no 7 - wednesday, december 21,2011

8/3/2019 No 7 - Wednesday, December 21,2011

1/49

MahaThuriya

NEWS, VIEWS & OPINIONSBY YE KYAW SWANo 7 - Wednesday, December 21, 2011

This is the combination or the continuation of the blog namedhttp://mahathuriya.blogspot.com/News,Views&Opinions

Wednesday, December 21, 2011 NO 7
http://mahathuriya.blogspot.com/http://mahathuriya.blogspot.com/http://mahathuriya.blogspot.com/http://mahathuriya.blogspot.com/


2/49

Collectors Items

Clinton Arrives in Myanmar to Assess Pace of Change - BySTEVEN LEE MYERS(nytimes)Hillary Clinton and Aung San Suu Kyi agree agenda - AP Friday 02 December 2011Press Availability in Nay Pyi Taw, Burma - By Hillary Rodham Clinton Secretary of StatePress Availability in Rangoon, Burma By Hillary Rodham Clinton Secretary of State

Burma's Democracy Leader Aung San Suu Kyi Video Testimony to the U.S. Congress -Wednesday, June 22, 2011The Security Situation on the Korean Peninsula - Kurt M. Campbell (September 16, 2010)General Assembly - Situation of human rights in MyanmarTOM LANTOS BLOCK BURMESE JADE (JUNTAS ANTI-DEMOCRATICEFFORTS) ACT OF 2008Japan's foreign minister Koichiro Gemba to visit Myanmar - Published on Dec 13, 2011TOKYO (AFP)Clinton's Myanmar trip 'won't hurt ties - China Daily - 14 December 2011

..
http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/m/steven_lee_myers/index.html?inline=nyt-perhttp://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/m/steven_lee_myers/index.html?inline=nyt-perhttp://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/m/steven_lee_myers/index.html?inline=nyt-perhttp://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/m/steven_lee_myers/index.html?inline=nyt-per


3/49

Clinton Arrives in Myanmar to Assess Pace of Change

Saul Loeb/Agence France-PresseGetty Images

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton with Deputy Foreign Minister Myo Myint of Myanmar,

left, after her arrival in Naypyidaw on Wednesday.

BySTEVEN LEE MYERS

Published: November 30, 2011

NAYPYIDAW, MyanmarSecretary of StateHillary Rodham Clintonarrived here on Wednesdayto measure the depth of the political and economic opening the countrys new government has

unexpectedly begun.

After years of abysmal relations between the United States and Myanmar, the Obama administrationhas promised to respond to progressMrs. Clintons trip being the most significant reward so far even as it presses for more significant steps to end the countrys repressive rule and international

isolation.

Those include freeing hundreds more political prisoners, an end to often violent repression ofdemocracy advocates and ethnic groups, and clarification of the countrys illicit cooperation with

North Korea on developing ballistic missiles and, possibly, nuclear technologies.

Mrs. Clinton, speaking in Busan, South Korea, before flying here, said that the United States hopedthat initial steps toward what President Obama has called flickers of progress would be ignited into a
http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/m/steven_lee_myers/index.html?inline=nyt-perhttp://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/m/steven_lee_myers/index.html?inline=nyt-perhttp://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/m/steven_lee_myers/index.html?inline=nyt-perhttp://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/c/hillary_rodham_clinton/index.html?inline=nyt-perhttp://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/c/hillary_rodham_clinton/index.html?inline=nyt-perhttp://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/c/hillary_rodham_clinton/index.html?inline=nyt-perhttp://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/c/hillary_rodham_clinton/index.html?inline=nyt-perhttp://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/m/steven_lee_myers/index.html?inline=nyt-per


4/49

Im looking to determine for myself and on behalf of our government what is the intention of the

current government with respect to continuing reforms, both political and economic, she said.

Mrs. Clinton is scheduled to meet the countrys new president, U Thein Sein, on Thursday here, andher aides said the two would discuss the possibility of additional reciprocal steps both countries couldmake to ease decades of hostility.

We expect this to be a very thorough review of not only the steps that they have taken and what weexpect to see in the future, but the things that the United States is prepared to do in response not onlyto these preliminary steps, but what might be possible if the process of reform and opennesscontinues, a senior administration official said.

Mrs. Clintons visit is the first by a secretary of state since John Foster Dulles visited in 1955, and

only the second ever. An improved relationship with Myanmar, still known as Burma by theopposition and the United States, could reshape American diplomacy in the region at a time when theObama administration seeks to shift its geopolitical focus toward Asia, in part to manage the politicaland economic dominance of China.

What additional steps, if any, the administration is willing to consider remains to be seen. Lifting thebroad range of American sanctions imposed on trade with Myanmar is not yet on the agenda; thatwould require Congressional approval that would be likely only after far more sweeping reforms here.

Mrs. Clinton could announce smaller steps, though, like returning an ambassador or supporting aidand international financing for the tentative economic reforms that have taken root.

Administration officials said Mrs. Clinton first wanted to see whether Mr. Thein Seins governmentwas prepared to take his own steps. Officials remain wary, disappointed that the government has notfreed more of the 1,600 political prisoners still being held and that Mr. Thein Sein recently denied the

existence of any of them. The senior administration official also noted that the administrations initialefforts to engage Myanmars leaders in 2009 were abysmal failures.

Another issue of particular concern for the United States is Myanmars cooperation with North Korea,and American officials have pressed the government to agree to more vigorous inspections by theInternational Atomic Energy Agency.

Officials said the administration had hoped Myanmar would agree to that step ahead of the meeting ofSoutheast Asian Nations in Indonesia earlier this month, when President Obama announced Mrs.Clintons visit.

Senator Richard G. Lugar, Republican of Indiana, welcomed Mrs. Clintons trip but said resolvingany questions about illicit nuclear research were fundamental to improved relations. An early goal ofthe tentative U.S. re-engagement with Burma should be full disclosure of the extent and intent of thedeveloping Burmese nuclear program, Mr. Lugar said in a statement this week.

(Page 2 of 2)

Mrs. Clintons aides said that Myanmars government had accommodated the demands of herdelegationwhich included dozens of officials, security guards and journalistsand imposed norestrictions of her activities. There were logistical challenges that dictated her schedule, including thefact the capitals airport here was not equipped to handle a landing at night.
http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/organizations/i/international_atomic_energy_agency/index.html?scp=1-spot&sq=International%20Atomic%20Energy%20Agency&st=csehttp://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/organizations/i/international_atomic_energy_agency/index.html?scp=1-spot&sq=International%20Atomic%20Energy%20Agency&st=csehttp://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/organizations/i/international_atomic_energy_agency/index.html?scp=1-spot&sq=International%20Atomic%20Energy%20Agency&st=cse


5/49

San Suu Kyi, at the house where she spent years under arrest as a symbol of quiet but determinedresistance to military dictatorship. She plans to also meet with representatives of Myanmars long-repressed ethnic minority groups and leaders of nongovernmental organizations.

The decision to send Mrs. Clinton was debated among the White House, the State Department andmembers of Congress, many of whom remained critical. Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen ofFlorida, the Republican chairwoman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said Mrs. Clintons trip

sent the wrong signal.

Secretary Clintons visit represents a monumental overture to an outlaw regime whose D.N.A.remains fundamentally brutal, Ms. Ros-Lehtinen said in statement Tuesday.

The changes under Mr. Thein Sein over the last eight months have included relaxing restrictions onthe news media, politics and business, but not relinquishing the militarys ultimate authority.

Administration officials acknowledge that they do not fully understand how the government makes itsdecisions and whether the changes are merely superficial or the beginnings of an opening similar toMikhail S. Gorbachevs perestroika in the Soviet Union.

The senior administration official said that Mr. Thein Sein, a former general and prime minister,appeared far more open and well-traveled than his predecessor as president, Than Shwe.

He spent an enormous amount of time traveling outside the country in meetings, interacting withothers, the official said. And so its entirely possible that he had a chance to get a much better sense

of what was going on in Southeast Asia, how far behind his country was falling, and what wasnecessary to take steps to at least address some of the challenges that they were facing goingforward.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/01/world/asia/clinton-arrives-in-myanmar-to-assess-reforms.html?_r=1&ref=global-home (p 1)

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/01/world/asia/clinton-arrives-in-myanmar-to-assess-reforms.html?pagewanted=2&_r=1&ref=global-home (p 2)

.

Hillary Clinton and Aung San Suu Kyi agree agenda

AP Friday 02 December 2011

Two of the world's most recognised women leaders pledged to work together to bring democracy toBurma.

After meeting with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton for the second time in two days, Aung SanSuu Kyi said: "If we move forward together I am confident there will be no turning back on the road
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/01/world/asia/clinton-arrives-in-myanmar-to-assess-reforms.html?_r=1&ref=global-homehttp://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/01/world/asia/clinton-arrives-in-myanmar-to-assess-reforms.html?_r=1&ref=global-homehttp://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/01/world/asia/clinton-arrives-in-myanmar-to-assess-reforms.html?_r=1&ref=global-homehttp://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/01/world/asia/clinton-arrives-in-myanmar-to-assess-reforms.html?pagewanted=2&_r=1&ref=global-homehttp://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/01/world/asia/clinton-arrives-in-myanmar-to-assess-reforms.html?pagewanted=2&_r=1&ref=global-homehttp://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/01/world/asia/clinton-arrives-in-myanmar-to-assess-reforms.html?pagewanted=2&_r=1&ref=global-homehttp://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/01/world/asia/clinton-arrives-in-myanmar-to-assess-reforms.html?pagewanted=2&_r=1&ref=global-homehttp://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/01/world/asia/clinton-arrives-in-myanmar-to-assess-reforms.html?pagewanted=2&_r=1&ref=global-homehttp://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/01/world/asia/clinton-arrives-in-myanmar-to-assess-reforms.html?_r=1&ref=global-homehttp://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/01/world/asia/clinton-arrives-in-myanmar-to-assess-reforms.html?_r=1&ref=global-home


6/49

Saying she very much appreciated US engagement with the government of Burma, Ms Suu Kyi calledfor the release of all political prisoners and the end to ethnic hostilities.

Mrs Clinton thanked Ms Suu Kyi for "steadfast and very clear leadership" and said the US wanted towork both with the pro-democracy activist as well as the government to improve conditions in Burma.

"You have been an inspiration but I know that you feel you are standing for all the people of your

country who deserve the same rights and freedoms as people everywhere," Mrs Clinton told Ms SuuKyi.

"The people have been courageous and strong in the face of great difficulty over too many years. Wewant to see this country take its rightful place in the world."

Ms Suu Kyi has welcomed Mrs Clinton's visit and tentatively embraced reforms enacted by Burma'snew civilian government.

She thanked her and President Barack Obama for their "careful and calibrated" engagement that hasseen the US take some modest steps to improve ties.

"We are happy with the way in which the United States is engaging with us," she said.

"It is through engagement that we hope to promote the process of democratisation. Because of thisengagement, I think our way ahead will be clearer and we will be able to trust that the process ofdemocratisation will go forward."

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/hillary-clinton-and-aung-san-suu-kyi-agree-agenda-6271146.html
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/hillary-clinton-and-aung-san-suu-kyi-agree-agenda-6271146.htmlhttp://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/hillary-clinton-and-aung-san-suu-kyi-agree-agenda-6271146.htmlhttp://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/hillary-clinton-and-aung-san-suu-kyi-agree-agenda-6271146.htmlhttp://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/hillary-clinton-and-aung-san-suu-kyi-agree-agenda-6271146.htmlhttp://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/hillary-clinton-and-aung-san-suu-kyi-agree-agenda-6271146.html


7/49

HomeSecretary of State Hillary Rodham ClintonSecretary's Remarks2011 Secretary Clinton'sRemarksRemarks by Secretary Clinton: December 2011Press Availability in Nay Pyi Taw,Burma

Press Availability in Nay Pyi Taw, Burma

Press AvailabilityHillary Rodham ClintonSecretary of StateNay Pyi Taw, BurmaDecember 1, 2011

SECRETARY CLINTON: Good afternoon, andmingalaba, is that how you say it? Yeah? How?

QUESTION:Mingalaba.

SECRETARY CLINTON:Mingalaba. Thank you.

Let me start by saying that I want to emphasize that while I may be the first United States Secretary ofState to visit in over a half century, our two nations are far from strangers. Weve had a long history

together, from the earliest American missionaries to generations of traders and merchants to theshared sacrifices of World War Two. The United States was among the first to recognize thiscountrys independence, and we have welcomed the many contributions of Burmese Americans to our

own culture and prosperity. And Americans from all walks of life are following closely the eventshere.

So I come with a great deal of interest and awareness of what is happening. And on behalf of mycountry and President Obama, I came to assess whether the time is right for a new chapter in ourshared history. Today, I met with President Thein Sein, his foreign minister, other senior ministers,and the speakers and members of parliament in both houses. We had candid, productive conversationsabout the steps taken so far, and the path ahead for reform.

Tomorrow, I will be meeting with ethnic minority groups and civil society. I will be meeting tonightand tomorrow with Aung San Suu Kyi and other members of the political opposition.

President Thein Sein has taken the first steps toward a long-awaited opening. His government haseased some restrictions on the media and civil society, opened a dialogue with Aung San Suu Kyi,rewritten election and labor laws, and released 200 prisoners of conscience. The president told me heseeks to build on these steps, and I assured him that these reforms have our support. I also told himthat while the measures already taken may be unprecedented and certainly welcome, they are just abeginning. It is encouraging that political prisoners have been released, but over a thousand are stillnot free. Let me say publicly what I said privately earlier today. No person in any country should bedetained for exercising universal freedoms of expression, assembly, and conscience.

It is also encouraging that Aung San Suu Kyi is now free to take part in the political process. But that,too, will not be sufficient unless all political parties can open offices throughout the country andcompete in free, fair, and credible elections. We welcome initial steps from the government to reduce

ethnic tensions and hostilities. But as long as terrible violence continues in some of the worldslongest-running internal conflicts, it will be difficult to begin a new chapter.
http://www.state.gov/http://www.state.gov/http://www.state.gov/secretary/index.htmhttp://www.state.gov/secretary/index.htmhttp://www.state.gov/secretary/index.htmhttp://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/index.htmhttp://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/index.htmhttp://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/index.htmhttp://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2011/index.htmhttp://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2011/index.htmhttp://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2011/index.htmhttp://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2011/index.htmhttp://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2011/12/index.htmhttp://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2011/12/index.htmhttp://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2011/12/index.htmhttp://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2011/12/177994.htmhttp://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2011/12/177994.htmhttp://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2011/12/177994.htmhttp://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2011/12/177994.htmhttp://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2011/12/177994.htmhttp://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2011/12/177994.htmhttp://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2011/12/index.htmhttp://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2011/index.htmhttp://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2011/index.htmhttp://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/index.htmhttp://www.state.gov/secretary/index.htmhttp://www.state.gov/


8/49

National reconciliation remains a defining challenge, and more needs to be done to address the rootcauses of conflict and to advance an inclusive dialogue that will finally bring peace to all of thepeople. We discussed these and many other challenges ahead, including the need to combat illegaltrafficking in persons, weapons, and drugs. And I was very frank in stating that better relations withthe United States will only be possible if the entire government respects the international consensusagainst the spread of nuclear weapons. We look to the government to fully implement UN SecurityCouncil Resolutions 1718 and 1874, and we support the governments stated determination to sever

military ties with North Korea.

In each of my meetings, leaders assured me that progress would continue and broaden. And as it does,the United States will actively support those, both inside and outside of government, who genuinelyseek reform. For decades, the choices of this countrys leaders kept it apart from the global economyand the community of nations. Today, the United States is prepared to respond to reforms withmeasured steps to lessen the isolation and to help improve the lives of its citizens. That includes aninvitation to join neighboring countries as an observer in the Lower Mekong Initiative. We haveagreed to IMF and World Bank assessment missions to begin studying the needs on the ground fordevelopment, particularly in rural areas, and poverty reduction.

We discussed loosening restrictions on UNDP health and microfinance programs, pursuing educationand training efforts, and resuming joint counter-narcotics missions. And just as the search for missingAmericans once helped us repair relations with Vietnam, today we spoke about a new joint effort torecover the remains of hundreds of Americans lost here during World War II during the building ofthe Burma Road.

These are beginning steps, and we are prepared to go even further if reforms maintain momentum. Inthat spirit, we are discussing what it will take to upgrade diplomatic relations and exchangeambassadors. Over time, this could become an important channel to air concerns, monitor and supportprogress, and build trust on both sides.

The last time an American Secretary of State came to Burma, it was John Foster Dulles, and thiscountry was considered the jewel of Asia, a center of higher learning and the rice bowl of the region.In the last half century, other countries have raced ahead and turned East Asia into one of the worlds

great centers of dynamic growth and opportunity. So the most consequential question facing thiscountry, both leaders and citizens, is not your relationship with the United States or with any othernation. It is whether leaders will let their people live up to their God-given potential and claim theirplace at the heart of the 21st century, a Pacific century.

There is no guarantee how that question will be answered. If the question is not answered in a positiveway, then once again, the people could be left behind. But if it is answered in a positive way, I think

the potential is unlimited.

Im told there is an old Burmese proverb which says, When it rains, collect water. Well, we dont

know yet if the path to democracy is irreversible, as one of the leaders told me today, if the opening ofthe economy will be considered a positive and moved quickly to achieve. So the question is not for meto answer. The question is for all of you, particularly leaders, to answer. But we owe it to nearly 60million people who seek freedom, dignity, and opportunity to do all we can to make sure that questionis answered positively.

President Obama spoke of flickers of progress. Well, we know from history that flickers can die out.They can even be stamped out. Or they can be ignited. It will be up to the leaders and the people to

fan those flickers of progress into flames of freedom that light the path toward a better future. Thatand nothing less is what it will take for us to turn a solitary visit into a lasting partnership. As I toldP id t Th i S i li t d th U it d St t i d t lk th th f f ith if


9/49

Ill be happy to take some questions.

MS. NULAND: We have time for four questions today. I guess the first one is The New York Times,Steve Myers.

QUESTION: Thanks, Toria. Madam Secretary, thank you. Sorry. Thank you, Madam Secretary. TheAung San Suu Kyi yesterday said that she personally trusted the president but wasnt sure about the

views of others in the government. After your meetings today, do you share that view?

And in your discussions today, did you talk about a timetable for some of the reciprocal steps fromboth countries that you would like to see? Is this a matter of months or years? Thank you.

SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, Steve, we had a very substantive, serious, and candid, longdiscussion, both in the formal setting and then over lunch, between myself and President Thein Sein.He laid out a comprehensive vision of reform, reconciliation, and economic development for hiscountry, including specifics such as the release of political prisoners, an inclusive political process,and free, fair, and credible bi-elections, a rigorous peace and reconciliation process to bring to an endsome of the longest-standing conflicts anywhere in the world, and strong assurances regarding hiscountrys compliance with United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1718 and 1874, and their

nonproliferation commitments with respect to North Korea.

I made it clear that he and those who support that vision which he laid out for me, both inside andoutside of government, will have our support as they continue to make progress, and that the UnitedStates is willing to match actions with actions. We want to be a partner in this reform process, startingwith the steps that I laid out today. I also told him that, based on my experience and my observation, Iam well aware that he has people in his government who are very supportive of this reform agenda,and he has people who are worried about it or opposed to it, and he has people in the middle who aresitting on the fence, trying to make up their minds. What I hope is that our strong commitment,

coupled with the willingness of the international communityparticularly multinational organizationsfrom the UN to the IMF to the World Bank and others expressing our strong support for this path.And what it will mean in terms of delivering concrete benefits will give him extra support in theinternal debates that are underway.

So I certainly believe that we now have a clear sense of what he is trying to achieve and how best wecan support him. And let me add that, in my meetings with the foreign minister and the speakers ofboth the upper and the lower house, I heard the same things about the issues that had to be addressedin order for reform to continue. I wasnt given specific dates, but I was certainly assured that actions

would be taken on a regular and ongoing basis.

MS. NULAND: Next question, from Shwe Gin Maru (ph) ofMyanmar Times .

QUESTION: Thank you, Madam. I would like to know, do you think (inaudible) reaching with thenew Government of Myanmar, and (inaudible)?

SECRETARY CLINTON: I thought that today was an excellent opportunity for me to both listen toofficials in the government describe what their intentions are and the actions that they are planning totake and for them to hear from me on behalf of the United States how much we support this path ofreform, how we expect to see additional steps taken on political prisoners, on peace andreconciliation, on the bi-elections, on the enforcement of the laws that have been passed, which arequite encouraging but need to be implemented. And I will certainly emphasize that if what I heard

today is followed through on by the government, that meets the concerns that we have as to whetheror not this is a serious and sincere effort. And we hope that it is.


10/49

QUESTION:Madam Secretary, thank you. Chinas response to your visit and the U.S. reengagementin general has been one of concern. And in fact, theyve spoken openly about a competition between

the U.S. and China for inputs in Myanmar. Their state media just today warned that they will notaccept their interests being stamped on here. And I wondered, just briefly, two things. Do you fear thatU.S. reengagement could cause any sort of backlash with Beijing? And more broadly, countries likeMyanmar in the region, what can the U.S. do to assuage countries like that? Theyre sort of caughtbetween these two titans of the new Pacific century.

SECRETARY CLINTON:Thats an important question, and its one that I addressed in all of mydiscussions. Our engagement here is rooted in our longstanding interest in seeking positive change.We have, as I said at the very beginning, a long history that has many positive aspects to it. But wehave been dismayed by some of the actions of the past decades, and we are encouraged to see thechanges that are taking place.

This is an interest that spans decades, that cuts across every political divide in the United States,because its a country that has both fascinated and worried Americans for many years. And we are not

about opposing any other country; were about supporting this country. And we actually consultregularly with China about our engagements in the Asia Pacific region, including how we see eventsunfolding here. And we welcomeas I specifically told the president and the two speakers, wewelcome positive, constructive relations between China and her neighbors. We think thats in Chinas

interest as well as the neighborhoods interest. We think that being friends with one doesnt mean not

being friends with others. So from our perspective, we are not viewing this in light of any competitionwith China. Were viewing this on its merits as an opportunity for us to reengage here. And we think

that that is a very open possibility. And thats why Im here to assess it formyself.

MS. NULAND: And the last question today, Fine Kin Zin Lay (ph) from The Voice.

QUESTION: (Inaudible) asking two questions. One question is: Do you see any probability for

release all political prisoners? And the second question is: Did you discuss about sanctions with thepresident? Are there any probability to ease sanction, or never? Thank you.

SECRETARY CLINTON: We discussed both of those issues at some length because, obviously,they are important subjects in our renewed dialogue.

With respect to political prisoners, we believe that any political prisoner anywhere should be released.One political prisoner is one too many, in our view. And were concerned about the continued

detention of more than a thousand prisoners of conscience here. We welcome the release of the 200political prisoners in October, and we have consistently called for and encouraged the release of allpolitical prisoners. I did so again. And I made it clear that was an issue that would have to be resolved

before we could take some of the steps that we would be willing to take because the immediate andunconditional release of all political prisoners is a key test of the governments commitment to human

rights and democracy and internal national reconciliation.

So were aware ofthe process that is followed and the constitutional provision that gives authority tothe president. We know that for the release in October, the parliament agreed to support that. So Idiscussed it with the president and both speakers, and we are certainly hopeful that we will see suchrelease of all prisoners in the near future.

With regard to sanctions, were in the early stages of our dialogue. And I want to state for the record

that my visit today is the result of over two years of work on our behalf. Weve had at least 20 high-

level visits. We have Assistant Secretary Campbell, our former representative Scott Marciel. Wevehad a very active engagement by our charg, and then we filled the position that the Congress createdf t i l t ti ith A b d D k Mit h ll


11/49

the benefit of all of the people. And so we have been working toward this, and the reason that we werefinally able to reach the decision that the president announced for me to visit is because of the stepsthat the government has taken.

We know more needs to be done, however, and we think that we have to wait to make sure that thiscommitment is real. So were not only talking to senior members of the government, but were talking

to civil society members, were talking to members of the political opposition, were talking to

representatives of ethnic minorities, because we want to be sure that we have as full a picture aspossible.

So were not at the point yet that we can consider lifting sanctions that we have in place because of

our ongoing concerns about policies that have to be reversed. But any steps that the government takeswill be carefully considered and will be, as I said, matched because we want to see political andeconomic reform take hold. And I told the leadership that we will certainly consider the easing andelimination of sanctions as we go forward in this process together. And it has to be not theoretical orrhetorical. It has to be very real, on the ground, that can be evaluated. But we are open to that, and weare going to pursue many different avenues to demonstrate our continuing support for this path ofreform.

MS. NULAND: Thank you very much.

SECRETARY CLINTON: Thanks, everyone. Thank you all very much. Wonderful to have a chanceto talk to you.

# # #

http://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2011/12/177994.htm

HomeSecretary of State Hillary Rodham ClintonSecretary's Remarks2011 Secretary Clinton'sRemarksRemarks by Secretary Clinton: December 2011Press Availability in Rangoon, Burma

Press Availability in Rangoon, Burma

Press AvailabilityHillary Rodham ClintonSecretary of StateRangoon, BurmaDecember 2, 2011

SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, let me begin by saying that as the first American Secretary of Stateto visit here in over 50 years, I am delighted to have a chance to reflect on my visit and what wewould like to see going forward. Now, before I arrived, I was well aware that Americans have long

known this country as a place of both beauty and tragedy. Our imaginations have been seized bygolden pagodas, saffron-clad monks, but also by the very difficult lives and dignified struggles thatthe people have endured, which have tugged at our conscience. I came here because we believe that
http://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2011/12/177994.htmhttp://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2011/12/177994.htmhttp://www.state.gov/http://www.state.gov/http://www.state.gov/secretary/index.htmhttp://www.state.gov/secretary/index.htmhttp://www.state.gov/secretary/index.htmhttp://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/index.htmhttp://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/index.htmhttp://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/index.htmhttp://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2011/index.htmhttp://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2011/index.htmhttp://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2011/index.htmhttp://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2011/index.htmhttp://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2011/12/index.htmhttp://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2011/12/index.htmhttp://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2011/12/index.htmhttp://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2011/12/178103.htmhttp://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2011/12/178103.htmhttp://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2011/12/178103.htmhttp://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2011/12/178103.htmhttp://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2011/12/index.htmhttp://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2011/index.htmhttp://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2011/index.htmhttp://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/index.htmhttp://www.state.gov/secretary/index.htmhttp://www.state.gov/http://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2011/12/177994.htm


12/49

Yesterday in Nay Pyi Taw, I had the opportunity to meet with senior government officials, includingthe president, the foreign minister, other key ministers, and leading members of parliament. In ourdiscussions, I encouraged them to continue moving along the path of reform, and that is a path thatwould require releasing all political prisoners; halting hostilities in ethnic areas and seeking a truepolitical settlement; broadening the space for political and civic activity; fully implementinglegislation protecting universal freedoms of assembly, speech, and association. And I carried thosethoughts forward in my meetings here today.

I was very pleased that finally, last evening, I had the honor to meet Aung San Suu Kyi and to conveythe well wishes and support of the American people who admire her deeply. We have been inspiredby her fearlessness in the face of intimidation and her serenity through decades of isolation, but mostof all, through her devotion to her country and to the freedom and dignity of all of her fellow citizens.This morning, she told me she is encouraged by the attitude of the new government, which hasallowed the opportunity, finally, for the National League for Democracy, her party, to reregister andthen participate in the political process. She is, as she has announced, determined to reenter thepolitical arena. We share her eagerness to see all political parties allowed to open offices throughoutthe country, to enfranchise every citizen and to ensure that the upcoming elections are free, fair, andcredible in the eyes of the people.

Now, I think its fair to say that although Aung San Suu Kyi is no longer under house arrest, more

than hermore than 1,000 of her fellow citizens remain imprisoned because of their political beliefsand actions, and millions more continue to be denied their universal rights. We agreed that animportant test of the government-stated commitment to reform and change will be the unconditionalrelease of all prisoners of conscience.

We also discussed national reconciliation, which remains a defining challenge, as it has been sinceindependence. There can be no true peace or justice until it is shared by everyone in every part of thisbeautiful, diverse country. And while there has been some progress in political and social matters,

particularly here in Rangoon, terrible violence continues elsewhere, especially in some of the ethnicnationality areas, which, in addition to the continuing conflicts, suffer from unacceptably high rates ofpoverty, disease, and illiteracy, and from the systematic use of rape as a weapon of war, which I raiseddirectly with the government yesterday.

Now, when you look at the diversity of this country, it is a very great strength. The followers ofChristianity, Buddhism, Islam, other religions over a hundred different ethnic groups with their owndistinct languages and cultures makes for a rich culture that really is in keeping with what were

seeing in the 21st century. And therefore, we want to call again for everyone to be given the rights towhich they are entitled. I also had the opportunity to meet with representatives of some of the ethnicnationalities as well as civil society. They spoke eloquently of the challenges they face, but also the

opportunities that they see. They also very much welcomed American engagement and said that theyhoped it could continue in some very specific ways.

This afternoon, Im pleased to announce we will take a number of steps to demonstrate our

commitment to the people. These are in addition to the more formal government-to-governmentactions that I announced yesterday in Nay Pyi Taw. First, we will increase assistance to civil societyorganizations that provide microcredit lending, healthcare, and other critical needs throughout thecountry, particularly in the ethnic nationality areas. Second, we will launch a people-to-peopleexchange program that will include a substantial English language teaching initiative in partnershipwith ASEAN and the East-West Center. Third, we will work with partners here on the ground toprovide assistance to citizens who suffer from the worst consequences of internal conflict, especially

land mine victims. Fourth, we will be supporting the work of American universities and foundationsto increase academic exchanges and collaboration on health, governance, and other matters.


13/49

produces real results on behalf of the democratization and the economic opening of Burma. So I willonce again reiterate to the leaders that the United States is prepared to walk this path of reform withyou if you choose to keep moving in that direction. Reformers both inside and outside of thegovernment will have our support, and it will increase as we see actions taken that will further thehopes and aspirations of the people for a better future. So I am cautiously hopeful, and certainly, onbehalf of the American people, very committed to helping this country, which deserves to play a veryimportant role in the Asia Pacific, have a chance to do so.

So with that, I will take your questions.

MODERATOR: We have time for two today. First one is from AFP, Shaun Tandon.

QUESTION: Thank you, Madam Secretary. Just to follow up on a couple of points that you made inyour remarks, you mentioned Aung San Suu Kyi entering the political process. You have, of course,been in the political arena yourself. What sort of insights have you given to her? And also, on theissue of national reconciliation, not so long ago, you said that there is a need for a UN-backedCommission of Inquiry to try to have accountability in Burma/Myanmar. With the changes that youreseeing, is this effectively on the backburner, or does the United States still (inaudible)?

SECRETARY CLINTON:I don't know if you could hear Shauns question because about halfwaythrough, his microphone cut out. But he asked me about Aung San Suu Kyis decision to enter the

political arena, or I should say reenter the political arena, and what Im my think about, and alsowhether the United States still supports a Commission of Inquiry.

Well, first, with respect to her decision, which is, of course, hers and hers alone, I think that she hasbeen advocating for a political process that was open and inclusive, and believes that now that theopportunity presents itself, she needs to participate. I understand completely why she would decide todo so on behalf of herself, on behalf of her party, but most importantly on behalf of democracy

throughout her country. We talked last night about the ups and downs and the slings and arrows ofpolitical participation anywhere in the world, and the challenges that a new democracy or a newdemocratic process particularly will face because the rules are being written as you engage. But Im

very supportive of the decision that she feels was right for her, right to pursue. I think shed be anexcellent member of the new parliament.

I was impressed, in meeting with members of both the upper and the lower house yesterday, howeager they are to have exchanges and understand their responsibilities as parliamentary members. AndI know that Aung San Suu Kyi, whos read deeply and fought long and hard about what it takes to

really establish democracy in a sustainable way, would be an excellent addition to their deliberations.

With regard to the Commission of Inquiry, we always and consistently support accountability forhuman rights violations, and we are looking for ways to support the changes that are underway herebecause we hope that there will be an internal mechanism accountability. For example, theestablishment of a human rights commission is an important first step, and the government has takenthat first step. We encouraged the government to draw on international expertise to ensure theimpartiality and the credibility of their own human rights commission.

But there are different decisions that well confront, both the government and the opposition, because

they can look to different forms of accountability in different places that have undergone transitions,some even from military government to an open democratic one. So we are going to support theprinciple of accountability, and the appropriate mechanism to ensure justice and accountability will

consideredwill be considered, but I think its important to try to give the new government and theopposition a chance to demonstrate they have their own approach toward achieving that.


14/49

QUESTION: Hello. Secretary Clinton, (inaudible) Myanmar. During your trip to Myanmar, you havemet president of Burma and speaker of (inaudible) for Aung San Suu Kyi. After meeting with them, isthere any chance to the (inaudible) of Myanmar in (inaudible)?

SECRETARY CLINTON:Well, thank you, and its wonderful to be asked a question by a memberof the media from here.

What we have outlined for the government are a series of actions we would like to see taken, and whatI have said in my private meetings and publicly is that we will match action for action. And if there isenough progress, obviously, we willbe considering lifting sanctions. But as I said before, were still atthe very early stages of this dialogue and engagement that Ive worked hard to establish over the past

two years, and it couldnt have come to fruition if the government hadnt begun to take the steps thatit is taking.

So although weve seen encouraging signs of progress, we are, frankly, testing this commitment. We

want to know that its real and sustainable, because its going to take more than a few leaders, even at

the top levels ofgovernment. Its going to take a real change in attitude and approach throughout thegovernment and the bureaucracy. So we will continue to talk to senior government officials, tomembers of civil society, opposition leaders, as Ive done over the last two years. And well be

constantly doing that to get a readout from them as to what they see happening.

But I was very clear with the government that if we see enough progress, we would be prepared tobegin to lift sanctions. But right now, were not ready to discuss that because we obviously are onlystarting our engagement, and we want to see all political prisoners released, we want to see a seriouseffort at peace and reconciliation, we want to see dates set for the election, and then we will be veryopen to matching those actions with our own. And it was interesting, in our meetings with a lot of the

people that Ive talked with and not just our meetings over the last two days but our meetings thatmany of our high officials have had over the last two yearsthere is a recognition that lifting

sanctions would benefit the economy, but there needs to be some economic reforms along with thepolitical reforms so that the benefits would actually flow to a broad-based group of people and not justto a very few.

So theres work ahead. As some of you may have heard Aung San Suu Kyi say when we were

together at her house, she supports the World Bank coming in and coming up with an assessment ofwhat could be done to assist in the economic reform and development aid and so much else. So Imvery committed to do everything I can to support what is going on here, but we have to see therhetoric translate into concrete steps.

Thank you.

MODERATOR: Thank you very much.

PRN: 2011/T56-07

http://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2011/12/178103.htm
http://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2011/12/178103.htmhttp://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2011/12/178103.htmhttp://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2011/12/178103.htmhttp://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2011/12/178103.htm


15/49

Wednesday, June 22, 2011Burma's Democracy Leader Aung San Suu Kyi Video Testimony to the U.S. Congress

Nobel Peace Prize winner and democracy advocate Aung San Suu Kyi, who had been

detained for 15 years by Burma's ruling military junta, testified before a Congressional

committee via videotape Wednesday on the recent sham elections and current conditions in

the Southeast Asia nation. U.S. Rep. Don Manzullo (R-IL), who chaired the hearing of the

House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific, arranged for Ms. Suu Kyi's first-

ever Congressional testimony and posted it on his YouTube site for all to see.

Transcript belowtaken from U.S. Campaign for Burma's website:

U.S. House of Representatives

Committee on Foreign Affairs

Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific

Hearing on Burma:

Piercing Burmas Veil of Secrecy: The Truth Behind the Sham Election and the Difficult RoadAhead

June 22, 2011

12:30 PM, Rayburn House Office Building Room 2172

Transcript of Video Message from Daw Aung San Suu Kyi

General Secretary, National League for Democracy, Rangoon, Burma

=======================================================

Any statement made before a committee of the United States Congress must start with a

few words, however brief; of appreciation for all that you and your colleagues have done for

the cause of democracy in Burma over the last two decades. We are very appreciative and

we believe that you will continue to do whatever you can to help us in the future as well.

I understand that the purpose of this committee is to find out what has really been

happening in Burma since the elections of November 2010. To, as I understand it, pierce theveil of secrecy and to find out the truth of the situation in Burma. Im sure you will be
https://www.btunnel.com/index.php/1010110A/9244b00fa0f5fe811755a878b47ded0e7d8539a7a10bf5b4d76aa78aa69cb421dd9ebee59f423f7908f439ae2dc0b7faa019fa44a07f3d8c7b78866b514bbff58a6a62be8252d3a7aff94c1a55df18c91508bb2cfc6e22428fb1557cbe28aac67e6e8352947763afdae1d18804cfb91c15a81119128https://www.btunnel.com/index.php/1010110A/9244b00fa0f5fe811755a878b47ded0e7d8539a7a10bf5b4d76aa78aa69cb421dd9ebee59f423f7908f439ae2dc0b7faa019fa44a07f3d8c7b78866b514bbff58a6a62be8252d3a7aff94c1a55df18c91508bb2cfc6e22428fb1557cbe28aac67e6e8352947763afdae1d18804cfb91c15a81119128https://www.btunnel.com/index.php/1010110A/9244b00fa0f5fe811755a878b47ded0e7d8539a7a10bf5b4d76aa78aa69cb421dd9ebee59f423f7908f439ae2dc0b7faa019fa44a07f3d8c7b78866b514bbff58a6a62be8252d3a7aff94c1a55df18c91508bb2cfc6e22428fb1557cbe28aac67e6e8352947763afdae1d18804cfb91c15a81119128https://www.btunnel.com/index.php/1010110A/9244b00fa0f5fe811755a878b47ded0e7d8539a7a10bf5b4d76aa78aa69cb421dd9ebee59f423f7908f439ae2dc0b7faa019fa44a07f3d8c7b78866b514bbff58a6a62be8252d3a7aff94c1a55df18c91508bb2cfc6e22428fb1557cbe28aac67e6e8352947763afdae1d18804cfb91c15a81119128


16/49

What I would like to urge is that you look at what is happening in Burma in the light of the

UN Human Rights Council Resolutionthe recent one, which came out in March. This

resolution covers all the needs of Burma today, all the political needs, let me say, of Burma

today.

The requests, the urgings, the demands of this resolution are very much in line with what

we in Burma think is needed to start Burma along the genuine process of democratization.

So, if you were to consider the resolution very very closely, and then if you were to look at

the present situation in Burma, you would have a very good idea of how far we are along

the path to democracy, if we have started on that path at all.

The resolution includes such very important issues as political prisoners, freedom of

association and information, independence of the judiciary, and the right of ProfessorQuintana, the United Nations Human Rights Rapporteur, to visit Burma whenever he thinks

it is necessary. It also includes the need for an inclusive political process in Burma, that we

may have the kind of situation where there can be a negotiated settlement leading to

national reconciliation.

All these that the United Nations Human Rights Council Resolution has called for are

essential if Burma is to enjoy constitutional liberalism and democratic institutions.

It is going to be a long road; it already has been a long road and a difficult one, and no

doubt the road ahead will have its difficulties as well. But, we are confident that with the

help and support of those who share our values, those like you who are true friends because

true friends are those who share your values and understand why you hold on to these

values in spite of all the difficulties that you have to face. With the help and support of true

friends, Im sure we will be able to tread the path of democracy, not easily and perhaps not

as quickly as we would like, but surely and steadily. This is why I would like to request you

to do whatever you can to ensure that the requests and demands of the United Nations

Human Rights Council Resolution are met as broadly, as sincerely, and as quickly as possible

by the present government of Burma.

The resolution among other things calls for the independence of the judiciary, I mentioned

this earlier. This is one of the most important needs in our country today, because without

an independent judiciary we cannot have the rule of law, and without the rule of law none

of our people can be secure and there can be no true progress towards democracy.
https://www.btunnel.com/index.php/1010110A/9244b00fa0f7fa95584bbb6bb478e746719836fdb709f7b58d29f79de9dfad729dc2f3ed9044213d55cd18e201c6f5a9fe059902f72166bb1768ba551265b3ead45960a8c04ac9fe8ef957445f9c66fe0219b920bc4a2f5784b91946f617aadd7361832ad12837afda19128https://www.btunnel.com/index.php/1010110A/9244b00fa0f7fa95584bbb6bb478e746719836fdb709f7b58d29f79de9dfad729dc2f3ed9044213d55cd18e201c6f5a9fe059902f72166bb1768ba551265b3ead45960a8c04ac9fe8ef957445f9c66fe0219b920bc4a2f5784b91946f617aadd7361832ad12837afda19128


17/49

wishes to bring democracy into Burma, there is no need for any prisoners of conscious to

exist in this country.

Surely, democracy means that we all have the right to our own beliefs, that we all have the

right to try to live in accordance with our conscience. Because of that, the case of prisoners

of consciences is crucial in deciding whether or not the present government is sincere about

its democratic aspirations.

Professor Quintana has spoken of the need for a commission of inquiry into human rights

violations in Burma. I support his call for such a commission, making it quite clear that a

commission of inquiry is not a tribunal. It is simply a commission of inquiry to find out what

human rights violations have taken place and what we can do to ensure that such violations

do not take place in the future. I would appreciate everything that is done to help ProfessorQuintana in his work. Because, unless we respect the work of the Human Rights Rapporteur,

I do not think we will be able to make much progress towards the implementation of the

resolution of theUnited Nations Human Rights Council.

Ive never made a statement before a committee of the United States Congress, so Im not

quite sure how to go about it. I would simply like to use this occasion to request that you do

whatever you can to help us implement the United Nations Human Rights Council

Resolution, because that will open up the real road to democracy for all of us.

And I would also like to take the opportunity to repeat once again how much we appreciate

all that you have done, and that what you have done for us has meant a great deal. And I

know that you will continue to study the situation and to review what has been done in the

past and to inquire into what should be done in the future. Sometimes we all have to guess

at what is necessary because Burma is not an open society.

But, I think because we truly believe in democratic values and we are all sincere in our

respect for human rights and constitutional liberalism, our guesses will not be far wrong. So,

I would like to ask you to continue with your work with confidence in what you are doing,

and with confidence and the fact that your work is much appreciated.

Thank you.

Aung San Suu Kyi

Posted by John Suarez at10:31 PM0 comments
https://www.btunnel.com/index.php/1010110A/9244b00fa0f7fa954416b771be72f1467d853cfdb608f3f6d16ba88ab383fd2bd783e5e883557f7916fb3fa36619128https://www.btunnel.com/index.php/1010110A/9244b00fa0f7fa954416b771be72f1467d853cfdb608f3f6d16ba88ab383fd2bd783e5e883557f7916fb3fa36619128https://www.btunnel.com/index.php/1010110A/9244b00fa0f7fa954416b771be72f1467d853cfdb608f3f6d16ba88ab383fd2bd783e5e883557f7916fb3fa36619128https://www.btunnel.com/index.php/1010110A/9244b00fa0e3f8801756bd61b476e619679629a6b614baf8d477a7d6a183ed6cd19fa7afc306213d57a860e02bc6eaa5f15be60ff5247dab484ab659516abfe79d6e77f6ce53d2edcae558071d813ec95903a02cfd19128https://www.btunnel.com/index.php/1010110A/9244b00fa0e3f8801756bd61b476e619679629a6b614baf8d477a7d6a183ed6cd19fa7afc306213d57a860e02bc6eaa5f15be60ff5247dab484ab659516abfe79d6e77f6ce53d2edcae558071d813ec95903a02cfd19128https://www.btunnel.com/index.php/1010110A/9244b00fa0e3f8801756bd61b476e619679629a6b614baf8d477a7d6a183ed6cd19fa7afc306213d57a860e02bc6eaa5f15be60ff5247dab484ab659516abfe79d6e77f6ce53d2edcae558071d813ec95903a02cfd19128#commentshttps://www.btunnel.com/index.php/1010110A/9244b00fa0e3f8801756bd61b476e619679629a6b614baf8d477a7d6a183ed6cd19fa7afc306213d57a860e02bc6eaa5f15be60ff5247dab484ab659516abfe79d6e77f6ce53d2edcae558071d813ec95903a02cfd19128#commentshttps://www.btunnel.com/index.php/1010110A/9244b00fa0e3f8801756bd61b476e619679629a6b614baf8d477a7d6a183ed6cd19fa7afc306213d57a860e02bc6eaa5f15be60ff5247dab484ab659516abfe79d6e77f6ce53d2edcae558071d813ec95903a02cfd19128#commentshttps://www.btunnel.com/index.php/1010110A/9244b00fa0e3f8801756bd61b476e619679629a6b614baf8d477a7d6a183ed6cd19fa7afc306213d57a860e02bc6eaa5f15be60ff5247dab484ab659516abfe79d6e77f6ce53d2edcae558071d813ec95903a02cfd19128#commentshttps://www.btunnel.com/index.php/1010110A/9244b00fa0e3f8801756bd61b476e619679629a6b614baf8d477a7d6a183ed6cd19fa7afc306213d57a860e02bc6eaa5f15be60ff5247dab484ab659516abfe79d6e77f6ce53d2edcae558071d813ec95903a02cfd19128https://www.btunnel.com/index.php/1010110A/9244b00fa0f7fa954416b771be72f1467d853cfdb608f3f6d16ba88ab383fd2bd783e5e883557f7916fb3fa36619128


18/49

http://cubanexilequarter.blogspot.com/2011/06/burmas-democracy-leader-aung-san-

suu.html

.

Statement of

Kurt M. Campbell

Assistant Secretary of State

Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

Submitted to the

Senate Armed Services Committee

September 16, 2010

The Security Situation on the Korean Peninsula

Chairman Levin, Senator McCain, distinguished Members of the Committee, it is a privilege toappear before you today to discuss the security situation on the Korean Peninsula and ouralliances in Northeast Asia. I want to thank the Committee for its continued leadership role onAsia-Pacific issues and commend it for understanding the importance of the Asia-Pacific forAmerican national interests.

The Obama administration entered office with a deep appreciation of the strategic importance of

the Asia-Pacific to U.S. national interests. America's future is intimately tied to that of the Asia-Pacific, and our economic and strategic interests in the region are among the most important inthe world. The region is home to almost one-third of the Earths population and accounts foralmost one-third of global GDP. Strong coordination between the U.S. and key Asian economieswas instrumental for the global economic recovery. Currently, more than 60 percent of ourexports go to the Asia-Pacific. American and Asian companies are among the most dynamic inthe world, and our economies are growing increasingly interdependent. The region is also hometo critical strategic chokepoints for global commerce, emerging power centers that will haveprofound implications for U.S. and international interests, and a foundation for American powerprojection in the greater Asia-Pacific.

In recognition of our deep and abiding interests in the region, we are working hard to ensure ouralliances in the Asia-Pacific are among our strongest and most active. Our alliances haveunderwritten peace and security for over 50 years and provided a context for economic

prosperity that in many ways has enabled the Asian economic miracle. This year we are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the U.S.-Japan alliance and also commemorating the 60 thanniversary of the start of the Korean War. Our alliances with Japan and the Republic of Koreahave evolved from strategic bulwarks against Soviet expansionism to truly global partnerships.The Obama administration is committed to developing and enhancing each and every one of ourstrategic alliances in the Asia-Pacific.

Our alliance with Japan is a cornerstone of our strategic engagement in Asia. The May 2006

agreement on defense transformation and realignment will enhance deterrence while creating amore sustainable military presence in the region. We are working with Japan to create a more
http://cubanexilequarter.blogspot.com/2011/06/burmas-democracy-leader-aung-san-suu.htmlhttp://cubanexilequarter.blogspot.com/2011/06/burmas-democracy-leader-aung-san-suu.htmlhttp://cubanexilequarter.blogspot.com/2011/06/burmas-democracy-leader-aung-san-suu.htmlhttp://cubanexilequarter.blogspot.com/2011/06/burmas-democracy-leader-aung-san-suu.htmlhttp://cubanexilequarter.blogspot.com/2011/06/burmas-democracy-leader-aung-san-suu.html


19/49

capabilities, but also develops Japans role as a global leader on issues such as climate change and development assistance. As we mark the 50th anniversary of the alliance, we will continueto work closely with Japan to develop and maximize our joint capabilities as alliance partners.

Together with our Asia-Pacific allies, we are working to respond to both traditional and nontraditionalsecurity challenges ranging from proliferation to climate change, as well as developing more robustregional architecture that will help enhance regional capacities to both deal with problems and seize

opportunities for greater integration and stability. The emergence of transnational challengesnecessitates that the United States work with other partners to find solutions. We will continue towork with our traditional allies on these issues, while enhancing relationships with countries likeChina, India, Indonesia, and Vietnam. I would like to take the opportunity to emphasize the bilateral,regional and global dimensions of our engagement with the Republic of Korea.

Peninsular, Regional, and Global Dimensions:

United States leadership is indispensable to the maintenance of peace and security on the KoreanPeninsula. Recognizing this fact, the Administration has undertaken steady and broad

engagement throughout the region, with a particular focus on broadening our alliances withJapan and South Korea. In November of last year, President Obama visited Japan and SouthKorea (in addition to China and Singapore) and has subsequently had many bilateral meetingswith his Japanese counterpart and South Korean President Lee Myung-bak. Secretary Clintonhas visited the region five times since taking office, with her initial journey as Secretary of Stateto the Asia-Pacific, and her first visit to Japan. Secretary Clinton has enjoyed a strong workingrelationship with Foreign Minister Okada and continues to underscore the central importance ofthe U.S.-Japan alliance to American engagement and strategic interests in the region. Mostrecently, Secretary Clinton attended a historic 2+2 meeting with Secretary Gates and theircounterparts in Seoul, underscoring and charting a forward looking vision for the U.S.-ROK

alliance. President Obama will travel to Seoul this November for the G-20 Summit and willattend the APEC Summit in Yokohama, Japan.

We are working closely with the Republic of Korea to achieve a partnership that is truly globaland comprehensive in nature. President Obama and President Lee Myung-bak have charted aforward-looking agenda for the alliance, outlined by the June 16, 2009 U.S.-ROK Joint VisionStatement. The U.S.-ROK alliance continues to evolve rapidly and has provided a solidfoundation for security in the Asia-Pacific region for more than half a century. This security hashelped make possible economic and political development in the ROK that was unimaginable atthe end of the Korean War. Today Korea is a vibrant democracy with the fourteenth largest

economy in the world and is our seventh largest trading partner. Our economic ties continue toserve as a strong foundation for the U.S.-ROK partnership. This is why President Obamaunderscored his support the United States-Korea free trade agreement by undertaking to resolveoutstanding issues by the time he visits Seoul in November. Its successful implementation willbenefit both economies, create jobs, and bolster the enduring strength of this strategic partnershipin an important and rapidly growing region. It can also contribute to the strengthening of ouroverall bilateral alliance. In November of this year, Korea will host the next G-20 Summit inSeoul, a first for a non-G-8 nation and a first for an Asian country.

3

The U.S. and ROK are also working closely to modernize our defense alliance, which remains akey element of our overall bilateral relationship. We are working closely to adjust our forceposture and presence to be better positioned to respond to current and future security challenges


20/49

strengthen the transition plan. This change will allow us to more closely synchronize the ROKlead of the combined defense with other ongoing alliance transformation efforts. In addition tomilitary cooperation, our broader bilateral relationship outside the military realm also contributesto and enhances the security of the Korean Peninsula.

The closeness of our alliance with the Republic of Korea is also demonstrated by the existence ofa series of institutional consultative mechanisms, including the Security Consultative Meeting,

the Military Consultative Meeting, and the Security Policy Initiative. These mechanisms bringtogether high-level officials to discuss critical issues of mutual concern. Secretary Gates willmeet with his counterpart on October 8 at the next Security Consultative Meeting in Washington,DC. We also have regular and increasingly broad trilateral dialogue with the Koreans andJapanese. The last formal Defense Trilateral Talks were held on September 13 in Washington.

As the ROK has grown and prospered, we have seen a convergence of interests between our twocountries throughout the world. The ROK continues to be an increasingly active partner inglobal affairs, and our bilateral and multilateral cooperation transcends the Asia-Pacific region.For example, the ROK is currently deploying a destroyer to the Combined Maritime Forcescounter-piracy operation Combined Task Force 151, and a Korean Admiral currently holds the

rotating command of this task force. Separately, the Koreans will chair the fall plenary meetingof the Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia in New York. Korea is deploying aProvincial Reconstruction Team to Parwan Province in Afghanistan, and the Korean governmentquickly deployed peacekeepers to Haiti in the wake of the terrible earthquake there this pastJanuary. Korea is also involved in peacekeeping efforts in Lebanon, and they also deploymilitary observers and staff officers to a host of other UN peacekeeping missions. The ROK hasalso pledged $200 million towards development in Pakistan. The ROK, along with Japan,recently took steps to implement additional sanctions against Iran, similar in scope to theexcellent measures adopted by the EU, joining a growing global consensus and strengthening ourefforts to send a unified message to Iran that it should uphold its nuclear nonproliferation

obligations and negotiate seriously on its nuclear program.

Korea made the leap from aid recipient to aid donor in a very short time span, and we are lookingfor opportunities to work together on development issues going forward. The ROK is anexemplar of development and has much to teach the developing world. In less than thirty yearsafter the end of the U.S. Peace Corps program in Korea, thousands of idealistic young Koreanshave volunteered for similar missions in the developing world.

North Korea:

South Koreas successful and positive role as a regional power is in stark contrast with NorthKorea. North Korea poses the most immediate risks to both South Korea and the stability of EastAsia. North Koreas unprovoked attack on the Republic of Korea naval ship Cheonan on March

4

26, 2010, claimed the lives of 46 South Korean sailors. This attack gave the internationalcommunity yet another reminder of the unpredictable and enduring threat posed by North Korea.

The United States has responded to a number of provocative actions by the DPRK --diplomatically, militarily, and economically. Let there be no doubt about U.S. conviction here.In the case of the Cheonan sinking the United States worked closely with member states in the


21/49

The United States and the ROK have also coordinated closely on a series of combined militaryexercises to ensure readiness and to deter future aggression. These defensive exercises aredesigned to send a clear message to North Korea that the United States and ROK are committedto enhancing their combined defensive capabilities. The first exercise, Invincible Spirit, acombined maritime and air readiness exercise, occurred from July 25-28 in the Sea of Japan. OnAugust 16-26, the Combined Forces Command completed the annual Ulchi Freedom Guardian

exercise, which focused on ensuring our readiness to prepare for, prevent, and prevail against thefull range of provocations on the Korean Peninsula both now and in the future. The UnitedStates and ROK will continue to routinely conduct joint military exercises to enhanceinteroperability and increase our ability to respond to threats to peace. These steps enhancesecurity on the peninsula by sending a clear message of our capabilities and determination.

In addition, the United States has taken additional steps through the adoption of new sanctionstargeting DPRK proliferation and illicit activities. By adopting these new measures, the UnitedStates is sending a signal to the DPRK that its provocative actions, including its announced testof a nuclear device, missile launches, and the sinking of the Cheonan, are not without costs. OnAugust 30, President Obama signed an Executive Order implementing new country-specific

sanctions against the DPRK. The Executive Order directs the Secretary of the Treasury, inconsultation with the Secretary of State, to target for sanctions individuals and entities thatsupport the Government of North Korea through arms sales and illicit economic activities,including money laundering, the counterfeiting of goods and currency, bulk cash smuggling, andnarcotics trafficking. The new Executive Order supplements existing U.S. sanctions targetingproliferators of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and those who support them andstrengthens our enforcement of UN Security Council Resolutions 1718 and 1874. The additionalsanctions are not directed at the North Korean people, who have suffered too long, nor are thesemeasures targeted at those who provide legitimate humanitarian relief to the people of NorthKorea. These sanctions target only the North Korean military and leaders.

As Secretary Clinton has said, From the beginning of the Obama Administration, we have madeclear that there is a path open to the DPRK to achieve the security and international respect itseeks . . . . If North Korea chooses that path, sanctions will be lifted, energy and other economicassistance will be provided, its relations with the United States will be normalized, and thecurrent armistice on the peninsula will be replaced by a permanent peace agreement. But as longas it makes a different choiceif it continues its defiance, provocations, and belligerenceitwill continue to suffer the consequences.

5

Way Ahead:

The Republic of Korea is a key partner and contributor to regional and global peace and stability.The Obama Administration is unwavering in its resolve to uphold its treaty commitments todefend its allies. We highly value our broad relationships with the ROK and Japan and aredeepening our security relationships with both countries as well as with our other partners in theregion to ensure peace and stability on the peninsula. The U.S. position on the DPRK hasremained constant: we will not accept North Korea as a nuclear weapons power. The UnitedStates has underscored numerous times that North Korea can only achieve the security and

international respect it seeks by ceasing its provocative behavior, improving its relations with itsneighbors, complying with international law, and taking irreversible steps toward fulfilling itsdenuclearization commitments under the September 2005 Joint Statement


22/49

years. This unprovoked aggression reinforces the need to be prepared for a broad range ofsecurity challenges from the North and all manner of unpredictable developments. American,Japanese and ROK commitment to the peace and security of Northeast Asia will remain criticalto deal with North Korea, but also to ensure a context for peace and stability in the greater Asia-Pacific.

As President Obama has stated, the U.S. is a Pacific power. Our alliance relationship with the

Republic of Korea serves as a critical anchor for our strategic engagement in the Asia-Pacific.Looking back over the past 60 years, it is amazing to see the evolution of the U.S.-ROKrelationship. The relationship is no longer defined solely through the monocular lens of NorthKorea, but is increasingly global in scope. Our shared interests and democratic values will proveinstrumental in ensuring a context of peace and prosperity for the Asia-Pacific for the comingyears.

Thank you for extending this opportunity to me to testify today on this timely and importantissue. I am happy to respond to any questions you may have.

http://armed-services.senate.gov/statemnt/2010/09%20September/Campbell%2009-16-10.pdf
http://armed-services.senate.gov/statemnt/2010/09%20September/Campbell%2009-16-10.pdfhttp://armed-services.senate.gov/statemnt/2010/09%20September/Campbell%2009-16-10.pdfhttp://armed-services.senate.gov/statemnt/2010/09%20September/Campbell%2009-16-10.pdf


23/49

United Nations A/HRC/16/L.11

General Assembly Distr.: Limited18 March 2011

Original: English

Human Rights CouncilSixteenth sessionAgenda item 4

Human rights situations that require the Councils attention

Austria*, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina

*, Bulgaria

*, Canada

*, Croatia

*, Cyprus

*,

Czech Republic*, Denmark*, Estonia*, Finland*, France, Germany*, Greece*, Hungary(on behalf of the European Union), Iceland

*, Ireland

*, Italy

*, Latvia

*, Liechtenstein*,

Lithuania*, Luxembourg

*, Malta

*, Monaco

*, Montenegro

*, Netherlands

*, New

Zealand*, Norway, Peru

*, Poland, Portugal

*, Romania

*, Slovakia, Slovenia

*, Spain,

Sweden*, Switzerland, United Kingdom ofGreat Britain and Northern Ireland,

Uruguay: draft resolution

16/ Situation of human rights in Myanmar

The Human Rights Council,

Guided by the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, the

Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenants on Human Rights,and reaffirming also previous resolutions of the Commission on Human Rights, the Human

Rights Council and the General Assembly on the situation of human rights in Myanmar,

including Council resolutions 10/27 of 27 March 2009 , 12/20 of 2 October 2009 and 13/25

of 26 March 2010, and General Assembly resolutions 64/238 of 24 December 2009 and

65/241 of 24 December 2010,

Welcoming the latest report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human

rights in Myanmar,1 in which the Special Rapporteur urged the implementation of

the recommendations contained therein and those within previous reports, concerned about

the lack of implementation of previous recommendations, and regretting the fact that no

visit of the Special Rapporteur has been allowed to the country since February 2010,

Increasingly concernedthat the urgent calls contained in the above-mentioned

resolutions and reports and in those of other United Nations bodies concerning the human

rights situation in Myanmar have still not been met, and emphasizing the urgent need for

significant progress towards meeting those calls of the international community,

Recalling Council resolutions 5/1 on institution-building of the Council and 5/2 on

the code of conduct for special procedures mandate holders of the Council, of 18 June

*Non-Member State of the Human Rights Council.

1A/HRC/16/59.

GE.11-11980
http://europa.eu/about-eu/member-countries/countries/member-states/austria/index_en.htmhttp://europa.eu/about-eu/member-countries/countries/member-states/austria/index_en.htmhttp://europa.eu/about-eu/member-countries/countries/member-states/austria/index_en.htmhttp://europa.eu/about-eu/member-countries/countries/member-states/bulgaria/index_en.htmhttp://europa.eu/about-eu/member-countries/countries/member-states/bulgaria/index_en.htmhttp://europa.eu/about-eu/member-countries/countries/member-states/bulgaria/index_en.htmhttp://europa.eu/about-eu/member-countries/countries/member-states/cyprus/index_en.htmhttp://europa.eu/about-eu/member-countries/countries/member-states/cyprus/index_en.htmhttp://europa.eu/about-eu/member-countries/countries/member-states/cyprus/index_en.htmhttp://europa.eu/about-eu/member-countries/countries/member-states/czechrepublic/index_en.htmhttp://europa.eu/about-eu/member-countries/countries/member-states/czechrepublic/index_en.htmhttp://europa.eu/about-eu/member-countries/countries/member-states/czechrepublic/index_en.htmhttp://europa.eu/about-eu/member-countries/countries/member-states/czechrepublic/index_en.htmhttp://europa.eu/about-eu/member-countries/countries/member-states/denmark/index_en.htmhttp://europa.eu/about-eu/member-countries/countries/member-states/denmark/index_en.htmhttp://europa.eu/about-eu/member-countries/countries/member-states/denmark/index_en.htmhttp://europa.eu/about-eu/member-countries/countries/member-states/denmark/index_en.htmhttp://europa.eu/about-eu/member-countries/countries/member-states/denmark/index_en.htmhttp://europa.eu/about-eu/member-countries/countries/member-states/finland/index_en.htmhttp://europa.eu/about-eu/member-countries/countries/member-states/finland/index_en.htmhttp://europa.eu/about-eu/member-countries/countries/member-states/finland/index_en.htmhttp://europa.eu/about-eu/member-countries/countries/member-states/france/index_en.htmhttp://europa.eu/about-eu/member-countries/countries/member-states/germany/index_en.htmhttp://europa.eu/about-eu/member-countries/countries/member-states/germany/index_en.htmhttp://europa.eu/about-eu/member-countries/countries/member-states/germany/index_en.htmhttp://europa.eu/about-eu/member-countries/countries/member-states/greece/index_en.htmhttp://europa.eu/about-eu/member-countries/countries/member-states/greece/index_en.htmhttp://europa.eu/about-eu/member-countries/countries/member-states/greece/index_en.htmhttp://europa.eu/about-eu/member-countries/countries/member-states/ireland/index_en.htmhttp://europa.eu/about-eu/member-countries/countries/member-states/ireland/index_en.htmhttp://europa.eu/about-eu/member-countries/countries/member-states/ireland/index_en.htmhttp://europa.eu/about-eu/member-countries/countries/member-states/ireland/index_en.htmhttp://europa.eu/about-eu/member-countries/countries/member-states/italy/index_en.htmhttp://europa.eu/about-eu/member-countries/countries/member-states/italy/index_en.htmhttp://europa.eu/about-eu/member-countries/countries/member-states/italy/index_en.htmhttp://europa.eu/about-eu/member-countries/countries/member-states/latvia/index_en.htmhttp://europa.eu/about-eu/member-countries/countries/member-states/latvia/index_en.htmhttp://europa.eu/about-eu/member-countries/countries/member-states/latvia/index_en.htmhttp://europa.eu/about-eu/member-countries/countries/member-states/lithuania/index_en.htmhttp://europa.eu/about-eu/member-countries/countries/member-states/lithuania/index_en.htmhttp://europa.eu/about-eu/member-countries/countries/member-states/lithuania/index_en.htmhttp://europa.eu/about-eu/member-countries/countries/member-states/lithuania/index_en.htmhttp://europa.eu/about-eu/member-countries/countries/member-states/lithuania/index_en.htmhttp://europa.eu/about-eu/member-countries/countries/member-states/lithuania/index_en.htmhttp://europa.eu/about-eu/member-countries/countries/member-states/malta/index_en.htmhttp://europa.eu/about-eu/member-countries/countries/member-states/malta/index_en.htmhttp://europa.eu/about-eu/member-countries/countries/member-states/malta/index_en.htmhttp://europa.eu/about-eu/member-countries/countries/member-states/netherlands/index_en.htmhttp://europa.eu/about-eu/member-countries/countries/member-states/netherlands/index_en.htmhttp://europa.eu/about-eu/member-countries/countries/member-states/netherlands/index_en.htmhttp://europa.eu/about-eu/member-countries/countries/member-states/poland/index_en.htmhttp://europa.eu/about-eu/member-countries/countries/member-states/portugal/index_en.htmhttp://europa.eu/about-eu/member-countries/countries/member-states/portugal/index_en.htmhttp://europa.eu/about-eu/member-countries/countries/member-states/portugal/index_en.htmhttp://europa.eu/about-eu/member-countries/countries/member-states/slovakia/index_en.htmhttp://europa.eu/about-eu/member-countries/countries/member-states/slovakia/index_en.htmhttp://europa.eu/about-eu/member-countries/countries/member-states/slovakia/index_en.htmhttp://europa.eu/about-eu/member-countries/countries/member-states/sweden/index_en.htmhttp://europa.eu/about-eu/member-countries/countries/member-states/sweden/index_en.htmhttp://europa.eu/about-eu/member-countries/countries/member-states/sweden/index_en.htmhttp://europa.eu/about-eu/member-countries/countries/member-states/sweden/index_en.htmhttp://europa.eu/about-eu/member-countries/countries/member-states/unitedkingdom/index_en.htmhttp://europa.eu/about-eu/member-countries/countries/member-states/unitedkingdom/index_en.htmhttp://europa.eu/about-eu/member-countries/countries/member-states/sweden/index_en.htmhttp://europa.eu/about-eu/member-countries/countries/member-states/sweden/index_en.htmhttp://europa.eu/about-eu/member-countries/countries/member-states/slovakia/index_en.htmhttp://europa.eu/about-eu/member-countries/countries/member-states/portugal/index_en.htmhttp://europa.eu/about-eu/member-countries/countries/member-states/poland/index_en.htmhttp://europa.eu/about-eu/member-countries/countries/member-states/netherlands/index_en.htmhttp://europa.eu/about-eu/member-countries/countries/member-states/malta/index_en.htmhttp://europa.eu/about-eu/member-countries/countries/member-states/lithuania/index_en.htmhttp://europa.eu/about-eu/member-countries/countries/member-states/lithuania/index_en.htmhttp://europa.eu/about-eu/member-countries/countries/member-states/lithuania/index_en.htmhttp://europa.eu/about-eu/member-countries/countries/member-states/latvia/index_en.htmhttp://europa.eu/about-eu/member-countries/countries/member-states/italy/index_en.htmhttp://europa.eu/about-eu/member-countries/countries/member-states/ireland/index_en.htmhttp://europa.eu/about-eu/member-countries/countries/member-states/greece/index_en.htmhttp://europa.eu/about-eu/member-countries/countries/member-states/germany/index_en.htmhttp://europa.eu/about-eu/member-countries/countries/member-states/france/index_en.htmhttp://europa.eu/about-eu/member-countries/countries/member-states/finland/index_en.htmhttp://europa.eu/about-eu/member-countries/countries/member-states/denmark/index_en.htmhttp://europa.eu/about-eu/member-countries/countries/member-states/denmark/index_en.htmhttp://europa.eu/about-eu/member-countries/countries/member-states/czechrepublic/index_en.htmhttp://europa.eu/about-eu/member-countries/countries/member-states/czechrepublic/index_en.htmhttp://europa.eu/about-eu/member-countries/countries/member-states/cyprus/index_en.htmhttp://europa.eu/about-eu/member-countries/countries/member-states/bulgaria/index_en.htmhttp://europa.eu/about-eu/member-countries/countries/member-states/austria/index_en.htm


24/49

A/HRC/16/L.11

2007, and stressing that the mandate holder shall discharge his or her duties in accordance

with those resolutions and the annexes thereto,

Reaffirming that it is the responsibility of the Government of Myanmar to ensure the

full enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms of its entire population, as

stated in the Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other applicablehuman rights instruments,

Particularly concerned by the restrictions imposed on the representatives of the

National League for Democracy and other political parties and other relevant stakeholders,

including a number of ethnic groups, thus preventing a genuine process of dialogue,

national reconciliation and transition to democracy,

Deeply regretting that the Government of Myanmar did not take the necessary steps

to ensure a free, fair, transparent and inclusive electoral process leading up to the election

of 7 November 2010, noting in particular in this respect the restrictions imposed by the

electoral laws as enacted and implemented by the Government, including those placed on

the registration of voters, parties and candidates, as well as the detention of political

activists, the restrictions on the presence of international observers, on free reporting and on

freedom of assembly, the limited access to media, funding and campaigning possibilities,the reported incidents of official intimidation, the cancellation of elections in certain ethnic

areas, and the lack of independence of the electoral commission, and also expressing

concern at the failure by the electoral commission to follow up on complaints about the

electoral process, including voting procedures, and expressing serious concern at reports of

fraud, including through advance voting arrangements,

Welcoming the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi following the most recent period

of her arbitrary house arrest, while expressing grave concern at the continuingly high

number of prisoners of conscience and consistent reports of their torture and ill-treatment,

Taking note of the participation by the Government of Myanmar in the universal

periodic review in January 2011 as the State under review, acknowledging in this regard its

support for certain recommendations, expressing hope for the due consideration andacceptance of as many pending recommendations as possible and for the implementation in

practice of the many important recommendations that were rejected, including calls to

release all political prisoners, to end impunity for human rights violations, to begin a

transparent and inclusive dialogue with all national stakeholders and to halt discrimination

against Rohingya, Karen, Chin, Shan and Mon and other ethnic groups,

Noting with serious concern that the grave human rights situation in Myanmar forces

thousands of people to seek refuge in neighbouring countries,

1. Strongly condemns the ongoing systematic violations of human rights and

fundamental freedoms of the people of Myanmar;

2. Urges the Government of Myanmar to begin an inclusive post-election

process of national reconciliation for a credible transition to democracy, including throughmeaningful dialogue and the participation of representatives of all groups in the political

life of the country, within the framework of a transition to a civilian, legitimate and

accountable system of government, based on the rule of law and respect for human rights

and fundamental freedoms, and to these ends to take immediate measures to engage in a

meaningful and substantive dialogue through all channels with all opposition parties,

political, ethnic and civil society groups and actors, including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi;

3. Welcomes the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi following the most recent

period of her arbitrary house arrest, and noting that her release is unconditional, calls on the

Government of Myanmar to guarantee full enjoyment of all human rights, including civil

and political rights, and fundamental freedoms, for all people in Myanmar, including Daw

2


25/49

3

A/HRC/16/L.11

Aung San Suu Kyi, in particular with regard to unrestricted movement in and outside the

country and unrestricted contact with all domestic stakeholders, including members of the

National League for Democracy;

4. Calls on the Government of Myanmar to protect the physical safety of all

people in Myanmar, including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, in a manner that is consistent withrespect for human rights and fundamental freedoms;

5 Strongly regrets that the elections failed to meet international standards, and

strongly calls upon the Government to recognize the National League for Democracys pre-

election registration status and lift all restrictions imposed on its representative

no 7 - wednesday, december 21,2011

Documents