First Battle Won for L.A. Free Burm

[bfla@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]

Subject: First Battle Won for L.A. Free Burma Law!

Supporters of democracy and human rights in Burma won a major victory today
as the Intergovernmental Relations Committee of the Los Angeles City
Council voted to move the proposed Free Burma ordinance forward today.
The proposed ordinance would limit the ability of business partners of the
military regime in Burma like UNOCAL to receive City contracts.       From
here, the ordinance will move to the Budget and Finance committee before
moving to the full council for a vote.

The ordinance passed the committee thanks to the support of more than 100
organizations and community leaders who have come together to support the
Free Burma ordinance.       Jack Rafuse, lobbyist for UNOCAL testified for
the company at the hearing.      Despite the overwhelming evidence to the
contrary, including the recent report from the U.S. Department of Labor,
Rafuse attempted to deny the company's connection to human rights
atrocities.       However, thanks to the attendance of many Burmese-exiles
at the committee hearing, Mr. Rafuse's lies were easily refuted.     At one
point during his testimony, Mr. Rafuse said, "none of these people have
ever been to Burma!"     Many Burmese-exiles, most of whom had first-hand
experience of the human rights atrocities in Burma, stood up to show just
how wrong and offensive Mr. Rafuse's dismisal was and spoke of just a few
of their experiences.

Thanks to everyone who has supported the Free Burma ordinance.    As the
ordinance continues to move forward, it is important that supporters of
democracy and human rights in Burma continue to show their support by
contacting their Councilmembers and attending council hearings.

Please call the Burma Forum if you have any questions.  (310)399-0703







===================================================
Kevin Rudiger
Burma Forum, Los Angeles
Campaign for Corporate Withdrawal
2118 Wilshire Blvd #383
Santa Monica, CA 90403
(310)399-0703 - phone
(310)392-9965 - fax
(310)588-3404 - pager
bfla@xxxxxxxxxxxxx