Repost:US Department Press Release

[jhtinzaw@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]

The following is repost of  the latest Press Release from the U.S.
Department of
State
on Burma

Peace.

Julien Moe
------------------
08 September 1998 

TEXT: U.S. DEPLORES DETENTION OF BURMESE OPPOSITION FIGURES 

(Violates basic rights, freedoms of Burmese people)  (350)

Washington -- Burma's September 6 detention of more than a hundred
opposition figures is a violation of the basic rights and freedoms of
the Burmese people and of internationally recognized human rights,
according to the U.S. Department of State.

In a statement released September 8, State Department Spokesman James
Rubin said the United States deplores the detention in the strongest
of terms.

"Resolution of the political impasse in Burma will require real,
substantive dialogue with the democratic opposition, including Aung
San Suu Kyi and representatives of the ethnic groups," Rubin said.
"Arbitrary detentions are unjustifiable and will only worsen rather
than solve the political crisis."

Following is the State Department text:

(begin text)

September 8, 1998

US DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman

STATEMENT BY JAMES P. RUBIN, SPOKESMAN

BURMA -- DETENTION OF OPPOSITION FIGURES

The US deplores in the strongest of terms the September 6 detention of
well over a hundred opposition figures, both elected Members of
Parliament and party rank and file. This action is a violation of the
basic rights and freedoms of the Burmese people and of internationally
recognized human rights.

Resolution of the political impasse in Burma will require real,
substantive dialogue with the democratic opposition, including Aung
San Suu Kyi and representatives of the ethnic groups. Arbitrary
detentions are unjustifiable and will only worsen rather than solve
the political crisis.

We urge the government of Burma to release these individuals
immediately and to take action to solve the nation's serious political
problems through serious, substantive negotiations with the NLD,
including Aung San Suu Kyi, and the ethnic minorities.

We have protested these actions to the Burmese government through our
Embassy in Rangoon. We will continue to work with like-minded
countries to press the Burmese government to take positive action,
including the release of individuals and the initiation of a genuine
dialogue with Aung San Suu Kyi and other NLD leaders.

(end text)