BNN Newsflash: Senate leaders demand UN Sec. Council 'take up' Burma

[editor at burmanet.org]

BurmaNet News July 16th 2003

SENATE LEADERS DEMAND UN SECURITY COUNCIL ‘TAKE UP’ BURMA

Following yesterday’s U.S. House of Representatives vote overwhelmingly in
favor of sanctioning Burma, prominent Senate leaders urged the United
Nations Security Council to step up pressure on the regime.  During Senate
debate today, Senators John McCain, Mitch McConnell, Patrick Leahy, and
Sam Brownback exhorted President Bush to confront Burma’s military junta
through the UNSC.  “[It is] past time for the U.S. and its allies to take
up this issue,” said Senator McCain.

The senators excoriated the “failed policy of engagement” with Burma,
singling out Thailand, Japan, and China for their lenience towards the
junta, and praising democracy leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi for her bravery
in the face of the regime’s brutality.  The Nobel laureate has been held
incommunicado by the junta since a brutal crackdown on her party on May
30th that may have left as many as 70 of her supporters dead.

The 418-2 House vote yesterday occurred a month after the Senate voted
97-1 on a similar bill. Once the Senate and House agree on a common
version, President Bush is expected to quickly sign the bill, which bans
imports from Burma, as well as freezing junta assets in the U.S., and
expands an already-existing visa ban.

In the Senate chamber today, the four leaders’ voices were unified in
support of action through the UN Security Council, despite the suggestion
that China, a close ally to the regime, might object to such a measure. 
“I don’t care if China vetoes [a resolution.  This issue] needs to be
discussed by the Security Council
, and debated by the most important
countries in the world,” declared Senator McConnell.

Senator McCain also challenged Burma’s regional partners—especially
ASEAN—to stop supporting the military regime, and to push for democratic
transition.  While welcoming Japan’s announcement of suspension of future
aid to the junta, McCain offered a caveat: “Tokyo’s existing aid sends
mixed signals,” said Senator McCain, referring to Japan’s decision to
leave intact aid currently invested in Burma.

Senators McCain, Brownback, and McConnell also censured Thailand, an ally
of the U.S., for propping up the regime.  Senator Brownback condemned
Thailand’s harsh policies towards Burmese in exile in Thailand.

Regional group ASEAN also came under fire for its lax approach towards the
junta.  “Southeast Asia will not be secure as long as the generals rule in
Rangoon,” said Senator McCain.  The senator warned that ASEAN’s
credibility will be further undermined “as long as Burma festers,”
particularly when Burma assumes the presidency of the regional group in
2006.  Rangoon will host that year’s ministerial summit as well as the
ASEAN Regional Forum, which is traditionally attended by the U.S.
Secretary of State.