Taken Questions
Office of the Spokesman
Washington, DC
November 30, 2004
Question Taken at the November 30, 2004 Press Briefing
Burma: U.S. Attendance at ASEAN Meetings
Question: What is the U.S. policy on participating in ASEAN meetings in Burma?
Answer: The U.S. has made clear that the situation in Burma has complicated our dealings with ASEAN. The Secretary of
State will have to decide whether it is appropriate to participate at senior levels in meetings in Burma, based on the
situation that exists at the time in 2006-2007, while that country holds ASEAN's chairmanship.
The United States has repeatedly called on Burma's leadership to take steps to promote genuine national reconciliation
and democracy, engage in meaningful dialogue with members of the political opposition and ethnic groups, release all
political prisoners and respect the fundamental human rights of its citizens.
2004/1295
[End]