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Partial list of persons, detained, injured and died
on Bloody Friday, as of June 9, 2003. |
SENATE LEADERS DEMAND UN SECURITY COUNCIL ‘TAKE UP’
BURMA!
BurmanetNews 16/07/03
Following yesterday’s U.S. House of Representatives vote overwhelmingly
in favor of sanctioning Burma, prominent Senate leaders urged the
United Nations Security Council to step up pressure on the regime.
During Senate debate today, Senators John McCain, Mitch McConnell,
Patrick Leahy, and Sam Brownback exhorted President Bush to confront
Burma’s military junta through the UNSC. “[It is] past
time for the U.S. and its allies to take up this issue,” said
Senator McCain.
The senators excoriated the “failed policy of engagement”
with Burma, singling out Thailand, Japan, and China for their lenience
towards the junta, and praising democracy leader Daw Aung San Suu
Kyi for her bravery in the face of the regime’s brutality.
The Nobel laureate has been held incommunicado by the junta since
a brutal crackdown on her party on May 30th that may have left as
many as 70 of her supporters dead.
The 418-2 House vote yesterday occurred a month after the Senate
voted 97-1 on a similar bill. Once the Senate and House agree on
a common version, President Bush is expected to quickly sign the
bill, which bans imports from Burma, as well as freezing junta assets
in the U.S., and expands an already-existing visa ban.
In the Senate chamber today, the four leaders’ voices were
unified in support of action through the UN Security Council, despite
the suggestion that China, a close ally to the regime, might object
to such a measure.
“I don’t care if China vetoes [a resolution. This issue]
needs to be discussed by the Security Council…, and debated
by the most important countries in the world,” declared Senator
McConnell.
Senator McCain also challenged Burma’s regional partners—especially
ASEAN—to stop supporting the military regime, and to push
for democratic transition. While welcoming Japan’s announcement
of suspension of future aid to the junta, McCain offered a caveat:
“Tokyo’s existing aid sends mixed signals,” said
Senator McCain, referring to Japan’s decision to leave intact
aid currently invested in Burma.
Senators McCain, Brownback, and McConnell also censured Thailand,
an ally of the U.S., for propping up the regime. Senator Brownback
condemned Thailand’s harsh policies towards Burmese in exile
in Thailand.
Regional group ASEAN also came under fire for its lax approach
towards the junta. “Southeast Asia will not be secure as long
as the generals rule in Rangoon,” said Senator McCain. The
senator warned that ASEAN’s credibility will be further undermined
“as long as Burma festers,” particularly when Burma
assumes the presidency of the regional group in 2006. Rangoon will
host that year’s ministerial summit as well as the ASEAN Regional
Forum, which is traditionally attended by the U.S. Secretary of
State.
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