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Asia-Pacific Daily Report November 16, 2004

Afghanistan

Afghan President Hamid Karzai hopeful for the release of UN hostages as militants drop key demands Afghan President Hamid Karzai is reportedly hopeful that the three international UN election workers abducted by the militant Jaishul Muslimeen (Army of Muslims) group last month (October 28) would be freed soon. Jawed Ludin, spokesman for President Karzai, told a news conference in the Afghan capital Kabul today (Tuesday, November 16) that the government is devoting all of its efforts to secure their release. The militants have reportedly backed down from two of their key demands that called for the withdrawal of UN-led coalition troops from Afghanistan and the release of Taliban prisoners from US custody in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Mullah Sabir Momin, one of the several spokesmen for the group, told Reuters News that it had dropped two of its demands. However, he insisted on the release of 15 Taliban members arrested in southern Afghanistan just before the country’s presidential elections last month. He added that without the release of these Taliban detainees, the hostage crisis would not be resolved. Momin said that the group had withdrawn from two of its key demands in good faith to allow a safe and peaceful solution to the hostage crisis. Jaishul Muslimeen is a Taliban splinter group that reportedly operates independently of the Taliban. The group abducted Philippine diplomat Angelito Nayan, British-Irish citizen Annetta Flanigan, and Shqipe Hebibi of Kosovo, who were all helping with the recent Afghan presidential elections, at gunpoint in broad daylight from a busy district in the capital Kabul. The kidnappers initially demanded the release of their 26 comrades and the withdrawal of foreign troops and UN entities in the country in exchange for the release of UN workers. According to some unconfirmed reports, the group is also demanding US$3 million in ransom. http://www.reliefweb.int/w/rwb.nsf/6686f45896f15dbc852567ae00530132/efc7be419ad3b64cc1256f4e003703ae?OpenDocument http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6342192/ http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory?id=255914

East Timor

UN will extend mission in for six months The UN Security Council (UNSC) voted unanimously to extend the UN mission in East Timor for a final six months to May 20, 2005, despite acknowledging that the fledgling country had not reached a “critical threshold of self-sufficiency.” The mission, known as the UN Mission of Support in East Timor (UNMISET) will turn over responsibility of key tasks to the East Timorese next May, senior UN envoy to East Timor, Sukehiro Hasegawa says. In a briefing before the UNSC yesterday, Hasegawa said that UN advisors “are not only actively training and mentoring their East Timorese counterparts but also formulating exit strategies with their counterparts so as to ensure a smooth transition at the end of UNMISET.” East Timorese had voted for independence from in 1999 and over 1,000 people were killed in violence mostly blamed on militia members allegedly backed by the Indonesian military. The violence surrounding the vote for independence also forced the displacement of up to 300,000 people. The United Nations helped administer East Timor for a little over two years but gave control back to the East Timorese on May 20, 2002. Hasegawa said that UNMISET must increasingly focus on the next six months on preparing to leave the country. He says that experts are identifying “specific measures required for a smooth transition from peacekeeping operations to more traditional nation- building and sustainable development assistance.” However, Hasegawa said that it was “clear” that some form of international assistance was needed in the finance and justice sectors beyond May. http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,11412585%255E1702,00.html http://www.reliefweb.int/w/rwb.nsf/6686f45896f15dbc852567ae00530132/dd7baabce2b33fa885256f4d007a2cc5?OpenDocument

India

Seven killed in Indian-controlled Kashmir (IcK) ahead of Prime Minister’s visit; Troop withdrawal to start shortly Increased violence claimed at least 7 lives today in Indian-controlled Kashmir (IcK), ahead of a visit to the region by Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh tomorrow (November 17). Security was increased across the region as preparations were made for Singh’s visit, which would be his first since his party came to power in May this year. He is scheduled to address a rally in Srinagar city during his two-day visit. His visit comes shortly after he announced that India would be reducing its troops in the region for the winter. Although it was not clear how many troops would be cut, observers said that it is a welcome development, even as a largely symbolic gesture. Army Chief N.C. Vij said today that troop withdrawal will begin “shortly” while Colonel Anil Shorey, a New Delhi-based officer, reportedly told Reuters today that it would begin tomorrow (November 17). “About 20,000 soldiers will be pulled out in a phased manner and systematically,” said Shorey. However, Vij had emphasized that troops would still be on alert for any increase in militant violence, which is expected to drop for the winter when high mountain passes are blocked by snow. Next week, Pakistan Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz will make a rare visit to New Delhi and is expected to discuss Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf’s recent surprise proposals on a solution to Kashmir. Musharraf’s proposals recommended a break with both India’s and Pakistan’s traditional stances on Kashmir, which have been very difficult to reconcile. Meanwhile, the moderate faction of the Kashmiri separatist All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) said today it is willing to meet with Singh, however, it also repeated its longstanding demand that separatist leaders be allowed to go to Pakistan to meet separatist leaders based there before any formal talks could occur. Observers have cautioned against high expectations because peace still remains at risk from militants and hardliners in both countries. Last night, 5 people were killed when militants broke into a home in Budgam district, and killed the family of a counter-insurgent soldier, including 1 woman. Nearby, the widow of a counter-insurgent soldier was abducted and shot dead. In Pulwama district, a paramilitary soldier was killed and two others injured when militants attempted to rob a bank. Violence usually increases in IcK ahead of state visits or important peace meetings. Nearly 66,000 people have been killed in IcK since the 1989 separatist revolution there. http://www.ptinews.com/pti/ptisite.nsf/$All/AC7B082956F6FBB865256F4E004506A8?OpenDocument http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory?id=256324 http://asia.news.yahoo.com/041116/3/1rmfp.html http://asia.news.yahoo.com/041116/ap/d86cr23g2.html

Myanmar

Myanmar military authorities crackdown on imported luxury cars, cause tensions with rebel groups According to the Norway-based Democratic Voice of Burma (DVB), there has been an increase in tension between Myanmar troops and the rebel United Wa State Army (UWSA) over a crackdown last week by the military junta on illegally imported luxury cars. The move is seen by observers as the latest repercussion of a power struggle which resulted in the ousting last month of former Prime Minister Khin Nyunt. As head of the military intelligence, Khin Nyunt was thought to have controlled much of the lucrative car smuggling racket in the country. Some of the first to be targeted in the crackdown are those who had business dealings with Khin Nyunt and his family. Khin Nyunt is also believed to be responsible for the facilitation of ceasefire agreements with at least 17 of Myanmar’s rebel groups, including the UWSA, and there are fears that his ousting would result in the dissolution of those ties and further unrest. The 20,000-strong UWSA is reportedly the strongest group among the 17 that have signed ceasefires. So far, most friction has been reported over the car crackdown, and no other wider violence has been reported. Earlier this month, members of the rebel Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA), which also has a ceasefire agreement with Yangon, scuffled with Myanmar soldiers, reportedly in tensions over the crackdown. Unregistered cars are reportedly common in Myanmar, where an estimated 30,000 vehicles have been smuggled from Thailand and China to avoid a heavy import duty. Because Khin Nyunt was seen as a relative moderate in the military junta and was replaced by an official known to be more hardline, some observers have said that Khin Nyunt’s ousting is an attempt by the hardliners to consolidate their power. Other observers have also suggested that the ousting was also the result of differences over business, which Khin Nyunt had controlled through outside contacts, such as telecommunications and trade. Following his ouster, the military junta reportedly shut down and took over many businesses related to him and his supporters. http://english.dvb.no/news.php?id=3409 http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4001829.stm

Nepal

At least 15 die in fresh clashes between rebels and security troops; Maoists begin two-day blockade of major road leading to Kathmandu At least 12 security troops and three Maoist rebels have been killed in fresh clashes across the Himalayan kingdom, local media reports. Violence in has escalated since the government and Maoist rebels ended a temporary 9-day truce last month. At least 6 security troops and two rebels were killed in far western Kailali district after fighting erupted between security troops and Maoists. Kantipur Online reports that the security troops came under attack while patrolling an area after the killing of two security troops and the kidnapping of 12 others. Reports say that security forces have launched additional patrols at the site of the clash. In another clash, at least 4 security troops were killed in a Maoist ambush in central Dhading district this morning. One Maoist rebel was also reportedly killed in the incident. Additional reports say that one police officer and one civilian were killed in central Dhanusha district. Over 9,200 people have died since the Maoists began their insurgency in 1996. Meanwhile, the Maoists began a two-day blockade of traffic today (Tuesday, November 16) on a major road leading to the capital Kathmandu, to protest the killing of four rebels. Agence France-Presse reports that the roadblock is centered in the district capital of Dhading district, located 50 miles (90 kilometers) west of the capital, on the road which also leads to the tourist destination of Pokharan. The area is also reportedly where the four rebels were killed. http://www.kantipuronline.com/kolnews.php?&nid=22408 http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4015137.stm http://www.reliefweb.int/w/rwb.nsf/6686f45896f15dbc852567ae00530132/2848ceca4bb7020ac1256f4e0038ff9f?OpenDocument

Nepal's Maoist rebels urge international donors to halt aid in order to pressure Nepali government The leader of Maoist rebels in Nepal today urged the international community to halt aid for Nepal in an effort to pressure the government into peace talks with the rebels. “We appeal to the international community to help realize the aspirations of peace and democracy of the Nepalese people by halting all economic, political, military and diplomatic assistance to Nepal,” Pushpa Kamal Dahal, more popularly known as Prachanda, or the “Fiery One,” said in an email statement. Prachanda also accused the Nepali government of failing to hold talks for a political settlement to the violence that has resulted in the deaths of over 9,200 people since the Maoists began their insurgency to overthrow the constitutional monarchy and replace it with a communist republic in 1996. Agence France-Presse writes that according to Nepal’s National Planning Commission this year, the country has received some US$280 million dollars in economic aid from donors, which include the World Bank, Asian Development Bank and the United States. Japan is also reportedly one of the country’s largest aid donors, followed by Britain and Germany. Prachanda also reiterated the Maoists' demands for peace talks to be mediated by a third party. The rebels have in the past called for UN mediation to the conflict, but the government has so far rejected the calls for mediation. Nepal’s Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has made several appeals to the Maoists to resume peace talks, but the Maoists have said that they do not believe the government is serious. http://www.reliefweb.int/w/rwb.nsf/6686f45896f15dbc852567ae00530132/2848ceca4bb7020ac1256f4e0038ff9f?OpenDocument http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory?id=256229

Philippines

Malaysian deputy prime minister makes visit to southern Philippines; US Ambassador visits Sulu province Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak made a visit today to Cotabato city in the southern Philippine region of Mindanao to visit a 60- member team, comprised of 50 Malaysian and 10 Bruneian troops. Razak, who is also Malaysia’s Defense Minister, joined celebrations marking the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan with the team, who have been observing a ceasefire between the Philippine government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels. The ceasefire has been in place since July 2003, ending an outbreak of violence in early 2003. “Your people will benefit from this peace process, and we are proud to be part of it,” Najib told Filipino officials and rebels. Prior to the 2003 clashes, the government and the MILF had agreed to an international monitoring team (IMT) in 2001 as part of preconditions for talks. Najib stayed in Cotabato, which is in the south-central province of Maguindanao, for about three hours. Both government and rebel negotiators have said that formal peace talks would resume in after Ramadan, but Najib said no dates have been set. Observers say Malaysia has a stake in peace in Mindanao because tens of thousands of Filipinos have fled to Malaysian territory to escape fighting. In addition, there are concerns that MILF rebels have been harboring the regional terrorist group, Jemaah Islamiyah, which has been blamed for a series of terror attacks in Southeast Asia. The peace talks have been repeatedly postponed since 2003 over group infighting and minor clashes that have threatened the ceasefire. The IMT has already set up offices in the cities of Cotabato, Illigan, Davao and General Santos. However, the team was reportedly prevented from setting up in Zamboanga city because the mayor has insisted that the city is not affected by the MILF conflict. Meanwhile, US Ambassador to the Philippines, Francis Ricciardone, also made a visit to the southern province of Sulu as part of a celebration marking the end of Ramadan. Regional military spokesperson Col. Domingo Tutaan said that Ricciardone was inspecting various projects funded with US aid and was updated with the killing of a photojournalist, who was reportedly killed by Abu Sayyaf rebels in the province earlier this week. In 2002, the US had provided logistical support to a controversial Balikatan joint counterterrorism exercise aimed at flushing out Abu Sayyaf rebels in Sulu and neighboring Basilan province. The exercise is thought to have largely slowed down Abu Sayyaf activities in the area. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/zam/2004/11/17/news/ricciardone.visits.sulu.html http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/NewsStory.aspx?section=Provincial&OID=63086 http://www.reliefweb.int http://asia.news.yahoo.com/041116/ap/d86cshtg1.html

Thailand

Two killed in continuing violence in southern Thailand as queen makes unprecedented plea; Prime Minister blames foreign influences Insurgents killed a father and son in the southern province of Songkhla today, raising fears that insurgent violence, which has mostly affected the neighboring southernmost provinces of Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat, may be spreading in the region. Songkhla is the only southernmost province with a Buddhist majority. However, police said the killing occurred in a district that borders Pattani. The father and son were Muslim defense volunteers on their way to work. Meanwhile, a bomb left near the home of a politician belonging to Thailand’s ruling Thai Rak Thai Party was reportedly defused in Narathiwat province today as well. At least 540 people have died since insurgent violence began in southern Thailand in January this year. Tensions have recently grown since the October 25 Tak Bai crackdown in Narathiwat, in which at least 85 Muslims died at the hands of security forces. Reprisal attacks since then have claimed nearly 30 Buddhists in the random targeting of civilians that have included vendors and shop owners. According to the Bangkok Post today, a military data gathering unit said that there were a total of 614 violent attacks in Yala, Pattani Narathiwat and Songkhla provinces over the past ten months from January to October. Of these, 292 occurred in Narathiwat, 172 in Pattani, 131 in Yala and 19 in Songkhla. Meanwhile, a government-sponsored inquiry into the Tak Bai incident said it is likely to seek an extension of its 30-day reporting deadline. Separate investigations by the Thai National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and the Islamic Committee of Thailand (ICT) are also being carried out. Meanwhile, Thai Queen Sirikit today made a strong plea for religious harmony in the south in an unprecedented public engagement with leaders of communities, associations, NGOs, the media and members of the Thai Cabinet, headed by Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra at the royal residence in Dusit Palace in Bangkok. The Queen had just spent two months in the south, her longest annual royal visit to the region in years. The royal family is highly revered in Thailand, mostly because of their work for the lower classes. Most of Thailand’s tiny Muslim minority live in the south, where 300,000 Buddhists make up 30 percent of the regional population. Both groups have lived in relative peace for many decades, and the Queen said the recent sectarian violence has been unprecedented. Meanwhile, Shinawatra today charged that the violence is perpetrated by Thais who have studied abroad with Muslim extremists, particularly the Middle East. “The assistance is not in the form of a terrorist organization or at the government level, but as individual friends they met while studying abroad,” he said. It was Thaksin’s most direct statement yet about foreign involvement, although he has previously accused southern Thais of having ties with Malaysian militants. Thai Defense Minister General Sumpun Boonyanun also reportedly said hundreds of Islamic youths have also received training in Muslim countries, including some of Thailand’s neighbors. http://asia.news.yahoo.com/041116//ap/d86cr3k05.html http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/17Nov2004_news04.php http://www.nationmultimedia.com/latest/ http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/17Nov2004_news14.php http://www.nationmultimedia.com/latest/ http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/17Nov2004_news15.php

Uncertainty over 150 ethnic Hmong detained in northern Thailand According to the Thailand-based The Nation today, Thai officials remain uncertain over the status of about 159 ethnic Hmong from neighboring Laos who are currently detained in the northeastern Thai provinces of Loei and Petchabun. Last week, immigration officials detained the group, about half of which are children, in two villages in Loei province. Authorities said that they could not make them return to Laos because Laotian authorities would not accept them. According to Thai immigration law, officials need to ascertain the identities of potential deportees before taking action. They said that Hmong had tried to enter Thailand several times this year, and the 159 are believed to be part of a larger group of 1,000 Hmong who crossed illegally since the middle of this year. Last month, 35 Hmong were reportedly detained and forced to return over the border. A Hmong leader who lives in Petchabun province said today that the migrants had illegally crossed the border to flee persecution from the Laotian communist regime and because of rumors that they could join a program to be resettled in the US. He also expressed concern for those who may be returned to Laos since Vientiane has stepped up a campaign against Hmong insurgents in Laos since April this year. However, he also said that some had paid agents to help them cross the border, some of them with money sent by relatives already settled in the US. Recently, thousands of Hmong refugees in Thailand were accepted to the US under a resettlement program that had an August 2003 application deadline. About 15,000 Hmong refugees that lived for decades on the grounds of a Buddhist temple in central Saraburi province, called Wat Tham Krabok, have been sent to the US in groups this year. In August this year, at least 2,000 Hmong refugees were detained by Thai authorities allegedly for attempting to enter Tham Krabok, in hopes of becoming part of the resettlement program. More than 300,000 Laotians, mostly Hmong, are known to have fled Thailand following the communist takeover in Laos in 1975. Most were either repatriated to Laos or resettled in third countries, particularly the US. The Hmong had fought along with US forces during the Vietnam War in the 1970’s. In recent months, Thailand has also launched a drive against illegal immigrants, resulting in stricter border security and patrols. http://www.nationmultimedia.com/latest/ http://worldnews.xignite.com/xWorldNews.aspx?articleid=SEP20041110000023 http://www.bangkokpost.com/101104_News/10Nov2004_news17.php http://asia.news.yahoo.com/041115/ap/d86c2u0o1.html