[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 143 (Tuesday, September 25, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Pages S12013-S12014]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                                 BURMA

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, a remarkable scene is playing out in 
the country of Burma. For yet another day, tens of thousands of 
peaceful protesters demonstrated throughout Burma against the policies 
of that country's military junta, the State Peace and Development 
Council. These protests were carried out in defiance of Government 
threats. They were led again by barefoot monks, dressed in saffron 
robes, who just a few days ago in a simple but powerful gesture 
unleashed a dramatic series of events. That gesture was the turning 
upside down of their alms bowls, a symbol of the monks' refusal to 
accept charity from the regime, an act that has the potential to awaken 
the world to the brutality of this iniquitous regime. Imagine the 
courage of their actions. Their nonviolent response is subject to 
imprisonment and torture from a regime that has done far more to 
citizens who have done far less.
  Earlier today, President Bush spoke at the United Nations General 
Assembly; in fact, he is probably speaking as I speak. He indicated 
additional U.S. sanctions would be applied to the military junta. He 
also called for increased international pressure on this regime. The 
President should be applauded for his leadership in promoting democracy 
and reconciliation in Burma.
  The struggle for freedom in Burma is not new, nor are we in Congress 
new to it. I am hopeful other countries will follow the lead of 
President Bush and the Congress on this issue.
  Two nations are pivotal to this effort: India and China. Both have a 
major stake in a prosperous and democratic Burma emerging from this 
unrest. Failure to act in a constructive manner would be a poor 
reflection on India, the world's largest democracy. Failure to act in a 
meaningful manner would also be a poor reflection on China, as that 
nation begins efforts to showcase itself for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
  The United Nations Secretary General himself needs to directly engage 
the SPDC on this matter and call for

[[Page S12014]]

real progress toward the democratization of Burma; the release of all 
political prisoners, most especially including Aung San Suu Kyi; and 
the inclusion of ethnic minorities in a peaceful reconciliation 
process.
  Pressure is mounting on the SPDC, both from within the country and 
from without. Yet there is a path forward for the regime, and that is 
the path of genuine reconciliation. The SPDC needs to follow the 
pragmatic model of apartheid South Africa in the early 1990s: Recognize 
the need to enter into good faith negotiations with the legitimate 
leaders of the people.
  I wish to convey a few messages to those inside Burma: To the 
peaceful protesters, know that the friends of democracy are with you 
and we are awed by your courage and your determination; to the regime: 
Know that the eyes of the world are upon you and recall that the 
crackdown in 1988 was followed by sanctions your Government still 
labors under. Know too that as the Government of Burma, you are 
responsible for the safety and well-being of the demonstrators and also 
of Aung San Suu Kyi. Know that the path forward is through genuine 
reconciliation, not repression.
  In closing, I note that the SPDC is much like any other despotic 
regime that holds onto power through terror, through force, and, 
frankly, through corruption as well. The SPDC will not give way easily 
to peaceful protests and resistance. We must let those in Burma who 
seek peaceful change know they do not stand alone.
  I yield the floor.

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