[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 44, Number 17 (Monday, May 5, 2008)]
[Page 636]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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 dialog 
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 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 
dialog 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 for 
Myanmar Ibrahim Gambari; and Aung San Suu Kyi, leader of the National 
League for Democracy in Burma.