Bush Renews Burma Sanctions One More Year

US President George W Bush has formally renewed economic sanctions against military-ruled Burma for o­ne more year.

A brief statement o­n Wednesday said Bush signed into law House Resolution (No. 44), renewing import restrictions contained in the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003.

The resolution extending the sanctions was passed by the House of Representatives o­n July 24 by a voice vote. A day later, the Senate passed the resolution by a 93 to 1 vote.

The Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003 imposes a number of restrictions o­n Burma, including an import ban o­n Burmese goods entering the US and visa restrictions o­n officials from the junta—the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC).

Welcoming the move, the Senate Minority Leader, Republican Mitch McConnell, said in a statement: “By signing the bill, he [President Bush] sends a strong message that the United States will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Burma in their struggle for freedom and democracy.”
McConnell said the legislation will maintain sanctions o­n the regime until concrete steps are taken toward democratization, such as full political participation of the National League for Democracy and ethnic minorities, the ending of attacks o­n ethnic minorities and the unconditional release of all political prisoners, including Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi.