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CRDB's statement regarding new Burm



Subject: CRDB's statement regarding new Burmese ambassador to U.S.

        Statement of CRDB regarding the appointment of new 
     Burmese ambassador to the United States - April 25, 1996


The Committee for the Restoration of Democracy in Burma was shocked and
disappointed to learn that the United States Department of State has approved
the request of the Burmese military dictatorship to replace its ambassador in
Washington.  Acceding to the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC)
in this matter appears to be at odds with the publicly expressed U.S.
administration opposition to a regime which is considered to be one of the
most oppressive and corrupt in the world.

We are puzzled by this action.  The United States has refused to send an
ambassador to Burma as a protest to the brutal oppression of supporters of
multi-party democracy and the genocidal policies of the Burmese army against
the ethnic nationalities. The military regime has openly defied U.S. efforts
to bring Khun Sa, a notorious drug warlord, to justice. There is credible
evidence of SLORC active involvement in narcotics in the Golden Traingle.

The thugs in Rangoon have refused to transfer power to the civilian
government elected in May 1990.  Although SLORC released Nobel Peace Laureate
Aung San Suu Kyi from six years of house arrest, she is not at all free. She
cannot move freely in her own country. SLORC has imposed all kinds of
restrictions and has harassed her in many ways. Despite repeated calls by Suu
Kyi for dialogue, SLORC has ignored her and continues to crack down on
pro-democracy activists. According to both International Labor Organization
and UN's Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Burma, Professor Yozo Yekota,
SLORC regularly uses forced labor for infrastructure projects.

We are puzzled as to why the United States should "reward" SLORC for such
criminal behavior.


Committee for Restoration of Democracy in Burma
P.O.Box 39045
Washington, DC 20016
--------------------
Cc: President Bill Clinton
      Members of Senate Foreign Relations Committee
      Members of House International Relation Committee