I don't think we should vilify regimes, even if we don't like them, because it makes negotiations more difficult.

the major contributor to the openness that we have seen--however imperfect--in Vietnam was lifting the trade embargo.

I think there is a view that some of the problems--in fact, a substantial component of the problems that Burma faces economically--are a result of, really, tragic mismanagement of the economy by the regime.

I don't take a back seat to you or anybody else when it comes to aspiring for democratic governments in that part of the world.

Well, intellectually, the questions are, first of all, whether this document and the implementing legislation are basically final documents, No. 1.

Sanctions provide strong encouragement for Burma's democrats, who are risking their lives everyday to restore democracy.

Along those lines, if the government itself were to request technical and other assistance with respect to the elections, is the State Department prepared to provide that?

I support very much the administration's new support for increased humanitarian assistance, and scaling up of aid, I believe, should be a top priority.

It's also going to be a critical component of what China does in the future.

a significant portion of which is usually channeled to assist exile groups conducting covert operations inside the country.

We think that the best approach, going forward, is a process of internal dialogue.

The goal of our government... ought to be to try and take this document, move it from fraud into transition.