishop Nguyen Van Thuan is concerned we were informed that the Holy Father will assign Bishop Thuan to a post in the Vatican and the Vietnamese side agreed to that arrangement," Lan told a news briefing. The spokeswoman said they had agreed "that the Holy See will keep the government informed of all matters concerning the Vietnamese Catholic Church and will not make any decision in this connection unless the Vietnamese government gives its approval." Thuan was originally appointed deputy archbishop before the communists took over the then Saigon in 1975. He was not allowed to take up the post and has been in exile in Rome since 1992. Vietnamese authorities have been trying to engineer the appointment of Huynh Van Nghi, recently described by Vietnamese Premier Vo Van Kiet as having "a positive attitude," as deputy to Archbishop Nguyen Van Binh, who is over 80 years old and in poor health. The Vatican had appointed Nghi as a "supervising bishop" in Ho Chi Minh City but this was rejected by government authorities here, who said it was part of a "plot" to sideline the bishop and eventually appoint Thuan as archbishop. The church's development here under French colonial rule and the strong connections between Catholicism and the former South Vietnamese regime have fueled government suspicions of Catholics, who number around seven million people, or 10 percent of the population. Vatican officials have accused Vietnam of trying to turn Asia's second largest Catholic community after the Philippines into a state-sponsored church outside of the control of the normal religious hierachy. At a meeting in August with Vietnamese living in the United States, the pope called on the congregation "not to forget your brothers and sisters ... in the difficult situation of their country." Kiet told a Catholic newspaper earlier this month that as the issue was one of "national sovereignty," Vietnam had ruled out a compromise on who had the right to control religious activities. Tensions have eased in recent years with visits here by Vatican envoys but the dispute over appointments has left several top posts unfilled, including the head of the archdiocese of Hanoi.

FBIS3-6608_1

Government Decides on Market-Access Measures

relations with the United States before the industrialized nations summit in July (Naples summit) by coming up with a series of measures. The overall foreign economic policies are composed of: 1) macroeconomic measures; 2) voluntary liberalization plans having four points: deregulation, import and investment promotion, strengthening competition, and expanded government procurement; and 3) market-opening measures in the priority areas of the Japanese-U.S. economic framework talks such as government procurement of telecommunications and medical equipment; insurance, and expanded imports of automobiles and auto parts. As for those points which cannot be finalized by the end of March, the government will inform the United States that it will continue to study them and will work to finalize them by June, before the Naples summit. In a new measure with respect to expanded imports of automobiles and auto parts, Japan is to provide information on auto registrations (individual registration data) -- the information under the control of the Transportation Ministry -- for a fee to foreign auto manufacturers through the Japan Automobile Imports Association. Using the information on sales activities per se will be prohibited from the perspective of protecting privacy, but the information is believed to be useful in carrying out surveys and analyzing the Japanese market. As a way of helping expand the imports of auto parts, an office for consultations on foreign-made parts will be created at the Japan Automobile Maintenance Companies Association, which is the industrial organization representing auto servicing companies. In addition, the government will sponsor receptions and business meetings of foreign auto manufacturers' missions to promote the exports of their products to Japan, as well as seminars on Japan's service parts market. The government will also issue instructions to the auto service industry asking it not to discriminate against foreign-made parts. Because auto companies plan to announce starting from this week their own plans, aside from the government's measures, on expanded purchases of foreign-made auto parts, the government is thinking about referring to these private sector plans in its measures as well. In the area of strengthening competition -- the area in which the United States is interested -- the government wants to announce an increase in investigative personnel at the Fair Trade Commission to help improve capabilities for uncovering instances, such as bid rigging, of violating the Antimonopoly Law. Another measure requires guidelines on public works bidding to specifically warn against violations of the Antimonopoly Law.

FBIS3-6610_0

Air Rights Issue Intensifies Friction With U.S.

Language: Japanese Article Type:BFN [Unattributed "Undercurrent" column article: "Danger Signal for Japan-U.S. Aviation Friction"] [Text] Just before its inauguration, the United States notified Japan that it would postpone approval for a regular Sendai-Honolulu flight by Japan Airlines [JAL]. It was also disclosed that the term approved for several routes operated by Japanese airlines had been shortened. On 18 March, the Ministry of Transport [MOT] decided to take countermeasures by shortening the approved term of operation for U.S. airlines. These are clear signs that "aviation friction" between Japan and the United States is intensifying. At the moment these moves seem to be part of the jockeying for advantage as the prelude to the next round of aviation talks. However, the MOT has said that "if the U.S. is not perceived to be acting sincerely in the measures it takes, further countermeasures will be considered." There is, therefore, a clear danger that the confrontation will be intensified. What underlies the tough attitude being taken by the United States is the difference in view between Washington and Tokyo over the issue of beyond rights -- such rights would allow U.S. airlines to extend their routes beyond Japan to third countries. Current beyond rights are based on the Aviation Agreement signed in 1952. Based on this, U.S. airlines have extended flights beyond Japan to 10 places, including Singapore. For flights to Kansai International Airport [in Osaka], which is scheduled to open in September, the United States is demanding that its airlines be granted unlimited rights to extend flights beyond the new airport. In response, the MOT says that "the Aviation Agreement indicates that efforts be centered on promoting flights between Japan and the United States," and that "attempts to expand beyond rights are tantamount to an abuse of such rights." Japanese airlines have only one beyond-rights flight from Narita to San Paulo via Los Angeles (operated by JAL). This is an obvious inequality and the MOT, therefore, will not change its position on the exercise of beyond rights. It is very important for American companies to secure beyond rights that give them advantages on Pacific flights, a market that is currently growing. United Airlines and other airlines are strongly dissatisfied that their requests to start new flights through the exercise of beyond rights have been denied. And the recent announcement of the shortening of the approved operating period for certain flights can be taken

FBIS3-6618_0

Defense Agency Studies Use of Satellite Imagery

Language: Japanese Article Type:BFN [Text] The Defense Agency [DA], which has studied ways to improve its capability of collecting military information, has begun to examine specific ways to purchase sophisticated photos taken by highly efficient satellites developed by American firms for military reconnaissance through commercial deals to use them to analyze the military situation in Japan's neighboring nations. In the United States, government organizations were provided access to the photos taken by the military reconnaissance satellites in the past, but the Clinton administration recently decided to allow civilian corporations to launch them for commercial purposes. In response to the U.S. administration's decision, the DA has begun to examine specific ways to purchase the sophisticated satellite photos. It plans to use those sophisticated satellite photos to "enhance its capability of collecting military information" as its priority task when it shapes a new guideline for the buildup of Japan's defense capabilities. Other Asian nations are also interested in using the sophisticated photos taken by those satellites to collect military information, and the use of those sophisticated photos will be noted as a new proliferation of military technology. In addition to photos obtained from the U.S. Government, the DA has been purchasing those taken by such commercial observatory satellites as "Landsat" of the United States and "Spot" of France, and using them to analyze the military situation in areas neighboring Japan. While U.S. military reconnaissance satellites are said to be capable of distinguishing an object of a radius of at least 30 centimeters on the earth, the remote-sensing satellites are only capable of distinguishing an object measuring about 10 meters. Photos taken by the remote-sensing satellites are said to help in analyzing the movements of ground troops and the deployment of airplanes. For this reason, the Defense Agency has studied how to resolve technical and legal problems involving the purchase of sophisticated satellite photos while studying the possibility of launching its own military reconnaissance satellites. In the past, the United States has kept the technology of military satellites classified. In response to Russia moving to sell satellite photos to other nations following the end of the Cold War, the U.S. Government recently changed its conventional policy and decided to allow private corporations to launch highly efficient satellites to capture the market. It is said that the U.S. Government will allow private corporations to sell only satellite photos that can distinguish an object measuring

FBIS3-6628_11

* Magazine Assesses Hosokawa Character, Ability

rather than substance, and on hypocrisy. [Watanabe] They think that they're getting an education by watching Hiroshi Kume [a popular newscaster who interprets current events]. [Hayasaka] Yes. When election time comes around, more women than men go to the polls. Now the "female culture" is upon us with a vengeance. Politicians and political parties will be in trouble if they offend women, and alienate them. [Watanabe] To give a more concrete example, when you, Mr. Hayasaka, were Kakuei Tanaka's secretary, you probably couldn't have envisioned a female LDP representative in the lower house. [Hayasaka] That's right. Except for the upper house, the entrance of a woman into the struggle for control of the manor, the lower house, would have been unthinkable. [Watanabe] But it happened. [Hayasaka] My theory about Hosokawa is that the emergence of a prime minister like him is a sign of the times. Somehow, he makes a good showing. In Seattle, standing with the leaders of other nations, wearing his daughter's muffler, he seemed taller than they. His wild hair makes a better impression than it would if it were plastered down with hair tonic. Or at least there are more women now who think so. When you see this sort of thing happening, you realize that democracy is the rule of the ignorant multitudes. [Watanabe] Even in England, in the days when decisions made by Parliament stood out for their excellence, the electorate consisted solely of members of the gentry (land owners and all those of higher status). At that time, the British Parliament made the best political decisions by far. After World War II, it ceased to be remarkable. It became just average. The same is true for every nation. Another point is that when the Constitution changed, and the primogeniture system was thrown out, the problem of providing for the elderly emerged. Once upon a time, even in the Tohoku countryside, even in the poorest household, parents didn't need to worry about their old age if they had even one son. [Hayasaka] The introduction of the equal division of inheritance was the source of many evils. It simply uprooted Japan's fine, time-honored tradition which had families helping each other, and caring for parents in their old age, with the eldest son at the center. [Watanabe] Everybody's business is nobody's business. Collective responsibility is irresponsibility. [Hayasaka] Precisely. This may seem outrageous, but Japan is on

FBIS3-6628_13

* Magazine Assesses Hosokawa Character, Ability

the verge of becoming a "sand society" like the United States. The United States is a society of drifters. Without self-assertion, it would collapse. Everything has to be sharply defined. All the young Cinderellas and their male counterparts are dreaming of success. That trend is swiftly encroaching on Japan. The mass media have become a huge monster, and they have the masses right where they want them: blowing a tiny trumpet of justice. I have no intention of condemning Hosokawa, but compared with Japan's traditional leaders, he is an unlikely one. When that opportunist senses danger, it is entirely possible that, led by Mumin Papa [a character from a Finnish cartoon book about trolls, whom Takemura is said to resemble], Masayoshi Takemura, Hosokawa will jump on the LDP bandwagon. [Watanabe] Looking back, I think that the LDP erred in not creating a television news program to combat the Tetsuya Chikushi [a journalist turned newscaster] and Hiroshi Kume programs, one with a completely different outlook. For instance, why hasn't there been even one program run by you, Mr. Hayasaka, or someone like you? Clearly, the party was overconfident. The informal discussion programs they used to have on Sunday have suddenly disappeared. The news bureaus say they don't want them, because they don't agree with the ideas that are presented. They say that in no uncertain terms. When the LDP was governing, Chikushi's program was on, Kume's program was on. The LDP had enough power to insist that there be a Hayasaka program, or a Kotaro Tawara [a newscaster who specializes in politics] program. [Hayasaka] Never mind about me, but that was probably the overconfidence that stems from being in power for such a long time. [Watanabe] The LDP was too optimistic. [Hayasaka] Behind arrogance there is always weakness. And they're regretting it now. Isn't that the story? When they woke up, the Communist Party had taken control of the Japan Federation of Commercial Broadcast Workers' Unions. [Watanabe] The LDP just sat by while anti-Kume and anti-Chikushi programs disappeared. [Hayasaka] That's right. But, without question, this is the first time that we've had a leader with such a weak party base, a leader who seems to be floating around in a state of weightlessness. [Watanabe] Japan is the sort of nation that can make strengths out of "emptiness" and "hollowness." That's why Hosokawa was able to summon up the nerve to talk

FBIS3-6651_1

KCNA Reports Delegate's Statement

public opinion at home and abroad, the South side hampered the exchange of special envoys by repeatedly creating artificial obstacles and difficulties in the way of the contact. What must not be overlooked is that the South Korean ruling quarters have repeatedly resorted to such insidious intrigues as abusing the working-level contact to impede and put the brakes on the DPRK-USA talks. The DPRK-USA talks and the inter-Korean exchange of special envoys are, by nature, different matters. It was an act of flunkeyist treachery against the nation that the South Korean ruling quarters abused the exchange of special envoys to hinder the DPRK-USA talks. We have approached the working contact with sincerity, patiently urging dialogue and negotiation and not abandoning our will for the exchange of special envoys even when the South Korean authorities broke off the working-level contact, antagonizing the fellow countrymen from an anti-national position and resorting to malicious moves to do harm to us in conspiracy with outside forces. At the sixth round of working contact, our side proposed to dispel the apprehensions of all the fellow countrymen for the exchange of special envoys by announcing in a joint communique that the sides confirmed again each other's intention to exchange special envoys and agreed on their early exchange, and thus took a broad-minded attitude with regard to its just four-point demand that all large-scale nuclear war manoeuvres against the dialogue partner be discontinued, the "international cooperation system" be abandoned, the planned introduction of Patriot missiles be rescinded and the remarks that they "cannot shake hands with a party possesed of nuclear weapons" be withdrawn. Even at that time, however, the South side blindly took exception to the North side's constructive proposal and, outside of conference hall, cried that "the exchange of special envoys is a precondition for the third round of DPRK-USA talks" and decided on a "policy of tough reaction" toward the North at "a high-level strategic meeting of officials concerned". The South side freely addressed itself to such extremely insolent acts as calling for the resumption of "Team Spirit" nuclear war exercises, promotion of the planned introduction of Patriot missiles and "international sanctions" against the North. Such abrupt provocative acts of the South Korean rulers were virtually a declaration of breaking off the working-level contact, a declaration of abandoning the exchange of special envoys and a declaration of all-out confrontation with us. By thus provoking

FBIS3-6657_1

Daily Accuses South of Human Rights Violations

NODONG SINMUN in a by-lined article today. The article goes on: In South Korea the population are deprived of even their freedom to see, hear and speak as they please, to say nothing of the freedom of ideological choice and political activity, and not only their material and cultural life but their right to live are ruthlessly trampled upon. What matters in the human rights situation in South Korea is, above all, that the repressive legal system and machines are not only maintained but further mal-revised [word as received] and supplemented. The Kim Yong-sam group not only has maintained the legal and institutional devices including the "National Security Law" which the preceding military fascist regimes had made the foundation of their existence, but also has expanded and strengthened the functions and role of such repressive tools as the "Security Planning Board" and "secret affairs command", the headquarters of evils, in a crafty way and drastically reinforced the puppet police to ruthlessly suppress the righteous struggle of the people at any time and in any place. The human rights situation in South Korea offers a problem also because not only those who conduct patriotic, democratic activities but the workers, peasants and other labouring masses who champion their right to existence and even dissident democratic organizations are suppressed, branded as "leftist violent forces". The fascist clique had arrested more than 200 students, intellectuals and others by invoking the "National Security Law" by October last year. This is 2.5 times the figure of those arrested in the initial corresponding period of the No Tae-u fascist clique's tenure. What must not be overlooked is that the fascist clique is mercilessly cracking down on the workers and peasants who call for their right to live. Grave human rights abuses by the Kim Yong-sam group are found in the fact that brutal tortures remain unabated, with a large number of patriots and guiltless people ruthlessly killed by tortures or punished on false "charges". Brutal tortures of all descriptions are inflicted on any detainees, whether they be aged and sick, women and even pregnant women, once they are arrested, in order to wrest false confessions. Facts clearly show that the Kim Yong-sam regime is, indeed, a regime destroying human rights under the "civilian" veil. The reality apparently confirms that the human rights problem in South Korea cannot be solved unless the Kim Yong-sam fascist regime is toppled.

FBIS3-6660_0

Japan's Plans To Host Security Forum Decried

Language: English Article Type:BFN ["Ridiculous and Impudent Behavior"--KCNA headline] [Text] Pyongyang, March 21 (KCNA) -- The Japan Defence Agency decided to convene a "forum" on the security of Asia-Pacific countries in Tokyo this fall and is now sounding out defence ministry officials of the United States, Russia, China, Southeast Asian countries and the South Korean puppets and extending invitations to them. A NODONG SINMUN analyst today says the ulterior intention of Japan in hosting the "forum" is to divert elsewhere the cautious eyes of the international community against its nuclear armament and moves toward a military power and to give itself a boost, increase its say and exercise its influence in the security issue by dint of its economic potentials and take the leading position in the Asia-Pacific region. The news analyst goes on: Japan has grown into a dangerous aggression force in the Asia-Pacific region. Peace and security not only in northeast Asia but in the Asia-Pacific region is gravely threatened by Japan. It is the height of folly for Japan to play host to a "forum" on security matters, a country which has defined a broad sphere of the Asia-Pacific region as its operational theatre with an aggressive design on the countries in this region. It is a customary practice of the Japanese ruling quarters to satisfy their own interests by taking issue with others. Japanese trigger-happy elements may call for "joint countermeasures" against somebody's "nuclear threat" when the "forum" is opened. By so doing the Japanese reactionaries are intending to cover up their nuclear armament and moves toward a military power and step up their preparations for overseas aggression in real earnest behind the facade of "security". The Japanese ruling quarters' talk about a "forum" on security in the Asia-Pacific region and the like is nothing but a petty trick to prettify their aggressive and dominationist nature.

FBIS3-6678_0

Anniversary of Law Abolishing Taxes Marked

Language: English Article Type:BFN [Text] Pyongyang, March 19 (KCNA) -- March 21 is the 20th anniversary of the proclamation of the law on the abolition of taxation in Korea. With the enforcement of the law Korea became the first tax-free country in the world. The Workers' Party of Korea and the government of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea that regard it as the supreme principle of their activities to promote the welfare of the people have paid deep attention to making the working people evenly well off and steadily improving their living. Under the popular policies of the party and the state the predatory tax system, a leftover of the old society, was destroyed to give place to a popular tax system after the liberation of the country. More than fifty kinds of miscellaneous taxes were abolished and tax was unified. Even in the difficult period after the war measures were adopted to systematically reduce the tax burden of the people. In 1955 the income tax of the factory and office workers was cut by thirty percent and the tax burden of the handicraftsmen, entrepreneurs and traders slashed drastically. The rate of the agricultural tax in kind which accounted for 25 percent of the harvest dropped to 20.1 percent on an average in the same year and it again went down to 8.4 percent in 1959. The agricultural tax in kind from which farmers had been partially exempted was completely abolished in 1966 so that all the farm produce could be turned entirely to the improvement of the living standards of the agricultural working people. Later, even the negligible income tax levied upon the factory and office workers was completely repealed. The word "tax" is gradually fading in the memory of the people. The younger generation does not know what it means. The people enjoy the daily growing, enormous benefits from the state, far from paying taxes to the state. The additional benefits rendered by the state under the social and cultural measures such as free education, free medical service, paid leave, free accommodation at sanatoria and holiday homes, old age pension and social security, exceed the wages of the working people.

FBIS3-6685_0

Dailies View Prime Minister's Visit

Article Type:BFN [Editorial Report] Two Bangkok Chinese-language dailies -- ZHONG HUA RIBAO and XING XIAN RIBAO -- on 17 and 18 March carry editorials commenting on Prime Minister Chuan Likphai's visit to Vietnam. ZHONG HUA RIBAO's 17 March editorial on page 1, entitled "the Significance of Prime Minister Chuan's Visit to Vietnam," says that "Prime Minister Chuan Likphai led a large delegation of government and private representatives to Vietnam on 16 March for a 4-day official visit. The Prime minister's trip is in line with Thailand's foreign policy of promoting relations with neighboring countries and is aimed at settling historic problems, discussing investment cooperation and development of economic relations, and exchanging views on Vietnam's plan to join ASEAN." Issues which have to be settled between the two nations include their territorial water boundary and the return of Vietnamese refugees who still remain in Thailand. Such complicated issues can not be tackled with a few words. The editorial believes that to further improve their bilateral relations, the two countries will have to show their sincerity and hold consultations to find ways of settling the problems. The editorial says that after the U.S. decision to remove trade sanctions against Vietnam, Vietnam hopes to attract some U.S. $120 million to 150 million worth of foreign investment during the remaining six years of the century to improve its infrastructure and to develop its industry so that it can achieve an eight percent economic growth rate. Vietnam can achieve its target if it can eliminate the corruption problem while developing its economy. "ASEAN countries welcome the U.S. decision to lift its sanctions against Vietnam. Thailand can serve as a gateway for foreign companies and banks to Vietnam. However, we should note that Vietnam has lower labor costs while its productivity is high. This can be a threat to Thailand's agricultural and textile exports. However, Vietnam's participation in the competition can help boost economic growth in the Southeast Asian Region. ASEAN will become a big market with a combined population of 400 million if Vietnam, Laos, and Burma become full members of ASEAN. They can greatly benefit regional development. Hence, ASEAN will not only attract world attention for its economic strength, but will also increase its influence in the international political arena," the editorial says. The editorial believes that the six ASEAN countries will not reject Vietnam's participation. Conflicts can be removed through increasing contacts and

FBIS3-6687_0

Finance Minister Says Nation Richest in ASEAN

Language: Thai Article Type:BFN [Text] Speaking to reporters in Vietnam yesterday about the Finance Ministry's plan to give loans to the Indochinese countries for infrastructure development, Deputy Finance Minister Trairong Suwannakhiri said: [Begin Trairong recording] Our foreign reserves now amount to over 600 billion baht. Singapore aside, we are the richest country in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. The amount exceeds the optimum [preceding word rendered in English] point. Under normal circumstances, the foreign reserve is maintained at a level just high enough for buying two or three months worth of imports. The present amount is sufficient for five or six months. This concerns us, because the money is just doing nothing at the national bank. For this reason, we want our business people to use this money to invest in other countries so that we can earn interest. We encourage our people to invest in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. [end recording] Meanwhile, Wichit Suphinit, governor of the Bank of Thailand, said that Thailand's foreign reserves are excessively high and enough to cover as much as seven months worth of imports. The Bank of Thailand will use the money to provide loans to its neighboring countries in line with the Finance Ministry policy.

FBIS3-6731_3

Radio Reports 19 Mar North-South Contact

be imposed on someone else. This is, indeed, an act that destroys [pagoe] the contact of working-level delegates for the exchange of special envoys and brings our country's situation to a very dangerous touch-and-go phase. These acts the South side has committed against its dialogue partner graphically show that the South side's remarks at the previous contact with us that the issue of discontinuing all large- scale nuclear war exercises and abandoning an international alliance [kukche kongjo cheje] can be discussed during the exchange of special envoys were false. These acts also graphically show that its remarks that the situation has changed from the time it said that it could not shake hands with a partner that has nuclear weapons and its remarks that it has decided to withhold the plan to introduce Patriot missiles were all deceptive. It would be correct to say that without changing from the past, the South side is committing a grave crime by again trying to stage nuclear war exercises against its fellow countrymen with outside forces, pursuing an international alliance to harm its fellow countrymen, entering into confrontation with us, and trying to frustrate the exchange of special envoys from the preparatory stage. Viewed from this perspective, the fact that in the previous rounds of contacts our side asked the South side to express a clear attitude toward the four-point demand was very just, and we have no choice but to insist on it again. We strongly demand that the South side bear responsibility for building artificial obstacles to the contact of working-level delegates and make clear its attitude toward our side's just four- point demand at today's contact. Second, we cannot but take a serious look at the fact that the South side has tried to use the exchange of special envoys for other political purposes, taking a dishonest attitude toward the working-level delegates contacts. The South side has never come out to the working-level delegates contacts with a position of actually realizing the envoy exchange. Even most recently, despite of the fact that our side took an epochal and magnanimous step on our own initiative to advance the working-delegate contacts for the envoy exchange, the South side did not answer our magnanimity and goodwill with understanding and sincerity. Worse still, the South side stubbornly opposed to and disapproved our constructive proposal on announcing a joint communique in which the two sides

FBIS3-6734_3

Reportage, Commentary on Bombing Continue Linked to World Trade Center Bomb

is we are not sure if they are still in Thailand," said Pol. Lt. Gen. Chaiyasit, who on Thursday said he was "50 percent" sure the terrorists are still in the Kingdom. The officer said he was confident the terrorists were foreigners who had chosen the Israel Embassy as their target because the truck carrying the bomb was heading toward the embassy on Soi Lang Suan when it was involved in an accident with a motorcycle. He said the information given by the owner of the truck, the water tank shop staff and the motorcyclist indicates the Mideast- looking who rented the truck and bought the water tanks was the same person. The man communicated with his hands and spoke both English and Arabic. Pol. Lt. Gen. Chaiyasit said he was confident there was more than one, probably three to four, people involved in the plot and they would have had to have been in the country for some time because the person who drove the truck appeared to know Bangkok's roads. Police Director-General Pratin Santipraphop said he believed at least two Mideast-looking men were involved in an international plot to blow up the Israeli Embassy. But the names of the two suspects art still unknown and it is not sure if they are still in Thailand, he said. Pol. Gen. Pratin. said police yesterday searched several areas of Bang Mot and Ramkhamhaeng in search of the suspects. He said he had not appointed a special police team to work on the case but admitted to working closely with officials from the Israeli Embassy. Metropolitan Police Assistant Director-General Bunchop Phumwichit said plainclothes police had been sent to various hotels, hangouts of Mideast visitors, Makro superstore in Bang Kapi, the water tank shop and the Central Department Store parking lot to gather more information. Immigration police have been instructed to step up surveillance at border checkpoints. The Israeli Embassy has sent a message to thank the police for the increased security following the discovery of the bomb, he said. Extra security has been ordered for foreign embassies, particularly the Israeli Embassy, since Thursday night. A Syrian tourist, Mohammad Hazamail, 35, was detained at his rented room at Phetchaburi Apartment yesterday by Immigration police and taken immediately to Lumphini police station for questioning and identification by the motorcyclist. The man was released later after being cleared. Deputy Prime Minister Banyat Banthatthan said

FBIS3-6777_0

Report Surveys Opposition Sentiments

Language: English Article Type:BFN [Report by Aung Zaw] [Text] At noon, the riot police began to enter Rangoon University while Burmese army troops surrounded the campus, easily crushing the peaceful pro-democracy demonstrations. Female students ran to escape arrest, but they were caught by police and beaten. As the women began sobbing and crying, the situation became like hell. In the evening, about 1,000 students were taken to Insein prison. It was March 17, 1988, the beginning of what has become known as the democracy uprising in Burma. Quickly, Rangoon became a ghosttown: Martial law was imposed, as shooting, street demonstrations and fighting between riot police and civilians continued. On March 18, about 70 people suffocated to death in a prison van. In the evening, thousands of people were rounded up and thrown into jail yet another hell. Children, mostly Muslims, as well as many other civilians were beaten to death in prison. "Fear in Burma is increasing," said a foreign journalist who was lucky enough to get a visa to Burma recently. Some observers and diplomats have noted lately that it seems that the State Law and Order Restoration Council's (SLORC) countrywide intimidation campaign has been successful. Even with this grim observation the next few months offer many occasions for commemorating the 1988 uprising and the important events that followed. While it is a sure bet that SLORC will not allow any public display of solidarity, some Burmese in Rangoon and other major cities are expecting "something to happen", according to a source. An activist in Rangoon recently said, "We are hoping for change because we are fed up with SLORC." He said that by change he meant, "pressure from outside and inside." Many Butmese, indeed, are dreaming about "outside pressure" since they realise that they cannot fight the cruel armed forces. In particular, many Burmese were expecting the UN or one of the superpowers to respond with tough action against the Burmese military during the uprising of 1988. Even with attempts to apply pressure by the international community the Burmese military is still allowed to terrorise and to purge all opponents. Six years after the nationwide street demonstrations, killings and violence, Burma is like a dormant volcano which can explode anytime. Rangoon resident Hla Htun said "We feel very depressed about the current situation but are always encouraged by Daw Suu [Aung San Suu Kyi]. What we need is

FBIS3-6792_0

`Political Prisoners' Used in Tests

Language: English Article Type:BFN [Text] Seoul, March 22 (YONHAP) -- A North Korean Army sergeant who defected to the South last week said on Tuesday that the People's Army has bio-chemical weapons so toxic that they may kill or paralyze the whole 40 million South Korean people in the event of war. Sfc. Yi Chung-kuk formerly of a North Korean CBR (chemical, biological and radiological warfare) unit told a press conference in Seoul that North Korea mass-produced bio-chemical weapons developed by the medical school of Kim Il-song University and People's Army Medical College. "I heard laboratories tested newly developed bio-chemical weapons on living bodies of political prisoners," Yi said. "It was also said that in an area near Chagang Province where a chemical plant is located, many nearby people suffered serious headache and pregnant women gave birth to deformed babies due to the leak of toxic substance in June last year." He said high North Korean military officers used to encourage soldiers by saying that they had nothing to fear because the People's Army possesses nuclear arms. Yi said he learned that North Korean officers trained at Soviet military academies cannot be promoted to general since a coup attempt by those taught at military academies in the former USSR was uncovered in October 1992. About his defection, Yi said he left his home in Pyongyang on last Nov. 9 and smuggled himself to Yanji in northeastern China. He could come to South Korea through a third country with the help of ethnic Koreans in Yanji, he said. Yi said that in the People's Army he served as a calculator at the "counter-nuclear and -atomic analysis center" of nuclear and chemical defense bureau of the People's Army General Staff. The duty of the analysis center is to assess a contaminated area, wind direction and other data in case CBR weapons are used in war and distribute the data obtained to all People's Army units, he said.

FBIS3-6805_2

`Escapees' Describe DPRK Economic Difficulties

was tunneling. My mother was arrested on 21 April 1987 because she said it is as hard to live at present as it was in the days under Japanese domination. [Yi] This difficult situation of North Korea is more vividly told by the Korean residents in Yanbian, who often visit North Korea. [Unidentified Korean resident in Yanbian] Barley was the last thing I wanted to eat there. They gave me meals made from corn without the husk. They do not throw away the husks. They make cake out of the husks. Here the husks are eaten by swine, but in North Korea people cannot fill their stomachs. [Yi] Do they eat rice? [Korean resident in Yanbian] No, they cannot afford it. They cannot even afford to eat refined corn. [Unidentified Korean resident in China of North Korean nationality] If I go to North Korea, they welcome me for coming from another country. They have difficulty in providing the guest with food. It is a pity for them. When I go there, I feel guilty because I feel I enjoy too much comfort compared with them. [Yi] The seriousness of the North Korean economic difficulty is seen not only in food shortage, but in electricity shortage as well. [Unidentified escapee] Although a worker's monthly wage is 170 won, he can work only three to four hours because the plant cannot operate fully due to the shortage of raw material and shortage of electricity. This means the wage one actually gets is 30 to 40 won a month. [Unidentified Korean resident in Yanbian] It is a real pity. Many have to do without socks to wear. Most children go barefoot because they cannot afford to wear shoes. Their feet look like duck feet from malnutrition. [Yi] Is there any other reason, except for the starvation and economic difficulty, for them to risk their lives by escaping? [Unidentified escapee] If they could hope for a better future, they would be patient and wait a few more years. There is no hope in the North. Unless a fundamental change is brought about in the North Korean system, there is no hope for any improvement in the livelihood of the 20 million people there. [Yi] No matter how difficult the situation in North Korea is, crossing the border is a life-risking adventure for those who attempt to flee. [passage omitted on material covered by ref]

FBIS3-6821_0

Authorities Arrest Leading Dissident

Language: English Article Type:BFN [By Philippe Agret] [Text] Hanoi, March 20 (AFP) -- Vietnamese authorities, signalling that they do not intend to let the lifting of the US economic embargo threaten political stability, have arrested a leading dissident, Vietnamese sources said Sunday. Nguyen Ho, one of the most prominent internal opponents of Vietnam's communist regime, was re-arrested early this month at his home in Ho Chi Minh City, sources in the southern city said. Ho -- a former Viet Cong guerrilla, trade union leader and party figure -- had penned and circulated an article calling for greater democracy and respect for human rights in Vietnam, according to the US-based human rights group Asia Watch. Ho, who is in his 70s, was held under house arrest from September 1990 to May 1993 after trying to form a veterans' association independent of the Communist Party. A number of other members of the organization were also arrested this month in Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, said the sources, who did not provide their names. In Hanoi, the Foreign Ministry could supply no information on Ho, who is reportedly in poor health. But a source close to the communist leadership acknowledged that Hanoi had decided to tighten the screws on dissent to prevent any destabilizing effects from the lifting of the US embargo, expected to increase foreign influence as well as investment in Vietnam. "There is a real risk," the source said. "Socialism in the Soviet Union crumbled under the combined effect of foreign pressure and the breakdown of the domestic system." Since the embargo was scrapped in February, the official press has stepped up its warnings against "peaceful evolution" -- a Cold War term for the subversion of communist regimes through economic and social change. Vietnamese authorities insist on the need for political stability to complete their program of "doi moi," or economic renovation. They have confronted internal dissent -- whether it be religious (Catholic or Buddhist) or political -- while rejecting "external interference" in the country's affairs. They are highly suspicious of overseas Vietnamese, particularly those from the million-strong exile community in the United States, made up largely of families who fled Saigon after the 1975 communist victory. But Vietnam, which keenly needs their expertise as well as their capital to develop its fledgling market economy, is looking for ways to lure the "Viet Kieu" back while minimizing the risks. "Ninety

FBIS3-6876_3

Editorial Urges Action Against Terrorists

and attacks have cost several dozen innocent lives. Authorities pledged after the deadly 1988 Kuwait Air hijacking from Bangkok that anti-terrorism procedures would be tightened. During the Gulf War, when suspected terrorists were poised to make attacks in Bangkok, they were intercepted and sent packing. Of course, there is no way that every act of terror can be detected and stopped. New York's blast and the recent attacks on London's Heathrow airport show that even the most security-conscious governments are helpless against the determined terrorist. But it is clearly imperative that police and other security officials continue to do their utmost to prevent such heinous acts. Few doubt that last week's giant bomb could not have been assembled without help from people other than the lone, and possibly suicidal, truck driver. Whether these helpers were foreign diplomats or private Thai or foreign citizens should not influence the strength of efforts to root out dangerous threats to our country. Diplomats involved in terrorism can and should be expelled. Those who hold no such special status, Thai or foreign, can be investigated and dealt with under the law. There is a general belief -- whether true or not -- that on occasion our law-enforcement officers go easy on disputes between foreigners. At the personal level this may at times be the wisest course. But acts of great violence like that which would have been triggered by the truck bomb deserve full investigation and, if possible, direct action. Indeed, it is exactly Thailand and its citizens who have been wronged even during the spineless lead-up to last week's non-bombing. There may be no fingerprints to identify positively the driver of the bomb truck or the murderer of an innocent Thai. But the fingerprints of international terror lie over this entire case. The real culprits should be sought by aggressive police work. Even if they escape there still remains the responsibility to determine who brought terror into our capital. If suspected, such persons should be rigorously investigated. Any diplomats found guilty should be immediately expelled and other suspects charged in court. Terrorism must not be tolerated anywhere within Thailand. Our security officials must take tough action and must also be seen to be taking such action. Bangkok is not Beirut or the occupied territories. Those who would use the uncivilised violence of terrorism in our country must be identified and dealt with unflinching firmness.

FBIS3-6884_8

Kenichi Ohmae Views Economic Restructuring I Beg Off Fighting a Decisive Battle With the United States on the Japanese Homeland

States by shutting down their plants." The only solution left to them is to reduce their exports from Japan. Unfortunately, no corporate executives are ready to give up exports and tackle the employment issue at home. They have a glib tongue; all they can do is stress the need for originality and ingenuity, while their companies continue to lose strength. Japanese companies are now heading toward a dead end. Moment by moment, things are becoming serious, approaching the day when Japan will be hit by another atomic bomb. What has the Ministry of International Trade and Industry been doing until now? All it has done is back up Japan's overseas production. In other words, MITI did nothing other than participate along with the United States in hastening the death of Japanese companies by encouraging them to establish their plants in the United States. Another problem is that Japanese products are driven out of the market because of foreign-made "Japanese products." The parts manufacturing industry is equipment-intensive. Therefore, without mass production, a parts manufacturer cannot pay its way. Domestically, Japanese parts manufacturers have been suffering from sluggish sales due to a prolonged recession. They must export their products to Southeast Asia at low prices. In the case of office automation and audiovisual products, both of which are the forte of Japanese companies, the result was it became possible to reduce costs by 30 percent by assembling these products in Southeast Asia. Singapore, for instance, is flooded with all kinds of Japanese-made parts. Some of them are exported to the United States from there. Domestically, Japanese manufacturers do not feel the need to reduce prices. They continue to impose their expensive office automation products, as well as their expensive audiovisual products, on Japanese users. Under the circumstances, it is quite normal that "Japanese-made Japanese products" cannot compete with "Asian-made Japanese products" in the U.S. market. Moreover, some of these "Asian-made Japanese products" are reimported to Japan. There is no help for Japanese manufacturers. What one has sown, one will have to reap. Japanese companies have rapidly lost their competitive power in this manner. The transfer to Southeast Asia was not limited to the parts manufacturing industry. Other manufacturers completely switched to overseas production by establishing their production hub in Southeast Asia or China, causing the so-called deindustrialization of Japan. As a temporary measure to cope with the situation, hard-hit companies are content

FBIS3-6941_3

Editorial Views Cuban Minister's Visit

was brought to the fore. The United States then announced its economic blockade against Cuba in 1962. Presently, there are no more missiles in Cuba and the Soviet Union has ceased to exist. Therefore, animosity should not exist between the two countries anymore. But according to a statement reported by Carlos Batista of the INTERNATIONAL PRESS SERVICE, even though Cuba is not considered as an offensive "enemy," there are no indications that Washington will not change its attitude toward this island nation in the Carribean. Besides, John Shalikashvili, commander of the U.S. Armed Forces, reiterated that the "rival regime" still exists in Havana -- the reason why the U.S. military will always remain constantly on alert. We are in no position to study the United States rationale in detail. Besides, it is our fervent hope that with the present changes taking place, the United States will reconsider its decision on the economic blockade against Cuba. As a result of the conflict, the United States has to bear the responsibility of accepting the flow of emigrants from Havana. But Cuba considers the embargo as an "incurable and invisible disease which brings along destruction anywhere it settles." According to analysts, the embargo has caused Cuba to suffer an economic loss of about U.S. $40 billion -- more than five times the amount of loans which Cuba has taken from the West. The amount is also 20 times more than the total amount of Cuba's imports. Certainly, Cuba has blamed the United States for the embargo, which has caused its people to suffer. There are others who share such an opinion, particularly after former U.S. President George Bush intensified the blockade through what he termed the Torricelli Laws. It is possible that the U.S. decision to prolong the blockade against Cuba is probably due to the opposition by the Miami-based Hispanic and conservative communities. In other words, domestic politics have a role in the question of imposing the economic blockade. The United States will definitely stress -- as it has clarified to the other developing nations -- that the decision to lift the embargo will solely depend on Cuban leader Fidel Castro's willingness to embark on reforms in his country. But whatever the case may be, Indonesia will definitely extend its support to Cuba. It is hoped that similar support will be extended by the other Asian countries visited by Foreign Minister Robaina.

FBIS3-6945_0

Australian Minister on Energy Cooperation

Language: English Article Type:BFN [Text] Australia and the Philippines have agreed to cooperate closely on energy to help boost trade and investments between the two countries, Australian Trade Minister Robert McMullan said. He said an Australian energy mission will visit Manila in May to coincide with the first meeting of the proposed joint working group on energy. "We expect it (mission) to find a lot of trade opportunities for Australia... and provide opportunities for the Philippines to take initiatives to resolve its energy situation," McMullan told reporters at the airport before leaving Manila on Saturday [19 March]. The trade official arrived on Thursday as part of a tour of member-countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and is to visit Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. Australia had been helping the Philippines in the oil exploration field. Only recently, the Australian Government financed the survey work on several prospective oil-bearing structures in the Philippines . The first report on the results of the survey was released last month and pointed to the areas where oil reserves could have accumulated over the years. The drilling season is set to start next month and several local and foreign oil exploration companies will be searching for oil in offshore Palawan, Mindoro, and the Sulu Sea. The Philippines depends on imported crude. Recent oil discoveries have helped cut these imports. One of the country's biggest oil strikes, the Linapacan oil field off Palawan, initially produced at least 15,000 barrels a day until water started to seep into the pipe. Two foreign firms -- Shell Exploration and Occidental Petroleum -- are working on the development of a much bigger oil structure called the Malampaya field. This structure contains a sizable amount of natural gas and crude oil.

FBIS3-6948_0

Envoy to U.S. Comments on Textile Issues

Language: English Article Type:BFN [Text] A group of 75 US congressmen, led by John Spratt, Head of the Congressional Textile Caucus, has urged US Trade Representative Mickey Kantor to take retaliatory measures against nine major textile exporters, including Thailand, charging them with failing to satisfactorily open their markets for access of US textile exports by a February 15 deadline. According to a report from the Thai Commercial Counsellor in Washington to the Commerce Permanent Secretary, the nine textile and garment exporters targetted for US action are Indonesia, Egypt, Pakistan, India, Thailand, Korea, Hong Kong, Turkey and the Philippines. The report maintained that the US textile group cast doubt on whether the US government could achieve success in its market-opening talks with other countries under the Uruguay Round negotiations, which is scheduled to be endorsed on April 15. The group was disappointed as the US could not negotiate to prolong the textile agreement. It demanded the government do what it had promised: open foreign markets for US products like the US market is opened for foreign imports. The group has proposed the US government impose retaliatory measures against countries failing to satisfactorily open their markets for US products. The measures proposed include: -- Increasing customs duties on major textile products. -- Opposing membership applications to the World Trade Organisation. -- Cancelling the generalised system of preference privileges.

FBIS3-6949_1

Prime Minister's SRV Trip Marked as Successful

of Thailand's policy of allowing qualified Vietnamese companies and Thai-Vietnamese joint ventures to be listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand in the future. They say the move will be an incentive for local firms to invest more outside Thailand. Dr Som Chatusiphithak, chairman of the Thai Bankers' Association, and Wichian Techaphaibun, vice-president of the Board of Trade of Thailand have backed the central bank's decision to expand loans through the Bangkok International Banking Facilities (BIBF) scheme. They say both moves will boost Thailand's push to become a regional financial centre. The two share the view that it is time the Thai Government offered investment perks for local businessmen to expand their investments abroad, not just providing such privileges for local investment as at present. Difficulties over monetary regulations include the allowable limit of funds to be taken out for investment abroad, says Mr Wichian, who is also the president of Bangkok Metropolitan Bank. Thanin Chiarawanon, chairman of the Charoen Phokphan Group, says that even where the two countries have something in common, such as in agricultural goods, Thailand should not consider Vietnam as a rival in exporting. However, the government should promote and support local businessmen to invest here to make Vietnam partially a production base. Wikrom Kromadit, president of Bangpakong Industrial Park 2 Co, echoes this view. He says the Board of Investment should act as an agency to encourage investment abroad, like the Japan External Trade Organisation. He sees better prospects for bilateral ties after the Chuan visit, but he thinks real action or real investment from Thailand is much needed. Mr Wikrom says his Long Binh Industrial Estate project, for which the contract was signed during the Chuan visit to Vietnam, will, if completed, become the hub of Thai investment in Vietnam. He aims to provide several services including seeking Vietnamese partners and investment consultancy over rules and regulations here. Many Thai products, for example canned pineapple, canned tuna and other canned seafood products, have a good reputation in foreign markets, and it is thus possible to shift the manufacturing base to Vietnam while using the same Thai brand names. During the visit, there were two agreements on tourism cooperation an agreement between the Federation of Thai Industries and Vietnam's State Committee for Cooperation and Investment; and four joint investment contracts between Thai firms and Vietnamese government agencies. Mr Chuan witnessed the signing of the contracts.

FBIS3-6951_0

Industrialist, PRC Mission on Trade Talks

Language: Chinese Article Type:BFN [Text] Chokchai Aksoranan, chairman of the Thai Federation of Industries, received a trade delegation from China's Jiangsu Province led by Hong Zhenxin. Chokchai said there are bright prospects for Thai investment in China in areas such as factory development, infrastructure construction, and retailing. Thai investors can also export construction materials for projects in China. Simultaneously, there are good opportunities for Chinese entrepreneurs to invest in Thailand to produce goods for export to Indochina. This will help save transportation costs. Moreover, China's cooperation with ASEAN countries and the quadrangle economic development project invovling China, Thailand, Laos, and Burma will enable this region to become an important area of greater economic prosperity. Now, some Thai products such as motorcycles, kitchen ware, consumer products, and construction materials have penetrated the Indochinese market. However, countries in each region have set up regional trade groups. This has prompted Thailand to enhance its competitiveness in the market by improving development analyses or relocating production bases to other countries with cheaper labor costs. Labor cost in Thailand is much higher than in neighboring countries. The Chinese chief delegate said Wuxi city has registered the rapid economic growth rate of 25 percent, the highest in Jiangsu Province. There are over 140,000 factories in the city. There are also some 3,669 foreign-owned factories with a combined investment of U.S. $2,900 million. Chinese entrepreneurs are interested in investing in metallurgical and rubber industries in Thailand.

FBIS3-6987_0

Workers Strive To Meet Power Project Schedule

Language: Vietnamese Article Type:BFN [Text] According to Quoc Ha of Electricity-Generating Corporation No. 3, for the first group of generators to be tested on 30 June, building units and French specialists in charge of the Vinh Son Hydroelectric Power Plant construction project are actively responding to the last phase of the emulation movement to complete the plant on schedule. The Vinh Son Hydroelectric Power Plant Building Corporation, the 10 February Machine Installation Enterprise, the Water Conservancy Building Corporation No. 7, and the Vinh Son Hydroelectric Power Plant project management board are striving to install two turbine generators and build a water pipeline, pressure control tower, pressure pipeline, and 110-kv open-air power supply system before 15 May. The Electricity-Generating Corporation No. 3 has set aside nearly 200 million dong in cash awards for winners of this emulation drive.

FBIS3-6989_0

Kantor Interviewed on Resuming Framework Talks

Language: Japanese Article Type:BFN [Interview with U.S. Trade Representative Mickey Kantor by unidentified NHK reporter at his office in Washington on 21 March; from "NHK News" Program; Kantor's comments are in English -- recorded] [Text] In an interview with an NHK reporter on 21 March, U.S. Trade Representative Mickey Kantor stressed that the resumption of Japan-U.S. framework talks would be possible depending on the package of measures the Japanese Government planned to map out in late March to open its markets. [Begin Kantor recording] We hope that it is aggressive and bold, in that there will be a good enough package to restart talks under the framework. What I want to talk about is Japan's having a bold package of market-opening items that will help us reengage this process. [end recording] In this way, Mr. Kantor stressed that the resumption of Japan-U.S. framework talks is possible depending on the package of measures the Japanese Government plans to map out in late March to open its markets. [Begin Kantor recording] I think it should not escape our attention that the Japanese market is the most closed market of any developed country in the world. [end recording] Mr. Kantor's remarks emphasized that the United States will continue to use sanctions as a weapon to press Japan to open its market. The U.S. Trade Representative plans to release an annual report on foreign trade barriers in late March which could be used as evidence in the decision to invoke the Super 301 provision of the 1988 Omnibus Trade Act against Japan's foreign trade barriers. Commenting on the release of the report, Mr. Kantor said the United States wants to speedily resolve procurement by the Japanese Government and the automobile sector. In the interview he suggested that the two sectors might be singled out in the report as examples of closed Japanese markets in the report.

FBIS3-6998_0

Envoy on U.S. Private Sector Pressure on IPR

Language: English Article Type:BFN [Text] Private sector groups in the US have asked the US Trade Representative (USTR) to keep Thailand on the Priority Watch List (PWL) of countries monitored for their protection of intellectual property rights [IPR], because the amendment of the Thai draft Copyright Bill is still pending. The Thai Commercial Counsellor in Washington, Nupthong Thongyai, said the US International Intellectual Property Alliance (IIPA) recently submitted a request to the USTR that Thailand be kept on the list until the Copyright Law is amended. The IIPA also suggested placing China on the list of Priority Foreign Countries (PFC) which may face trade retaliation from the US because they do not have sufficient protection for US copyright works. It said copyright violations in China were hurting US manufacturers. China is on the PWL after being removed from the PFC list in 1991. The US will announce this April whether it will remove Thailand from the PWL, but such a move is not expected until the draft amendment of the Copyright Law passes its third reading in Parliament. A source in the Thai music industry said China was copying foreign compact discs. Some of the copies were being shipped to Thailand for sale locally and resale aboard. Mr. Nupthong said the US still wanted Thailand to lower its tariffs on exposed film from the current rate of 10 baht per metre to five baht, but the case was not serious as the countries had agreed they should negotiate on this issue under General Agreement on Tariff and Trade talks.

FBIS3-7010_13

MOFA Officials Review Ex-Yugoslavia Policy What Are the Opinions of Other Countries About Japan's Concern?

of WHO. As WHO is also offering humanitarian aid with medical supplies and more, it turns out that the three organizations are coincidentally headed by Japanese. Although not because of this fact, we tend to feel like cooperating with these leaders. Yugoslavia in East Europe [GAIKO FORUM] By the way, in a sense the Cold War seems to have functioned as a kind of stabilizing factor for the Balkan situation, including the former Yugoslavia. However, it seems that this time the ethnic problem has erupted now that the stabilizing factor has been totally removed. How should we understand the future Yugoslav situation within the total framework of East Europe? [Okada] In East Europe, there is no other place where the ethnic problem is as complicated as in Yugoslavia. However, besides Yugoslavia, there are certain countries which are more or less involved in racial problems. As you know, as of 1 January 1993 Czechoslovakia was divided peacefully into the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Also, there may have been other places where national consciousness was once sharply exalted when the stabilizing factor in the form of the Cold War was removed. However, they may have become rather prudent in their own way because of the miserable situation taking place in Yugoslavia. A potentially most serious problem besides that of Yugoslavia is that of the Hungarian people who are in foreign countries. In particular, about 600,000 Hungarians are included in the 5.3 million population of the new Slovakia, and nearly 2 million Hungarians are living in Romania's Transylvania. In addition, Hungarians are also living in the autonomous state of Vojvodina (in Serbia), north of Yugoslavia. Therefore, some people fear that, if the various problems taking place in Serbia lead to oppression of the minority race of Hungarians living in Yugoslavia, the oppression might stimulate the national consciousness of people of Hungarian descent, which might come to involve other areas. Another problem, which is considered a little more realistic threat, is the problem of the people of Albanian descent. About 90 percent of the population of Kosovo, Serbia, is Albanian, and, in The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia [FYROM], south of Serbia, about 20 percent of its population is Albanian according to official statistics -- although Albanians claim the ratio should be over 40 percent. When we talk about FYROM, it should be understood that the Macedonian nation was first recognized by the late

FBIS3-7010_14

MOFA Officials Review Ex-Yugoslavia Policy What Are the Opinions of Other Countries About Japan's Concern?

because of the miserable situation taking place in Yugoslavia. A potentially most serious problem besides that of Yugoslavia is that of the Hungarian people who are in foreign countries. In particular, about 600,000 Hungarians are included in the 5.3 million population of the new Slovakia, and nearly 2 million Hungarians are living in Romania's Transylvania. In addition, Hungarians are also living in the autonomous state of Vojvodina (in Serbia), north of Yugoslavia. Therefore, some people fear that, if the various problems taking place in Serbia lead to oppression of the minority race of Hungarians living in Yugoslavia, the oppression might stimulate the national consciousness of people of Hungarian descent, which might come to involve other areas. Another problem, which is considered a little more realistic threat, is the problem of the people of Albanian descent. About 90 percent of the population of Kosovo, Serbia, is Albanian, and, in The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia [FYROM], south of Serbia, about 20 percent of its population is Albanian according to official statistics -- although Albanians claim the ratio should be over 40 percent. When we talk about FYROM, it should be understood that the Macedonian nation was first recognized by the late President Tito. Bulgarian people still think they are West Bulgarians, and the nationalistic Serbian people call them South Serbians. Greece also thinks FYROM was originally part of Greece. Such being the situation, there were two Balkan wars involving the area prior to World War I. In that sense, though the conflict is presently taking the form of a civil war within the former Yugoslavia, should relations between the Albanians and the Macedonians worsen, creating a conflict around the area, it is feared that an international conflict might take place involving Bulgaria and Greece in addition to Serbia and Albania. Comparison of the Situation With the Cambodian Peace [GAIKO FORUM] In the case of the Cambodian peace, we noticed the interesting phenomenon that all the people were somehow united under a symbolic person called Prince Sihanouk (the present king). In Yugoslavia, is there any person who can be a key person to bring about a peaceful solution of the conflicts? [Yanai] It is a very interesting idea to compare the Yugoslav situation with that of Cambodia. Certainly, in the case of Cambodia there is a charismatic figure called Sihanouk whom even the Pol Pot faction respects, thus making it possible to

FBIS3-7015_2

Editorial Urges Politicians To Look Outward

because regarding the consumption tax issue in particular, the Social Democratic Party of Japan [SDPJ], which is the largest among the ruling coalition parties, would persist in expressing "opposition" to it, considering it wholly as a domestic issue -- and as a rather short-sighted election campaign slogan, at that. Even now, there are "opposition" headquarters against the consumption tax set up at the SDPJ headquarters and its local chapters. Regarding consultations among the ruling coalition parties on tax system reforms, circumstances are such that in some quarters of the SDPJ, there have emerged voices expressing pessimism about implementation of tax system reforms by the end of the year. The party thus fails to see such matters in relation to Japan-U.S. ties. Recently, the official party organ of the SDPJ carried a statement by Manae Kubota, director general of the Economic Planning Agency, who said: "During the days when the SDPJ was an opposition party, it would suffice, in many aspects, for the party to chant the line, `Japan-U.S. relations are the most important among bilateral relations.' Now, that is not enough." However, the SDPJ never even chanted such a "line" when it was an opposition party. What it has historically advocated was a "pro-Soviet, anti-U.S." policy. Even now, the party still has not formally withdrawn its opposition to the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty. It remains indifferent to such concerns as that deteriorated economic relations could eventually affect security ties. At a time when the post-Cold War situation continues to drift, political parties -- regardless of whether they be ruling or opposition parties -- bear the responsibility to decide on policies and determine the course of their political action, not looking only at domestic affairs, but also opening their eyes to view the rest of the world. The Diet, which, under normal conditions, should be conducting serious deliberations toward restoring strained relations with the United States, has been unable to hold budget committee meetings. This situation is nearly tantamount to political parties' failing to fulfill their responsibilities. In view of the upcoming July Naples summit, the government is currently hastening compilation of a package of measures to appease the United States. However, voices have emerged pointing out that Prime Minister Hosokawa seems to have little part in the process. It is believed the prime minister should come forward and fulfill the responsibilities which accompany his saying "no" at the Japan-U.S. summit meeting.

FBIS3-7083_0

Evans, Thailand's Prasong Discuss ASEAN Treaty

Language: English Article Type:BFN [Text] AUSTRALIA has expressed interest in acceding to the ASEAN's Treaty of Amity and Co-operation (TAC) in talks with Foreign Minister Prasong Sunsiri, according to a Foreign Ministry statement yesterday. Australian Foreign Minister Gareth Evans raised the issue during his meeting with Prasong, who is on three-day official visit to Australia. Prasong had said he would raise the matter the other members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations -- Brunei, Indonesia, Singapore, the Philippines, and Malaysia -- the statement said. It gave no further details. Australia is already a dialogue partner of ASEAN. Acceding to the Treaty of Amity and Co-operation in Southeast Asia (TAC) would be a necessary step towards membership of the regional grouping. However, ASEAN leaders cannot agree on the need to expand the 1976- Bali treaty to include countries outside Southeast Asia. The treaty calls for the peaceful settlement of regional conflict and provides for setting up a high council to settle disagreements. Some ASEAN states fear the council could be dominated by non- Southeast Asian regional players if they are allowed to accede to the treaty. Priority is clearly being given to links with the other Southeast Asian nations: Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Burma. Laos and Vietnam have observer status and have already acceded to the treaty. The United Nations in 1992 adopted resolutions endorsing the TAC's guidelines and principles as a code of conduct for relations between countries in the region and as a mechanism to settle disputes. The statement said Evans also proposed that the first meeting of the ASEAN Regional Forum [ARF] discuss the setting up of two or three working groups. It said Evans and Prasong agreed that the first ARF meeting should promote friendliness and confidence-building among the 18 attending foreign ministers as a foundation for co-operation in ensuring peace and stability.

FBIS3-7091_0

Suharto Refuses Aid With Strings Attached

Language: English Article Type:BFN [Text] Probolinggo, Mar 23 (ANTARA) -- President Suharto reiterated Wednesday that Indonesia will be firm in refusing foreign aid that has strings unfavorable to Indonesian interests tied to it. "Should no foreign aid be available because of this policy, we will be ready to carry on our national development by our own resources," he said in a speech at the commissioning of the Paiton steam driven power plant near this East Java town. The head of state said foreign assistance will remain no more than a supplement to the country's national resources and in future its volume will steadily decrease as these resources continue to increase. On the other hand, the president conceded that though the nation is resolved to carry on its development on its own strength, "we do realize that foreign assistance could be used to advantage to further our advancement." A few years back, Indonesia decided to no longer accept financial aid from the Netherlands because the donor government kept tying its assistance to political strings. The Paiton plant commissioned by the president was constructed with domestic funding supplemented by foreign financial assistance amounting totally to RP [rupiah] 2.3 trillion. Two generator units of the plant, completed in the first development phase and inaugurated Wednesday, each has a capacity of 400 MW [megawatts], with fuel need of two billion tons of coal a year. Touching on the coal use, President Suharto said the 36 billion-ton coal deposit must be benefited to diversify energy sources especially because natural oil as the main energy source, is not renewable. "Coal will become the main energy source that we can rely on in the future," He said at the ceremony which was attended also by the first lady, Mrs. Tien Suharto, the World Bank president, Lewis Preston, and Minister/State Secretary Murdiono. Acknowledging that it will need hard work, the head of state called for a well planned coal use. He also urged for the participation of private sector in developing steam power plants (PLTU) in Paiton as well as other projects. The state electricity company (PLN) plans in the third stage of the Paiton to build a number of more steam power plants with a capcity of 1200 x 2 MW respectively, because that of the second stage whose capacity is about 800 MW will be built by PLN itself. By giving a chance to the private

FBIS3-7104_0

Paper Condemns Australia's Immigration Policy

Language: Thai Article Type:BFN [Editorial: "Australia Is Overdoing It"] [Text] Australia has said publicly on many occasions that its survival and future interests depend on Asia, particularly Southeast Asia, whose 350 million population possesses considerable buying power. With this in mind, Australia has strengthened economic relations with the region, particularly with ASEAN, to firm up its foundation for future interests. However, if Australia regards all Thais who step on its soil as criminals, it is creating danger for itself. Australian immigration officials can hardly deny that they are treating every Thai man and woman arriving at Australian air and sea ports in a discriminatory manner. Their luggage is thoroughly inspected and women are given body searches as if they are wanted criminals. All of this is simply because they carry Thai passports. This is untolerable. If things worsen to the point that Thai people express their dissatisfaction with Australia at the national level, Thai-Australian relations will be harmed more than by any expression by the Thai Government. Thai people have wondered for some time what criteria Australian officials use to reach the assumption that all Thais are heroin traffickers and Thai women are prostitutes. Holders of other passports do not seem to be subjected to this assumption. We want to warn Australia that things will worsen if it does not rectify this matter. The discrimination against Thais is unacceptable. It is a fact that Thais hardly create any problems for Australia, compared with refugees coming to that country. Thais certainly create less problems than the large number of Hong Kong nationals, who merely go there to establish permanent residency but never really live there. In addition, the Thai Government has never treated Australia in an aggressive manner as it has some countries. Does Australia want to be treated that way by the Thai people? If ASEAN should get tough, Australian aircraft and commercial ships will face great difficulties and Australian interests in Southeast Asia will shrink. Australia must not forget how countries having ambassadorial-level relations should treat each other. The treatment of Thais as if they are criminal suspects should be regarded as an insult to Thai people. We ask Australia to remedy the way it treats Thai people. We want to know how Australia will feel if all holders of Australian passports are given completely thorough luggage checks and Australian women are given body searches as they arrive at

FBIS3-7109_3

Do Muoi Interviewed Prior to Malaysia Visit

Vietnam and Malaysia are geographically close and share many similarities in culture as well as traditional practice and customs. Malaysia has carried out excellently its strategy of socio-economic development and has drawn many precious experiences, which are highly appreciated internationally. At present, Malaysia ranks second among ASEAN investors in Vietnam. I am fully confident that, provided with these factors, Malaysia will play a deserving role in helping Vietnam build and develop the country in accordance with the good relationship between the two countries. On our part, we're ready to exchange views with Malaysia on questions of Malaysian concern in the spirit of friendship, trust and cooperation for the prosperity of our respective country and for the common wealth of Southeast Asia. [Correspondent] Finally, Your Excellency, what is your vision of Southeast Asia and Asia as a whole in the near future? [Do Muoi] Peace and development which are the age-old aspiration of nations are now becoming more and more imperative need of all countries in the world. Southeast Asia has never enjoyed favourable conditions as it does at present for the cooperation among countries in the spirit of understanding and friendship in an effort to achieve their common goal of maintaining peace stability and creating an international environment favourable for the development of their individual countries and the region as a whole. Prompted by this spirit, Vietnam has signed the Bali Treaty of Amity and Cooperation, become an ASEAN observer and is now participating in a number of ASEAN commissions and projects, preparing for its admission to ASEAN when conditions are ripe. Vietnam will also participate in the ASEAN Regional Forum on Security held in Bangkok. We support the Malaysian initiative for the East Asia Economic Forum. A prosperous Southeast Asia is not only an indispensable condition for the construction of each country but also a very important factor for peace, stability in Asia-Pacific as a whole, a centre which is drawing much attention from the world community for its dynamics and great prospects in the 21st century. For Vietnam, strengthening its cooperation with other countries in Southeast Asia and Asia-Pacific is of special importance. Our foreign policy enjoys warm sympathy and response from Malaysia and other countries. We are striving for a consistent objective, that is to maintain durable peace for national development cooperation, making considerable contribution to prosperity of the region and of the world as a whole.

FBIS3-7110_0

NHAN DAN Welcomes Do Muoi's Visit To Malaysia

Language: Vietnamese Article Type:BFN [NHAN DAN 24 March editorial: "Great Potential in Vietnam-Malaysia Relations"] [Text] Ties between Vietnam and Malaysia and other nations in the region have developed positively in the past. Vietnam has joined the Bali Treaty, become observer to ASEAN, and participated in various ASEAN activities. Following General Secretary Do Muoi's official visit to Singapore and Thailand in October 1993, his official visit to Malaysia this time will, once again, assert Vietnam's open-door foreign policy of independence, sovereignty, and diversified diplomatic activities, which has been welcomed by the region and the world. It will also help strengthen our foreign policy towards Southeast Asia and ASEAN member countries, thereby contributing to enhancing stability, security, and development in the region. We are pleased to see the great achievements scored by the Malaysian people in their efforts to build a prosperous and happy country. In implementing the new economic policy in the past two decades or more, the Malaysian people through their efforts, creativity, and hard work, have brought their country from a renowned rubber and tin producing nation to an industrial-manufacturing nation with modern electronic facilities. Its engineering production sector has contributed greatly to the GNP. In the first three years of the 90's, this sector's output accounted for 29 percent of the GNP, compared to 23 percent in the 70's. In 1993, Malaysia attained an economic growth of eight percent, thus balancing the national budget for the first time. It also achieved a balance of payments surplus of $200 million in 1993 compared to a $2.2-billion deficit in 1992. Its per capita income now is $2,965 [figure as heard] and it is estimated that Malaysia's GNP will increase to 8.5-9 percent in 1994. Therefore, the goal of turning Malaysia into a developed and industrialized country by the year 2020 is likely to materialize. Vietnam and Malaysia are two close neighbors. We have similarities in our history and culture. The two countries have, for a long time established relations of friendship, mutual trust, and understanding. In recent years, the multifaceted cooperation between the two countries have developed rapidly and favorably. In 1993, Prime Minister Vo Van Kiet paid an official friendship visit to Malaysia, while Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamed returned the visit with a trip to Vietnam, thus helping to strengthen cooperation. The two sides are effectively implementing bilateral agreements on promoting and ensuring investments, and on shipping, economic,

FBIS3-7129_0

Further Reportage on PECC General Meeting Singapore Minister's Address

Language: English Article Type:BFN [By Douglas Wong] [Excerpts] Kuala Lumpur -- Singapore is prepared to develop linkages with regional economic groupings such as the North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) to help take forward the process of open regionalism, Trade and Industry Minister Yeo Cheow Tong said yesterday. Link-ups between the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA), NAFTA and other countries such as Australia were the sort of inter-regional ties which could ensure that economic groupings in the Asia-Pacific region remained part of an open global trading system, he said. He was speaking on the opening day of the 10th general meeting of the Pacific Economic Co-operation Council (PECC) on "Open Regionalism: The Way Forward". Under AFTA, the six ASEAN countries will reduce their taxes and tariffs on trade between them to 5 per cent or less by 2008. NAFTA is a comprehensive free trade area comprising the United States,Canada, and Mexico. Mr. Yeo told reporters yesterday that Singapore hoped an AFTA-NAFTA link could be developed along the lines of ASEAN's "6 minus X" formula. Under this formula, those which are ready to proceed do so, while the others can join when they are ready. He was elaborating on his comment during the Pacific leaders forum on open regionalism that while an AFTA-NAFTA linkage would take time to develop, "we are prepared to take smaller steps first". He proposed in his speech that "concentric and overlapping circles of linkages" could reconcile regionalism with multilateralism and prevent the danger of trade blocs developing. Singapore's concentric circles range from its Growth Triangle with immediate neighbours, Indonesia and Malaysia, through AFTA to the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) grouping, he said. While all this collaboration was of mutual benefit to those involved, "economic relations cannot be conducted on the basis of strict geometry". "These concentric circles of linkages have to be complemented by linkages that overlap or stretch across circles," he said. [passage omitted on Thai deputy prime minister's speech] PECC's member committees come from the ASEAN countries, Australia, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Russia, Taiwan, the United States, and the Pacific island nations.

FBIS3-7154_0

Industrial Output Up 50 Percent `87-`93

Language: English Article Type:BFN [Text] Pyongyang, March 25 (KCNA) -- The achievement in the fulfilment of the Third Seven-Year Plan (1987-1993) in the DPRK is that the industrial output increased 50 percent and its annual average growth rate reached 5.6 percent. It is thanks to the mighty independent national economy that the DPRK has developed the economy unaffected by the worldwide economic fluctuation under the situation in which the socialist market collapsed and anti-DPRK campaign by the imperialists and reactionaries has been intensified as never before. Today Korea has many-sided and modern industry enough to produce by itself heavy and light industrial products needed for economic construction, defence upbuilding and people's living. In the electric power industrial domain the Pukchang thermal power complex, the Taechon power stations and many other large hydro and thermal power plants and minor power stations have been built. As a result, the electric power output was 55,500 million kwh in 1989 and that in late 1993 was 30 percent up on the 1986 figure. In mining industry, large-scale coal mines in Anju, Sunchon and Pukchang and the Komdok general mining enterprise and other mines in Tanchon and Yanggang Province have been reconstructed on an expansion basis and a large number of new coal mines, ore mines and pits have been developed in those districts rich in deposit and favourable for mining. The coal output has grown year by year and in 1993 it was 40 percent up on the 1986 figure. The output of nonferrous metal ores increased 60 percent in the period of the fulfilment of the third seven-year plan. The production capacity of the Kim Chaek Iron and steel complex, the Chollima steel complex and other iron and steel works has expanded and new bases for producing various kinds of steel such as pressure pipes and stainless steel pipes have been built to considerably raise the steel output in the metal industry. With the rapid development of machine building, electronic, and automation industries, a great advance has been made in introducing precision, large-size and high-speed equipment and the material and technical foundations of the electronic and automation industries have been further consolidated. These sectors produced a 10,000-ton press, 125,000 kv-a [kilovolt-ampere] hydraulic generators, an extra-large-sized oxygen plant and NC [numerically controlled] machine tools and are now manufacturing complete sets of metal, chemical, building, electric and other equipment needed for different sectors of the

FBIS3-7158_0

Bishop Huynh Van Nghi's Activities Denounced

Language: Vietnamese Article Type:BFN ["Text" of Announcement No. 19/TB-UB issued by Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee on 2 March: "Illegal Activities of Bishop Huynh Van Nghi in Ho Chi Minh City"] [Text] The SRV Government already expressed its views to the Vatican about the latter's unilateral appointment of Bishop Huynh Van Nghi from Phan Thiet Diocese the Ho Chi Minh City Archbishop Office [HCMCAO] supervisor without consultation with the Vietnamese Government. The Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee [HCMCPC] also issued Announcement No. 100/TB-UB on 15 September 1993 to clarify its views. Regarding Bishop Huynh Van Nghi, the Ho Chi Minh City government's attitude has been respectful: - On 25 August 1993, the Ho Chi Minh City Fatherland Front and the HCMCPC Religion Department directly informed Bishop Huynh Van Nghi that his appointment to the HCMCAO was at variance with the SRV law, therefore, it was not accepted. The Decree No. 69 issued by the Council of Ministers on 21 March 1991 stipulates in its Article 19 that: "[The appointment of] clergymen such as Buddhist bonze superiors; Catholic cardinals, bishops, and supervising priests; and equivalent clergymen in other religions must be approved by the Council of Ministers". This regulation is also practiced by many countries in the world. - On 5 September 1993, an HCMCPC authoritative official met and requested Bishop Huynh Van Nghi to stop all his activities as an HCMCAO supervisor. However, Bishop Huynh Van Nghi has continued to select and appoint his general representative and representatives in charge of congregations and to set up the standing committee of the Ecclesiastical Regional Council,... at the same time, he has also presided many religious retreats, meetings,..., thus creating bad public opinion and affecting the public respectability to the law. - On 28 September 1993, the HCMCPC Religion Department sent a letter to Bishop Huynh Van Nghi reminding him not to conduct any religious activities in Ho Chi Minh City pending an agreement between the SRV Government and the Vatican. Regretfully, Bishop Huynh Van Nghi has not reciprocated the Ho Chi Minh City government's goodwill. The HCMCPC had approved and created favorable conditions for the congregations to ordain 11 novices. But Bishop Huynh Van Nghi, on behalf of the HCMCAO, prevented the congregations' inviting other bishops to preside over the ordination in the city, causing difficulties for the congregations and relatives of the novices. Moreover, Bishop Huynh Van Nghi

FBIS3-7158_2

Bishop Huynh Van Nghi's Activities Denounced

28 September 1993, the HCMCPC Religion Department sent a letter to Bishop Huynh Van Nghi reminding him not to conduct any religious activities in Ho Chi Minh City pending an agreement between the SRV Government and the Vatican. Regretfully, Bishop Huynh Van Nghi has not reciprocated the Ho Chi Minh City government's goodwill. The HCMCPC had approved and created favorable conditions for the congregations to ordain 11 novices. But Bishop Huynh Van Nghi, on behalf of the HCMCAO, prevented the congregations' inviting other bishops to preside over the ordination in the city, causing difficulties for the congregations and relatives of the novices. Moreover, Bishop Huynh Van Nghi also sent letters to the supervising priests of related provinces, blaming the government. (the letter dated 5 October 1993 was copied and widely distributed among church followers). For many months, Bishop Huynh Van Nghi continued to write and disseminate religious affairs letters and other documents on behalf of the HCMCAO. The aforementioned activities by Bishop Huynh Van Nghi are violating the Decre No. 69 of the Council of Ministers, showing disrespect to the Ho Chi Minh City Government, and affecting the fine time-honoured relation between the government and the HCMCAO. The law cannot be held in contempt. On 22 February, the Ho Chi Minh City government held a working session with Bishop Huynh Van Nghi to point out his violations. In observance of the SRV Government's policy of freedom of religion, for more than 18 years, the HCMCPC has always created favorable conditions for the people to have an improved religious life-style and standard of living. The Catholic compatriots, due to the 1 May 1980 Open Letter of the Vietnam Bishop Council and the leadership of Archbishop Nguyen Van Binh, have actively contributed to the Ho Chi Minh City construction and protection and the building of the all-people unity and the unity between religious and nonreligious people. The government highly evaluates the patriotism of the Catholic compatriot who, together with other people in the city, has overcome difficulties and shared achievements and pride. The HCMCPC is very much in sympathy with the earnest aspiration of the Catholic priests and followers to have somebody to lead this diocese for the continuation of the fine direction executed by Archbishop Nguyen Van Binh for many years and for religious prosperity and happiness. On behalf of the HCMCPC, for the chairman, Signed: Vice Chairman Vo Viet Thanh

FBIS3-7186_0

Foreign Ministry on U.S. Exploitation Charge

Language: Thai Article Type:BFN [Text] Pratyathawi Tawethikun, deputy permanent secretary of the Foreign Ministry, commented during a press briefing this afternoon on the U.S. citing Thailand as a country where the sex trade and the exploitation of women and children are rampant. He said that the Thai Government has been trying to both suppress and prevent prostitution and the abuse of women and children. He said the problem exists not only in Thailand, but everywhere, and therefore it is unfair to accuse Thailand in that manner. Regarding the procurement of Thai women for prostitution abroad, the deputy permanent secretary said those responsible for the trade are foreigners, including the American people themselves who lure Thai women for prostitution with the connivance of Thai people. He believed other countries have an understanding for Thailand regarding the U.S. accusation. The Foreign Ministry and Thai embassies will explain this matter to foreigners for the sake of better understanding. They will also launch a campaign to prevent Thai women from being lured for prostitution abroad.

FBIS3-7222_0

Editorial Views Economic Frictions With U.S.

Language: Japanese Article Type:BFN [Editorial: "Think of Japan-U.S. Relations--Break the Deadlock in Relations With Speedy Action"] [Text] Japan-U.S. economic frictions are heightening tensions in the two countries' relations. While it is said that the two nations are increasing their interdependence, they are deepening their mutual distrust. Why is this happening? The cause of this situation is the February Japan-U.S. summit talks, which ended with no agreement being reached. Japan has not taken voluntary and persuasive actions to resolve the economic frictions between Japan and the United States after the prime minister said no to U.S. trade demands. In the United States, the President has increasing taken a hard-line stand against Japan on trade while hinting at the possibility of slapping sanctions on Japan. The relations between Japan and the United States, which account for 40 percent of the world's gross national product, should not be left as they are. Worsening Japan-U.S. relations would not only hurt the national interests of the two countries, but would also bring instability to Asia and would affect the world negatively. Many nations are now concerned by how Japan-U.S. relations will develop in the future. Therefore, the two countries should by all means overcome their current economic frictions. If the two nations pool their wisdom, they will certainly overcome their economic frictions. Where, then, is the heart of the economic frictions? What should the two nations do to ease their economic frictions? We hope that both Japan and the United States will return to the starting point of their relations and think calmly about how to improve and move forward their relations without criticizing each other. The most important point is that shock waves resulting from the end of the cold war have now reached the economic imbalance between Japan and the United States. In that sense, it can be said that the latest developments involving Japan-U.S. relations are a totally new and difficult trial for postwar Japan-U.S. diplomacy. Break Away From "Optimism" During the Cold War Age First of all, Japan urgently needs to discard the optimistic view that it held during the cold war era and to fundamentally change how it handles its relations with the United States. Japan-U.S. trade frictions during the cold war era, no matter how fierce they were, were prevented from developing to the breaking point by the 11th-hour intervention of the Departments of Defense and State because of

FBIS3-7251_0

Columnist Criticizes U.S. Human Rights Policy

Language: English Article Type:BFN [By Phaisan Sicharatchanya "From The Editor's Desk" column: "Clean Up Your House, Mr Shattuck, Before Telling Us What To Do"] [Text] The U.S. government once again is wielding the big stick as the global moral-standard bearer on human rights. After castigating countries in Asia and other regions for their suppression of political freedom and dissent, Washington is now prodding the rest of the world to crack down on sexual abuses of women and children. The latest US campaign mounted by Assistant Secretary of State for Human Rights John Shattuck should touch some raw nerves here in Thailand. This is not so much because Thailand is placed on Washington's list of violators where 800,000 young people are allegedly subject to sexual abuses -- a figure already disputed by Government Spokesman Aphisit Wetchachiwa as grossly exaggerated. Rather, the targetting of attack on the under-aged flesh trade touches on a sensitive issue known to be close to Prime Minister Chuan Likphai's heart. It may be recalled that the elimination of "rampant" child prostitution was one of the cornerstones of the Government's social-policy platform. But although this policy objective was personally advocated by the prime minister, the Government appears to have achieved little tangible progress after having served 18 months. An initial series of police blitz on brothels catering children for sex was said to have resulted in some temporary improvement but industry experts say child prostitution in general has since resumed by taking on new guises. In the meantime, new legislation promising tough penalties on procurers and clients has been slowcoming. So at the very least, Washington's new campaign should serve to re-focus the Thai Government's attention and efforts to tackle this pervasive social problem once again. After all, it is hardly an enviable position for this country to be placed on top of the list of violators -- India, Taiwan, the Philippines and Sri Lanka are also accused as the less severe offenders -- and this piece of uncharitable news has been broadcast around the world. Scathing accusations by American rights groups and legislators on the alleged complicity of Thai officials in the increasing smuggling of Burmese and Chinese women to serve the flesh trade here should, hopefully, also prompt some corrective government action. While it is unfair to make generalised accusations against the integrity of the Thai police force, corrupt police elements extracting gains from illegal gambling

FBIS3-7251_1

Columnist Criticizes U.S. Human Rights Policy

have achieved little tangible progress after having served 18 months. An initial series of police blitz on brothels catering children for sex was said to have resulted in some temporary improvement but industry experts say child prostitution in general has since resumed by taking on new guises. In the meantime, new legislation promising tough penalties on procurers and clients has been slowcoming. So at the very least, Washington's new campaign should serve to re-focus the Thai Government's attention and efforts to tackle this pervasive social problem once again. After all, it is hardly an enviable position for this country to be placed on top of the list of violators -- India, Taiwan, the Philippines and Sri Lanka are also accused as the less severe offenders -- and this piece of uncharitable news has been broadcast around the world. Scathing accusations by American rights groups and legislators on the alleged complicity of Thai officials in the increasing smuggling of Burmese and Chinese women to serve the flesh trade here should, hopefully, also prompt some corrective government action. While it is unfair to make generalised accusations against the integrity of the Thai police force, corrupt police elements extracting gains from illegal gambling dens and brothels around the country are a well-known systemic trend. Likewise, the wholesale smuggling of females from across the northern borders would not have been possible without the collaboration of corrupt officials stationed there. In retrospect, it is unfortunate and unnecessary that government actions to deal with these glaring social ills should have to be prompted by foreign pressures like the sort now emanating from Washington. Child prostitution and the smuggling of Burmese and Chinese women here are very much Thailand's domestic problems that must be dealt with by our own authorities without other countries having to tell us what to do or what not to do. From Thailand's national standpoint, this also raises the larger question of how far this country -- or, for that matter, the other Asian countries targetted for the same fault -- should tolerate foreign pressures like the Shattuck campaign. First it was several years of threatened sanctions under Section 301 of the US Trade Act over allegedly inadequate property rights protection. Then there were more threats over alleged child labour abuses and the ban on state-enterprise labour unions here. After the current attack on under-aged prostitution, what will Washington come up with next?

FBIS3-7251_2

Columnist Criticizes U.S. Human Rights Policy

to serve the flesh trade here should, hopefully, also prompt some corrective government action. While it is unfair to make generalised accusations against the integrity of the Thai police force, corrupt police elements extracting gains from illegal gambling dens and brothels around the country are a well-known systemic trend. Likewise, the wholesale smuggling of females from across the northern borders would not have been possible without the collaboration of corrupt officials stationed there. In retrospect, it is unfortunate and unnecessary that government actions to deal with these glaring social ills should have to be prompted by foreign pressures like the sort now emanating from Washington. Child prostitution and the smuggling of Burmese and Chinese women here are very much Thailand's domestic problems that must be dealt with by our own authorities without other countries having to tell us what to do or what not to do. From Thailand's national standpoint, this also raises the larger question of how far this country -- or, for that matter, the other Asian countries targetted for the same fault -- should tolerate foreign pressures like the Shattuck campaign. First it was several years of threatened sanctions under Section 301 of the US Trade Act over allegedly inadequate property rights protection. Then there were more threats over alleged child labour abuses and the ban on state-enterprise labour unions here. After the current attack on under-aged prostitution, what will Washington come up with next? When do we -- Thailand and other Asian countries which have all along been on the receiving end of these pressures -- begin to fight back? Whereas governments in the region have the moral and political obligation to rid their societies of sexual abuses on women and children, it is also time they stand up to question Washington's right and legitimacy to set human-rights standards for the rest of the world. Should the average Americans be entitled to their basic rights to have decent housing and food through employment -- something of which a large section of its populace has been deprived owing to years of economic policy mismanagement? Or should the average New Yorkers be entitled to the rights to walk around safely in their city which is notorious for being plagued with one of the highest crime rates in the world? The self-appointed world champion of human rights should clean up its own house before telling others what to do.

FBIS3-7325_1

Ramos Previews Vietnam Visit, Bilateral Issues

national societies. The Cold War and the Indo-China [words indistinct] raised even greater barriers between our two countries. Today, mutual goodwill between our two countries have brought down those barriers. Our paths converge again on the road to self-sustaining economic growth, and our two countries today seek national security and regional stability, neither in military alliances nor in accumulating weapons but in friendly consultation and economic cooperation with neighbor countries. With Vietnam and the other Southeast Asian states, our country has a shared destiny. We have found that there is no alternative to peace and economic cooperation among us in this region. Over the next generation, Vietnam is certain to become one of Southeast Asia's most important states and a major force in the regional balance of power. Its incorporation in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, ASEAN, is an imperative of Southeast Asian peace, security, and prosperity. In Manila in July 1992, Vietnam acceded to the Bali Treaty of the ASEAN States, which binds iis signatories to settle regional disputes peaceably. Vietnam's full membership in ASEAN is now a matter no longer of policy or principle, but merely of time and procedure. Even now, Vietnam already takes part in a wide range of ASEAN cooperative activities. For instance, it is a part of the ASEAN Regional Forum, to which ASEAN and friendly outside powers consult on regional security. The Philippines took the initiative of wholeheartedly supporting Vietnam's membership in ASEAN and its associated institutions. We have also consistently supported Vietnam's efforts to re-establish normal relations with the global community and to secure membership in international financial and political organizations. Philippine-Vietnamese relations are a critical force for the solidarity of Southeast Asia and consequently for peace and progress of the Asia- Pacific region. I am confident that this visit, the first by a Philippine president to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, will advance this relations substantially. The facets of our bilateral relationships are many and increasing. There are, therefore, important things for my delegation to discuss with Vietnam's leaders. There is the security of East Asia and the Pacific. Its present status can now be enhanced cooperatively by the nations of the region. I shall be exploring avenues of possible cooperation between our two countries in seeking a breakthrough to the multiple competing claims to the Spratlys archipelago in the South China Sea. Perhaps a joint venture in marine research

FBIS3-7350_0

ROK Clergy Opposition to U.S. War Aid Noted

Language: English Article Type:BFN [Text] Pyongyang, March 25 (KCNA) -- The strained situation on the Korean peninsula caused by the unreasonable pressure on the North from the International Atomic Energy Agency and the rupture of the working-level contact for the exchange of presidential envoys between the North and South is attributable to the aggressive designs of the U.S. side to gain political and economic profits by pushing the situation to military tensions, the Seoul-based Christian Broadcasting System quoted the Council of Clergymen for Justice and Peace of South Korea as saying in a statement Thursday. The statement expressed strong opposition to the resumption of the Team Spirit war game and the introduction of Patriot missiles, warning that they would only increase the danger of war on the Korean peninsula. It also criticized the "civilian government's" pro-U.S. treacheries, saying that the Kim Yong-sam regime "is entrusting important issues related to the existence of the nation to the United States through an inconsistent diplomatic policy."

FBIS3-7377_1

Editorial Hails Visit by Malaysian Delegation

sectors of the two countries. Therefore, it can be said that the visit to the LPDR by H.E. and speaker and the high-level delegation of the HRM tomorrow is very significant and will contribute to strengthening the long-standing relations of friendship and cooperation of good neighborliness between the two countries and peoples of Laos and Malaysia, especially to developing and increasing the relations and cooperation between the legislative organizations of the two countries. The relations of friendship and cooperation as good neighbors between the two countries and peoples have existed since ancient times. The Lao people always follow with profound interest the development of Malaysia. Lao and Malaysian peoples share similar traditions, customs, and characteristics. We cherish peace, self-mastership, national sovereignty, progress, and social justice. We detest aggression, interference, and exploitation of other countries. Nonetheless, our two countries were once victims of foreign aggression and occupation. Therefore, both Lao and Malaysian peoples encountered the same fate in the past. Through the arduous and prolonged struggles for national liberation and independence, the Lao and Malaysian people deeply appreciate the value of peace, freedom, and national independence. We also realize the utmost importance of the genuine friendship and cooperation for mutual benefits in the relations of our two countries and legislative institutions. With regard to the issue of promoting peace, friendship, and cooperation among the countries in Southeast Asia, we are of the view that Malaysia has played an important role in this initiative and has actively carried out activities regarding this issue, notably in initiating a plan to turn Southeast Asia into a region of neutrality, creating the economic grouping of the eastern Asian countries, and implementing the Vision-2020 policy outlined by H.E. Prime Minister Datuk Mahathir bin Mohamed. The success expected from the official friendship visit to the LPDR by H.E. Datuk Mohamed Zahir Ismail, speaker of the House of Representatives of Malaysia, and his delegation will open a new era for the legislative institutions of the two countries to normalize and broaden mutual relations and cooperation and to more frequently exchange visits by delegations at various levels. The delegations can draw experience and lessons from one another aside from the current development of cooperation in various fields between the governments of the two countries. We hope that the friendship visit to the LPDR by H.E. the speaker of the HRM and its high-level delegation will be a brilliant success.

FBIS3-7400_2

Editorial: U.S. `Pressuring' Seoul To Buy Arms

at that time toward the plan to deploy Patriot missiles to the ROK-based U.S. forces because it was aware of the people's anxiety. The situation, however, has changed. The International Atomic Energy Agency's [IAEA] inspection of North Korean nuclear facilities ended in dissatisfaction, and the North Korean nuclear issue has been referred to the UN Security Council. Moreover, the North Korean chief delegate to South-North working-level contacts made remarks such as "no hesitation in bringing about war" and "sea of fire," agitating the people. U.S. Secretary of Defense William Perry said in a news conference held on 25 March: "The reinforcement of the ROK Army is a matter of the United States' primary concern." He added: "The United States will recommend the ROK Army be equipped with gun-locating radar, Apache attack helicopters, and precision weapons for destroying guided tanks. Gary Luck, commander of U.S. Forces Korea, and the ROK Army are now holding intensive discussions on this matter." Of course, I think, his statement was made not only because of the North Korean delegate's remark. Secretary Perry also said that the Patriot missiles in question will be deployed to the ROK within a month. He explained that the United States originally planned to deploy the missiles in the second half of this year as a part of a long-term project of modernizing the Army, but it has decided to advance the date, regarding this as a prudent preventive measure. The Patriot missile is one of the updated weapons that the United States strongly "recommends" the ROK to purchase. We are well aware that the United States is greatly concerned about North Korea's reaction to be shown in case the United Nations decides to apply sanctions against it since North Korea has stated that it would regard any sanction as a provocation. As Secretary Perry said, however, there is no military crisis between the ROK-United States and North Korea. We are not under an emergency situation, in which a military crisis is likely to come soon, either. It is necessary, however, for the ROK and the United States to maintain an iron-tight defense posture in preparation for an emergency. On the other hand, the two countries should also continue to make efforts to resolve the nuclear issue through dialogue. The United States should not force the ROK to purchase attack weapons, taking advantage of the tensions between South and North Korea.

FBIS3-7404_0

Singapore's Goh Begins Official Visit

Language: English Article Type:BFN [Text] Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong is in Yangon [Rangoon] on a three-day official visit aimed at promoting economic links. He is among the first heads of government to visit Maynmar [Burma] in recent years. Mr. Goh, who arrived in the Myanmar capital today, has called on his counterpart Senior General Than Shwe. Singapore also sees Myanmar as an important area for investment in Sngapore's push to go regional. According to the Trade Development Board Singapore is among the top 10 foreign investors in Myanmar and is second largest trading partner. Mr. Goh's delegation include some 25 businessmen. It is also been announced that a 5 million dollar Myanmar Technical Assistance Fund has been set up. It is to help the country open up its economy, expand the scope of training for workers, and reintegrate with the international community. A Foreign Affairs statement says the fund is similar to the Indochina Assistance Fund. It will focus on upgrading skills by expanding technical training program and consultancy expertise so as to accelerate development.

FBIS3-7410_1

Do Muoi Continues Official Visit to Malaysia Delivers Banquet Speech

industrious, dynamic and creative people of Malaysia, under the clear-sighted leadership of your excellency the Prime Minister, Dr. Mahathir Mohamed, and the other leaders of the national alliance, will certainly bring about prosperity for Malaysia and make important contributions to the common prosperity of our region as well as of the whole of Asia and the Pacific. After nearly half a century of arduous struggle to defend our national independence, sovereignty and unity, the Vietnamese people are now doing their best to build their fatherland, striving to become 'a rich people, a strong country, and an equitable and civilized society'. In renewing ourselves for that lofty goal, we have made very important achievements: production is up inflation repelled the people's living standard making one step toward improvement social situation stable and foreign relations ever broadened. [sentence as received] These achievements are providing us with the premise to bring our country into a new phase in which we will make a step forward in our industrialization and modernization. We are fully conscious that this is not a simple work. However, with the tradition of dauntlessness in struggle and industry in production, the Vietnamese will certainly succeed in building a prosperous country and a plentiful and happy life, contributing a worthy share to the prosperity of the whole region. Our two countries are indeed close, both situated by a rich and beautiful sea.Our two peoples share many similarities in culture and history and a past of being colonized by foreign powers and having struggled undauntedly and persistently for national independence. Today, we also share the aspiration for peace and cooperation and the strive toward development and prosperity, and toward peace and stability in the region. These are the solid foundations for our friendship and long-term cooperation in the interest of the prosperity of each country, and of cooperation and development in South East Asia. We note with satisfaction that owing to the efforts by both sides over the past few years, we have forged a bilateral relationship full of fraternity and mutual understanding and trust. Our many-sided cooperation has also developed quickly and favourably. We are sure that this trend will now continue to grow fruitfully for the benefit of both countries. A new proof is the exchange of views full of openness, friendship and mutual understanding that we have had with your excellency the prime minister and other leaders of Malaysia.

FBIS3-7419_13

`Text' of Mahathir's PECC Meeting Speech

the European Coal and Steel Community, through the Treaty of Rome and Maastricht, fails the test of intent. The desire to open to those outside need not be the primary intent. But the desire must be there. As for the test of outcome, I believe it demands that what actually results is trade liberalisation within the regional grouping. In addition, the barriers to outside economies must actually be reduced. If these two tests are passed, there is no doubt that open regionalism will indeed be a contributor to the open global trading system that I believe we must fight for. Earlier in my speech, I said I was a Malaysian nationalist, that I was an Aseanist, a Southeast Asian, an East Asian, a globalist and a Pacifican. As a Malaysian nationalist, I want to open the economy of Malaysia even further. In the last six years, we have been growing around 8.5 per cent a year. We must exploit all the advantages that further liberalisation and openness engenders. The entire world has to be our marketplace. And we must draw in the entire world in the making of our Vision 2020 future. As an Aseanist, I wish to see the ASEAN community open itself further, so that we will all become stronger, more competitive, and more prosperous. I am confident that AFTA will not only lower the internal barriers but also the barriers to outside economies. As a Southeast Asian, I would like to see an open Southeast Asia. The course is set. The benefits are all too clear. As an East Asian, I would like to see the flourishing of East Asian economic cooperation and interdependence, and East Asian open regionalism. I have no doubt in my mind that ASEAN's proposal for an EAEC [East Asia Economic Caucus] is an idea whose time cannot be denied. As a globalist, I know we must fight against protectionism, managed trade and an international command economy. We must fight for liberalisation and free trade. As a Pacifican, I urge you to dedicate the PECC and your countries to the cause of open regionalism in the Pacific. I pray that you, during the course of this conference and the nations of the Pacific in the decades ahead, wlll indeed succeed in holding firmly to the cause of open Pacific regionalism and in finding the way forward. We of the Pacific who generate three-fifths

FBIS3-7421_0

Singapore's Prime Minister, Delegates Arrive

Language: Burmese Article Type:BFN [Excerpts] A delegation led by the Singaporean prime minister, Mr. Goh Chok Tong, arrived at Yangon [Rangoon] airport by special aircraft at 1235 for an official visit to Myanmar at the invitation of Senior General Than Shwe, chairman of the State Law and Order Restoration Council [SLORC] of the Union of Myanmar [Burma] and prime minister. The delegation was welcomed at Yangon airport by Sr. Gen. Than Shwe, SLORC chairman and prime minister; General Maung Aye, SLORC member, deputy commander in chief of defense services and army commander in chief; Vice Admiral Maung Maung Khin and Lieutenant General Tin Tun, SLORC members and deputy prime ministers; Lt. Gen. Khin Nyunt, SLORC secretary-1; Lt. Gen. Tin U, SLORC secretary-2; Lt. Gen. Myo Nyunt, SLORC member, minister of religious affairs, and chairman of Yangon division law and order restoration council; Lt. Gen. Thein Win, minister of transport; Brigadier General Abel, minister of national planning and economic development; Brig. Gen. Myo Thant, minister of information; U Ohn Gyaw, minister of foreign affairs; U Nyunt Swe, deputy minister of foreign affairs; U Phone Myint, Myanmar [Burmese] ambassador to the Republic of Singapore; U Kyaw Myint, charge d'affaires of Myanmar Embassy in Singapore; Brigadier General Chin Siat Yoon, ambassador of Singapore; the dean of diplomatic corps and diplomats; and personnel from the Singapore Embassy. [passage omitted] The Singaporean prime minister was accompanied by a 29-member delegation including Foreign Minister Professor S. Jayakumar; the trade and Industry minister, Mr. Yeo Cheow Tong; and the labor minister and deputy defense minister, Dr. Lee Boon Yang. The delegation also include some 25 businessmen led by Mr. (L.L. Wu). Singaporean Prime Minister Mr. Goh Chok Tong called on the SLORC chairman and prime minister, Sr. Gen. Than Shwe, at the Protocol Chamber at the People's Assembly compound at 1430. Sr. Gen. Than Shwe hosted a dinner in honor of visiting Singaporean Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong and delegation at the Reception Hall at the Pyeithu Hluttaw Compound at 1900. At the reception, Sr. Gen. Than Shwe delivered a speech and proposed a toast. He welcomed His Excellency Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong and said on this auspicious occasion the Myanmar people and the government extend cordial good wishes to the leaders and people of Singapore. He was pleased to note that your excellency has found the time to visit Myanmar in spite of having responsibilities,

FBIS3-7426_0

U.S. Urged To Delink Trade From Other Issues

Language: English Article Type:BFN [Excerpt] THE United States should separate trade matters from issues of human rights, labour rights and the environment, according to Deputy Prime Minister Suphachai Panitchaphak. These issues should be left to the international organisations that are already dealing with them, Mr Suphachai said. Dr Suphachai was speaking at the 21st meeting of the US Information Service's annual economic seminar entitled "Regionalisation of Thai-US Economic Relations". He told BUSINESS POST that it is possible to look at trade issues on their own merits by decoupling them from side issues. "Trade should be treated on its own merits, linked with real macroeconomic issues, and side issues that are now coupled with trade such as human rights, workers' rights and the environment should be left to international organisations that are already dealing with them," he said. He said a country that is trying to achieve greater economic development will try its best to improve standards of human rights and labour relations. "Through trade development expansion we can facilitate the process of paying adequate attention to human rights development," he said. If some of the major side issues are put in the forefront, such as the US linking of the Generalized System of Preferences with labour rights, it may not bring results in the end, he said. The GSP was conceived to help developing countries' exports by granting concession terms, and is not supposed to be linked with anything, he said. He said he understood the good intentions of the US administration which has a sense of humanity and is justifiably concerned with rights. But he questioned whether its policy is the most effective way of conditioning the whole world to move in that direction. Dr Suphachai said the more we want to promote trade and economic relations throughout the world the more we must work toward depoliticising trade issues. This will benefit not only the private sector but also the newly emerging countries, as at least world economic growth will be more predictable than in the past, he said. [passage omitted]

FBIS3-7432_0

Cambodia To Honor Thai Trade Contracts With KR

Language: English Article Type:BFN [Text] The Cambodian Government has assured Thai businessmen that trade agreements they made with the Khmer Rouge [KR] will be honoured, except in cases where some minor details may be changed in accordance with government policy. Suwit Wangli, the chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, said after discussions with Cambodian Economic and Finance Minister Sam Rangsi the Cambodian Government had confirmed the agreements would be honoured. But there may be some alterations to bring them in line with the Government's policies, he said. Thai businessmen have invested heavily in logging and gemstone mining along the Thai-Cambodian border, much of which is under Khmer Rouge control. Such trade has caused chronic problems involving allegedly excessive profits and has been attacked by foreign newspapers over the years, said Mr Suwit. "Thai investment in the central region of Cambodia does not generate similar problems and the ruling Government agrees to support those investors. At present, several drafts, including civil and criminal laws, investment laws and mortgaging and pledging laws are being globalised," said Mr Suwit. "Besides, Thai investors have been requested to invest in labour-intensive industries, such as textiles and precious stones, to help relieve unemployment in Cambodia. The regulations and legislation ruling financial institutions under the central bank are also being strengthened," he said. "Each day, at least two foreign institutions apply to open in Cambodia but the Government has not approved any since last year. It has decided to do so once the country's central bank is stabilised and well-monitored." Prida Tiasuwan, the deputy chairman of the Jewelry and Ornament Association of Thailand, said the Cambodian Government charged only 1 percent and 20 percent for sales tax and corporate income tax respectively, while Thai law required sales (value added) tax of 7 percent and corporate income tax of 30 percent. As a result, more and more Thai investors were attracted to Cambodia. But some obstacles are yet to be overcome for smooth mutual trade in the future. Gemstone mining along the Thai-Cambodian border has not been legalised. Any trader can mine and take out stones at will as there is no legislation preventing them doing so which caused several problems in the mining areas. Mr Rangsi agreed to take this matter into consideratlon.