    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book I)]
    [May 1, 2008]
    [Pages 617-618]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Situation in Burma
    May 1, 2008

        The people of Burma have long awaited the opportunity to live in a
    true democracy. The referendum vote scheduled for May 10, 2008, could
    have been that opportunity. However, Than Shwe and
    his regime are ensuring that the referendum vote will be on a
    dangerously flawed Constitution and will not be free, fair, or credible.
    They continue to ignore calls from the Burmese people and the
    international community for a genuine process that could result in a
    legitimate Constitution reflecting the will of the people, and they
    continue to carry out a campaign to intimidate voters and to arrest
    those who dare speak out against the flaws of the referendum and draft
    Constitution.
        The regime has not acted on any of the measures called for by the
    United Nations Security Council and does not cooperate with Special
    Adviser Ibrahim Gambari. We have
    called for the early release of all political prisoners; implementation
    of measures to address the political, economic, humanitarian, and human
    rights issues that are of concern; and the creation of necessary
    conditions for a genuine dialogue with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and all concerned parties and ethnic groups in order to
    achieve an inclusive national reconciliation. Furthermore, the regime
    has refused offers from Mr. Gambari to provide technical assistance or
    international monitors for the pending referendum.
        Laura and I are committed to work for the
    people of Burma and help in their struggle to free themselves from the
    regime's tyranny. I have signed a new Executive order that will block
    all property and interests in property of designated individuals and
    entities determined to be owned or controlled by, directly or
    indirectly, the Government of Burma or an official or officials of the
    Government of Burma. This Executive order expands existing authorities
    that allow the United States Government

    [[Page 618]]

    to target those who are responsible for supporting, empowering, and
    enriching the Burmese regime, a regime that exploits and oppresses the
    people of Burma.
        The United States will continue to pressure Burma's rulers until
    they respond to the legitimate calls of the Burmese people for a genuine
    dialogue leading to a democratic transition.

    Note: The statement referred to Senior Gen. Than Shwe, Chairman, State
    Peace and Development Council of Burma; United Nations Special Envoy to
    Myanmar Ibrahim Gambari; and Aung San Suu Kyi, leader of the National
    League for Democracy in Burma.