P r e s s R e l e a s e-U . S . E M B A S S Y R A N G O O N

P r e s s R e ll e a s e
U . S . E M B A S S Y R A N G O O N
1 1 0 U n i v e r s i t y A v e n u e , K a m a y u t T o w n s h i p , R a n g o o n , B u r m a
Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Kurt Campbell
November 4, 2009
Rangoon, Burma
We have just concluded a two-day visit to Burma. We had extensive meetings with the
government, with the democratic opposition, with the ethnic groups, and with many others.
This was an exploratory mission designed to explain to key stakeholders inside the country the
results of the U.S. policy review towards Burma and the strategic goals of our country that the
review underscored: strong support for human rights, the release of Aung San Suu Kyi and all
other political prisoners, and the pursuit of democratic reform.
At every meeting, the United States underscored its strong commitment to see Burma as a place
that respects the human rights of its people, promotes democracy, and abides by U.N. resolutions
with regards to proliferation.
Today in Rangoon, our team met with ethnic representatives and had a two-hour meeting with
Aung San Suu Kyi – during which we reaffirmed our commitment to a dialogue among the
government, the opposition, and the ethnic groups. The goal of such a dialogue would be
national reconciliation and a fully inclusive political process in Burma. Towards that end, we
urge the Burmese government to allow Aung San Suu Kyi more frequent interactions with
stakeholders, especially the Central Executive Committee of her own party.
In meetings with the government – including the Prime Minister, the Minister of Information, the
Minister of Science and Technology, and others – we stated clearly that the United States is
prepared to take steps to improve the relationship. But that process must be based on reciprocal
and concrete efforts by the Burmese government.
We underscored our support for the people of Burma and reaffirmed our continuing commitment
to assist them in recovering from the effects of Cyclone Nargis and combating the spread of
infectious disease.
We look forward to continuing to work both with the government and other stakeholders towards
tangible progress in Burma.