| US Relations with Myanmar 2012 |
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Transcript of remarks by US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Myanmar Foreign Minister U Wunna Maung Lwin at their Joint Press Conference on 17 May 2012
Background Briefing on Burma
Question: Just last month we were doing one of these backgrounders, and it seemed at that point, you guys were looking at very specific targeting sectors as a way to do this, and you guys named jade, oil, some of these things that are very tied closely with the military, as sectors you would avoid. I was wondering what changed in terms of the thinking, and why you guys ended up going down this road. Response: On the issue of sectors in specific, it was asked during the previous backgrounder about sectors, and off the cuff, we would list various sectors that raised questions...... there are still questions, I think, about mining and timber and oil and gas. I mean, they’re legitimate questions. I think we can get at them effectively through the method that we are, which is to, again, target the entities, the individuals, and the activities rather than do it simply by sector. So it’s just that I think the last time, we were at the start of the process and we’ve been doing some very, very careful consideration, and we’re very confident this is the best way to go in that effort.
US says "eyes wide open" on Myanmar Reuters - 12 May 2012 The United States is matching Myanmar's tentative steps toward democracy after decades of harsh military rule with a calibrated re-engagement, aware of the potential for setbacks, a senior U.S. diplomat said on Friday. Patrick Murphy, the State Department's Head of the Mainland SE Asian Bureau, said Washington is deepening its engagement with the reformist government, looking at easing more sanctions and likely to appoint a U.S. ambassador "in coming weeks." "We embrace these changes that are taking place with eyes wide open," he said in remarks at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, a Washington think tank.
In his latest comments Senator John McCain has called for the  suspension of all economic sanctions against Myanmar. “Following the recent election that brought Aung San Suu Kyi and the National League for Democracy into the parliament, I think now is the time to suspend US sanctions ….. except for the arms embargo, and targeted measures we maintain against individuals and entities in Burma that undermine democracy, violate human rights and plunder the nation’s resources. This would not be a lifting of sanctions, just a suspension. And this step, as well as any additional easing of sanctions, would depend on continued progress and reform in Burma." McCain said Aung San Suu Kyi has made the distinction between the right and wrong kinds of investment. “The right kind of investment would strengthen Burma’s private sector, benefit its citizens and ultimately loosen the military’s control over the economy and the civilian government. The wrong investment would do the opposite, entrenching a new oligarchy and setting back Burma’s development for decades."
Suu Kyi meanwhile has given Senator McCain's proposals a cautious welcome. "I am not against the suspension of sanctions as long as the people of the United States feel that this is the right thing to do at the moment. I do advocate caution, though," she said in a contribution by Skype to a Washington discussion. "I sometimes feel that people are too optimistic about the scene in Burma... You have to remember that the democratisation process is not irreversible." She also complained that some 271 political prisoners on the NLD's list had yet to be released. Counter-salvoes: Senators Webb and Inhofe: "Lift all economic sanctions against Burma" Press Release by Senator Webb's office - 4 May 2012  Senator Jim Webb (Democrat - Virginia) whose historic trip to Burma in 2009 set the stage for a new direction in U.S. policy toward that country, today called for the Administration “to facilitate reforms in Burma (Myanmar) through the lifting of economic sanctions.” Senator Webb, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations East Asian and Pacific Affairs Subcommittee, was joined in his letter to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton by subcommittee ranking member James Inhofe (Republican - Oklahoma). “This letter is the result of years of thought and effort, and I am confident that lifting economic  sanctions is the best course of action,” commented Senator Webb. “The President has the power to do that. It’s time for him to act......At this critical moment, it is imperative that our policy toward Burma be forward thinking, providing incentives for further reforms and building the capacity of reformers in the government to push for additional change. We urge the Administration to take action under its own authority, and seize this opportunity to support the Burmese people in their efforts to form an open, democratic government that respects and protects the rights of all. Derek Tonkin writes: The testimony by OFAC Director Adam Szubin came as a surprise to many who had fondly believed that the US Administration had already done what it could to ease sanctions against Myanmar and was now largely dependent on congressional support to proceed further. It would seem that this is not the case and that most sanctions could now be waived through presidential action. My latest Myanmar Briefing Note No.27 "Myanmar sanctions: The US paddles its own canoe" highlights the extent to which the US is now "up the creek" where sanctions policy against Myanmar is concerned.
US State Department on NLD willingness to take their seats in Parliament Mark C Toner - Deputy Spokesman 1 May 2012
 Extract: I just think from our perspective, we want to see these newly elected members take their seats. We want to see them work constructively with the government. We want to see the progress continue. And in terms of any rolling back, I think we’re going to continue to keep a close eye on the progression of these reforms in Burma. And we’ve been very clear, the Secretary’s been very clear that we’ll do action for action; that as we see progress, we’ll take steps on our end to recognize that progress. So I think we’re going to need to monitor things very closely as we move forward.
US Policy on Burma US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations - 26 April 2012 Testimony before the Subcommittee on East Asian and Pacific Affairs, with video record Panel One Panel Two Oversight of US Policy toward Burma US House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs - 25 April 2012 Testimony before the House Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific
US eases Myanmar sanctions to permit NGO projects Reuters - 17 April 2012 The U.S. Treasury on Tuesday relaxed sanctions on Myanmar to permit non-governmental organizations to support certain humanitarian, religious and educational activities in the country. The Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control issued a notice saying that, subject to certain limitations, sanctions would be eased to allow projects to meet basic human needs, democracy building and good governance, education, religious, sport and non-commercial development in the country. Special US State Department Briefing on Burma  State Department Teleconference - 4 April 2012 The Special Briefing (see pdf version attached) expands on the statement by US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton "Recognizing and Supporting Burma's democratic reforms" made in the Treaty Room of the State Department yesterday. In particular, Hillary Clinton noted that: "We are prepared to take steps toward:
Derek Tonkin writes: The briefing by officials makes it clear that we are only at the start of a long process of dismantling US sanctions in response to political reform in Myanmar, though some actions will take effect "in a matter of days and weeks". The guiding philosophy is firstly a "measured incremental approach" and secondly "taking the bluntness out of sanctions", concentrating on "what has the greatest bang in terms of employment and development for those who have been hurt by the system for so long." This is tantamount to an admission that US sanctions (described as "byzantine, to put it mildly, in terms of executive orders that overlap and legislation that overlaps") have been too general and have had deleterious consequences for the population at large. "European diplomacy" writes Dr Sophie Boisseau du Rocher in a recent article "carries a heavy past with its diplomatic snubs and colonial resentments.....Blame and condemnation, sanctions and pressure on multinational corporations to leave the country have had minimal effect in delivering change and, conversely, have produced irritation." The issue now is how and whether the EU can catch up with the rest of the world and regain its lost influence. Celebrate Aung San Suu Kyi's victory - ease sanctions on Myanmar CNN - 2 April 2012  Suzanne DiMaggio, vice president of global policy programs at the Asia Society, and Priscilla Clapp, a retired minister-counselor in the U.S. Foreign Service and former Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Burma, argue that the international community should take this moment to encourage Myanmar's moves toward liberalization. For the United States, the time has come to seriously address its myriad financial sanctions on Myanmar to ensure that they are not working at cross-purposes with reform efforts. The draconian application of U.S. financial sanctions is having a serious negative impact on legitimate economic actors in Myanmar who are struggling to institute positive changes. They are also impeding Americans who are working to assist in the reforms. Read more..... Letting Burma back in  Foreign Policy - 30 March 2012 Tom Malinowski, Washington Director of Human Rights Watch, notes that "experts debate whether the role of sanctions was successful in opening up Burma. But with the up-coming by-elections and the release of political prisoners, the greater challenge may be how to lift them." Read more..... Derek Tonkin writes: A thoughtful and perceptive analysis of the rationale behind US sanctions policy, though I find it hard to accept the argument that because sanctions drove Myanmar into the arms of the Chinese, this turned out to be an argument for sanctions, since this was not a place where Myanmar's nationalistic leaders wanted to be for long. This was never a US policy tactic or strategy. No advocate of sanctions advanced this notion either, to my knowledge. Burma: By-elections a step, but not real reform - Human Rights Watch, 30 March 2012 Derek Tonkin writes: Jumping the gun by 48 hours, Human Rights Watch prejudges the by-elections with expected faint praise and warns against the premature scrapping of sanctions, even though US sanctions in particular never pretended to be "smart" and were designed under previous US Administrations to promote "regime change", despite the very obvious human rights implications of sanctions which were not only bound to, but were designed to hit the Burmese people as well as the regime. Burma's Political Prisoners and US Sanctions Michael F Martin: Congressional Research Service - February 2012 A very competent analysis of the issues surrounding "political prisoners" in Myanmar and their importance for US policy, especially in the context of US sanctions. US ready to send observers to Myanmar  Agence France-Presse - 21 March 2012 "We will obviously take up this opportunity to monitor,” State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland told reporters today. Nuland said that Myanmar had invited two US observers along with three US journalists for the vote, while a “full-scale” election monitoring mission typically requires significant previous planning and follow-up. “We will coordinate with ASEAN and other observers to try to maximize the impact that our observers can have. But we would obviously encourage the Burmese government to try to bring this monitoring effort as closely as they can to international standards."
Text of press conference on 15 March 2012 - US Embassy Yangon
Getting past the symbolism of Aung San Suu Kyi  Stanley A Weiss: The Huffington Post - 7 March 2012 The Founder and Chairman of Business Executives for National Security, Stanley Weiss, argues that it is important to see past Aung San Suu Kyi as a symbol of moral courage to evaluate the substance of her positions - and by extension, U.S. policy - during the past two decades. Like Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela before her, there are hard lessons that must be faced. First, it is time to admit that economic sanctions were a mistake......As Chinese journalist Ding Gang [a senior reporter with the People's Daily] recently wrote: "Western sanctions against Myanmar have intensified cronyism rather than weakening it....." Second, denying humanitarian aid prolonged the suffering of ethnic minorities. Suu Kyi rarely mentioned the plight of ethnic minorities the past 20 years, but their anguish was multiplied by a near-complete absence of aid dollars...... Third, denying visas to Myanmar students denied them the ability to see democracy in action...... Fourth, isolating Myanmar opened the U.S. to charges of bullying. I hear it constantly here in Asia - the U.S. sanctions countries like Myanmar and Cuba, but fails to take the same steps with countries like China, Russia, Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, who have equally appalling human rights records..... If there is one final lesson, it is the one we've known all along: the U.S. should never allow a single person in a foreign country to drive America's security policy, no matter how revered that person may be.  Derek Tonkin writes: The criticism of economic sanctions imposed against Myanmar (Joseph Stiglitz and Louise Arbour) is becoming increasingly vocal and specific. In the case of the US, Myanmar has faced virtual economic warfare this century, all to no avail because sanctions failed to stop the Road Map to Democracy announced in 2003 by Lt Gen Khin Nyunt. This is now at its final stage which is: "Building a modern, developed and democratic nation.....". The West may not like the political infrastructure which has been created. but the Burmese people will remedy that in their own good time. Meanwhile, the West should act boldly to support the reforms now taking place in Myanmar.Obama says authoritarian regimes should follow Burma's example  The Irrawaddy - 2 March 2012 Touting Burma as a foreign policy success story and an example of America’s leadership, US President Barack Obama on Thursday said that other authoritarian regimes could also improve relations with Washington by adopting the path of democratic reform. “We demonstrated that if countries like Burma travel down the road of democratic reform, they will find a new relationship with the United States,” Obama said at a fundraising event in New York. [video clip] Obama, who is seeking reelection in November presidential elections, said that the US under his leadership has restored respect for America around the world. “We’ve restored respect for America around the world, made clear that America will abide by those core values that made us a great country. We ended torture. We promoted human rights. We made it clear that America is a Pacific power." Advancing Myanmar's Transition  Asia Society - 16 February 2012 In their delightfully succinct report subtitled "A Way Forward for US Policy", authors Priscilla Clapp and Suzanne DiMaggio conclude that "the most urgent task for the United States and the broader international community is to empower the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank to help Myanmar’s leaders with macroeconomic reform and economic development strategy." On sanctions, the report recommends that "the U.S. government must urgently address its myriad financial sanctions on Myanmar to ensure that they are not working at cross-purposes with public and private assistance efforts......The draconian application of the current financial sanctions regime is having a serious negative impact on legitimate economic actors in Myanmar who are struggling to institute reforms. They are also impeding Americans who are working to assist in the reforms." Derek Tonkin writes: The conclusions reached by the authors are eminently sensible. "To insist on the solution of all the country's problems before sanctions can be eased would be self-defeating." However, the broad argumentation of the report lacks historical perspective, fails to understand that the present situation is a logical progression of the objectives of the Tatmadaw (Armed Forces) ever since the August 1988 uprising, divides the current leadership too neatly into "reformers" and those said to have "a vested interest in retaining corrupt practices", regards the Union Solidarity and Development Party as monolithic and unchanging and perpetuates the myth that there were "changes in the election laws that enabled the NLD to reregister as a political party" - the historical fact is that there were only very minor changes to just one law, the Political Parties Registration Law, designed to make the law compatible with the 2008 and previous Constitutions and scarcely affecting the operations of political parties, since convicted party members currently in prison are no longer required to surrender their membership but are still debarred from voting or standing for election. The Sanctions Debate
Press Roundtable in Hanoi, Vietnam  US State Department - 2 February 2012 This report includes comments by Kurt Campbell, Assistant Secretary, on the US relationship with Myanmar, notably: "I think Secretary Clinton when she visited Burma on her historic trip in December made clear that we would match their steps with ours, and that we would work closely with the government on particular steps designed to recognize the reforms and steps that the government has taken. "We believe that, for instance, after the most recent release of political prisoners you will note that within about 12 hours the United States announced publicly, the President and Secretary of State, that we would be sending an ambassador back to Burma after many years. We have laid out very clearly to our interlocutors [inaudible] what particular steps we are prepared to take and we are frankly right now in very close consultation with the key senators -- Senator McConnell, Senator McCain, Senator Lieberman and others -- as they’ve returned from their recent visits to Burma. "Ultimately, for many of these sanctions and some of the prohibitions on certain activities it will require a close dialogue and consultation between the executive branch and the legislative branch. Those discussions are underway. It is our full intent to match the remarkable steps that are taking place in Burma with steps from the United States as well. So this process will be undertaken carefully and with appropriate consultation, but we are determined to match and support the process that’s underway there now."
Burma has shown progress to move towards democracy  Senate Floor statement by Senator McConnell - 26 January 2012 Extract: "I want to briefly address my colleagues on a very important trip I took recently to a country that, for much of the past 50 years, has ranked among the world’s most isolated and oppressed by its own government. Many of us wondered if things would ever change in Burma. But after my recent visit, I’m pleased to say that change is clearly in the air. “It appears that Burma has made more progress toward democracy in the past six months than it has in decades. As one who has taken a strong interest in Burma for over 20 years, and as the lead author in this chamber of an annual sanctions bill aimed at encouraging the Burmese government to reform, this is welcome news." Derek Tonkin writes: Senator McConnell also stated that Suu Kyi's party "won 80% of the vote in a free and fair election in 1990." In fact the National League for Democracy won only 52% of all votes cast (59% of all valid votes) in an election which on the actual day was as free and fair as the November 2010 elections, but which The New York Times had described prior to voting day as "a particularly unconvincing variety of Burmese puppet show" and whose likely integrity as a free and fair election The Economist had dismissed "as a macabre joke". US hopeful on sanctions, but action may be slow  Reuters - 24 January 2012 U.S. sanctions, launched in 1988 and expanded by five laws and four presidential directives, could prove tough to unravel quickly as the Obama administration monitors whether Myanmar genuinely embraces democracy, promotes civil liberties and ends strife with ethnic groups. "We're looking at it. We're reviewing right now what's available to the president, what's available to Congress, what makes the most sense," said Democratic Senator John Kerry, who chairs the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. "I think we have to take some measures in response to what is happening over there. But I don't think anybody's yet decided on exactly what the sequencing is." Derek Tonkin writes: The Myanmar economy, in desperate need of capacity and restructuring, faces its toughest test in the intransigence of US congressional politics, the complexities of US sanctions legislation and the inertia of the US democratic system in this presidential election year. There are no votes to be won on Myanmar policy, so no politician is likely to feel inclined to take political risks in this context. On the other hand, the opportunity for grandstanding is not to be missed. US Senator Mitch McConnell praises Myanmar reforms Associated Press - 16 January 2012 A U.S. senator who is a leading supporter of Myanmar's democracy movement says he is impressed with the new government's reforms but that more needs to be done. Republican leader Mitch McConnell spoke Monday after meeting for more than an hour with Myanmar pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi. He will meet President Thein Sein on Tuesday. McConnell's visit comes on the heels of the U.S. announcement Friday that it will restore full diplomatic relations with Myanmar following the release of hundreds of political prisoners including prominent activists.
Special Briefing: Recent Developments on Burma US State Department - 13 January 2012 Another detailed and definitive briefing to the press on US policy towards Myanmar and on recent developments there, including the release on 13 January 2012 of 651 'political prisoners' who included some 60 military personnel. Press Statement - Victoria Nuland US State Department Spokesperson US State Department - 3 January 2012 January 4, 2012 marks the 64th anniversary of Burma’s independence. We are unwavering in our support for a peaceful, prosperous, and democratic Burma. The United States remains committed to pursuing principled engagement, and we are prepared to provide further support as reforms proceed and progress is made toward realizing the democratic aspirations of the Burmese people. We continue to call for the release of all political prisoners, a halt to hostilities in ethnic areas and an inclusive dialogue with ethnic minorities toward national reconciliation, space for all political parties to freely compete in April 1 by-elections, and full implementation of legislation to protect universal freedoms of expression, assembly, and association. US keeps pressure on Myanmar for political change - Michele Keleman GPB News Derek Mitchell, Clinton's special envoy to Myanmar, thinks Hillary Clinton's trip a month ago put wind in the sails of a reform process. "I have to say it is a remarkable pace. You can't get around the fact that this government came in in late March and there was hope that there would be reform over time, but the pace of reform has come fairly rapidly and has encouraged an atmosphere in Rangoon that is quite optimistic about the future in the new year." Mitchell says much will depend on the Burmese government's next steps and whether Thein Sein delivers on other promises he made to Clinton. The U.S. is pushing not only for more political rights in the country, but also trying to promote peace efforts in the many, long-running ethnic conflicts that have ravaged Myanmar. "You continue to have reports of aggression, of abuses, of rape as a weapon of war, of torture and of killing of civilians. All that is very, very, serious and informs our policy as well." Special Report: How the US coaxed Myanmar in from the cold Reuters - 22 December 2011 A succinct and authoritative account of the steps leading up to US Secretary Hillary Clinton's visit to Myanmar on 1-2 December 2011. Essential reading. Clinton's Myanmar trip 'won't hurt ties'  China Daily - 14 December 2011 Ambassador Derek Mitchell, the US special representative and policy coordinator for Myanmar, has been in Beijing on the third leg of his Asia trip to brief China on Washington's improving relations with Myanmar after Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's visit. Mitchell said in his meetings with Chinese officials he wanted "to gain perspectives about how China is thinking about things and see if there might be opportunities to coordinate, cooperate and work together in the interests of regional stability as well as the interests of the (Myanmar) people", according to Reuters. Analysts also said the current US engagement with Myanmar is still at the "primary phase" and the lifting of sanctions is still not in sight. China recognizes and understands Myanmar's need to diversify its diplomatic ties, and that does not necessarily come at the expense of China-Myanmar relations, analysts said. Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said earlier this month that China believes Myanmar and Western countries should improve relations on the basis of mutual respect, and relevant countries should lift sanctions on Myanmar to promote its stability and development. "The biggest concern I think is the defining challenge, in essence, of Burma post-independence which is its national unity and national reconciliation. The ability of the country to find a resolution to the division between the ethnic minorities, ethnic nationalities and the center, and the Burman majority. They’ve been basically at civil war, or at least had these constant internal conflicts I should say, since its inception as an independent nation. I think that remains the biggest concern that we all must have about the stability of the country, the sustainability, of the stability of the country." - Derek Mitchell
US-Myanmar Relations
Promoting US interests in Asia : The Clinton visit to Myanmar  Myanmar Briefing Note No. 12 - 3 December 2011 Derek Tonkin examines the reasons for the visit to Myanmar by Hillary Clinton, relates it to President's Obama's new Asia-Pacific initiative to project US power in Asia, to protect US interests and to regain lost influence. He stresses that Myanmar is operating from a position of strength after the conclusion of their road map to 'disciplined' democracy, and questions whether the US is prudent in granting Daw Aung San Suu Kyi a virtual veto over US policy. US Secretary Hillary Clinton interviews - 2 December 2011
Background briefings by the US State Department - 1 and 2 December 2011
US Secretary Hillary Clinton's visit to Myanmar - Comment and Analysis
Transcript of Press Conference in Nay Pyi Taw - 1 December 2011 US State Department - 1 December 2011  Hillary Clinton talks to the press. She noted in particular: "Today, the United States is prepared to respond to reforms with measured steps to lessen the isolation and to help improve the lives of its citizens. That includes an invitation to join neighboring countries as an observer in the Lower Mekong Initiative. We have agreed to IMF and World Bank assessment missions to begin studying the needs on the ground for development, particularly in rural areas, and poverty reduction. "We discussed loosening restrictions on UNDP health and microfinance programs, pursuing education and training efforts, and resuming joint counter-narcotics missions. And just as the search for missing Americans once helped us repair relations with Vietnam, today we spoke about a new joint effort to recover the remains of hundreds of Americans lost here during World War II during the building of the Burma Road. "These are beginning steps, and we are prepared to go even further if reforms maintain momentum. In that spirit, we are discussing what it will take to upgrade diplomatic relations and exchange ambassadors. Over time, this could become an important channel to air concerns, monitor and support progress, and build trust on both sides....... "President Thein Sein laid out a comprehensive vision of reform, reconciliation, and economic development for his country, including specifics such as the release of political prisoners, an inclusive political process, and free, fair, and credible by-elections, a rigorous peace and reconciliation process to bring to an end some of the longest-standing conflicts anywhere in the world, and strong assurances regarding his country’s compliance with United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1718 and 1874, and their nonproliferation commitments with respect to North Korea."
Background Briefing on Hillary Clinton's Travel to Burma US State Department - 29 November 2011 Senior State Department Official opening remarks: I would say we've been discussing various aspects of this trip and elements of the reform process underway in Burma for about the last five months. And over the course of the last three months in particular, we laid out a series of steps that would be necessary for the United States to step up our engagement to a higher level. And what we have seen are a number of things, including very substantial dialogue with Aung San Suu Kyi. I think you will have seen that she and her party have committed to running in the next election. So I think you will be hearing in the next day or so about her own potential role in these (inaudible) elections. We have also seen a number of legislative reforms associated with civil society election issues, labor reform, all of which are a good first step in a land that has known, really, just an enormous amount of tragedy over the course of the last 50 years or so. The Secretary comes with a series of very specific steps that we would like to see in terms of the next phase of the process that is underway inside the country. And we are looking for a very broad-based set of discussions, not only with the leaders in Naypyidaw, but a variety of individuals and groups in Rangoon. Note by Network Myanmar: The internal evidence suggests that the senior official who gave the briefing could have been Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Kurt Campbell. Myanmar-US Relations
Senator Webb statement on recent developments in US-Burma Relations Senator Webb's website - 18 November 2011 Extract: "I am hopeful that Secretary Clinton’s visit will provide an opportunity to closely examine any substantive improvements in our relations during this transitional period, and to take advantage of all of the tools at our disposal to facilitate Burmese economic development, political reconciliation, and ultimately greater progress toward democratic governance.” Briefing on Burma by senior administration officials Office of the Press Secretary, Grand Hyatt, Bali, Indonesia - 18 November 2011 This is an important and very revealing briefing by unnamed 'senior administration officials' who are likely to have included Derek Mitchell, the US Special Envoy on Burma. The verbatim text at the link above is well worth reading. Also attached are extracts from the more significant points made. Commentary on President Obama's decision
Hillary Clinton to visit Myanmar at the beginning of December President Obama's statement - White House 18 November 2011
Office of the Press Secretary at The White House - 17 November 2011 "As President, I have, therefore, made a deliberate and strategic decision - as a Pacific nation, the United States will play a larger and long-term role in shaping this region and its future, by upholding core principles and in close partnership with our allies and friends.......So here is what this region must know. As we end today’s wars, I have directed my national security team to make our presence and mission in the Asia Pacific a top priority." America's Pacific Century  US State Department Press Release - 10 November 2011 During a speech at the East-West Centre in Honolulu on 10 November 2011, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton made the following comments related to Myanmar: "We support not only open economies but open societies. And as we engage more deeply with nations with whom we disagree on issues like democracy and human rights, we will persist in urging them to reform.......In Burma, where the United States has consistently advocated for democratic reforms and human rights, we are witnessing the first stirrings of change in decades. Now, many questions remain, including the government’s continued detention of political prisoners, and whether reform will be sustained and extended to include peace and reconciliation in the ethnic minority areas. Should the government pursue genuine and lasting reform for the benefits of its citizens, it will find a partner in the United States." Readout of Secretary Clinton's bilaterals with China, Japan and Australia at APEC A senior US State Department official commented: Australia: "A very good meeting with Foreign Minister Rudd. We compared notes on our respective approaches to Burma, and both underscored that we thought some of the changes taking place were real and significant. They need to be continued and - but that if there is a real determination to see reform through in Naypyidaw, that both Australia and the United States would be there to support that process going forward. We also talked about how to better coordinate on issues like policies in the Asia Pacific region and our strong bilateral interest in improving coordination and discussion with India." China: "We talked mostly about it (Myanmar and sanctions) with our Australian interlocutors about what we think was going on on the ground and how far the initial reform efforts have gone. So we talked a little bit about the dialogue with Aung San Suu Kyi, some of the discussions about political developments inside the country, and what was the appropriate kinds of responses to encourage these efforts that could be taken by international partners and others." US sees "beginning of transition" in Myanmar Reuters - 4 November 2011 The United States is loosening some travel restrictions and discussing new aid for Myanmar in response to its tentative reforms, but must see more progress on political prisoners and other issues before it can lift sanctions, senior U.S. officials said today. Michael Posner, the State Department's top human rights official, and Derek Mitchell, Washington's new special envoy for Myanmar, wrapped up a trip pledging more U.S. assistance. "This is the beginning of a transition. There are some encouraging steps and signs," Posner said at the U.S. Embassy in Yangon, according to a transcript released by the State Department in Washington. "We need to go forward in a way that recognizes what's been done and what's being done that is positive, and build on that." Text of "round table" discussion in Yangon with Derek Mitchell and Michael Posner US-Burma detente efforts quietly gather speed The Irrawaddy - 1 November 2011 On 2 November, the US special envoy to Burma, Derek Mitchell, will begin his third visit to the country in less than two months. During his three-day trip, he is expected to travel to Naypyidaw for another round of talks with senior government officials, and will be accompanied by the US Assistant Secretary of State for democracy, human rights and labor, Michael Posner, who is arriving in Burma today. Both men will meet in Rangoon and Naypyidaw with senior Burmese officials, representatives of international organizations, and civil society groups to discuss a range of issues related to human rights and reform in Burma, according to a media notice released by the US State Department. Myanmar: Time for a Change Carnegie Endownment: Asia Pacific Brief - 28 October 2011 Douglas Paal looks at the Chinese engagement in Myanmar and related issues, and concludes: "Sanctions and diplomatic isolation have had the unintended effect of making Myanmar almost a new province of China. Surely the United States will welcome the opportunity to realistically facilitate Myanmar’s growing independence." Myanmar's Budding Political Spring 'The National Interest' - 26 October 2011 Morton Abramowitz and Thomas Pickering argue that: "Instead of watching from the sidelines, President Obama and other Western leaders should publicly recognize what’s happening in Myanmar and respond." They conclude: "Myanmar may be entering a new political era. Far from a democracy of any kind, its new efforts are worthy of U.S. support. It’s time to take advantage of this window of opportunity and begin seeking areas of cooperation with this new government that could help those trying to change the country and its people." Editorial Board Opinion The Washington Post - 24 October 2011 Answering Burma US envoy concludes second visit to Myanmar  The Irrawaddy - 25 October 2011 Special Briefing on Burma - Derek Mitchell US State Department - 17 October 2011 Derek Mitchell, US Special Representative and Policy Coordinator for Burma, provides an update on US diplomacy with Myanmar. "Those who have followed Burma for many years, as I have, have seen stops and starts. I’m not sure we’ve seen anything necessarily exactly like we’ve seen over the past several months. And in talking to people inside the country, they themselves say that they are seeing something that is a bit different than they’ve seen before. But there are still questions about how far they’re going to go and where this is going to lead." Derek Tonkin comments: A persuasive presentation of US policy, which I would think generally reflects the policy of the EU, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. This may be contrasted with the hard-line approach of speakers at a recent discussion hosted by The Heritage Foundation who saw signs of progress in Myanmar as "illusory" and argued that reforms would only come about as a result of continuing US pressures. An antidote to The Heritage Foundation speakers is Andrew Selth's latest article "Thein Sein as Myanmar's Gorbachev" which argues persuasively that if recent events are a tipping point in Myanmar's modern history, the very least we can do is to welcome the changes and point out the need for concerted actions. US State Department welcomes release of political prisoners US State Department Daily Press Briefing - 13 October 2011 In response to a question, Ms. Nuland stated: "Well, first let me just say, because I think we haven’t spoken about it in a couple of days, that we do welcome the recent release of some political prisoners in Burma. We see it as an important step that responds to the aspirations of the Burmese people. We have not yet seen a complete list. We do believe that there are still a large number of political prisoners in prison, and we call for all of them to be released. But this is an important step, and we are continuing to talk to the Burmese Government and others about these issues." Derek Tonkin coments: There would still seem to be considerable uncertainty about just how many 'political prisoners', however defined, still remain in jail. In my latest commentary, I suggest that the number seems to have declined from over 2,000 only a few months ago to about 600 following the latest releases. US cautiously welcomes Myanmar reforms Wall Street Journal - 10 October 2011 A senior U.S. official has described political reforms underway in Myanmar as "dramatic" and pledged Washington would respond favorably to them, in the latest sign of thawing relations between the two countries."Compared to what we have experienced in the past, there are clearly changes afoot," Mr. Campbell said. "The United States is prepared to match the steps that have been taken and we're in the process" of determining how to proceed, he said. He cautioned, however, that changes in Myanmar were in the "early" stages and that U.S. officials still had "enduring concerns" over a range of issues in the country, including unconfirmed reports that Myanmar's government is engaged in a covert nuclear proliferation program with North Korea, which Myanmar officials deny. Daily Press Briefing: Questions on Burma US State Department - 6 October 2011 "We are gratified that we have a more reformist, more open-minded government in Burma that we can work with.....we will continue to work [on Syria], as we did in Burma, with those countries who share our interests, share our values, and are willing to take the tough steps to make it clear that to join the international community, to be fully part of a global community, you need to listen to your own people, you need to answer the calls for reform. That policy has been – is on its way to bringing some change in Burma that we hope will be continued....." Derek Tonkin writes: To explain recent changes in Myanmar, the US State Department would seem to be working towards the conclusion that, after all, sanctions have worked. The spirited exchange between Victoria Nuland and Matt Lee (Associated Press) is worth viewing on the video version - 9'55" to 17'.05". In Myanmar, seize the moment  The New York Times - 4 October 2011
Author and historian Thant Myint-U comments that: "What we’re seeing today is Myanmar’s best chance in half a century for a better future. America needs to help end Myanmar’s isolation, urgently."
Derek Tonkin writes: Unfortunately the dynamics of congressional opinion are likely to rule out any significant change in US policy for the present. Questions on Burma US State Department Daily Briefing - 29 September 2011 "Look, we haven’t changed our basic approach to Burma, our policy, which is still a dual track approach of sanctions but also with principled engagement. But we do welcome recent developments in Burma, such as the Government of Burma’s ongoing dialogue with Aung San Suu Kyi." Meeting with the Foreign Minister of Myanmar US State Department Daily Press Briefing 26 September 2011 [This was a "taken" or referred question.] Question: Can you please provide a read-out of Assistant Secretary Campbell’s meeting with Burmese Foreign Minister Wunna Maung Lwin? Answer: Assistant Secretary Kurt Campbell and Special Representative and Policy Coordinator for Burma Ambassador Derek Mitchell met with Burmese Foreign Minister Wunna Maung Lwin on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 22. The meeting was productive with an open and candid exchange of views by both sides. Assistant Secretary Campbell and Ambassador Mitchell welcomed recent positive steps taken by the Government of Burma, including President Thein Sein’s dialogue with Aung San Suu Kyi. They emphasized that the United States seeks concrete steps from the Government of Burma to signify a genuine commitment to reform including release of all political prisoners, further meaningful dialogue with Aung San Suu Kyi, a cessation of hostilities in and violence against ethnic areas, and transparency in its relationship with North Korea. US State Department - 21 September 2011
Extracts from a Press Conference on 21 September 2011 in New York with US Assistant Secretary Kurt Campbell. "The winds of change are clearly blowing through Burma. The extent of it is still unclear, but everyone who’s gone there recognizes that there are changes......We’ve seen a few things in the last few months that were unthinkable: very high-level meetings between the new president and Aung San Suu Kyi, regular discussions about civil society, about new economic policies. These are all tentative steps that can be reversed, and it’s important to be careful about them. But at the same time, it’s also important not to just dismiss them out of hand."
Reports of Discussions between Derek Mitchell and Myanmar Ministers The New Light of Myanmar - 15 September 2011 NLM reports over four pages discussions held by Mitchell in Nay Pyi Taw. Union Minister for Information Kyaw Hsan set out the four goals of "democratization, promotion of human rights, national reconsolidation and development", with which Mitchell is reported to have agreed, adding that "he acknolwedged recent positive changes such as formation of human rights commission, release measures for censorship, formation of peace committee, dialogue with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, but there still remains persons not only in the US but in remaining parts of the world that could not believe Myanmar government and would like to question current reforms......"
Ambassador Derek Mitchell Press Statement
After reading his press statement, Derek Mitchell answered questions, likewise recorded at the link above. Asked what was the most significant outcome of his visit which he would be reporting to Congress, he replied: "I think it's the remarkable sense of hope that we see here among people. That they see something happening. There is, something is happening, something may be changing. It may be small gestures now. But again that sense of expectation is very, very important."
Extract from Daily Press Briefing Ms Nuland: We’re encouraged by the talks with the government. We’re also encouraged that she was able to travel, that she was able to speak when she traveled, and that the government met its responsibilities to keep her safe and secure. Thanks. US puts up a new man in Myanmar From Burma Road to Road Map David Steinberg on: "The Folly of more Burma Sanctions" Remarks with Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natelegawa after their meeting Clinton says Myanmar has to do more Clinton pushes India to promote democracy in Myanmar Letter to President Obama human rights groups on Myanmar Myanmar diplomat defects, warns of oppression
Ms Nuland: We have seen those reports. I’m not in a position to comment on them here. Question: Has he contacted the State Department? Ms Nuland: We are in receipt of a letter from him, but I’m not in a position to comment any further on private diplomatic correspondence. Question: But do you think he fears his life if he goes back. Ms Nuland: I think you’d best speak to him about that question. US nominee Derek Mitchell concerned over Myanmar ASEAN chair Suu Kyi testifies before the US House of Representatives Sub Committee on Asia East Asia Forum June 2011 - David Steinberg: "Disparate Sanctions" Senator McConnell remains a staunch advocate for democracy US Engagement in South East Asia Press Statement by Senator John McCain at the conclusion of his visit
US Senator McCain visits Myanmar on fact-finding mission
McConnell-Feinstein call for renewal of sanctions Senior US diplomat seeks 'signfiicant developments' in Myanmar
The White Hiuse - 16 May 2011
In a Notice to Congress, the US Present has renewed for another year the "national emergency" with respect to Myanmar first proclaimed on 20 April 1997. Note by Network Mynamar: This is an annual ritual based on the pretence that "the actions and policies of the Government of Burma continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States". This simple procedure is however used by choice in this and other cases in order to circumvent what would otherwise be a much more time-consuming and complex legal process. US lawmakers want urgent probe on Myanmar Will the new Burma envoy make a difference? Myanmar urged to engage with the US Text of US Senate Resolution Comment by Network Myanmar: The notion that a "State Supreme Council" had been set up was first carried in 'The Irrawaddy', though latterly this news media has referred only to an informal "Board of Consultants" behind the scenes. The suggestion of encouraging Myanmar's neighbours to create "safe havens" for child soldiers is not one which US diplomatic missions are likely to take all that seriously.
US to keep Myanmar sanctions
Agence France-Presse - 6 April 2011 US Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Kurt Campbell said Washington would not lift sanctions against Myanmar despite the country's transition to civilian leadership last month. 'Our general stance in the current environment is, we think it would be inappropriate for the United States to lift sanctions,' he told reporters in Singapore. 'We're watching and waiting to see how the government is established and whether it will be possible to engage in a productive dialogue with the leadership.' Pro-democracy activist Aung San Suu Kyi was also supportive of US efforts in attempting to engage Myanmar's new leaders, Mr Campbell said. 'She has encouraged us to attempt to engage and we intend to do so,' said Campbell, who is in Singapore as part of an Asian trip that also includes India and China. US-Myanmar Relations - Archive of materials prior to May 2011 |
If US sanctions against the military government in Burma, the goal of which were regime change, haven’t worked for a decade and a half, by what logic would one suppose that additional sanctions would have a more positive effect? The United States has nominated a special ambassadorial envoy to Burma, and his approval is likely in the Senate. His position calls for coordination of sanctions policies and dialogue with the Burmese. Do the organizations advocating more sanctions really believe that this will positively affect his efficacy in dealing with Burmese officials? It’s simply self-defeating to advocate policies that effectively undercut the possibility of these reforms continuing, something which would be in the interests of both the United States and the people of that sorry land.
Question: On Burma, there was a report over the weekend that the deputy chief of mission of Burmese Embassy in Washington has desire [deserted? defected?] and has sought asylum here. Has he?
A senior US State Department official told Myanmar's opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi on Thursday that the United States was pushing for 'significant developments' in military-ruled Myanmar. 'He told me that he wanted to see significant development here,' Suu Kyi told reporters after meeting US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Joseph Yun. My visit is to try to find common ground between Washington and Naypyitaw,' Yun told reporters before leaving Suu Kyi's house. Suu Kyi said after the meeting: 'I don't think there was a change attitude on sanctions. Regarding the recent release of more than 7,000 prisoners, Suu Kyi acknowledged that there were 55 political prisoners among them including 27 members of National League for Democracy party, which she leads. 'This was not an amnesty,' she said. 'The recent release was just a commuting of sentences,' she said. 'I wanted the release of more political prisoners.'
Special Themes
• International Crisis Group• Google Map of Yangon
• Myanmar CSO Statistics
• ILO in Myanmar
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