[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 49 (Wednesday, April 23, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E730]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        BURMA SANCTIONS AT LAST

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                          HON. ELIZABETH FURSE

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 23, 1997

  Ms. FURSE. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the Clinton administration for 
its announcement yesterday to impose new sanctions on Burma. This is 
absolutely the right thing to do in the face of growing oppression of 
the Burmese people at the hands of Burma's State Law and Order 
Restoration Council.
  This is an important message to other nations considering further 
investment in a nation with a repressive military junta illegally 
governing it. The imposition of sanctions will facilitate a dialog with 
those who are seeking democracy and will help to make 1997 a year of 
change. This could be the year the SLORC's power is broken.
  I have written to Secretary of State Madeleine Albright to encourage 
her to pursue these sanctions with all due vigor, and to consider other 
options which may be necessary in order to restore true law and order 
to this beleaguered country.
  In February, prodemocracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi called on the rest 
of the world to block investment in her country. United States 
sanctions are an urgently-needed step in the struggle being waged by 
Aung San Suu Kyi and so many others in Burma. I have had a long-time 
interest in this issue and I urge my colleagues to join me in 
advocating for democracy there.

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