Bob McCarty Writes

U.S. Campaign for Burma

A few minutes ago, the media folks at the State Department sent me this reminder about the 20th anniversary of the democratic uprising in Burma, the country know known as Myanmar.

I took glee in the fact that it’s release happened to coincide with opening day of the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. Could it be that President George W. Bush and Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice wanted to send a not-so-subtle message to leaders in Burma? I think so. Take a look and let me know what you think:

Twenty years ago today, the people of Burma bravely rose up together to call for the restoration of democracy in Burma and an end to misrule and the abuse of their human rights. Today we join the Burmese people in remembering the more than 3,000 Burmese who lost their lives in the 1988 uprising, as well as those who have since perished in the struggle for freedom and democracy in Burma. We continue to condemn the brutal suppression by the military regime of their calls for freedom.

We commend the democracy movement in Burma for its perseverance despite unrelenting persecution by the regime. During their meetings this week with Burmese activists and refugees in Thailand, President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush reiterated the United States’ steadfast and unwavering commitment to support the efforts of the Burmese people to achieve democracy and respect for human rights in their country.

The United States renews its call for Burma’s military junta to release immediately all political prisoners including Aung San Suu Kyi, and end its detention of Burmese engaged in peaceful political activities. Further, we call on the regime to engage in a genuine dialogue with leaders of the democracy movement and ethnic minority groups on a true transition to democratic governance, to cease violence and human rights abuses against civilians including in ethnic minority areas, and to lift restrictions on humanitarian organizations in Burma. Improving bilateral relations between Burma and the United States depends on the Burmese regime taking concrete and credible steps in this direction.

Here’s to hoping the Burmese people will soon be free. To learn more about efforts to free Burma, click here.