ABSDF CALLS FOR MULTILATERAL APPROA

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subject: ABSDF CALLS FOR MULTILATERAL APPROACH TO BURMA SANCTIONS

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                              PRESS RELEASE
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                           Date: April 23, 1997


     ABSDF CALLS FOR MULTILATERAL APPROACH TO BURMA SANCTIONS
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The ABSDF is calling for a coordinated international effort to
impose economic sanctions on Burma following the imposition of
investment sanctions by the US in response to worsening political
repression in the country.

The ABSDF believes a multilateral approach is necessary to ensure
the effectiveness of economic sanctions to further pressure SLORC
into ending its hard line against the pro-democracy movement.

The imposition of US investment sanctions is an important step in
increasing international pressure on the Slorc to begin a
dialogue with the democratically elected government of Burma led
by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.

The sanctions prevent any new investment in Burma from the US,
but allow existing ventures to continue.

However, such sanctions must be imposed on a multilateral basis
for them to be effective in forcing the Slorc to enter into a
political dialogue. Other governments must now examine the use of
sanctions to further isolate the Slorc and force the regime into
talks.

In particular, countries from the European Union, Japan, and
other trading nations must now explore the imposition of
sanctions against Burma to ensure further isolation and pressure
on the Slorc.

The ASEAN countries must also reconsider admitting Burma into the
economic group and realise that its so-called "constructive
engagement" policy towards Burma has been a complete failure.


All Burma Students' Democratic Front
Central Committee

For further information contact 01-654-4984.