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MYANMAR: AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL REJE



Subject: MYANMAR: AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL REJECTS GOVERNMENT CRITICISMS AND CALL FOR DIALOGUE.



12 FEBRUARY 1997

MYANMAR: AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL REJECTS GOVERNMENT CRITICISMS AND CALLS FOR
DIALOGUE

Amnesty International today reiterated its call to the Association of
South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) and other governments to redouble their
efforts to improve human rights in Myanmar, following the worst year of
political repression this decade.

     "The Burmese government's strong reaction to our report shows just how
sensitive the authorities are to criticism of their human rights record,"
Amnesty International said. "This shows the importance of the members of
ASEAN and other governments continuing to put pressure on the Burmese
authorities. ASEAN is in a unique position to be able to influence events
in Myanmar, and can use Myanmar's wish to join the association as a lever
to improve human rights in the country."

     Amnesty International reiterated the findings in its report that 1996
marked the worst year for human rights in Myanmar this decade, with more
than 2,000 people arrested for participating in peaceful demonstrations,
and some 100 political prisoners remaining  in detention. Amnesty
International is particularly concerned at the physical threats made to
members of the National League for Democracy. At the same time, the
state-controlled media has been making increasingly virulent attacks on Daw
Aung San Suu Kyi.

     "We welcome comments by a member of SLORC that we are a 'reputable
organization'", Amnesty International said. "As a reputable organization,
we ask SLORC to allow a visit by Amnesty International to Myanmar, and we
remain willing to meet with members of the government at the earliest
opportunity."

     "The SLORC disputes well-documented reports about the number of
arrests and detainees in Myanmar as being inaccurate. Amnesty International
calls on the authorities to release full accounts of  prisoners being held,
where they are detained, and on what grounds."

     Amnesty International is calling on the Burmese authorities to grant
access to the country to the United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur on
Myanmar, international organizations such as the International Committee of
the Red Cross (ICRC) and independent human rights organizations.

ENDS.../

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