Sanctions
See also under Economy
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Formal Sanctions (27)
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Sanctions - general (87)
Websites/Multiple Documents
Description:
Interfaith investment funds, Shareholder action, corporate responsibility, corporate accountability, selective purchasing, sanctions, business in Burma, divstment, companies, corporations, Halliburton, Unocal, Total, MOGE etc... search for Burma, Unocal etc.
Date of entry/update:
2003-06-03
Grouping:
Websites/Multiple Documents
Category:
Political, social and economic dimensions of investment in Burma, Sanctions, United States investment
Language:
English
more
Description:
Socially responsible investment, selective purchasing, shareholder action, corporate withdrawal, disinvestment etc.
Date of entry/update:
2010-08-20
Grouping:
Websites/Multiple Documents
Category:
Political, social and economic dimensions of investment in Burma, Sanctions, United States investment
Language:
English
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Individual Documents
Description:
"Speaking Freely is an Asia Times Online feature that allows guest writers to have their say. Please click here if you are interested in contributing.
With ongoing communal and ethnic violence on one hand and the implementation of bold reform initiatives on the other, Myanmar?s transition from authoritarianism to democracy presents immense challenges as well as opportunities for neighboring India. How New Delhi reacts to these tests will have wide-ranging impacts on the future of India-Myanmar relations.
The challenges are many. The diplomatic row over pillar number 76 in the northeastern Indian state of Manipur on the Indo-Myanmar border in Holenphai village near Moreh has added to
long-running border problems. Although the two sides have agreed to negotiate the issue peacefully, past misunderstandings and alleged intrusions have raised alarm bells on both sides of the border..."
Sonu Trivedi
Source/publisher:
"Asia Times Online"
Date of publication:
2013-09-13
Date of entry/update:
2014-05-28
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Regional economic geometry, General articles and reports on regional and global dynamics, The political, economic, social and cultural situation in regions bordering Burma, Sanctions, Sanctions and/or engagement, India-Burma relations
Language:
English
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Description:
"We are writing to request a meeting with you in the next week to share our strong concern regarding Secretary Clinton?s announcement that the U.S. financial services and investment bans on Burma may be lifted in the very near future.
We understand that President Obama?s extension of E.O. 13047 will expire on May 20, 2012. We urge you to extend E.O. 13047 until proper safeguards are put in place. We urge the Administration to comprehensively update the Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) list before relaxing any business-related sanctions on Burma. While companies are eager to gain a foothold in Burma?s economy, we believe that the goal of promoting positive political reforms in Burma will be jeopardized if new investments or other business activities reward individuals implicated in mass atrocities and other human rights abuses..."
Source/publisher:
Human Rights Watch with AFL-CIO, Freedom House, Institute for Asian Democracy, Open Society Foundations, Orion Strategies, Physicians for Human Rights, U.S. Campaign for Burma, United to End Genocide
Date of publication:
2012-05-15
Date of entry/update:
2012-05-16
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Sanctions
Language:
English
more
Description:
"The US government should not ease sanctions on business activities in Burma until adequate safeguards are in place to prevent new investment from fueling human rights abuses. A US presidential order imposing a ban on investment and financial services in Burma is scheduled to expire on May 20, 2012, unless it is renewed or revised.
In early April, in response to Burmese government pledges of reform and electoral gains by Burma?s main opposition party, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced that the US government was prepared to relax certain business-related sanctions. A new presidential order easing business restrictions is expected to be issued soon.
?The US government should not reward the Burmese government?s nascent and untested changes by allowing an unregulated business bonanza,? said John Sifton, Asia advocacy director at Human Rights Watch. ?Tough rules are needed to ensure that new investments benefit the people of Burma and don?t fuel human rights abuses and corruption, or end up strengthening the military?s control over civilian authorities.?..."
Source/publisher:
Human Rights Watch
Date of publication:
2012-05-15
Date of entry/update:
2012-05-16
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Language:
Engish
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Description:
"Transocean, the Swiss-American drilling firm being sued by the United States for its role in the recent BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, has received a second subpoena over its activities in Burma, a recent regulatory filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) shows.
Actinia
Transocean International?s semi-submersible drilling rig, the Actinia. Last year, the Actinia was contracted to drill in Burmese waters licensed to a consortium that includes China?s CNOOC and Singapore-registered firm China Focus Development ? owned by junta crony and alleged narcotics money-launderer Stephen Law, aka Tun Myint Naing. Photo: Mizzima
The administrative subpoena came from the US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), the branch of the Treasury Department that oversees American trade and financial sanctions..."
Thomas Maung Shwe
Source/publisher:
Mizzima
Date of publication:
2010-12-21
Date of entry/update:
2010-12-24
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Sanctions
Language:
English
more
Description:
Abstract:
"When it comes to sanctions against Myanmar, Western public debate has crystallized broadly into two schools of thought – either in favor of sanctions, as a reflection of a moral position, or against sanctions because of their perceived lack of overall effectiveness. This policy brief suggests a more targeted and evidence-based approach. To begin with it is essential to have a clear and precise understanding of what sanctions should accomplish as well as knowledge of the actual impact of those sanctions on the ground. Equally important is to thereafter promptly dismantle any misguided measures while maintaining and reinforcing those measures that work according to the objectives. Finally, the flow of information to the international community must concern the actual impact of sanctions rather than rhetoric and propaganda."
Agnes Frittin, Niklas Swanström
Source/publisher:
Institute for Security & Development Policy (Policy Brief 32)
Date of publication:
2010-06-02
Date of entry/update:
2010-11-27
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Language:
English
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Description:
CONCLUSION:
"We have come to a critical juncture in international economic engagement
with Myanmar. We must recognize that this is an end to an era that has
been characterized by two decades of frustration and disappointment with a
lack of progress on national reconciliation, human rights, and a democratic
transition that is genuinely inclusive. Despite all the criticisms of the new
election laws, it seems inevitable the 2010 elections will usher in a new
era of national governance, and the next two years will be critical ones for
setting new directions for the future. Changes in economic policies and
management will matter greatly in this period to build confidence that
positive change can be real and sustainable.
The international community faces a choice of maintaining distance
from the new government by continuing existing ?sticks-based? economic
engagement policies, or of seeking to make a positive contribution to
domestic efforts to implement the new constitution, which does contain
elements of economic policy principles that we can broadly endorse and
support. The time has come to make a bet on the younger generation and
seek to engage in ways that can help move Myanmar in a positive direction
in economic policy, in governance, and in the pursuit of broadly-held
national aspirations."
Bradley O. Babson
Source/publisher:
Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, Washington, D.C.
Date of publication:
2010-11-20
Date of entry/update:
2010-11-20
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Sanctions, Sanctions and/or engagement
Language:
English
Format :
pdf
Size:
112 KB
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Description:
Overview lists Political Context; Legal basis of EU relations; Trade/Economic Issues; Community Aid, General data.
Other sections include: Conclusions of the General Affairs & External Relations Council (GAERC),
Updates on the EU position.
Source/publisher:
European Commission
Date of publication:
2003-00-00
Date of entry/update:
2010-10-12
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Language:
English
more
Description:
The case before the U.S. Supreme Court on the right of Massachusetts and several California localities to promulgate regulations on foreign trade—specifically, to impose sanctions on Myanmar, formerly Burma, for human-rights violations—is a clear test of the post-Cold War maxim to "think globally, act locally."
Catharin Dalpino
Source/publisher:
Brookings Institute
Date of publication:
2000-04-17
Date of entry/update:
2010-09-02
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Language:
English
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Description:
"The recent report by the National Bureau of Asian Research (NBR), Badgley, J.H. (2004) ?Reconciling Burma/Myanmar: Essays on U.S. Relations with Burma?[3 March 2004], presented a shamelessly one-sided set of arguments for changing United States policy towards Myanmar. This paper tries to redress the balance, and to present both sides of the argument concerning what is, after all, a complex and heated issue. Two ?core arguments? of the NBR report are identified and discussed, and in contrast the author develops two ?core counter-arguments? for maintaining, with modifications, the existing U.S. policies with respect to Myanmar..."
Adam McCarty
Source/publisher:
Mekong Economics Ltd.
Date of publication:
2004-03-31
Date of entry/update:
2010-08-18
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
The 7-Step Roadmap, Sanctions, USA-Burma relations, Formal Sanctions
Language:
English
Format :
htm
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83.36 KB
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Description:
in: EIAS Briefing Paper No. 97/02, Brussels, Belgium, 2. Abstract: Both external and internal pressures have built up in terms of the restoration of democracy in Burma. Amongst the external pressures are the US congressional proposals for sanction as well as the recent withdrawal of GSP preferences by The European Union, decided by the EU Council of Ministers on 24th March 1997. This briefing paper analyses the economic impact of such a withdrawal of preferences on the Burmese economy. The paper finds that since Europe?s trade with Burma represents less than 3% of Burma?s total exports, only 31% of which were eligible for GSP treatment, a temporary withdrawal of GSP-preferences will have a very limited economic effect on Burma?s existing reports. There will however, be a political impact, albeit measured: The European Union is sending strong signals to SLORC that the "constructive engagement" approach is no longer supported, and without significant reform, both economic and political, the EU is not prepared to endorse the SLORC regime.
Stefan Collignon
Source/publisher:
European Institute for Asian Studies
Date of publication:
1997-04-00
Date of entry/update:
2010-08-18
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Sanctions
Language:
English
more
Description:
This legislation was signed into law by the US President on 28 July 2003.
Source/publisher:
U S Government via Trillium Asset Management
Date of publication:
2003-07-28
Date of entry/update:
2010-08-18
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
USA-Burma relations, Sanctions, Formal Sanctions
Language:
English
more
Description:
Articles on the Massachusetts Burma Law and selective purchasing laws
Source/publisher:
"Burma Debate", Vol. VI, No. 2
Date of publication:
1999-06-00
Date of entry/update:
2010-08-18
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Formal Sanctions, Sanctions
Language:
English
Format :
pdf
Size:
693.5 KB
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Description:
The Dispute Settlement Body (DSB), on 21 October, established a panel to examine complaints by the European Communities and Japan that a Massachusetts law had violated provisions of the plurilateral Agreement on Government Procurement..."
Source/publisher:
WTO NEWS
Date of publication:
1998-10-29
Date of entry/update:
2010-08-18
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Sanctions, Japan-Burma relations, Japanese investment
Language:
English
more
Description:
"Jeffery Sachs is the Director of the Earth Institute at Columbia University and a Special Advisor to UN Secretary General Kofi Annan on the UN Millennium Development Goals, a poverty reduction initiative. He has advised several governments on economic reforms and was voted by Time magazine recently as one of the 100 most influential world leaders. In July, he published an article titled ?Myanmar: Sanctions Won?t Work”. He spoke with Irrawaddy Editor Aung Zaw and Deputy Editor Shawn L. Nance about alternative methods to promote political reform in Burma..."
Source/publisher:
"The Irrawaddy" vol. 12, No. 9
Date of publication:
2004-10-00
Date of entry/update:
2010-08-18
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Sanctions
Language:
English
more
Description:
Statement before the House International Relations Committee Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific and the Subcommittee on International Terrorism, Nonproliferation and Human Rights at a hearing entitled "Developments in Burma"
Lorne W. Craner, Assistant Secretary for Democracy, Human Rights, Labor
Source/publisher:
US Committee for Refugees via Committee on International Relations, U.S. House of Representatives
Date of publication:
2004-03-25
Date of entry/update:
2010-08-18
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Sanctions
Language:
English
more
Description:
The Dispute Settlement Body (DSB), on 21 October, established a panel to examine complaints by the European Communities and Japan that a Massachusetts law had violated provisions of the plurilateral Agreement on Government Procurement. It decided to revert to three new panel requests at its next regular meeting (scheduled for 25 November): the United States? complaint against Mexico?s anti-dumping investigation of US high-fructose corn syrup; Canada?s complaint against EC?s measures affecting asbestos; and Hungary?s complaint against the Slovak Republic?s import duty on Hungarian wheat. Canada and the EC gave status reports on the implementation of DSB recommendations with respect to the periodicals and the banana cases, respectively.
Source/publisher:
WTO NEWS: 1998 NEWS ITEMS
Date of publication:
1998-10-29
Date of entry/update:
2010-08-03
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Sanctions
Language:
English
more
Description:
Abstract:
"Since the 1990 imposition of an arms embargo, the European Union has kept on furthering its sanction policies towards Burma?s military regime in response to its poor record on human rights and authoritarian rule over the country. However, more than a decade after the 1996 EU Common Position on Burma, the European approach to the Burmese conundrum has still failed to achieve its initial objective of facilitating a transition to democracy and of stimulating aid and development in the country. This article seeks to underline the limits of the EU position by highlighting the internal and external obstacles the Europeans have been facing in their policymaking process towards Burma. It is argued that the varied and multiple interests of the 27 EU members; an influential European public opinion favouring an attitude of ostracism; and misunderstandings or miscalculations in appreciating the current state of Burmese affairs have hindered the EU from playing an efficacious role. Moreover these factors also impede its reappraisal."
Keywords: Burma - Common position - Engagement - EU foreign policy - Myanmar - Ostracism - Sanctions
Renaud Egreteau
Source/publisher:
Springer Netherlands ("East Asia", Volume 27, Number 1 / March, 2010)
Date of publication:
2009-09-09
Date of entry/update:
2010-07-12
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Language:
English
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Description:
"The Burmese jadeite and ruby trades are very different from one another and significantly involve China and Thailand. Burmese-origin jadeite is primarily purchased, processed, and consumed by China. Burmese-origin rubies are reportedly largely smuggled into Thailand, yielding little revenue to the Burmese regime, and are significantly processed there.
U.S. agencies have taken some steps but have not shown that they are effectively restricting imports of Burmese-origin rubies, jadeite, and related jewelry while allowing imports of non-Burmese-origin goods. Some U.S. jewelry representatives said import restrictions constrain legitimate ruby imports. Agencies published an interim final rule, but DHS has not developed specific audit guidance or conducted any postentry reviews of importers? records. In addition, there is little guidance to importers on what constitutes verifiable evidence of non-Burmese-origin. Although agencies have begun to collect data on ruby and jadeite imports, further efforts could contribute to an understanding of whether restrictions are effectively targeting Burmese-origin imports..."
Source/publisher:
CommitteesUnited States Government Accountability Office
Date of publication:
2009-09-00
Date of entry/update:
2009-10-15
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Sanctions
Language:
English
more
Description:
"While a federal judge has ruled that the law is unconstitutional, local law makers have filed an appeal...
The Massachusetts Burma Law prohibits state agencies and authorities from contracting companies doing business in Burma unless their bids are at least ten percent cheaper than the closest comparable bid. The law, passed in 1996, was modeled on previous laws used in the successful campaign against the Aphartheid government in South Africa.
But recently, the law has been challenged by a US federal court ruling, which has declared the Massachusetts Burma Law unconstitutional because it infringes on the right of the federal government to conduct foreign policy..."
Source/publisher:
"The Irrawaddy" Vol. 6 No. 6
Date of publication:
1998-12-00
Date of entry/update:
2009-04-17
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Sanctions
Language:
English
more
Description:
"Representatives of the Mon Unity League and EarthRights International recently visited Europe to attend the shareholder meetings of Total, Premier Oil and IHC Caland. They spoke of forced labor and killings directly connected to the investment of oil companies in Burma, and called on them to withdraw..."
Source/publisher:
"The Irrawaddy" Vol. 7, No. 5
Date of publication:
1999-06-00
Date of entry/update:
2009-04-16
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Sanctions
Language:
English
more
Description:
Wylie Bradford The debate over how to help Burma's people after cyclone Nargis must take account of the character of the country's military regime, says Wylie
Wylie Bradford.
Source/publisher:
Open Democracy via Burma Economic Watch blog
Date of publication:
2008-05-27
Date of entry/update:
2008-11-29
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Sanctions, Cyclone Nargis: Individual documents
Language:
English
more
Description:
La conditionnalit?, de par sa nature essentiellement politique, a souvent ?t? ?tudi?e par
des politologues plut?t que par des juristes. Ce constat est attribuable ? l?absence d?une
r?glementation juridique internationale relative ? la conditionnalit?, et ? sa mise en oeuvre de
nature essentiellement ad hoc, et non syst?matique. Tous les Etats n?appliquent pas la
conditionnalit? politique, ni ne l?appliquent-ils tous de mani?re homog?ne; et encore moins y
sont-ils tous soumis ?quitablement. La conditionnalit? est toujours subordonn?e ? des
exigences g?opolitiques, strat?giques, commerciales et ?conomiques.1
Beaucoup d?arguments peuvent ?tre mobilis?s contre la conditionnalit?: le principe de
non ing?rence, la critique du n?ocolonialisme, le relativisme culturel, etc. Toutefois, la
n?cessit? de prot?ger et de promouvoir les droits de l?homme peut suffire ? la l?gitimer, pour
le moins d?un point de vue conceptuel. D?un point de vue juridique, reste encore ? prouver la
l?galit? de cette pratique dans le droit international. L?argument principal ? cet effet r?side
dans l?article 2.1. du Pacte International sur les Droits civils et Politiques, ratifi? par la
communaut? internationale, lequel sugg?re que tous les Etats parties prennent des initiatives,
notamment par l?interm?diaire de l?aide internationale et de la coop?ration, pour parvenir ? la
r?alisation compl?te des droits reconnus dans le Pacte.2
La Communaut? europ?enne, au sortir de la Guerre Froide, adopte une nouvelle
conception du d?veloppement et de sa mise en oeuvre ; une conception plus lib?rale, et qui
engage davantage la responsabilit? des PVD dans le processus de d?veloppement. Dans ce
contexte surgit la notion de conditionnalit? politique de l?aide : d?sormais, l?aide est d?livr?e
? condition que les pays r?cipiendaires s?engagent ? respecter les droits fondamentaux et les
principes d?mocratiques.
L?aide au d?veloppement communautaire n?a pas toujours impliqu? cette notion de
m?rite ; nous le verrons dans la premi?re partie. Les bases juridiques sur lesquelles a ?t?
con?ue la politique d?aide au d?veloppement communautaire jusque dans les ann?es 1990
datent du Trait? de Rome. Les relations avec les ? pays et territoires d?outre mer ?
constituaient ? l??poque une partie substantielle du Trait?, de mani?re ? assurer la p?rennit?
des relations entre les m?tropoles europ?ennes et leurs colonies une fois leur ind?pendance
acquise. La conception des relations entre les PVD et la CEE a donc ?t? durablement marqu?e
par les dispositions du Trait? de Rome. G?ographiquement, cela signifiait des relations z?l?es avec les pays ACP (regroupant, plus ou moins, les ex PTOM ), dans le cadre des Conventions
successives de Lom? ; et des relations tardives et modestes avec les PVD non associ?s, selon
la terminologie r?v?latrice de la r?glementation communautaire. Politiquement, les
Conventions de Lom? r?glaient la coop?ration au d?veloppement communautaire avec les
pays ACP sur base d?une relation neutre, sans condition politique ou ?conomique pr?alable.
L??chec de cette politique appara?t de plus en plus flagrant apr?s la crise de la dette et
l?incapacit? des ?conomies en d?veloppement, surtout des pays ACP, ? s?ins?rer dans le
syst?me ?conomique mondial globalis?. A la m?me ?poque, la fin de la Guerre Froide voit les
d?mocraties lib?rales occidentales triompher. L?Union Europ?enne est cr??e en 1992 sur base
des principes lib?raux d??conomie de march?, de bonne gouvernance, de d?mocratie et de
respect des droits de l?homme. D?sormais, ces principes impr?gneront la politique ext?rieure
communautaire d?finie dans le cadre de la PESC. Les relations communautaires avec les PVD
doivent ?tre revues dans cette optique lib?rale. La nouvelle politique des droits de l?homme va
?tre mise en oeuvre ? travers la conditionnalit? politique de l?aide au d?veloppement.
D?sormais, la politique de d?veloppement ne doit plus ?tre consid?r?e de mani?re
isol?e mais comme un ?l?ment de la politique ext?rieure communautaire.3 Nous l?
observerons, en analysant les relations r?gionales eurasiatiques, dans la deuxi?me partie. Le
partenariat avec l?ANASE a une port?e allant de la coop?ration commerciale, ?conomique et
politique ? la coop?ration au d?veloppement. Le dialogue intergouvernemental au sein de
l?ASEM (qui r?unit les 27 membres de l?UE et 16 pays asiatiques dont la Chine, le Japon,
l?Inde, la Cor?e du Sud et les pays membres de l?ANASE ) a aussi un dessein
multidimensionnel, confrontant les diff?rentes parties relativement ? leurs politiques
?trang?re, ?conomique et financi?re.
Dans la quatri?me partie, nous ?tudierons le cas de la conditionnalit? politique
appliqu?e ? la Birmanie, gouvern?e depuis 40 ans par une junte militaire devenue la b?te noire
de la communaut? internationale. Depuis 1997, la Birmanie ne b?n?ficie plus de pr?f?rences
tarifaires pour ses exportations vers l?UE. Pas plus ne dispose-t-elle aujourd?hui de l?aide
communautaire au d?veloppement. Apres une pr?sentation g?n?rale du pays et son histoire
contemporaine, nous tenterons d??valuer les effets de la strat?gie communautaire dans le cas
birman et l?opportunit? d?appliquer la conditionnalit? politique (et les sanctions qu?elle
implique) pour mener un pays ? se r?former et ? se d?velopper.
Louise Culot
Source/publisher:
Universit? Libre de Bruxelles
Date of publication:
2007-09-00
Date of entry/update:
2007-10-19
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Multilateral economic development assistance, Sanctions, European Union-Burma relations (commentary/analysis), Human Rights and international relations, EU economic development assistance
Language:
Francais, French
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pdf
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481.21 KB
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Description:
Eine kontroverse Diskussion zur Wirksamkeit internationaler Sanktionen (UNO; USA; EU; ILO) in Burma/Myanmar nach den Aufständen von 1988; der Einfluss Aung San Suu Kyis; die Rolle westlicher NGOs; Fallstudien zu Burma/Myanmar, Sudan, Südafrika
A study on the efficacity of intnernational sanctions after the protests of 1988; the influence of Aung San Suu Kyi; the role of western NGOs; case studies of Burma/Myanmar, Sudan, South Africa
Sina Schüssler
Source/publisher:
Zentrum der Konfliktforschung der Philipps-Universität Marburg
Date of publication:
2006-00-00
Date of entry/update:
2007-09-21
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Sanctions - general, Sanctions, About Aung San Suu Kyi, News about the ILO and Burma/Myanmar, General articles on activism
Language:
German, Deutsch
more
Description:
"Over the years there have been attempts to portray key Burma campaign
organisations and indeed Burma?s National League for Democracy (NLD) as
opposed to humanitarian assistance to Burma. This position paper, supported
by the undersigned, has been drafted so that no further confusion should arise.
This amounts to clarification of a long-held policy position and does not signify
any change in policy on the part of the undersigned.
Agencies? is used throughout this document to refer collectively to United
Nations (UN) agencies, Donor Governments and national/international non-
Government Organisations (NGO/INGOs).
Summary
We the undersigned share the concerns of the United Nations (UN) and the
international community regarding the humanitarian situation in Burma. We are
concerned about the long-term consequences for the country and believe the
situation needs immediate attention.
Recognising the urgency of the situation, especially with regard to HIV/AIDS,
Tuberculosis (TB) and Malaria, in addition to high malnutrition and child
mortality rates and emerging health threats such as avian influenza, we
support and encourage the provision of humanitarian assistance to Burma.
There must however be transparency, accountability and monitoring of all
aspects of the provision of this assistance in order that it reaches intended
recipients and does not benefit the military authorities. (See The Right Kind of
Aid? below). In addition, Burmese nationals employed by agencies operating in
the country, must be afforded protection from any reprisals by the regime for
working on assistance or development programmes.
In supporting humanitarian assistance we emphasise that it is the lack of
accountable governance in Burma that is at the heart of the current crisis. It is
therefore imperative that humanitarian assistance complements and does not
replace or undermine political pressure for democratic change. Both are
essential and must be pursued simultaneously. Although not always
appropriate for the same actors to pursue both strategies (for the UN and
Donor Governments this is imperative), it?s vital that all agencies recognise the
political roots of the humanitarian crisis. We ask agencies to be vigilant in
avoiding indirect and inadvertent contribution to the root of the problem and to
be respectful to the perspectives of those working towards political solutions.
Mutual respect for and support of both strategies is of paramount importance.
We encourage all agencies to creatively explore opportunities for supporting
the promotion of democracy both directly and across their projects. A
democratic society in Burma is vital to ensuring truly effective humanitarian
assistance that directly benefits all Burma?s people.
5
We support the suspension of all non-humanitarian and development aid to
Burma with certain exceptions (See Non-Humanitarian and Development Aid?
below). The principles that should be adopted for administration of effective
aid in these exempted areas should mirror those proposed for strictly
humanitarian assistance.
Our position on humanitarian aid complements our policy on effectively
targeted economic sanctions. We continue to advocate for smart? sanctions as
called for by the National League for Democracy - that target the regime and its
support base but not ordinary Burmese people. We do not support the
introduction of former Iraqi-style sanctions that would impact negatively on
Burma?s people. Nor do we call for the broader isolation of Burma.
Our position on humanitarian assistance reflects that of the National League
for Democracy, National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma
(NCGUB), Ethnic Nationalities Council (Union of Burma) and 88 Generation
Students..."
Source/publisher:
The Burma Campaign UK
Date of publication:
2006-07-28
Date of entry/update:
2006-07-28
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Language:
English
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Description:
Abstract:
"The United States imposed trade sanctions against the military regime in Myanmar in
July 2003. The import ban damaged the garment industry in particular. This industry
exported nearly half of its products to the United States, and more than eighty percent of
United States imports from Myanmar had been clothes. The garment industry was
probably the main target of the sanctions. Nevertheless, the impact on the garment
industry and its workers has not been accurately evaluated or closely examined. The
purpose of this paper is to evaluate the impact of the sanctions and to further
understand the present situation. This is done using several sources of information,
including the author?s field and questionnaire surveys. This paper also describes the
process of selection and polarization underway in the garment industry, an industry that
now has more severe competition fueled by the sanctions. Through such a process, the
impact was inflicted disproportionately on small and medium-sized domestic firms and
their workers."
Toshihiro Kudo
Source/publisher:
Institute of Developing Economies, Discussion Paper No. 42
Date of publication:
2005-12-00
Date of entry/update:
2006-07-16
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Sanctions
Language:
English
more
Description:
"Burma?s garment industry has suffered as a result of US sanctions, but not nearly as badly as regime apologists have claimed. Exports to Europe and elsewhere continue unhindered while misleading labeling is used to sell to the US..."
Samantha Green
Source/publisher:
"The Irrawaddy" vol. 12, No. 7
Date of publication:
2004-07-00
Date of entry/update:
2004-11-11
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Sanctions
Language:
English
more
Description:
"Are sanctions working? Depends who you ask..."
Editorial
Source/publisher:
"The Irrawaddy" Vol. 12, No. 6
Date of publication:
2004-06-00
Date of entry/update:
2004-10-07
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Sanctions
Language:
English
more
Description:
"The tight American sanctions that came into effect last year make international trading in Burma more complicated and expensive. But, with help from at least one Singaporean bank, Rangoon?s entrepreneurs have found ways around them..."
Bruce Hawke
Source/publisher:
"The Irrawaddy" Vol. 12, No. 4, April 2004
Date of publication:
2004-04-00
Date of entry/update:
2004-07-22
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Sanctions
Language:
English
more
Description:
Committee on International Relations
U.S. House of Representatives...
Committee on International Relations
Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific
Subcommittee on International Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Human Rights...
Statement of Chairman Elton Gallegly...
Developments in Burma...
March 25, 2004.
Elton Gallegly
Source/publisher:
Committee on International Relations, U.S. House of Representatives
Date of publication:
2004-03-25
Date of entry/update:
2004-04-09
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
USA-Burma relations, Formal Sanctions, Sanctions
Language:
English
more
Description:
Committee on International Relations,
U.S. House of Representatives...
Statement by Representative James A. Leach,
Chairman, Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific...
Joint Subcommittee Hearing on Developments in Burma...
March 25, 2004
James A. Leach
Source/publisher:
Committee on International Relations, U.S. House of Representatives
Date of publication:
2004-03-25
Date of entry/update:
2004-04-09
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
USA-Burma relations, Formal Sanctions, Sanctions
Language:
English
more
Description:
Committee on International Relations
U.S. House of Representatives...
House International Relations Committee
Joint Hearing Between
Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific
And
Subcommittee on International Terrorism, Nonproliferation and Human Rights...
TESTIMONY BY DAW SAN SAN
ELECTED MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT
NATIONAL LEAGUE FOR DEMOCRACY, BURMA...
March 25, 2004.
Daw San San
Source/publisher:
Committee on International Relations, U.S. House of Representatives
Date of publication:
2004-03-25
Date of entry/update:
2004-04-09
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
USA-Burma relations, Formal Sanctions, Sanctions
Language:
English
more
Description:
Testimony by
Assistant Secretary Lorne W. Craner
Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Bureau
U.S. Department of State
At a hearing entitled Developments in Burma
By the House International Relations Committee
Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific
and the
Subcommittee on International Terrorism, Nonproliferation and Human Rights
March 25, 2004
Lorne W. Craner
Source/publisher:
US Dept. of State via Committee on International Relations, U.S. House of Representatives
Date of publication:
2004-03-25
Date of entry/update:
2004-04-09
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
USA-Burma relations, Formal Sanctions, Sanctions
Language:
English
more
Description:
Matthew P. Daley, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs
Testimony before the House International Relations Committee, Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific and Subcommittee on International Terrorism, Nonproliferation and Human Rights
Washington, DC
March 25, 2004
Matthew P. Daley
Source/publisher:
http://2001-2009.state.gov/s/h/tst/2004/
Date of publication:
2004-03-25
Date of entry/update:
2004-04-09
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
USA-Burma relations, Formal Sanctions, Sanctions
Language:
English
more
Description:
Human Rights and U.S. Strategy in Burma...
Testimony by Tom Malinowski, Washington Advocacy Director, Human Rights Watch.
Tom Malinowski
Source/publisher:
Human Rights Watch via Committee on International Relations, U.S. House of Representatives
Date of publication:
2004-03-25
Date of entry/update:
2004-04-09
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
USA-Burma relations, Formal Sanctions, Sanctions
Language:
English
more
Description:
Testimony by Veronika A. Martin
Policy Analyst, U.S. Committee for Refugees...
Developments in Burma...
Before the House Committee on International Relations
Subcommittee on East Asia and the Pacific and
The Subcommittee on International Terrorism, Non-proliferation and Human Rights...
March 25, 2004...
Myanmarese Refugees in Thailand and
The Human Rights Situation in Eastern Myanmar.
Veronika A. Martin
Source/publisher:
US Committee for Refugees via Committee on International Relations, U.S. House of Representatives
Date of publication:
2004-03-25
Date of entry/update:
2004-04-09
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
USA-Burma relations, Formal Sanctions, Sanctions
Language:
English
more
Description:
Executive Summary:
The political stalemate in Burma will not be broken until the military regime considers it to be in its own
self-interest to commence serious negotiations with the democratic and ethnic forces within the
country. This paper outlines how the international community can bring about a political and economic
situation which will foster such negotiations.
Burma is ruled by a military dictatorship renowned for both oppressing and impoverishing its people,
while enriching itself and the foreign businesses that work with it. The regime continues to ignore the
1990 electoral victory of Aung San Suu Kyi and the National League for Democracy.
The regime has shown no commitment to three years of UN mediation efforts. It has failed to end the
practice of forced labour as required by its ILO treaty obligations and demanded by the International
Labour Organization. It continues to persecute Burma?s ethnic peoples. It continues to detain more
than 1,350 political prisoners including Aung San Suu Kyi.
Any proposal of a road map to political change in Burma will fail to bring about democracy in this
country unless it is formulated and executed in an atmosphere in which fundamental political freedoms
are respected, all relevant stakeholders are included and committed to negotiate, a time frame for
change is provided, space is provided for necessary mediation, and the restrictive and undemocratic
objectives and principles imposed by the military through the National Convention (ensuring continued
military control even in a ?civilian” state) are set aside.
Source/publisher:
Burma Campaign UK
Date of publication:
2004-03-00
Date of entry/update:
2004-03-28
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Sanctions, Political, social and economic dimensions of investment in Burma, European Union-Burma relations (commentary/analysis)
Language:
English
Format :
pdf
Size:
120.04 KB
Local URL:
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Description:
Free access not available anymore! The document needs to be purchased.
Foreword:
"An intellectual ?tectonic shift? is underway, making a precarious policy even harder to
justify. This rather unusual issue of the NBR Analysis does not stem from an NBR-sponsored
project or study. Instead, it emerged as an initiative from an extraordinary assemblage of
Burma scholars, all of whom regard last year?s announcement of a ?road map? for constitutional
change, the ongoing progress toward cease-fires with ethnic insurgents, and the worsening
impact of sanctions on the general populace, as an opportunity to re-examine U.S. relations
with Burma. Recognizing that the current situation may be conducive to taking a fresh
perspective, and noting the significance of so many top Burma specialists reaching similar
conclusions and working together, we decided to publish their essays.
The scholars in this volume represent a range of perspectives. What is especially notable
is that they collaborated in this enterprise and concur that the U.S. policy of sanctions is not
achieving its worthy objective—progress toward constitutional change and democratization in
Burma. Moreover, as some of these authors argue, viewing U.S.-Burma relations solely through
this lens, important as it is, may be harming other U.S. strategic interests in Southeast Asia,
both in terms of the ongoing war against terrorism and long-term objectives regarding the
United States? role as a regional security guarantor. The desperate humanitarian situation in the
country, as detailed in many of these essays, and concerns about possible WMD-related
activities only underscore the importance of looking at this issue again. U.S. policymakers in
particular ought to consider whether it is now appropriate to take a more realistic, engaged
approach, while easing restrictions on humanitarian assistance, programs to build civil society,
and the forces of globalization that are needed for the Burmese peoples? socio-economic
progress and solid transition to civilian government and democracy..."
Richard J. Ellings,
President,
The National Bureau of Asian Research...
"Strategic Interests in Myanmar" - John H. Badgley;
"Myanmar?s Political Future: Is Waiting for the Perfect
the Enemy of Doing the Possible?" - Robert H. Taylor;
"Burma/Myanmar: A Guide for the Perplexed?" - David I. Steinberg;
"King Solomon?s Judgment" - Helen James;
"The Role of Minorities in the Transitional Process" - Seng Raw; "Will Western Sanctions Bring Down the House?" -
Kyaw Yin Hlaing; "The Crisis in Burma/Myanmar:
Foreign Aid as a Tool for Democratization" - Morten B. Pedersen;
John H. Badgley (Ed.); Robert H. Taylor, David I. Steinberg, Helen James, Seng Raw, Kyaw Yin Hlaing, Morten B. Pedersen
Source/publisher:
"NBR Analysis" Vol.15, No. 1, March 2004 (The National Bureau of Asia Research)
Date of publication:
2004-03-03
Date of entry/update:
2004-02-29
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Political, social and economic dimensions of investment in Burma, USA-Burma relations, The 7-Step Roadmap, General/Strategic, The discussion on humanitarian assistance to Burma, Sanctions
Language:
English
more
Description:
"Note: On July 28th 2003, US President George W. Bush signed into law the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003 (H.R. 2330). This act bans the importation into the United States of any article that is produced, mined, manufactured, grown or assembled in Burma. The following piece is actually two:
1. Thoughts on the US Embargo Against Burma by Richard W. Hughes;
2. How Sanctions Can Work by Brian Leber...
In these two articles, Richard Hughes and Brian Leber examine the impact of these sanctions on the US gem trade, along with the entire issue of national sanctions, both pro and con."
Richard Hughes, Brian Leber
Source/publisher:
Ruby-saffire.com
Date of publication:
2003-00-00
Date of entry/update:
2004-01-29
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Language:
English
more
Description:
1 FOREWORD BY ARCHBISHOP DESMOND TUTU;
INTRODUCTION:-
3 FLAWED IMPLEMENTATION;
3 MOVING AHEAD;
4 RESISTANCE;
4 BROKEN PROMISES;
5 NO DELAY;
6 SMART SANCTIONS...
PART 2: THE STORY SO FAR:-
7 CURRENT STATE OF AFFAIRS;
9 ROADMAPS LEADING NOWHERE:
* Thai �road map' _ Much Ado About Nothing;
* The SPDC Roadmap_ the Perfect Stalling Tactic;
* National Convention background;
* What's missing from the �road map';
* What the convention does offer;
* NLD & ethnic nationality participation not required;
12 INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS;
14 BROADER INDIRECT IMPACT OF SANCTIONS;
17 LIMITATIONS OF SANCTIONS:
* �Carroty Sticks';
18 SANCTIONS & THE ECONOMY...
PART 3: CURRENT SANCTIONS:-
21 CANADA'S SANCTIONS ON BURMA;
22 EUROPEAN UNION SANCTIONS ON BURMA;
23 JAPAN'S POLICY ON BURMA;
24 UNITED STATES SANCTIONS ON BURMA;
25 SANCTIONS & ACTIONS: AN ASSESSMENT;
25 IMPORT BAN:
* Direct Impacts;
* Room For Improvement;
26 BAN ON REMITTANCES TO BURMA:
* Direct Impacts;
* Room For Improvement;
28 FOREIGN INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS:
* Direct Impacts;
* Room For Improvement;
30 ARMS EMBARGO / NON-PROVISION OF ARTICLES/SERVICES
THAT COULD BE USED FOR REPRESSION
* Direct Impacts:
* Room For Improvement;
33 ASSETS FREEZE:
* Direct Impacts & Room For Improvement;
34 TRAVEL/VISA BAN:
* Direct Impacts;
* Room For Improvement;
35 BAN ON DIRECT FOREIGN ASSISTANCE:
* Direct Impacts & Room For Improvement;
* Japan Suspends Aid to Burma;
* Drug Eradication Assistance;
* Direct Impacts & Room For Improvement;
37 SUSPENSION OF MDB & IFI ASSISTANCE:
* Direct Impacts & Room For Improvement;
38 TRADE PREFERENCE SUSPENSIONS:
* Direct Impacts;
* Room For Improvement;
40 DIPLOMATIC DOWNGRADES;
40 INTERNATIONAL LABOR ORGANIZATION (ILO):
* A Model For Sanctions;
43 UNITED NATIONS:
* SPDC Thumbing Their Nose At The UN;
* UN Interventions;
* Extreme Violations;
* Broad Based Support;
46 WHAT ABOUT THE UNSC?
47 UN SECRETARY GENERAL'S SPECIAL ENVOY TO BURMA:
* Turning of the Tide;
* A New Strategy;
* UN Special Envoy's Mandate;
49 THE UN SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR'S OBLIGATION:
* A Different Tune;
50 UNDERMINING ITSELF;
PART 4: RECOMMENDED ACTIONS & SANCTIONS:-
51 �RECIPE FOR RECONCILIATION';
51 PRINCIPLED ENGAGEMENT:
* Nominations for the Burma Diplomatic Squad;
* Components of the Recipe;
* Reconstruction of Burma;
54 NO MORE TOYS FOR THE BAD BOYS;
54 WIDEN BAN ON REMITTANCES TO BURMA;
55 IMPORT BAN ON GOODS FROM BURMA:
* 10% of Exports Profits Directly Fund the Regime;
58 BAN ON CONFLICT RESOURCES:
* SPDC Involvement;
* Examples of SPDC �unofficial' involvement in logging;
* Local Communities â? Logging often hurts more than it helps;
* Gems;
* Environmental Destruction;
* Employment;
* Forced Labor;
* Ethnic Nationalities â? Between A Rock & A Hard Place;
* Drugs, HIV/AIDS & Money Laundering;
* Resource Diplomacy;
* Who's Operating?
* Some of the Big Boys...
70 BAN ON NATURAL GAS IMPORTS FROM BURMA;
71 RESTRICTION ON FUEL SALES TO BURMA;
72 BAN ON OIL & GAS FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT (FDI):
* Oil & Gas;
* New Pipeline Proposal;
* Yadana Partners Strike Again;
* Greater Mekong Subregion Project;
74 FULL INVESTMENT BAN:
* Major FDI Players;
* FDI 2001-2002;
* Trade Fairs;
* FDI Exposure to Money Laundering;
* What About the Workers?
79 SPECIAL FOCUS: TENTACLES 'S HOLD ON THE
FORMAL ECONOMY:
* The BIG Tentacles â? A Snapshot!
* Ministry of Defense;
* DDP: Directorate of Defense Procurement;
* DDI: Directorate of Defense Industries;
* MEC: Myanmar Economic Corporation;
* UMEH (UMEHL): Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings;
* MOGE/MPE/MPPE;
* Ministry of Industry I;
* Ministry of Industry II;
* Myanmar Agricultural Produce Trading (MAPT);
* Myanmar Timber Enterprise (MTE);
* Myanmar Export-Import Services (MEIS);
* Ministry of Post and Telegraphs (MPT);
* Ministry of Hotels & Tourism;
* Myanmar Electric Power Enterprise (MEPE);
* Directorate of Ordnance;
* State-Owned/Controlled Banks;
86 A CLOSER LOOK: UNION OF MYANMAR ECONOMIC
HOLDINGS LTD (UMEH/UMEHL/UMEHI):
* Gems;
* Jade;
* UMEH Business Ventures;
* Keeping It In The Family: Industrial Estates;
* It Gets Worse;
* Six Degrees Of Separation;
* Union Solidarity and Development Association (USDA);
* Na Sa Ka: Making Human Rights Violations Profitable...
95 WIDEN THE ASSETS FREEZE;
95 IMPLEMENT FINANCIAL ACTION TASK FORCE (FATF)
RECOMMENDATIONS;
98 WITHHOLD ASSISTANCE FROM IFI/MDBS:
* Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS);
* East-West Economic Corridor (EWEC);
* Power Trade Operating Agreement (PTOA);
* Technical Assistance;
* Withhold GMS Funding For Projects In Burma...
102 SUSPEND JAPAN'S OFFICIAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE
(ODA) TO BURMA:
* Options;
105 PRESSURE ON JAPAN;
105 BOYCOTT AND DIVESTMENT CAMPAIGNS;
108 DELAY TOURISM:
* Benefiting Whom?
109 ASEAN TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY:
* The Reality;
* Credibility on the Line;
111 INCREASE PRESSURE ON THE REGIME'S KEY PARTNERS;
112 SPORTS EMBARGO;
113 OFFICIAL RECOGNITION FOR THE CRPP;
113 INCREASE CAPACITY OF THE DEMOCRATIC MOVEMENT;
114 PUT SPDC ON PROBATION;
114 TAKE BURMA TO THE UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL
(UNSC):
* Rampant Military Growth;
* Known weapons procurement during 2001-July 2003;
* Civilian Military Porters;
* Child Soldiers;
* Drugs;
* Civil War;
* Displacement of People;
* Systematic human rights abuses;
* Failure to recognize democratic elections;
* Regional Implications...
PART 5: MYTHS & REALITIES:-
132 MYTH 1: Sanctions on Burma have not worked.;
133 MYTH 2: The effectiveness of sanctions is too limited to beconstructive;
134 MYTH 3: The SPDC is not influenced by international
pressure;
135 MYTH 4: Sanctions can be used as a scapegoat by the SPDC
for internal policy failures;
136 MYTH 5: Sanctions will alienate the �moderates' in the regime;
137 MYTH 6: Sanctions take away incentives for the regime to
make progress;
138 MYTH 7: Constructive engagement would be successful in
bringing reforms in Burma;
139 MYTH 8: Sanctions and principled engagement cannot work
as complementary approaches;
141 MYTH 9: Western nations' economic stake in Burma is not
large enough for sanctions to be effective;
142 MYTH 10: Sanctions will not impact the regime but will mostly
hurt civilians:
* Formal and Informal Economy;
* Reality Check;
* Jobs Lost?
146 MYTH 11: Sanctions are starving the population:
* Very Low Nutrition and Life Expectancy Rates;
* More Displacement in Ethnic and Central Areas;
* Logging and Increased Poverty;
* Military Forces and Arms Procurement Have Increased;
* More Oppression;
* Four-Cuts Program;
* Mawchi Township: Impoverished by the SPDC;
151 MYTH 12: Investment and trade has brought better working
conditions;
153 MYTH 13: Sanctions destroyed Burma's investment climate:
* Mandalay Brewery: A Cautionary Tale;
156 MYTH 14: Sanctions created Burma's current financial crisis;
* Foreign Exchange Certificates (FECs);
158 MYTH 15: Burmese people do not want sanctions;
159 MYTH 16: International pressure & sanctions will isolate the
regime, push it closer to China;
PART 6: IRREVERSIBLE STEPS FORWARD:-
162 LESSONS FROM AFGHANISTAN:
* A Few Steps Behind;
* Engagement & Reward â? A Dangerous Game;
* Transformation;
164 SANCTIONS FOR CHANGE:
* Clear Recipe;
* Period of Leverage & Enforcement Actions;
* Timing & Strength;
* Committee oversight;
* Communication;
* Moderates?;
* Lose-Lose Situation;
* Premature Action;
172 EU'S NEW STRATEGY APRIL 2003 â?
WHY IT DIDN'T MEASURE UP;
174 LESSONS FROM HAITI, NIGERIA, AND SOUTH AFRICA:
* Haiti;
* Nigeria;
* South Africa;
179 RECIPE FOR SUCCESS:
* A Non-Zero Sum View of the Conflict;
* Sticks as Well as Carrots;
* Asymmetry of Motivation Favoring the State Employing Coercive Diplomacy;
* Opponent's Fear of Unacceptable Punishment for
Noncompliance;
* No Significant Misperception
Source/publisher:
Alternative ASEAN Network on Burma (ALTSEAN-Burma)
Date of publication:
2003-11-20
Date of entry/update:
2003-11-21
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Sanctions, Formal Sanctions, Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings (UMEH), Gems, ALTSEAN-Burma archive
Language:
English
more
Description:
"It?s doubtful Washington?s latest move will cripple the military regime in Burma, but it will likely stir the generals to action..." Various views and analyses on the impact of sanctions on Burma.
Shawn L Nance
Source/publisher:
"The Irrawady" Vol. 11, No. 6
Date of publication:
2003-07-00
Date of entry/update:
2003-11-07
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Sanctions
Language:
English
more
Description:
"...Sanctions as a blunt instrument are doing more harm than good. Those who support them seem to combine moral indignation with a large amount of wishful thinking, assuming that things will turn out the way they want, provided they continue to do what they already want to do. The situation in Burma is complex and tragic, and we need fresh thinking on how to handle a regime that on May 30 again showed its determination to shed blood in defense of its privileges..."
Donald M Seekins
Source/publisher:
"The Irrawaddy"
Date of publication:
2003-09-19
Date of entry/update:
2003-09-20
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Sanctions
Language:
English
more
Description:
"...South Africa under apartheid offers the best example of how sanctions can be effective. International sanctions inflicted a wound so deep that negotiations became the only choice for the South African government. Burma cannot hope for military intervention, as in the case of Iraq or Serbia, for various geopolitical reasons, and the international strategy as to how to deal with the Burmese regime remains divided. But the sanctions, in their various forms, have proven to be fairly effective, especially from countries like the US. Washington has the power and political will to recognize real reform in Burma when it happens and could repeal existing sanctions. But if Rangoon continues its non-compliance concerning international calls for change, Washington could also punish the regime by stepping up sanctions on a variety of fronts, including further economic sanctions..."
Aung Naing Oo
Source/publisher:
"The Irrawaddy"
Date of publication:
2003-02-26
Date of entry/update:
2003-09-20
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Sanctions
Language:
English
more
Description:
"The US Congress is poised to punish the generals in Burma with new sanctions after their recent heavy-handed crackdown on Nobel Peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi and her National League for Democracy party.
The bill on Capitol Hill, if passed, will impose on Burma the toughest economic sanctions to date. The measure includes a ban on Burmese imports to the US and a freeze on the regime?s US assets, as well as a ban on visas to all top government officials and their families, members of the government-sponsored Union Solidarity Development Association and the managers of state-run enterprises. It sends a strong political message to the despots and is welcomed by many Burmese at home and abroad.
But the majority of Burmese, who have suffered under the military regime for decades, want more than just sanctions. They want to see the end of the regime that makes them feel like hostages in their own home. To that end, they want help from the outside..."
Aung Zaw
Source/publisher:
The Irrawaddy: Opinion
Date of publication:
2003-06-16
Date of entry/update:
2003-09-20
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Sanctions
Language:
English
more
Description:
"This commentary is in response to The Irrawaddy?s interview with David Steinberg ["Sanctions Rarely Work", Vol 11, No3]. Steinberg is the author of several books on Burma and commented on the country?s political situation and US-Burmese relations in the April issue."
"Once the truth about the brutal attack on Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the National League for Democracy (NLD) at Depayin on May 30 was revealed, the almost unanimous passage by the US Congress of the Burma Freedom and Democracy Act imposing a ban on Burmese imports and other sanctions against the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) was a foregone conclusion. Many observers now view the debate about sanctions as over..."
Philip S Robertson, Jr
Source/publisher:
"The Irrawaddy"
Date of publication:
2003-08-26
Date of entry/update:
2003-09-20
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Sanctions
Language:
English
more
Description:
"John Jackson heads the London-based Burma Campaign UK and is an outspoken proponent of economic isolation for Burma. He spoke to The Irrawaddy about pressing for sanctions and targeting companies doing business with the regime in Rangoon..."
Source/publisher:
"The Irrawaddy" Vol. 11, No. 5
Date of publication:
2003-06-00
Date of entry/update:
2003-09-18
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Sanctions
Language:
English
more
Description:
Zwei Farben, so spötteln Burmesen, dominieren die Fernsehbilder in ihrem Land: rot und grün. In der Tat zeigen die staatlich kontrollierten Nachrichten in monotoner Abfolge mit Vorliebe prominente Generäle (grün), wie sie buddhistischen Mönchen in ihren roten Roben Respekt erweisen und diese reich beschenken.
Zwei Farben charakterisieren auch die kontroverse Diskussion über den Zustand des Landes: gold und rot. Kaum ein Werbeprospekt oder Reiseführer, in dem nicht das Image von Burma als das »Goldene Land« bemüht wird. Das buddhistische Land mit seinen goldenen Pagoden und pittoresken landschaftlichen Szenerien scheint wie von einer anderen Welt zu stammen und fasziniert daher wohl jeden, der sich mit ihm befasst. Rot hingegen sehen die Gegner des seit 40 Jahren regierenden Militärregimes, wenn es um die Schilderung der politischen Lage Burmas geht.
Eine Auseinandersetzung mit Tourismusboykott und der Frage, wie man einen nachhaltigen, armutsorientierten Tourismus gestalten kann.
A discussion about tourism -boykott and forms of poverty-oriented tourism. Efficacy of sanctions.
Martin H.Petrich
Source/publisher:
Südostasien Jg. 18, Nr. 1 - Asienhaus
Date of publication:
2002-04-22
Date of entry/update:
2003-09-01
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Tourism in Burma - critical, Sanctions
Language:
Deutsch, German
more
Description:
"...The United States has begun to implement the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003, which immediately prohibits financial transactions with entities of the ruling military junta in Burma and will bar the importation of Burmese products into the United States after 30 days, according to the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).
OFAC issued a bulletin July 29 that includes the text of President Bush?s July 28 Executive Order regarding the blockage of the Burmese junta?s property, the prohibition of financial transactions with entities of the Rangoon regime, and the ban on Burmese imports into the United States.
According to President Bush?s executive order, such steps are necessary due to the military junta?s "continued repression of the democratic opposition in Burma" and the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13047 of May 20, 1997.
Following is the text of the OFAC bulletin:..."
Source/publisher:
Office of Foreign Assets Control via US Dept of State
Date of publication:
2003-07-29
Date of entry/update:
2003-08-26
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
USA-Burma relations, Sanctions, Formal Sanctions
Language:
English
more
Description:
Whatever their impact on Burma?s ailing economy, sanctions remain an important expression of solidarity between the international community and the Burmese people.
Aung Zaw
Source/publisher:
"The Irrawaddy", Vol. 9. No. 4
Date of publication:
2001-05-00
Date of entry/update:
2003-06-03
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Sanctions
Language:
English
more
Description:
Interview with Member of Parliament (Green) about sanctions and development co-operation with Burma.
Nur drei Wochen bevor der neunzehnmonatige Hausarrest von Aung San Suu Kyi aufgehoben wurde, bereiste eine Delegation des Bundesausschusses f?r wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung Indien und Myanmar/Burma. Die Abgeordneten sprachen in Myanmar/Burma mit Politikern aus Regierungskreisen, mit Vertretern der Oppositionspartei Nationale Liga f?r Demokratie (NLD) sowie ethnischen Minorit?ten. H?hepunkt war ein Gespr?ch mit Aung San Suu Kyi. In den Gespr?chen ging es unter anderem um entwicklungspolitische Projekte, die als Teil internationaler Sanktionspolitik seit Jahren gr??tenteils eingefroren waren. Angelika K?ster-Lo?ack, die die internationale Sanktionspolitik jahrelang mitgetragen hatte, hat nach ihrer Reise nun eine andere Sicht darauf.
Ulrike Bey
Source/publisher:
Asienhaus
Date of publication:
2002-06-12
Date of entry/update:
2003-06-03
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Germany-Burma relations, Development assistance: Germany, Sanctions, German economic development assistance
Language:
Deutsch, German
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Description:
Burmese industrialists say that US economic sanctions have had little if any impact on the success of their operations.
Source/publisher:
"The Irrawaddy", Vol. 9. No. 4 (Business section)
Date of publication:
2001-05-00
Date of entry/update:
2003-06-03
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Sanctions
Language:
English
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Description:
"...Question: As you travel to Burma occasionally how do you evaluate Burma?s current political and social conditions?
Answer: I think Burma?s political and social conditions are very bad, and I have been very disappointed about the lack of progress on both fronts. Since the release of Aung San Suu Kyi on May 6, we had hoped for some modest progress, but as far as I can determine there has been virtually none except for the fact of her release. Even the release of more political prisoners has stopped and this is essential for any real dialogue. Suu Kyi cannot accept indefinitely being released if her associates are still in prison.
Q: If sanctions are lifted, do you think Burma will become prosperous, given the economic mismanagement by the generals for almost 15 years? Looking at the current bank crisis, it is evident that the SPDC is not capable of solving the economic woes.
A: I have been against sanctions from the beginning, in Burma or almost anywhere because they rarely work (the South Africa case was completely different). That does not mean that Burma would become prosperous without sanctions. The climate for foreign investment and business is very poor. There is the obvious corruption, there is no independent arbitration mechanism, the judiciary is not independent, there is no predictability as the rules change all the time, infrastructure is inadequate, there is government intervention at all levels, and inter-ministerial coordination is minimal at best. Not only would Burma not prosper (in spite of increased foreign exchange earnings), but the country cannot now absorb increases in foreign humanitarian assistance because of regulations and bureaucratic incapacities..."
David Steinberg (Interview)
Source/publisher:
"The Irrawaddy" Vol. 11, No. 3
Date of publication:
2003-04-00
Date of entry/update:
2003-06-03
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Sanctions
Language:
English
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Description:
After more than a decade, the debate over the use of sanctions to push for political change in Burma remains as contentious as ever.
Min Zin
Source/publisher:
"The Irrawaddy", Vol. 9. No. 4
Date of publication:
2001-05-00
Date of entry/update:
2003-06-03
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Sanctions
Language:
English
more