*EPF507 05/21/2004
Text: White House Says Burmese Constitutional Convention Lacks Legitimacy
(Convention does not allow full participation of all groups) (380)

The Burmese junta has put forward a "road map for democracy" in Burma, but there has been no meaningful progress toward this goal, the White House said in a statement issued May 21.

"Given that Rangoon's constitutional convention has not allowed for substantive dialogue and the full participation of all political groups, including the NLD [National League for Democracy], it lacks legitimacy," the White House said.

"Advancement of national reconciliation and democracy requires the inclusion of all political groups and genuine, transparent dialogue. The protection of the civil and political rights of the Burmese people is also crucial," the White House said.

Following is the text of the statement:

(begin text)

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
May 21, 2004

STATEMENT BY THE PRESS SECRETARY

Burma: National Reconciliation and Democracy

The United States is a steadfast supporter of the democracy movement in Burma and commends the National League for Democracy (NLD) and Aung San Suu Kyi for their commitment to democratic principles. Given that Rangoon's constitutional convention has not allowed for substantive dialogue and the full participation of all political groups, including the NLD, it lacks legitimacy. Due to the unresolved crisis, the President has extended for one year the national emergency and associated sanctions with respect to Burma. With each passing day, a growing chorus of Burma's neighbors and members of the international community have called on Rangoon to fulfill its promises of progress on democracy and national reconciliation. We call on the military authorities to release all political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi and U Tin Oo, and to reopen the NLD branch offices which were closed last year.

Burmese officials have put forward a road map for democracy, but there has been no meaningful progress toward this goal. Advancement of national reconciliation and democracy requires the inclusion of all political groups and genuine, transparent dialogue. The protection of the civil and political rights of the Burmese people is also crucial.

We encourage the United Nations and members of the international community to continue to support the NLD and the Burmese people in their desire for democracy, national reconciliation, and improved human rights in Burma.

(end text)

(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)

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