Media Release: US Imposes Sanction

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Subject: Media Release:  US Imposes Sanctions on Burma

MEDIA RELEASE

UNITED STATES IMPOSES SANCTIONS ON BURMA
23rd April 1997

According to the Director of the Institute for Asian Democracy, Michelle
Bohana, and PD Burma, Oslo, President Clinton has agreed to impose
sanctions on Burma due to human rights abuses by the illegitimate
military regime, the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC).

The Burma Office applauds the decision of President Clinton and calls on
the Australian Government to follow suit. Further, congratulates
colleagues in the US for the dedication which led to this outstanding
result.

While the people of Burma suffer the most horrendous violations of human
rights in the world they ask not that we fight their battles for them,
but that we lend them the moral support they need to fight their own
battles. The National League for Democracy, led by Nobel Peace Prize
Laureate, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, has asked that nations of the world not
to rush into Burma with trade, investment or aid until genuine reforms
are made and until the SLORC agrees to hold talks with their political
opposition.

Australia, as a member of the Asian region and one of the most
democratic countries in the world, should take the responsibility of
supporting the democratic movement of Burma, supporting the National
League for Democracy and supporting Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. 

SANCTIONS NOW, MR DOWNER

Media Information:		U Daniel Aung, Director,							ma Office (02)9264
7694			
				Minn Aung Myint, Co-ordinator
				Burma Office 0412230737 							Amanda Zappia, Aust. Rep. NCGUB, FTUB 
				(06) 297 7734
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The Burma Office is Worksing for The National Coalition Government of
the Union of Burma (NCGUB), Federation of Trade Unions, Burma (FTUB) and
Australia Burma Council (ABC).
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