State Dept Official Comments on Burma's Commitment to Democratic Reform
On February 2, 2012, State Department Assistant Secretary Michael Posner discussed Burma (Myanmar) and its future. He noted that according to recent press reports, Burmese President Thein Sein wants the Burmese people to take part in the democratic reform process and stated that he will endeavor to establish a healthy democracy in the country. Posner stated the possibility of real democratic change could eventually lead to a much brighter future for Burma. However, he noted that much work still remains to be done.
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(In January 2012, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced that the State Department would begin the process of exchanging ambassadors with Burma in response to its release of hundreds of political prisoners and signing of a cease-fire agreement with the Karen National Union. Clinton had urged Burmese authorities to continue reform by severing all illicit ties with North Korea, among other actions. The State Department has also said that it has been discussing what the appropriate next steps would be before the U.S. would consider lifting sanctions against Burma.)
Burma Has Made Important Progress, but Work Still Remains to Be Done
Posner stated that there has been progress made on at least three important fronts: (i) since October, the government has released more than 500 political prisoners; (ii) it has also begun opening up to more political discussion and debate; and (iii) has undertaken reforms to build a stronger democratic foundation through new laws and legislation. Despite this progress, he noted that much remains to be done as hundreds of political prisoners are still being held and a number of the laws used to arrest and detain them remain. Additionally, a censorship board remains in place and many NGOs have not been allowed to legally register.
Probably the most important and most difficult remaining challenge is the need to end violence in ethnic minority areas and to advance an inclusive, meaningful dialog leading towards genuine national reconciliation. The government has struck preliminary ceasefire agreements with the Shan State army and with the Karen National Union; however, violence in the Kachin State has worsened, with reports of serious human rights abuses and violations of international humanitarian law.
Burma Should Release All Prisoners, End Its Economic Isolation, Etc.
While transformation won't happen overnight, Posner states he believes there is reason to be optimistic. If Burma's leaders continue on this path of democracy and openness, he states they will (1) free all remaining political prisoners; (2) hold fair elections on April 1; (3) allow their people a genuine say in how they are to be governed; (4) end restrictions on the media and the Internet; (5) end ethnic conflicts; and (6) begin to build a more integrated and peaceful society. Additionally, if they continue to pursue this path, he stated Burma's leaders will end their international economic and political isolation, attract aid and investment, and be in a position to build a strong and inclusive economy.
(See ITT's Online Archives 11120212 for summary of Clinton's statement that the U.S. could ease or eliminate sanctions against Burma if reforms took hold.
See ITT's Online Archives 11093009 for summary of the enactment of a bill renewing import restrictions against Burma
See ITT's Online Archives 11111823 for summary of the first Secretary of State's visit to Burma in 50 years.
See ITT’s Online Archives 11093009 for summary of enactment of bill renewing import restrictions against Burma, which include a ban on the importation of any article that is the product of Burma, until certain conditions are met; a ban on the importation of jadeite and rubies, mined or extracted from Burma, and jewelry containing these gems, until certain conditions are met; and conditions for importing jadeite and rubies, mined or extracted from a country other than Burma, and jewelry containing these gems, until certain conditions are met.)