Burma - Support for Dialogue

In a press conference in Rangoon on December 31, Aung San Suu Kyi described harassment from government-affiliated groups to which she was subjected during her recent trip to Burma's Rakhine State. Efforts by such groups to harass opposition party leaders cannot help a national reconciliation process to which the Burmese government has committed itself. The United States calls on the Burmese regime to ensure that all political parties can carry their message to the Burmese people in safety. We also call on the regime to join with the National League for Democracy and representatives of Burma's ethnic communities in a real dialogue regarding constitutional issues. Political change is needed in Burma. As Aung San Suu Kyi said December 31, the Burmese people deserve a better government and a better standard of living. Every effort should be made to see that they get both in 2003.