Conclusion of the Burmese "National Convention"

Press Statement
Tom Casey, Deputy Spokesman
Washington, DC
September 4, 2007

Conclusion of the Burmese Regime's "National Convention"

The "National Convention" concluded by the Burmese regime yesterday is a sham. Delegates to the convention were hand-picked by the regime and have not been allowed to engage in open debate about a new constitution. This convention also excluded the National League for Democracy, Burma's largest democratic political party.

The conclusion of the National Convention coincides with a brutal crackdown on citizens for peacefully exercising their freedom of expression. The results of this illegitimate convention clearly do not represent the will of the Burmese people, nor are they a step toward democracy.

The international community, including the United States, repeatedly has called for a genuine and inclusive dialogue between the Burmese regime and the leaders of Burma's democracy movement and ethnic minority groups. Burma's ruling generals continue to resist such a dialogue and brutally suppress the movement for democracy and respect for human rights in Burma.

The United States renews its call for dialogue leading to a legitimate, civilian, democratic government that respects human rights. We call upon the Burmese regime to stop immediately the arrest and harassment of non-violent political activists, release all political prisoners, end its attacks on civilians in ethnic minority areas and other human rights abuses, and lift restrictions on humanitarian aid organizations in Burma.

ENDS

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