[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 81 (Friday, June 17, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1266]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           WOMEN OF BURMA DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSEPH CROWLEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 16, 2005

  Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, June 19 marks the 60th birthday of Burma's 
Democracy Leader Aung San Suu Kyi. She has been held under house arrest 
since May 30, 2003--this is the third time since 1988 that the regime 
has confined Suu Kyi to house arrest for political reasons--after 
narrowly escaping an assassination attempt by Burma's ruling military 
regime in May of 2003. June 19 also marks the Women of Burma Day. In 
recognition of this day I would like to take this opportunity to 
acknowledge the courageous and honorable efforts made by Suu Kyi and 
other Burmese women who continue to struggle for democracy, human 
rights, and an end to brutal dictatorship in Burma.
  Today, Burmese women are a driving force in the fight for freedom and 
democracy in Burma. They inspire us all in their courage to carry out 
non-violent activities, challenging the military regime's repressive 
and violent rule. Burmese women are struggling to save a homeland that 
continues to deteriorate under military dictatorship.
  The military regime's response to non-violent political protestors 
has been abominable. Since winning the popular election by a landslide 
in 1988, supporters of democracy in Burma have been killed, arrested, 
imprisoned, and tortured by the thousands. Fearing certain imprisonment 
and death, many of these democracy supporters have fled the country.
  I would like to honor ten Burmese women who have dedicated their 
lives to improving the health, welfare, and future of Burma's people. 
With unwavering commitment, these women have sought to address critical 
issues affecting the people of Burma. These honorees have been involved 
in a diverse range of activities in the arena of social welfare and 
democracy and human rights. Eight of the honorees, Daw Aye Aye Mar, Daw 
Hla Hla Moe, Ma Mi Suu Pwint, Ma Nilar Thein, Ma Su Su Nway, Ma Than 
Than Htay, Ma Tin Tin Myint and Ma Zinmar Aung have endeavored to 
continue the ongoing struggle for freedom, human rights, and democracy 
in Burma. Two of the honorees, Dr. Myint Myint Khin and Ma Than Myint 
Aung, are deeply involved in organizing and engaging in social welfare 
and education programs. Demonstrating a unifying commitment to the 
people of their country, these extraordinary women have pursued their 
life's work with courage and perseverance. In the course of their 
lives, many have served, or continue to serve, lengthy jail sentences 
dealt by Burma's repressive military regime. I request that we honor 
and show solidarity with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and all of ``2005 
Profiles in Courage'' honorees. We should celebrate their achievements, 
and honor their personal sacrifice and vision for the future of Burma.
  Democracy will come to Burma soon. I believe that one day, the people 
of Burma will have a chance to openly honor these women and I am very 
sure that they will do so with great happiness. For the time being, 
they need our help, and we need to assist them consistently and 
strongly so that they will attain the goal to which they have been 
aspiring for so long.

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