Senators McConnell and Feinstein Continue Fight for Democracy In Burma

October 7, 2003

WASHINGTON, D.C.– U.S. Senators Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) sent a letter to President George W. Bush – cosigned by 33 of their colleagues – urging him to use his upcoming trip to Thailand to further the cause of democracy in Burma.

“The United States and all its allies – particularly Thailand – must sustain a full court press on the repressive junta in Rangoon to secure the immediate and unconditional release of Burmese democracy leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and her colleagues,” said Senator McConnell. “Recent actions by Thailand – including efforts to pursue a reconciliation “road map” while Suu Kyi is detained – have led only to dead-ends. The President should use his trip to Thailand to speak directly and publicly to the people of Burma, and to reaffirm the unequivocal support of the United States for democracy, human rights and the rule of law in that beleaguered country.”

“Apart from Suu Kyi’s operation – and we join her compatriots in wishing her a speedy recovery – nothing has changed since the brutal attack on the National League for Democracy on May 30th,” said Senator Feinstein. “This should be unacceptable not only to the President, but all our allies in the region, especially Thailand. The status quo means only continued suffering for the people of Burma. Change will only come to that country with the help of the international community, including our regional partners.”

“It is past time for Thailand to get with the program,” agreed Senator McConnell.