[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 70 (Tuesday, May 1, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E907]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     A HUMANITARIAN CRISIS IN BURMA

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                        HON. THOMAS G. TANCREDO

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 1, 2007

  Mr. TANCREDO. Madam Speaker, a humanitarian crisis is occurring in 
Burma where political dissidents and ethnic groups are being 
suppressed. The existence of over 1,000 political prisoners, the 
practice of land confiscation and forced migration, demonstrates the 
totalitarianism with which this military government rules over its 
people. Citizens are being imprisoned for peaceful opposition while 
state members continue to violate fundamental rights to property and 
security. The house arrest of non-violent, prodemocracy activist Aung 
Sang Suu Kyi demonstrates this oppressive state of affairs.
  Practices like forced evictions and internal displacement cements 
military control, especially in ethnic areas, at the expense of basic 
freedoms. I am here today to ask the government of Burma to address 
these numerous concerns. The government must draft a constitution with 
the input of all political actors, including members of the National 
League for Democracy. Land use, property rights, and political rights 
are issues that must be addressed. Human rights abusers must be 
punished and civilians brought to justice under a government that 
defends their freedoms.

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