October 19, 2007
Bush Announces New Myanmar Sanctions
President Bush said the U.S. government would take tougher measures on Myanmar in order to pressure its leaders to abandon a brutal crackdown on pro-democracy activists.
"The Burmese authorities claim they desire reconciliation. Well, they need to match those words with actions," Bush said in a White House press conference.
Among the new measures is a tightening of export control regulations on the southeast Asian country. Myanmar is a significant timber exporter and does a healthy energy trade in the region.
Bush called on Myanmar's military dictatorship to permit officials with the International Committee of the Red Cross access to political prisoners. He also demanded that the regime release all political prisoners "immediately."
"We will consider additional measures if the Burmese government does not end the brutal repression of the people," Bush added. "Business as usual is unacceptable."
Bush was flanked by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, fresh off a diplomatic offensive in the Mideast, and first lady Laura Bush, who wrote an op-ed (subscription) condemning the Myanmar government and has been unusually outspoken on the matter.
The president went on to thank regional powers including Japan and Singapore for also weighing in on the unrest in Myanmar, taking a dig at China in the process. China is a major benefactor of Myanmar and has done little to pressure the ruling junta to stop the crackdown.
"The people of Burma are showing great courage in the face of immense repression," Bush said. He later added, "I'm proud of Laura for all she's done to awaken the conscience of the world to the Burmese people. I have confidence the day is coming where freedom's tide will reach the shores of Burma."
Posted at 2:20 PM
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Asia, Bush Administration, China, President Bush
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