    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2007, Book II)]
    [December 11, 2007]
    [Page 1540]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Situation in Burma
    December 11, 2007

        I am deeply disturbed by the report that U.N. Special Rapporteur
    Paulo Pinheiro released today in Geneva
    documenting his findings from his trip to Burma last month. It provides
    further alarming details about the Burmese authorities' crackdown on
    demonstrations by monks and democracy activists and the severe reprisals
    that continue today.
        He describes how the regime harassed,
    detained, and killed many peaceful demonstrators. The Special Rapporteur
    received reports, for example, that a large number of bodies were burned
    September 27-30 at the Ye Way Crematorium.
        I strongly condemn these actions and the junta's refusal to accept
    the need for real change in Burma. Even while Mr. Pinheiro was in Burma, the regime continued to arrest and
    harass monks and democracy activists. The regime has also closed down
    monasteries, including the Maggin Monastery in Rangoon that served as a
    hospice and treatment center for HIV/AIDS patients.
        Mr. Pinheiro's report demonstrates why
    the world cannot go back to business as usual with General Than
    Shwe and his junta. I call on all members of the
    international community to condemn the atrocities detailed in Mr.
    Pinheiro's report in the strongest possible terms. Last month, I
    announced new sanctions on the leaders of the regime and their cronies.
    Should the regime continue to ignore calls for a true democratic
    transition and the release of Aung San Suu Kyi and other political prisoners, the United States is
    prepared to lead international efforts to place more sanctions on the
    regime. Laura and I will continue to stand with
    the Burmese people as they seek the freedom they deserve.

    Note: The President referred to Senior Gen. Than Shwe, Chairman, State
    Peace and Development Council of Burma; and Aung San Suu Kyi, leader of
    the National League for Democracy in Burma.