[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 43, Number 50 (Monday, December 17, 2007)]
[Page 1582]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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.