[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 159 (Wednesday, November 5, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2244]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   CURRENT STATE OF AFFAIRS IN BURMA

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                            HON. LANE EVANS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 5, 2003

  Mr. EVANS. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to address the current 
state of affairs in Burma. For years, Burma's military rulers have 
retained control through the use of rape, murder, torture, and 
imprisonment. Many of my colleagues and I co-sponsored the Burmese 
Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003, H.R. 2330, in an effort to sanction 
this regime for its egregious human rights violations and to shed light 
on the atrocities being committed.
  Another action taken to help bring about change in Burma was the 
assignment of a United Nations envoy to this chaotic region. 
Unfortunately, many of my colleagues and I now feel that the United 
Nations process put in place to help bring about change in Burma is 
seriously flawed. The UN envoy to Burma has done more to diffuse 
international pressure on the junta than he has to improve human rights 
conditions there.
  Conditions are not improving, they are worsening. Aung San Suu Kyi, 
1991 Nobel Peace Prize winner and leader of the country's true 
government, remains under house arrest while the people of Burma are 
being slaughtered. Just a few days ago, members of Burma's military 
regime shot at a crowd of demonstrating monks, killing at least one and 
injuring many more.
  In addition, Thailand, Burma's neighbor, has become increasingly 
friendly with the SPDC, the regime responsible for this bloodshed. Thai 
authorities deport Burmese migrant workers and other refugees with 
little concern for their welfare, turning a blind eye to the oppression 
that awaits them and in violation of international law. The UN has done 
little to change the relationship between these two nations.
  As we approach the next meeting of the United Nations General 
Assembly, we must be cognizant that the process has failed. We need to 
strengthen the authority of the UN envoy and replace him with someone 
capable of rallying international support for change. The present 
system is not working--let's fix it.

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