Ed Royce: “In closing, unfortunately, Africa is not the only continent under attack. Increasingly, we are seeing the link between…”

“In closing, unfortunately, Africa is not the only continent under attack. Increasingly, we are seeing the link between resource exploitation and human rights abuses and conflict and corruption. This past weekend, the Financial Times previewed a new report to be released next week by Global Witness. The report details how the ruling military junta in Burma is using logging concessions to help maintain its grip on power. In Burma's environmentally-damaging resource diplomacy, Chinese logging companies are granted concessions to large sections of Burmese virgin forest in exchange for political loyalty and in exchange for material support. In light of this sort of activity, the Congo Basin Forest Partnership and similar initiatives are all that much more important, and I want to thank Members in this body for what they are attempting to do in passing this legislation and urge the support of every Member.”