June 11, 2003

Senator Allen's Floor Statement on Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. President, I rise today to condemn the ongoing repression of the democracy movement in Burma. This latest crackdown has included the rearrest and injury of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and brutal attacks on her supporters. Burma's regime has ignored the basic human rights of its citizens and is intent only on preserving its own brutal grip on power.

Since last May, the international community has significantly decreased pressure on Burma's regime. During that time, we have seen only increased abuses. The numbers are staggering: Burma's regime has forcibly conscripted 70,000 child soldiers, far more than any other country in the world. The regime has tortured and locked up 1,400 political prisoners. Even worse, the regime has borrowed a tactic from the Bosnian war by using rape as a weapon of war, heaping misery on countless women and girls.

Clearly, the United States and the international community must more actively address the situation and Burma and take available steps to prevent further violence against those seeking desired democratic reform.

As my colleague from Kentucky Senator McConnell has stated forcefully and eloquently over the last two weeks, the United States must provide international leadership. Next week, Thailand's Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra will be visiting Washington, DC to meet with the President and other senior government officials. This meeting would provide an ideal opportunity to urge the Prime Minister to make every effort to formulate a policy to help bring about positive change in Burma.

I say to the people of Burma that the people of the United States support you and share your values. We admire your courage, and commend your bravery. We will continue to support your struggle, as long as this oppressive regime remains in power.

The United States has a long history of supporting democratic change and condemning regimes that repress and disregard the will of the people. This most recent attack on democratic reformers in Burma only underscores the need for the U.S. to be vigilant in voicing strong disapproval with the actions of the current regime, and assist the legitimately elected leaders of Burma to bring much needed democratic reform and respect for universally recognized human rights to the people of Burma.