Burma - Freedom for the People

Exactly one year ago, Burma's Nobel Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, the leader of the National League for Democracy, was released from her second lengthy period of house arrest. Unfortunately, the regime has made little progress toward national reconciliation since then.

In the last 12 months Aung San Suu Kyi has traveled widely and seen the support she garners even in far-flung corners of the country. Her party has opened offices across the nation, rebuilding its capabilities and making new contacts.

However, the rulers of Burma have continued to oppress people, harassed Aung San Suu Kyi on her travels, and limited her party's activities. The regime has been unwilling to begin substantive dialogue with the democratic opposition toward national reconciliation. The regime continues to monitor prisoners released from unjust imprisonment, to restrict their freedoms, and to discriminate against their families. While we welcome the recent release of Dr. Salai Tun Than and approximately 20 other political prisoners, more than a thousand political prisoners remain behind bars under terrible conditions, with many in bad health. The junta has also failed to work in good faith with United Nations Special Envoy Tan Sri Razali Ismail.

As President Bush said in a statement dated April 14, Aung San Suu Kyi's courage has earned her the admiration and friendship of countries around the world. It is the policy of the United States to support the National League for Democracy as it tries to restore democracy to Burma, and we applaud Aung San Suu Kyi's unwavering determination.

May 27 will mark the anniversary of another disappointment in Burma. Thirteen years ago multiparty elections were held, and the National League for Democracy won 80 percent of the seats, but they were never allowed to form a parliament.

A year after Aung San Suu Kyi's release from house arrest, it is past time for the people of Burma to enjoy basic rights and economic development. We call on the regime to take its own declarations seriously and move on toward the restoration of multiparty democracy.