INFORMATION SHEET
No. C-2536 (I/L) 20th February
2003
Yangon, Myanmar
The Government of Myanmar Invites U.S. to Join in Constructive Dialogue
The
Government of Myanmar noted with disappointment the remarks last week by
Lorne Craner, the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Human Rights,
Democracy and Labor, in which Mr. Craner express skepticism over the pace of
political transition in Myanmar. He also shown concern about humanitarian
issues such as health and education, and suggested that the U.S. Government
was considering "all options" to address these issues, including further
sanctions.
The
Government of Myanmar is working toward a smooth, stable transition to
democracy, and welcomes constructive dialogue on the political and
humanitarian issues facing our country. For this reason, it has welcomed
visits by Amnesty International, the International Committee of the Red
Cross, the International Labour Organization, and many other groups in
recent months. In cooperation with Australia, we are running human rights
training seminars. And political figures in Myanmar, including Aung San Suu
Kyi, are allowed to travel freely and meet with whomever they wish.
All
of these actions result from the Government's firm belief that knowledge,
rather than rhetoric, is the foundation for genuine change. We believe in
the power of ideas, and the open exchange of views. And we believe that
cooperation, rather than confrontation, is the path to progress.
Mr.
Craner's remarks, unfortunately, reflect the opposite approach. Sanctions,
by definition, shut down interaction and stop the flow of ideas. Sanctions,
by definition, impede economic growth, and deprive the Myanmar people of job
opportunities. Sanctions, especially against a developing country, directly
hurt health care and education. Sanctions, in short, do not solve problems,
they only make them worse.
The
Government therefore invites the United States to join us in open,
constructive dialogue toward humanitarian, economic and political
development in Myanmar. We welcome American cooperation in education, health
care, human rights and fighting narcotics. And we would welcome pragmatic,
useful advice on making the transition to a stable democracy.
These are complex issues, which will take much time, effort and patience to
resolve, but standing on the sidelines accomplishes nothing. We urge the
United States to roll up it sleeves, open its heart, and join with us to
bring a better life to the people of Myanmar.
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