Tom Harkin: “while we are encouraged by democratic gains in Serbia, the people of Burma continue to suffer at the hands of the…”

“while we are encouraged by democratic gains in Serbia, the people of Burma continue to suffer at the hands of the world's most brutal military dictatorship--a regime which, perversely, calls itself the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC). Now more than ever, as a nation committed to democracy, freedom, and universal human and worker rights, America must dissociate itself from Burma's repressive regime. We must do all we can to deny any material support to the military dictators who rule that country with an iron fist. Amidst the most recent crackdown on pro-democracy forces launched in mid-August, we must demonstrate anew to the Burmese people our recognition of their nightmarish plight and our support for their noble struggle to achieve democratic governance. A few years ago, Congress enacted some sanctions and President Clinton issued an Executive Order in response to a prolonged pattern of egregious human rights violations in Burma. At the heart of those measures is the existing prohibition on U.S. private companies making new investments in Burma's infrastructure. Pre-1997 investments were not affected. Nevertheless, the ruling military junta in Burma has hung on to power and continues to blatantly violate internationally-recognized human and worker rights.”