White House Supports 'Dialogue'

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WHITE HOUSE STATEMENT ON BURMA
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Following is text of a White House statement made today (December 1)  on events in Burma:


STATEMENT BY THE PRESS SECRETARY

The United States views with concern recent events in Burma.  We and other governments have noted that 
under current circumstances, the National Convention convened by the Burmese authorities does not offer 
the opposition a meaningful opportunity to participate in the crucial decisions that will determine 
Burma's political future.  We understand that the National League for Democracy (NLD) withdrew from 
the Convention after its repeated requests for dialogue with the authorities were rejected, triggering a 
harsh and threatening response by the authorities.

We urge the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) to recognize that public discussion in an 
environment free of intimidation is critical to the health functioning of any political system.  We further 
urge the authorities to avoid threats or other measures against those who seek freely to express their views.  

We continue to believe that it is only through peaceful dialogue between the SLORC and recognized 
democratic leaders that national reconciliation will take place in Burma.  We urge the authorities in 
Burma to agree to such a dialogue.

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