Statement by Deputy Secretary Richard L. Armitage: Meeting with UN Special Envoy Razali Ismail

I met today with United Nations Special Envoy for Burma Tan Sri Razali Ismail.
Ambassador Razali has made tireless efforts on behalf of national reconciliation in Burma. We salute him for these efforts and support his future attempts to foster dialogue.

The United States government places the blame for the lack of progress to date
squarely where it belongs, with the oppressive and shortsighted military junta.
The generals have failed to take advantage of the opportunities offered to them
to become full-fledged members of the international community. They should
rethink their policies toward their own people and reinstate those freedoms, such as the freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, freedom of association and
freedom to express one's political views that are universally enshrined. They
must release Aung San Suu Kyi and the leadership of her political party
immediately.

ASEAN can play a key role in bringing about change in Burma. We have welcomed
ASEAN's comments on the situation in Burma, and we look forward to the upcoming ASEAN ministerial-level visit to Rangoon to encourage democratic
change. Burma's association with the organization increasingly complicates
ASEAN's dealings with the international community, particularly as Burma is
scheduled to take on leadership posts, including the ASEAN chairmanship in 2006.
A country ruled by a military dictatorship is simply incompatible with
the norms and aspirations of ASEAN.

The United States government maintains its efforts to support change in Burma.
We are working on an import ban, asset freeze and a ban on remittances to
Burma. We continue our coordination with ASEAN countries and others
who share our deep concern about the situation in Burma. We are also evaluating
additional measures at the United Nations and other multilateral bodies. We
will continue to support democratic change in Burma through all available
channels.

[End]

Released on July 11, 2003