PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT FROM U.S. DEPAR

[moe@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman


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BURMA (Myanmar)
August 27, 1998
Recent political turmoil in Burma, including small-scale demonstrations on
August 24, lead us to believe that the possibility of further disturbances
or unrest cannot be discounted. U.S. citizens should stay alert and take
precautions to avoid being caught up in any confrontations that may occur. 

Six Americans and 12 other foreign nationals were recently tried and
convicted by a Burmese court on charges of spreading false news by allegedly
distributing political literature. All were sentenced to five years in
prison at hard labor. The sentences were then suspended by the court and all
were deported. The Government of Burma has informed the governments of those
involved that anyone who performs similar acts in the future will be subject
to imprisonment. American tourists have reported being stopped, searched and
questioned about their activities in Burma.

Travelers are urged to take these factors into consideration in connection
with any plans to visit Burma in the coming weeks. The U.S. Embassy in
Rangoon advises American citizens to exercise caution and to avoid large
crowds or demonstrations. All American citizens traveling to or residing in
Burma are strongly advised to stay in contact with the Embassy's consular
section at (95-1) 282-055 or (95-1) 282-056, extension 320.

This Public Announcement supersedes the Public Announcement dated August 12,
1998 and expires October 31, 1998.