No.07 - 05/2006
10 May 2006

War

Watch out for the Russian navy

Burma's invitation of Russian trawlers to its waters during Gen Maung Aye's high profile visit to Moscow, 2-7 April, could be a smoke signal for the Russian navy to lend a hand in the Burmese rulers' ongoing defenses against an anticipated American invasion, according to a source close to the Burmese military.


Gen Maung Aye

The cue, said the source from the fishery business circle, was the talks between Livestock and Fishery minister Maung Maung Thein and his counterpart there. "When the Russian minister told him he'd like his fishing boats to roam the Indian Ocean as soon as possible, Maung Maung Thein was said to have replied something like 'That makes two of us,'" he said.


Gen Maung Maung Thein

Russia's other rival China has already established its naval presence in the area since 1992, when Beijing and Rangoon concluded an agreement to build major naval facilities on Hainggyi Island in the Irrawaddy delta and the Great Coco Island in the Bay of Bengal.

In August 1994, 3 Chinese trawlers flying Burmese flags were intercepted by the Indian navy. In the boats were electronic surveillance and radio equipment leading to the arrest of the 55 Chinese crewmen.

Maung Aye's Moscow visit was prompted by the generals' failure to secure long term support from China and India, reported Irrawaddy on 4 April quoting diplomats in Bangkok. It later reported Eric John, US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia and the Pacific, saying Washington had no plans to attack Burma.

The April visit had concluded with Russia's agreement to supply a wide range of arms including air defense systems and MIG-29 fighters in exchange for access to Burma's rich natural resources, according to reports from Moscow.

Vice Senior General Maung Aye was accompanied by Secretary-1 Thein Sein and ministers from foreign, national planning, science, commerce and livestock ministries.