USA-Burma relations
Individual Documents
Description:
BANGKOK - After the only outcomes of a visit to Myanmar by a high-level United States diplomat were "profound" disappointment over its election preparations and a stronger line over its nuclear links with North Korea, President Barack Obama on Friday formally extended sanctions against the country.
Washington?s extension of the sanctions followed the visit of US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia and the Pacific Kurt Campbell to Naypyidaw, the capital, on May 9 for a two-day visit. Campbell met top officials such as Foreign Minister Nyan Win, Information Minister Kyaw Hsan, Science and Technology Minister U Thaung - the point man for US-Myanmar engagement - and Labor Minister U Aung Kyi
Brian McCartan
Source/publisher:
Asia Times Online
Date of publication:
2010-05-17
Date of entry/update:
2010-10-18
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
USA-Burma relations, Sanctions and/or engagement
Language:
English
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Description:
The Obama administration should promptly conclude its Burma policy review and adopt initiatives to make its policies on diplomacy, sanctions and humanitarian aid more effective, Human Rights Watch said in a letter to Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton released today.
Source/publisher:
Human Rights Watch
Date of publication:
2009-09-09
Date of entry/update:
2010-10-14
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
USA-Burma relations
Language:
English, Japanese
more
Source/publisher:
Human Rights Watch
Date of publication:
2009-09-09
Date of entry/update:
2010-10-14
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
USA-Burma relations
Language:
English
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Description:
The Barack Obama administration has broken ranks with its recent predecessors in announcing its intention to engage Myanmar?s ruling generals while also maintaining economic and financial sanctions against the military regime. The outgoing George W Bush administration imposed new financial sanctions against individual regime members and their associates, and often referred to Myanmar as an "outpost of tyranny".
Brian McCartan
Source/publisher:
Asia Times Online
Date of publication:
2009-09-30
Date of entry/update:
2010-10-14
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
USA-Burma relations
Language:
English
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Description:
* The SLORC military junta is a world-class human rights abuser condemned by the UN every year since 1989.
* Foreign investors continue to play a critical role in providing financial backing for SLORC.
* SLORC continues to refuse to recognize the results of the 1990 elections, overwhelmingly won by Aung San Suu Kyi and the National League for Democracy (NLD).
Philip S. Robertson Jr.
Source/publisher:
Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies
Date of publication:
1997-08-01
Date of entry/update:
2010-09-24
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
USA-Burma relations
Language:
English
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Description:
Abstract:
"Myanmar has been one of a number of countries that the new American Executive branch selected for policy reconsideration. The Obama administration?s review of relations with Myanmar, characterized as a ?boutique issue? during the presidential campaign, has received considerable attention in 2009, and in part was prompted by quiet signals sent by both sides that improved relations were desirable. Begun as an intense policy review by various agencies, it has been supplemented by the first visits in 15 years to the country by senior US officials. The policy conclusion, that sanctions must remain in place but will be supplemented by dialogue, is a politically realistic compromise given the strong congressional and public antipathy to the military regime and the admiration for Aung San Suu Kyi, whose purported views have shaped US policies. US claims of the importance of Myanmar as a security and foreign policy concern have also been a product of internal US considerations as well as regional realities. US—Burmese relations since independence have been strongly influenced by the Cold War and China, whose strategic interests in Myanmar have been ignored in the public dialogue on policy until recently, with US policy focused on political and human rights concerns.
Attention is now concentrated on parliamentary and local elections to be held in 2010, after which the new constitution will come into effect and provide the military with a taut reign on critical national policies while allowing opposition voices. Future relations will be strongly influenced by the transparency and freedom both of the campaigning and vote counting, and the role—if any—of the opposition National League for Democracy. Strong scepticism exists in the US on prospects unless the Burmese institute extensive reforms. The Burmese military, presently controlling all avenues of social mobility, will have a major role in society for decades. The article initially evaluates US policies towards Myanmar prior to 1988, when a military coup marked a negative shift in US—Myanmar relations, from cooperation to a US sanctions regime. It looks at the influence China?s involvement in Myanmar and the role Aung San Suu Kyi have had on the formulation of US policy towards the country and assesses the prospects for the US-Myanmar relationship under the Obama administration."
David I. Steinberg
Source/publisher:
International Affairs Volume 86, Issue 1
Date of publication:
2010-01-18
Date of entry/update:
2010-09-24
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
USA-Burma relations
Language:
English
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Description:
US-ASEAN Summit is Moment to Align Divergent Policies Ahead of Elections
(New York) - US and Southeast Asian leaders meeting in New York this week should press the Burmese government to end an escalating campaign of repression, release political prisoners, and begin a dialogue with opposition groups ahead of Burma?s coming flawed elections, Human Rights Watch said today. September marks the third anniversary of the brutal 2007 crackdown on peaceful protests led by monks and known as the "Saffron Revolution."
US President Barack Obama and leaders of the ten-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will hold a summit in New York on September 24, 2010, the eve of the annual United Nations General Assembly.
Source/publisher:
Human Rights Watch
Date of publication:
2010-09-23
Date of entry/update:
2010-09-24
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
USA-Burma relations
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
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htm
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83.36 KB
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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
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Description:
Executive Summary:
"In September 2009, the United States announced a new course in its policy toward
Burma following a seven-month review undertaken by the Barack Obama administration.1
Recognizing that decades of pursuing policies of isolation and sanctions had done little to
influence change among Burma's military leaders, the United States introduced a policy
of "pragmatic engagement." Under this new policy, the United States will maintain its
sanctions on Burma while simultaneously undertaking direct dialogue with senior leaders
of the Burmese regime. Dialogue, according to the United States, will "supplement, rather
than replace," decades of U.S. sanctions policy. These talks have already begun, and the
United States has indicated that any improvement in relations between the two countries is
possible only when Burma's military regime enacts meaningful and concrete reforms in the
country, particularly in the areas of democracy and human rights.2
In adjusting its policy toward Burma, the United States must face reality with clear
vision. Among other things, this vision must recognize that the United States' ability to
solve Burma's problems and to influence the course of the country's governance is extremely
limited, as nearly 20 years experience with a harsh punitive policy of isolation and sanctions
have demonstrated. U.S. influence in Burma is unlikely to outweigh that of increasingly
powerful Asian neighbors. Therefore, the United States' priority must be to clarify its
fundamental objectives in Burma and the basic means at its disposal for promoting those
objectives. Moreover, Burma is not likely to rank very high on the list of U.S. foreign policy
priorities in the foreseeable future, so resources to address U.S. goals in Burma will be
limited, compared to priority countries and regions.
The Task Force believes that the United States must approach policy adjustments
with careful consideration of how the instruments that are available -- including both the
engagement and sanctions sides of the equation -- can be employed most effectively to
encourage reform and democratic governance. Through its programs and support for the
Burmese people, the United States can demonstrate that it is steady but flexible and quick
to react to any potential overtures from the Burmese government. Specifically, during this
period of transition, the United States should encourage the process of political development
toward democratic norms; press the military regime to improve governance; and assist the
country's non-Burman nationalities in pursuing an equitable voice in national governance.
The basic means available to the United States to pursue these goals will be effective
channels of communication; focused assistance programs; reform-oriented economic
activity; coordination with Burma's neighbors and the broader international community; and tightening of targeted financial sanctions, if and when necessary.
Going forward, it will be useful to consider distinctions based on change in
Burma for framing U.S. policy recommendations. The Task Force makes the following
recommendations, which are organized into three distinct stages: (1) measures to be
pursued now; (2) additional measures to be implemented if and when the United States
begins to see indications of change on the part of the Burmese leadership; and (3) actions
to be undertaken after real progress has been demonstrated on a sustained basis..."
Source/publisher:
Asia Society
Date of publication:
2010-03-31
Date of entry/update:
2010-03-31
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
USA-Burma relations
Language:
English, Burmese
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Description:
Table of Contents:
Foreword...
Introduction...
Current Dimensions, Future Directions: Australian Policy toward Burma...
Assessing the Current Situation in Myanmar: A Perspective from China...
From Isolation to Engagement: Reviewing India's Policy toward Myanmar...
The Quest for the "Middle Way": Indonesian Perspectives on Current
Developments in Myanmar...
Japan's Policy toward Myanmar: A Special Responsibility...
Pragmatic Diplomacy: Reviewing International and Malaysian
Policy toward Myanmar...
Developing an International Policy toward Burma/Myanmar:
Philippine Perspectives...
From Proxy to Principle: A Review of Singapore's Myanmar Policy...
Thailand's Burma/Myanmar Dilemma: Domestic Determinants and
Regional/International Constraints...
Appendix 1: Executive Summary: Report of the Asia Society Task Force on
US Policy toward Burma/Myanmar
Source/publisher:
Asia Society
Date of publication:
2010-03-31
Date of entry/update:
2010-03-31
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
USA-Burma relations
Language:
English
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Description:
Summary:
"Transnational organized crime groups in Burma (Myanmar) operate a multibillion
dollar criminal industry that stretches across Southeast Asia. Trafficked
drugs, humans, wildlife, gems, timber, and other contraband flow through Burma,
supporting the illicit demands of the region and beyond. Widespread collusion
between traffickers and Burma?s ruling military junta, the State Peace and
Development Council (SPDC), allows organized crime groups to function with
impunity. Transnational crime in Burma bears upon U.S. interests as it threatens
regional security in Southeast Asia and bolsters a regime that fosters a culture of
corruption and disrespect for the rule of law and human rights.
Congress has been active in U.S. policy toward Burma for a variety of reasons,
including combating Burma?s transnational crime situation. At times, it has imposed
sanctions on Burmese imports, suspended foreign assistance and loans, and ensured
that U.S. funds remain out of the regime?s reach. Most recently, the 110th Congress
passed P.L. 110-286, the Tom Lantos Block Burmese JADE Act of 2008 (signed by
the President on July 29, 2008), which imposes further sanctions on SPDC officials
and prohibits the indirect importation of Burmese gems, among other actions. On the
same day, the President directed the U.S. Department of Treasury to impose financial
sanctions against 10 Burmese companies, including companies involved in the gemmining
industry, pursuant to Executive Order 13464 of April 30, 2008.
This report analyzes the primary actors driving transnational crime in Burma,
the forms of transnational crime occurring, and current U.S. policy in combating
these crimes. This report will be updated as events warrant. For further analysis of
U.S. policy to Burma, see CRS Report RL33479, Burma-U.S. Relations, by Larry A.
Niksch."
Liana Sun Wyler
Source/publisher:
[US] Congressional Research Service
Date of publication:
2008-08-21
Date of entry/update:
2010-03-19
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
USA-Burma relations
Language:
English
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Description:
Summary:
"By the end of September 2007, the Burmese military regime had suppressed
with force anti-regime protests that began in late August, escalated in mid-
September, and were led by Buddhist monks and pro-democracy activists. This drew
new protests from the United States over the regime?s abusive human rights record.
According to human rights reports by the U.S. State Department and private
organizations, Burma?s poor record worsened in 2004, 2005, and 2006. These
reports have laid out a familiar pattern of government and military abuses of
civilians. As in the past, U.S. diplomatic initiatives in September 2007 did not
prevent the regime?s crackdown. China blocked a U.S.-European Union proposal to
have the United Nations Security Council consider imposing sanctions on Burma.
However, Burmese military leader Than Shwe proposed to a United Nations envoy
that he would meet with opposition leader Aung Sann Suu Kyi if she would cease
encouraging confrontation with the government and foreign economic sanctions.
The SPDC appears unaffected by sanctions imposed by the United States and
other Western nations. Western sanctions are uneven with U.S. sanctions being the
heaviest. Burma has been able to expand exports of a variety of commodities,
including growing earnings from natural gas production. China and India have
signed deals with the SPDC for substantial purchases of natural gas. Burma also
reportedly earns between $1 billion and $2 billion annually from exports of illegal
drugs, heroin and methamphetamines. Most of these earnings go to drug traffickers
connected to the Wa and Shan ethnic groups; but Burmese military officials have
means to gain a substantial share of these earnings. Burma?s fellow members in the
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have grown more critical of the
SPDC, but they continue to oppose sanctions. Chinese diplomatic support of the
SPDC and military and economic aid is very important: $2 billion in military aid
since the early 1990s, $200 million annually in economic aid, substantial foreign
investment including new investment in natural gas, and a huge influx of Chinese
migrants into Burma, mainly traders. China?s role is a prime justification for India?s
?constructive engagement” policy toward Burma. Burma has reestablished
diplomatic relations with North Korea amidst reports of growing military cooperation
between them.
Since 1988, the United States has imposed sanctions against Burma, including
congressional passage in 2003 of the Burma Freedom and Democracy Act (P.L. 108-
61) banning imports from Burma (renewed by Congress in 2006). The Bush
Administration proposed that the U.N. Security Council consider the Burma situation
and introduced a resolution in the Council. China and Russia vetoed the resolution
in January 2007 and blocked a U.S. attempt to secure Security Council consideration
of sanctions in September 2007. The Administration also faces limits on its
flexibility in using sanctions in U.S. diplomacy. Contacts with the SPDC are
extremely limited. The Administration has indicated that it would use sanctions to
initiate a ?road map” process with the SPDC, but Congress appears to be against a
?road map” approach and stated in the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act that
the full range of U.S. sanctions should remain until the SPDC ends human rights
abuses and makes fundamental political concessions to Aung Sann Suu Kyi."
Larry A. Niksch
Source/publisher:
[US] Congressional Research Service
Date of publication:
2007-10-04
Date of entry/update:
2010-03-19
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
USA-Burma relations
Language:
English
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Description:
Summary:
"On October 19, 2007, President George W. Bush issued Executive Order 13449. This followed a
September 25, 2007 statement by President Bush that sanctions against Burma, which have been
in place since 1997, would be tightened to specifically target leading Burmese officials and
impose additional financial and travel sanctions. This report provides background information on
existing economic sanctions against Burma and possible options to expand sanctions. It will be
updated as events warrant."
Larry A. Niksch, Martin A. Weiss
Source/publisher:
[US] Congressional Research Service
Date of publication:
2009-08-03
Date of entry/update:
2010-03-19
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
USA-Burma relations
Language:
English
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Description:
The Obama administration?s more conciliatory approach to Burma will be short-lived unless the country?s rulers act soon to reciprocate
Aung Zaw
Source/publisher:
"The Irrawaddy" Vol. 17, No. 9
Date of publication:
2009-12-00
Date of entry/update:
2010-02-28
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
USA-Burma relations
Language:
English
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Description:
Burma?s generals have a history of juggling relations with Washington and Beijing...
"If ever the Burmese regime made it clear it preferred ?Made in America? to ?Made in China,? it would be no surprise to see relations between China and Burma suffer a severe hiccup.
China is now keenly observing Washington?s new policy toward the Burmese regime and Burma?s opposition movement. At the same time, Beijing is observing the unpredictable Naypyidaw regime?s paukphaw (kinship) commitment to China.
Burma?s former dictator, Ne Win, (left) met then US President Lyndon Johnson in 1966.
Burmese military officers used Western weapons to counter Chinese-backed insurgents in the past. They have long memories of Chinese chauvinism and Beijing?s efforts to export communism to Burma and install a government sympathetic to Mao Zedong?s communist ideology.
Those days are long gone. China became Burma?s staunchest ally after the regime brutally crushed the pro-democracy uprising in 1988. For the past 21 years, China has adopted its paukphaw policy toward Burma and played an influential role there..."
Aung Zaw
Source/publisher:
"The Irrawaddy" Vol. 17, No. 8
Date of publication:
2009-11-00
Date of entry/update:
2010-02-28
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Language:
English
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Burma?s rulers would like to have friendly relations with Washington, but that won?t happen unless they make significant changes...It?s no secret that the regime in Burma wants to repair its frosty relationship with America. It would especially like to see the lifting of US sanctions, which have an impact not only on the general population, but are also hampering the junta leaders? ambition to build a modern armed forces...
"If Burma"good old days"1,000-mile destination."..."
Aung Zaw
Source/publisher:
"The Irrawaddy" Vol. 17, No. 6
Date of publication:
2009-09-00
Date of entry/update:
2009-12-26
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
USA-Burma relations
Language:
English
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Description:
The new US administration has sent a strong signal that it wants to take a more active role in dealing with Burma...
"US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton?s message to Burma was loud and clear, but it is still uncertain what direction exactly the US will take in trying to engage the troubled country..."
Aung Zaw
Source/publisher:
"The Irrawaddy" Vol. 17, No. 5
Date of publication:
2009-08-00
Date of entry/update:
2009-12-26
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
USA-Burma relations
Language:
English
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Description:
"Can efforts to relax US sanctions against Burma stay afloat in the wake of John William Yettaw?s fateful swim across Inya Lake?...
NOBODY knows for sure what inspired John William Yettaw to don a pair of homemade flippers and swim across Inya Lake to the home of Burmese democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi. But if his intention was to frustrate efforts to open a new chapter in US relations with Burma?s ruling regime, all we can say is: Mission Accomplished.
Suu Kyi enters the Insein Prison building where the trial is being held.
Of course, Yettaw should not be the one held accountable for the hardening of attitudes toward the Burmese junta in the wake of this incident. For that, Burma?s generals have only themselves to thank..."
Aung Zaw, Neil Lawrence
Source/publisher:
"The Irrawaddy" Vol. 17, No. 3
Date of publication:
2009-06-00
Date of entry/update:
2009-06-24
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
USA-Burma relations
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Description:
"...Until now, the world has been divided into two camps when it comes to how to deal with Burma - those who support sanctions and those who urge constructive engagement. Western countries led by the US have applied sanctions, while Burma?s neighbors, including members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, China and India, have favored engagement.
But things seem to be changing.
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton hinted at a shift in Western thinking when she said during a recent Asia tour: "Clearly, the path we have taken in imposing sanctions hasn?t influenced the Burmese junta."
But she also made clear that the alternative policy followed by Burma?s neighbors is also ineffective, adding: "Reaching out and trying to engage them [the Burmese generals] hasn?t influenced them, either."
Clinton announced that the new US administration is reviewing its Burma policy - "because we want to see the best ideas about how to influence the Burmese regime."It?s obvious, however, that US policy makers have no clear idea which idea is best.
Nevertheless, a departure from the policy that first applied sanctions against Burma in 1997 can be expected..."
Kyaw Zwa Moe
Source/publisher:
"The Irrawaddy" Vol. 17, No. 2
Date of publication:
2009-04-00
Date of entry/update:
2009-04-02
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
USA-Burma relations
Language:
English
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Description:
In a wide-ranging interview with The Irrawaddy, the United States? ambassador to Thailand, Eric G John, spoke about what Asia - and the countries of Asean in particular - can expect from the foreign policy program of Barack Obama?s presidency.
Source/publisher:
"The Irrawaddy" Vol. 17, No. 2
Date of publication:
2009-04-00
Date of entry/update:
2009-04-02
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
USA-Burma relations
Language:
English
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Description:
"When George W Bush and his wife Laura visited Thailand earlier this month, they took pains to draw attention to their continuing commitment to democracy in Burma. Publicly, their statements of support and gestures of solidarity were welcomed by Burma?s opposition movement. Privately, however, most Burmese now accept that the US is not able to remove the generals in Naypyidaw. Indeed, some activists have come to share the view that the US?s uncompromising approach to Burma since the ill-fated 1988 pro-democracy uprising may in fact have been counter-productive..."
Andrew Selth
Source/publisher:
"The Interpreter" - weblog of the Lowy Institute for International Policy
Date of publication:
2008-08-26
Date of entry/update:
2009-03-05
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
USA-Burma relations
Language:
English
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Description:
"Washington remains the Burmese people?s best hope for reliable support in their struggle for democracy...
AS Barack Obama assumes the heavy duties of the US presidency, the oppressed Burmese people who have seen little political progress in their crisis-racked country are looking to him to see how his Burma policy differs from his predecessor?s.
Although thousands of miles separate Burma and the US, the Burmese people still look to Washington—rather than the capitals of China, India, Russia or any of the EU or
Asean member countries—to provide reliable political support for democratic change..."
Aung Zaw
Source/publisher:
"The Irrawaddy" Vol. 17, No. 1
Date of publication:
2009-02-00
Date of entry/update:
2009-02-16
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
USA-Burma relations
Language:
English
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Description:
Die USA präsentieren sich in der Burma-Katastrophe als unbürokratischer Krisenhelfer. Doch tatsächlich versucht die Regierung Bush, das Drama politisch auszuschlachten. Diese Strategie macht die Militärjunta so extrem misstrauisch - Hilfsorganisationen sind empört; USA-Burma Beziehungen; Amerikanische Hilfsprogramme; USA-Burma relations; US Aid Programme;
Marc Pitzke
Source/publisher:
Spiegel Online
Date of publication:
2008-05-09
Date of entry/update:
2008-05-09
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Language:
German, Deutsch
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Description:
Die Zuspitzung der von buddhistischen Mönchen angeführten Proteste gegen das Militärregime in Birma bzw. Myanmar sowie das harte Vorgehen der Militärjunta haben Birma in den Blickpunkt der Weltöffentlichkeit gerückt.
Seit Jahren wird von seiten vor allem der US-Regierung, aber auch Großbritanniens und teils auch der EU Propaganda gegen das Militärregime dort gemacht, wurden Drohungen ausgesprochen und Sanktionen verhängt. Und sie drängen auch jetzt zu verschärften Maßnahmen gegenüber Birma und setzen zunehmend China, Indien und die ASEAN-Staaten unter Druck, gegen die Militärjunta vorzugehen und noch mehr, sie drängen dazu, zu einem Machtwechsel in Birma beizutragen.USA-Burma Beziehungen, Aufstände 2007; USA-Burma relations; uprisings 2007
Uwe Mueller
Source/publisher:
Neue Einheit
Date of publication:
2007-10-01
Date of entry/update:
2008-05-03
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
China-Burma-India relations, USA-Burma relations, Events of 2007 and their consequences: "The Saffron Revolution" and its aftermath
Language:
German, Deutsch
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Description:
"US Congressman Tom Lantos of California, one of the best friends Burma ever had, died in February... Lantos worked tirelessly to strengthen US support for democracy and human rights in Burma. Most notably, he wrote the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003, which imposed sanctions on Burma?s military regime, and the Block Burmese JADE (Junta?s Anti-Democratic Efforts) Act of 2007, which expanded targeted sanctions on the regime..."
Source/publisher:
"The Irrawaddy" Vol. 16, No. 3
Date of publication:
2008-03-00
Date of entry/update:
2008-04-27
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
USA-Burma relations
Language:
English
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Description:
Die Militär-Junta von Myanmar (Burma) strebt vermutlich nach der Atombombe. Während die ganze Welt auf den Iran schaut, gehen in Myanmar Veränderungen vor, die das Schlimmste befürchten lassen: Neu entdeckte Erdgasreserven machen das Land zu einem der wichtigsten Gaslieferanten in Asien. China kooperiert militärisch und wirtschaftlich mit Myanmar, Russland will zivile Nukleartechnik liefern und über Kontakte zu Nordkorea wird gemunkelt. US-Sanktionen, sino-burmesisches Verhältnis, sowjetisch-burmesisches Verhältnis; Außenpolitik;
New gas ressources; foreign policy; sino-burmese relations; soviet-burmese relations
Ian Bremmer
Source/publisher:
Slate/Global Agenda
Date of publication:
2006-02-15
Date of entry/update:
2007-08-23
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Oil and gas - general, Government of Myanmar (oil and gas), USA-Burma relations, China-Burma relations, Nuclear
Language:
German, Deutsch
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Description:
Die USA haben ein Abkommen zwischen Russland und Burma (Myanmar) über den Bau einer Nuklearanlage verurteilt.Die russische Atomenergiebehörde Rosatom hatte am Dienstag mitgeteilt, sich in dem von einer Militärjunta regierten Burma am Bau einer Nuklearanlage mit einem Zehn-Megawatt-Leichtwasserreaktor zu beteiligen. Eine entsprechende Vereinbarung mit dem Land sehe die Zusammenarbeit bei der Entwicklung und der Ausstattung des Forschungszentrums vor.
Source/publisher:
Der Standard; APA
Date of publication:
2007-05-25
Date of entry/update:
2007-08-18
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
USA-Burma relations
Language:
German, Deutsch
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Description:
Der US-Senat hat die im Jahr 2003 gegen Burma (Myanmar) verschärften Sanktionen einstimmig verlängert. Die Strafmaßnahmen gegen die burmesische Militärdiktatur müssten aufrecht bleiben, bis die herrschende Junta politische Reformen zulasse. Zu den Sanktionen gehören ein Einfuhrverbot für alle Waren aus Burma und ein Einreiseverbot für Personen mit Verbindungen zur Junta.
Source/publisher:
APA/AFP; der Standard
Date of publication:
2007-07-25
Date of entry/update:
2007-08-18
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
USA-Burma relations
Language:
German, Deutsch
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Description:
As US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia and the Pacific, Eric John is Washington?s point man on Southeast Asia, which includes Burma. On April 28, The Irrawaddy interviewed John at its office in Chiang Mai, Thailand, to catch up on the latest US policies on Burma, as the Burmese regime?s leading critic. The wide-ranging interview covered all aspects of these policies to bring about reform in Burma, US thoughts on Burma?s relations with its neighbors, and the situation regarding Burma and the UN Security Council.
Source/publisher:
"The Irrawaddy" Vol. 14, No. 5
Date of publication:
2006-05-00
Date of entry/update:
2006-12-28
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
USA-Burma relations
Language:
English
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Description:
His ?Look West? Policies Are Now in Tatters... "...Today, Burma?s relations with the West, particularly the US, are rocky, and they?re unlikely to get better as long as the two sides pull in opposite directions. Since the 1988 democracy uprising, the US has downgraded its diplomatic relations with Burma, and US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has famously labeled Burma as an ?outpost of tyranny,? along with North Korea, Cuba and Iran.
In Rangoon, the military leaders maintain their critical stance vis-?-vis the West, bitterness and hatred simmering together in editorials published by the junta?s mouthpiece journals, while clearly harboring hopes for a better relationship with the West.
While the generals pursue closer ties with neighbors such as Russia, India and China, they still don?t send their children to study in Moscow, Beijing or North Korea. Before the visa bans took hold, many children of the Rangoon elite were sent to study in Britain, Australia and the US..."
Aung Zaw
Source/publisher:
"The Irrawaddy" Vol. 13, No. 10
Date of publication:
2005-10-00
Date of entry/update:
2006-04-30
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
USA-Burma relations
Language:
English
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Description:
"Although some sociologists have noted that Americans sometimes admire sincerity over competence or accuracy, the sincerity of both is not in question; rather it is whether each or a combined approach will accomplish their policy objective.
US policy has long been devoted to ?regime change? in Burma, albeit in a peaceful manner. That is, the policy has been to see the military return to barracks and have the opposition, which won the 1990 elections, assume power. Will this approach lead to change in Burma in the manner the US hopes? It?s highly unlikely..."
David I. Steinberg
Source/publisher:
"The Irrawaddy" Vol. 13, No. 3
Date of publication:
2005-03-00
Date of entry/update:
2005-08-29
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
USA-Burma relations
Language:
English
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Description:
"Soe Thinn is the director of the Radio Free Asia Burmese Service in Washington, DC. He also worked with the Burmese Service of the Voice of America from 1992 until 1996 and with the Burmese Foreign Service from 1969 until October 1988. He spoke with The Irrawaddy about the challenges of bringing information to the Burmese public and RFA?s future plans..."
Source/publisher:
"The Irrawaddy" Vol. 12, No. 8
Date of publication:
2004-09-00
Date of entry/update:
2004-11-11
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
USA-Burma relations
Language:
English
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18.5 KB
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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:
Human Rights and U.S. Strategy in Burma
Testimony by Tom Malinowski, Washington Advocacy Director
Mr. Chairman, thank you for your invitation to testify on the human rights situation in Burma and on U.S. policy towards that country.
Tom Malinowski
Date of publication:
2004-03-24
Date of entry/update:
2004-04-09
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
USA-Burma relations
Language:
English
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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
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Description:
"By tolerating strong-arm tactics elsewhere, Washington is sending Rangoon a mixed message...
When US President George W Bush signed the Burma Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003 into law in late July, he declared that the US was enacting sanctions on the ruling junta to provide "strong incentives for democratic change and human rights in Burma."
Bush did not elaborate on the litany of anti-democratic maneuvers and human rights abuses perpetrated by the Burmese military government, but they are well known. Retaining power after a military coup, holding opposition figures and others in detention without trial and violently suppressing ethnic insurgents are among the acts he could have listed.
Today, the US sends Rangoon a mixed message by tolerating the same actions by its Asian allies in the war on terror. It seems that the Americans want other countries to be more like Burma, but Burma less like itself..."
Kevin R. Manning
Source/publisher:
"The Irrawaddy" Vol 11, No. 9
Date of publication:
2003-11-00
Date of entry/update:
2004-01-11
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
USA-Burma relations
Language:
English
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Tom Malinowski
Source/publisher:
Human Rights Watch
Date of publication:
2003-06-19
Date of entry/update:
2003-11-20
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
USA-Burma relations
Language:
English
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Description:
"Efforts to foster peaceful democratic change in Burma, already encumbered by an increasingly confrontational military regime, were dealt a severe blow on May 30 when government-affiliated thugs carried out a premeditated ambush on democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi and her convoy of National League for Democracy (NLD) party members and supporters. Since the May 30 attack, Burma?s military junta, the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC), has held Aung San Suu Kyi and all members of the NLD?s Central Executive Committee in indefinite "protective custody," arrested dozens of NLD members, and shuttered the party?s headquarters and all of its regional offices. The violent attack and its aftermath dominate the political scene in Burma. Despite significant pressure from the United States, the European Union, Japan, and, to a lesser degree, ASEAN, the Burmese junta has not taken any constructive steps to resolve the crisis or to begin a real dialogue with the NLD and other political parties, including ethnic minority groups, on substantive political issues.
In July, President Bush signed the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003 and the U.S. imposed significant additional economic sanctions on Burma. These new measures, which complement a ban on new investment in Burma and other existing sanctions, prohibit the import of any Burmese product into the United States, ban the provision of financial services to Burma, and freeze the assets of designated Burmese institutions, including the State Peace and Development Council. In addition, in June, the Department of State expanded the scope of an existing visa ban that targets Burmese officials and others who inhibit a transition to democracy to include all officials of the government-affiliated Union Solidarity and Development Association and the managers of state-owned enterprises and their immediate family members. On September 9, President Bush imposed further trafficking in persons-related sanctions on Burma, barring U.S. funding for Burmese government officials or employees in educational and cultural exchange programs.
Absent significant progress toward a political transition, the U.S. will coordinate with the European Union and others to maintain pressure on the Burmese junta to make such progress. The European Union has expanded the scope of its asset freeze and visa restrictions; Canada has also imposed visa restrictions. Japan has frozen new development assistance to the junta. Should the SPDC fail to release a significant number of political prisoners or improve its human rights record, and should it continue to inhibit a meaningful political dialogue with the democratic opposition, the U.S. will consider additional measures in conjunction with the international community..."
Source/publisher:
US Dept. of State: Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs
Date of publication:
2003-10-27
Date of entry/update:
2003-10-27
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Language:
English
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Description:
"After the violent events of May 30, the US and regional allies need a new approach to Burma...
With the apparent military success of the US-led invasion of Iraq, international politics has fundamentally changed. The US has firmly established its global hegemony. It has no rival. Like it or not, the US now has a strong message it can deliver to any state in the world: "You?re next."
No pressing crisis in the world today can be effectively resolved without the active involvement of the US, unless the concerned parties have both the will and capacity to settle their differences.
Burma is one case where such will is lacking..."
Min Zin
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:
USA-Burma relations
Language:
English
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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
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Description:
"Council-sponsored Task Force to U.S. Government: Go to the United Nations, Condemn Burmese Military Crackdown on Democratic Opposition and Impose Sanctions...WASHINGTON, June 18 - The United States must urge the UN Security Council to hold an emergency session on Burma to condemn the military government's recent crackdown on the democratic opposition there, concludes the newly released Council-sponsored Independent Task Force, "Burma: A Time For Change".
In that session, the Security Council should impose targeted sanctions on Burma, including denying visas to leaders of the military regime, freezing their assets, banning new investments and the import of Burmese goods. The Task Force also strongly recommends that the United States adopt an immediate import ban on goods produced in Burma-even if there is no UN Security Council resolution to that effect. At the same time, the United States should increase humanitarian assistance to Burma to help mitigate that country's massive refugee crisis and public health emergencies, particularly the HIV/AIDS epidemic...
Among the Task Force's recommendations, the United States should:
* Redouble its efforts with the governments of China, Japan and the ASEAN countries--particularly Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia--to press the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) to work with the National League for Democracy (NLD) and ethnic nationalities toward political transition in Burma.
* Strongly discourage Japan from forgiving outstanding debt from bilateral grants and loans until the SPDC makes substantial progress on human rights and engages in substantive political dialogue with the democratic opposition.
* Urge Asian investors to press the SPDC to begin implementing the economic measures recommended by the World Bank, International Monetary Fund and the Asian Development Bank as one of the prerequisites for further investment.
* Encourage China to press the Burmese government to reform its economy and move towards democratic governance to promote stability in the region.
* Tie increased counter-narcotics cooperation to significant steps by the Burmese government to curb methamphetamine production, to arrest leading traffickers, and to stop channeling drug money into the illicit economy.
* Provide increased humanitarian assistance for refugees along both sides of the Thai-Burma border, and on Burma's borders with India, Bangladesh, and China.
* In view of Burma's massive public health crisis, the U.S. should increase humanitarian aid, provided that the funds are given to international nongovernmental organizations through a process that requires transparency, accountability and consultation with the NLD and other groups representative of a multi-ethnic Burma..."
Mathea Falco (Task Force Chair)
Source/publisher:
Council on Foreign Relations
Date of publication:
2003-06-18
Date of entry/update:
2003-06-22
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
USA-Burma relations
Language:
English
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Description:
"The Burmese military regime failed last year to improve its ties with the United States and get "certified" for its anti-narcotics programs, but it wasn't for lack of a solid effort by its lobbyists, DCI Associates...."
Al Kamen (Tr. Tadayuki Kubo)
Source/publisher:
Washington Post
Date of publication:
2003-02-28
Date of entry/update:
2003-06-03
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
USA-Burma relations
Language:
Japanese, English
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