| Press Statement Sean McCormack, Spokesman Washington, DC August 8, 2007 Anniversary of the 1988 Popular Democratic Uprising in BurmaNineteen years ago today, the Burmese rose up calling for the restoration of democracy and an end to misrule and the abuse of their human rights. Their calls for freedom were brutally suppressed and more than 3,000 Burmese died in the ensuing violence.
The Burmese democratic movement has persevered despite unrelenting persecution. Our commitment supporting the efforts of the Burmese to achieve democracy and respect for human rights is steadfast and unwavering, as demonstrated in the renewal of import restrictions contained in the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act, passed with overwhelming, bipartisan congressional support and signed into law by President Bush on August 1. We renew our call for Burma’s military rulers to release all political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi, and cease detaining Burmese engaged in peaceful political activities. Further, we call on the regime to engage in a genuine dialogue with leaders of the democracy movement and ethnic minority groups, to cease violence and human rights abuses against civilians, and to lift restrictions on humanitarian organizations in Burma. Improving bilateral relations between Burma and the United States depends on the Burmese regime taking concrete and credible steps in this direction. 2007/676 |
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