URGENT SENATE ACTION

[darnott@xxxxxxxxxxx]

URGENT ACTION URGENT ACTION URGENT ACTION URGENT ACTION URGENT 
**************************************************************
     Burma Action Group                 
     University of Washington 
     Box 119, HUB 207, FK-30            
     Seattle, WA 98195         
                                    Forwarded by David Arnott   
*****************************************************************
I spoke with Phil Robertson (our Burma ally in Washington, DC) a
few days ago  and he stressed the importance of writing our
Senators about upcoming legislation from Sen. Mitch McConnell. 
The bill will be introduced on July 11th, and they need our
encouragement on this one.  
 
The bill calls for economic sanctions against SLORC, similar to
the U.S. stance on Cuba.  This is an easy way to stop that
pipeline*, so get your letters (AND PHONE AND FAX MESSAGES) out
ASAP!  
 
Tim Landon 
 
Sample Letter:
 
Senator ...
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510
 
Dear Senator...
 
I understand that Senator Mitch McConnell will be introducing
legislation on July 11th that impacts foreign investment and the
illegal military junta ruling Burma, known as SLORC. I and other
Burma activists in the [Seattle] community urge your support for
this important legislation.  With the sixth anniversary of Nobel
Peace Prize Winner Aung San Suu Kyi's house arrest less than two
weeks away, it is time that the United States takes strong action
against the illegitimate military dictatorship that continues to
oppress Burma.
 
SLORC has publicly stated that Aung San Suu Kyi will be released
only when "peace and tranquility return to the country." 
Considering SLORC's disregard for the free and fair elections of
1990, this is outrageous. The military leaders depend on economic
investment from a handful of US companies including Unocal,
Texaco, and Pepsico. It is imperative that this cash flow be
stopped. Other U.S. companies, including Eddie Bauer, Levi
Strauss, and Amoco have divested, citing egregious human rights
violations.  
 
Please use your power to send a strong message to the military
leaders in Rangoon by supporting this legislation.  Your staff
will be able to obtain copies of Senator McConnell's legislation
for your review.
 
Sincerely,
 
In Washington State, send letters to Murray and Gorton.  Please
take the time to get these in the mail.  The more original and
numerous the better!!
____________________________________________________________ 
* For those not familiar with the situation in Burma, this is a
gas pipeline being built across a narrow stretch of Burma into
Thailand, which has contracted to buy the gas. Unocal is a
partner in this operation, which has involved the forced
relocation of many thousands of Mon and Karen villagers. The
railway which will intersect the pipeline is being built with the
forced and unpaid labour of hundreds of thousands of villagers.
The railroad is being called the "New Death Railway", since many
have already died of the appalling work conditions. Texaco is
also planning a pipeline to carry the gas from its offshore field
into Thailand.
 
 
PLEASE CROSS-POST THIS MESSAGE, ADAPTING IT TO LOCAL NEEDS AS
NECESSARY. DISTRIBUTE IT TO YOUR COLLEAGUES AND NETWORKS BY
EMAIL, FAX NET, MAIL, CARRIER PIGEON AND BY ANY OTHER MEANS, EVEN
BY HAND. NOTE THAT THE BILL WILL BE INTRODUCED ON THE 11TH JULY,
i.e. 
                             **NEXT TUESDAY**
 
*****************************************************************