[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 48 (Tuesday, April 22, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S3464]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        SANCTIONS AGAINST BURMA

 Mr. MOYNIHAN. I commend the President for his decision to 
invoke investment sanctions on Burma, in accordance with section 570 of 
Public Law 104-208. The President deserves praise for his action. 
Conditions in Burma remain grim and warrant this limited measure.
  Perhaps no one is more deserving of praise than the Senator from 
Kentucky, Senator McConnell. He and I have stood together in support of 
the people of Burma for many years now and I congratulate him for his 
steadfast efforts to assist in achieving a democratic transition in 
Burma.
  Burma is a democracy denied. It is a country with a democratic past. 
With our help it can have a democratic future. We find ourselves at a 
point in history where numerous nations are struggling to build 
democratic governments. It is not always an easy process. Those who are 
involved in such transitions watch for America s response to situations 
such as we find in Burma, where a military junta prevents the 
implementation of a democratic election. Let us be clear. This is not 
only about human rights and trade. This is about our commitment to 
democracy.
  There are those who argue that constructive engagement is the only 
way to effect change in a country. Constructive engagement is a 
euphemism for doing business with thugs. Foreign investment in Burma 
provides hard currency for the State Law and Order Restoration Council 
[SLORC]. Most U.S. companies refuse to support such a regime through 
foreign investment. Amoco, Levi Strauss, Liz Claiborne, Macy's, Eddie 
Bauer, Columbia Sportswear, Oshkosh B'Gosh, Pepsi, Apple Computer, and 
many other companies already have cut business ties with Burma. I 
commend the President for his action which supports the decisions of 
these responsible companies.
  Finally, I would note that this is not an end to our efforts in 
Burma, but a beginning. Strong bilateral pressure needs to be 
supplemented with multilateral action. I call on other nations which 
share our concern for the people of Burma to join us. Most importantly, 
the SLORC should know that we will remain vigilant and continue to 
defend the rights of Burmese democracy leaders.

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