Thank you Mr. President

The United States welcomes the Secretary-General's participation in today's meeting,

We want to thank him for dispatching his special advisor to Burma and for working very hard as I know he did to make sure he gets admitted to Burma. These steps demonstrate Mr. Secretary-General, your commitment to helping the Burmese people during this critical moment. We appreciate Special Advisor Gambari’s report on his most recent visit to Burma and commend his efforts. We support his mission and have confidence in his diplomacy.

Mr. President, terrible things have happened in Burma over the past few weeks. The United States is appalled by the brutal repression that has been carried out by the Burmese regime against its own people. The beatings, mass detentions, torture, and even murder of citizens -- children, women, students, monks, and nuns – and even murder simply for participation in peaceful demonstrations, is unacceptable. And it should be unacceptable to powers with influence over Burma, to regional states, and, indeed, to all of us in this room.

Despite the Burmese regime’s attempts to block news of these recent disturbing events from reaching the rest of the world by shutting off access to the Internet, courageous Burmese citizens made sure we saw the truth of what was happening on the ground. The images were gripping – photographs of the death of a Japanese journalist shot down by Burmese security forces, and images of lifeless body of a monk who had been executed, floating in a river.

In considering these events, I would like to quote the words of Nay Tin Myint – a Burmese exile who underwent dreadful forms of torture during 15 years in a Burmese prison -- what he called “the closest thing to hell.” In a recent opinion piece, he reminded us that “the world was not watching in 1988 when thousands were killed by the guns of the regime. They are watching now. The people of Burma must not be let down.”

 Because the brutal repression by the regime is now occurring far from cameras and public view, it is difficult to verify the facts on the ground. Only yesterday, the regime admitted that it arrested over 2,000 demonstrators and claimed it had released 692 persons. The regime even arrested several UN staff members during of a sweep of houses and apartments in the area where major protests have occurred. Fortunately, they were released. But there are many who are still in jail – rounded up by the Burmese regime in raids in the middle of the night. Given past practice, we fear that they are being kept in unimaginably inhumane conditions and denied access to international humanitarian organizations.

The impact of this violent repression is clearly felt throughout the region. And the region itself is faced with an exodus of refugees from Burma, the spread of controllable infectious diseases, and the trafficking of narcotics and people – all closely tied to the political crisis in that country.

The ASEAN Foreign Ministers made the point, and we agree that the events in Burma undermine the reputation and credibility of this important regional organization. We welcomed the September 27th statement by the Chair of ASEAN, Singapore’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, in which he expressed the revulsion of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers over the actions of the Burmese security forces and urged a peaceful transition to a democratic government.

Others are also speaking out -- including the distinguished Foreign Minister of India, the distinguished Prime Minister of Singapore, and European Union Ambassadors – all indicative of an emerging regional, indeed international, consensus that the repression carried out by the Burmese regime against its own people is both indefensible and intolerable.

I also want to recognize the role of China in using its special influence to persuade the regime to receive Special Advisor Gambari. We look forward to China's continued support for the Secretary-General's Special Advisor, in order to gain tangible results from his Good Offices mission.

What next Mr. President?

We have heard today Special Advisor Gambari's assessment of his recent visit and an accounting of the to-do list he provided the regime. I must convey to you, however, our deep regret that the Burmese authorities did not fully cooperate with him during his visit. It is of particular concern that they limited his access to key people and places, including the leaders of the ’88 Generation Students group, monks, and monasteries that participated in peaceful demonstrations. Moreover, the United States was greatly disturbed to see the regime resume the unlawful detention of citizens just hours after his departure.

Nevertheless, Mr. Gambari’s mission may have succeeded in cracking open the door. It is still too early to evaluate, but we take note of the offer of General Than Shwe to meet with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. At the same time, we deeply regret that this offer included unrealistic conditions. In our view, the regime must move beyond gestures and take concrete steps that respond to the concerns of the Burmese people and the international community.

What does the Burmese regime need to do?

Mr. President, the United States calls on the Burmese regime to implement the following measures:

• First, immediately end the violent crackdown, including an end to the raids, lifting of the curfew, and the removal of military presence around monasteries and on the streets of Burmese cities;
  
• Two, immediately release citizens detained for their participation in the recent demonstrations. This will be a critical step in de-escalating the current situation.
  
• Three, release all political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi. This overdue step is essential in order to begin a genuine and inclusive dialogue with all actors of Burmese society so as to begin the transition to a civilian, representative government; and
  
• Four, restore public communication links, such as phone lines and internet connections, within Burma and between Burma and the rest of the world.

What can the world do to incentivize the Burmese regime to take these necessary measures?

This is an issue for the entire international community.

The United States has done its part to back up its words with actions that will serve to ratchet up pressure on the regime. Last week, the Department of the Treasury blocked the assets of 14 senior regime officials, and the Department of State identified senior regime officials and their immediate family members – over 200 individuals – as subject to a ban on entry into the United States. We are now exploring follow-up measures targeting the regime and those who provide financial support to it.

The Security Council must not remain silent just because the people of Burma have been silenced by the violent repression carried out by the regime. We have an opportunity to be their voice and we must. At the moment, Special Advisor Gambari is the link between the international community and the regime. It is therefore vital to maintain the momentum begun by his recent visit in order to obtain concrete results from his Good Offices mission. We urge Mr. Gambari to return to the region as soon as possible to continue his intensive diplomatic efforts, and we call on all governments with influence with the regime to support his return and his mission. We expect upon his return that he will receive full cooperation.

Burma’s neighbors have a special role and responsibility. We also urge ASEAN and its member states to build on their efforts to increase pressure on the Burmese regime.

What if the Burmese government does not take appropriate steps?

If the Burmese regime does not respond constructively to the demands of the international community in a timely manner, The United States is prepared to introduce a resolution in the Security Council imposing additional sanctions. We must all be prepared to consider measures, such as arms embargoes to incentivize the regime to cooperate with Mr. Gambari.

In Conclusion Mr. President, it is time to do for this Council to do more than simply listen to a briefing. As the distinguished Ambassador of the United Kingdom also mentioned the United States believes the Council must speak out in a Presidential Statement to support the Secretary General’s efforts to establish a genuine political dialogue between the regime and all parties – to condemn the deplorable repression of peaceful demonstrators, and to call on the Burmese regime to release detainees and political prisoners so that they can participate in a dialogue leading to national reconciliation.

The eyes of the world are focused on Burma. The people of that nation are going through a difficult time. Like people everywhere they deserve to live in peace, prosperity and freedom. The United Nations should stand with them and assist in bringing about a political transition from dictatorship and repression to reconciliation and democracy.

Thank you Mr. President.