Rep. Pitts: SPDC action latest act in regime’s brutal repression of opponents

After asking U.S. to lift sanctions, Burma’s military dictatorship launches assault on Buddhist opposition

Washington—The night after asking the United States to review its sanctions regime gainst it, Burma’s military dictatorship, the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC), opened fire on a group of Buddhist monks protesting the arrest of an outspoken critic of the military junta. Congressman Pitts issued the following statement.

“It’s ironic to me – and very telling – that on the evening that the SPDC asked the United States to review our sanction policy against it, they would open fire on a group of peaceful protestors,” said Congressman Pitts. “The act is the latest in a decades long reign of terror that the SPDC has held over the Burmese people. The military junta’s utter disregard for basic human rights and democracy is deplorable.

“We cannot and should not consider lifting sanctions on this vile regime unless it ends its coordinated campaign of brutal repression – particularly against minorities and religious communities. And we should not even think of backing away from the demand that the SPDC step aside and recognize the duly elected leader of the nation – Aung An Suu Kyi.

“Now is the time for the world to act. The longer we wait, the more people will die,” concluded Congressman Pitts.

Congressman Pitts has spent a great deal of time drawing attention to the dire situation facing Burma. He has spoken out against the SPDC – which has engaged in a campaign of enslavement, conscription of child soldiers, systematic rape, and even ethnic cleansing to impose its will on men, women, and children. During a trip to the region, he has witnessed first hand the living conditions of Burmese refugees.

He chaired a hearing of the House International Relations Subcommittee on International Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Human Rights to draw attention to the situation in Burma.