For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
May 21, 2004
Statement by the Press Secretary
Burma: National Reconciliation and Democracy
The United States is a steadfast supporter of the democracy
movement in Burma and commends the National League for Democracy (NLD)
and Aung San Suu Kyi for their commitment to democratic principles.
Given that Rangoon's constitutional convention has not allowed for
substantive dialogue and the full participation of all political
groups, including the NLD, it lacks legitimacy. Due to the unresolved
crisis, the President has extended for one year the national emergency
and associated sanctions with respect to Burma. With each passing day,
a growing chorus of Burma's neighbors and members of the international
community have called on Rangoon to fulfill its promises of progress on
democracy and national reconciliation. We call on the military
authorities to release all political prisoners, including Aung San Suu
Kyi and U Tin Oo, and to reopen the NLD branch offices which were
closed last year.
Burmese officials have put forward a road map for democracy, but
there has been no meaningful progress toward this goal. Advancement of
national reconciliation and democracy requires the inclusion of all
political groups and genuine, transparent dialogue. The protection of
the civil and political rights of the Burmese people is also crucial.
We encourage the United Nations and members of the international
community to continue to support the NLD and the Burmese people in
their desire for democracy, national reconciliation, and improved human
rights in Burma.
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