Pelosi Statement in Support of Renewing U.S. Import Restrictions on Burma

Washington, D.C.:  Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today on the passage of H.J. Res. 44, sponsored by Congressman Tom Lantos of California, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, to renew the U.S. import restrictions on the Burmese government until substantial progress is made to promote democracy and end human rights abuses.  The joint resolution was agreed to by a voice vote this afternoon.

'Today's vote to renew U.S. import restrictions on the military regime in Burma sends a clear message that those fighting for democracy and human rights in Burma do not stand alone in their struggle.

'According to the U.S. State Department and non-governmental organizations, the human rights situation in Burma continues to worsen with the deplorably familiar pattern of government-sanctioned murder, torture, rape, arbitrary arrest, and forced labor.

'Last month, Aung San Suu Kyi, Burma's democracy leader and Nobel Peace Prize recipient, was forced to celebrate another birthday under house arrest in Burma.  She has made every conceivable sacrifice to win freedom for her people.  She has seen her supporters beaten, tortured, and killed, yet she never responded to hatred and violence in kind.

'The passage of this resolution shows that the American people will continue to stand with Aung San Suu Kyi and the freedom-seeking people of Burma in their just cause.'