Report to the Congress Regarding Conditions in Burma and U.S. Policy Toward Burma

Memorandum of March 28, 2003 Report to the Congress Regarding Conditions in Burma and U.S. Policy Toward Burma Memorandum for the Secretary of State Pursuant to the requirements set forth under the heading “Policy Toward Burma” in section 570(d) of the Fiscal Year 1997 Foreign Operations Appropriations Act, as contained in the Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act ( Public Law 104-208 ), a report is required every 6 months following enactment concerning: (1) progress toward democratization in Burma; (2) progress on improving the quality of life of the Burmese people, including progress on market reforms, living standards, labor standards, use of forced labor in the tourism industry, and environmental quality; and (3) progress made in developing a comprehensive, multilateral strategy to bring democracy to and improve human rights practices and the quality of life in Burma, including the development of a dialogue between the State Peace and Development Council and democratic opposition groups in Burma. You are hereby authorized and directed to transmit the attached report fulfilling these requirements to the appropriate committees of the Congress and to arrange for its publication in the Federal Register. ( printed page 17530) Conditions in Burma and U.S. Policy Toward Burma For the Period September 28, 2002—March 27, 2003 Introduction and Summary Efforts to foster peaceful democratic change in Burma essentially ground to a halt over the past six months. The regime has become more confrontational in its exchanges with the National League for Democracy (NLD), led by Aung San Suu Kyi, and has offered few signs of progress toward their stated commitment to a political transition to democracy and not interest in pursuing political dialogue with the elected opposition. UN Special Envoy Razali continued his mission, the National League for Democracy opened up a significant number of township and divisional party offices, and NLD General Secretary Aung Sa…