PRESS RELEASE

On 27 October 2003, the United States Department of State issued a biannual report on the situation in Myanmar.

It is most regrettable that the US State Department has once again issued a report that not only does not reflect the true situation in the country but is also intrinsically flawed.

The report is less than objective and is nothing but a politically motivated attempt to exert pressure on Myanmar. The report fails to note the vast transformations taking place in the country, particularly the strides taken by the Government towards the emergence of a democratic state.

It is an undeniable fact that the Government is taking systematic steps to bring about the emergence of a democratic state. The seven-step political programme that would ensure a smooth transition to democracy has been welcomed and endorsed by the entire people in all parts of the country. Myanmar is determined and committed to build a democratic society in keeping with the objective conditions of the nation as well as the aspirations of the people. Already systematic steps are being initiated for the convening of the National Convention that would eventually lead to a new constitution and a democratic society in the country. For Myanmar, the interests of the 52 million people takes precedence over everything and we will not be deviated from our path by threats and challenges. Democracy must be homegrown and cannot be imposed from outside.

With regard to the economic situation, any disinterested observer will find that the unilateral sanctions imposed by the United States on Myanmar are not having the intended effect. Even the report acknowledges that "We are not in a position to judge whether they have served to increase the pressure on the government to change its basic policies". The Government, relying on its own resources and with the support of friends and neighbours, has been able to improve the quality of life of its citizens. Never before in its history has the country seen so much improvement in its basic infrastructure as well as health and education standards of the people in such a brief time.

There also exists undisputable evidence that Myanmar is committed to the war against drugs. Nevertheless, the US report claims that Myanmar "has failed to fully meet its obligations" in the drug war, without explaining what it means. Myanmar is using all available resources, to fight drugs. It is also cooperating with regional and international partners as well as with international organization. Moreover, it appears that report fails to take into account the statistics provided by its own Drug Enforcement Agency or by the International Narcotic Control Board (INCB). Myanmar has already conducted together with the United States Opium Yield Survey for 9 times and the US agency concerned clearly acknowledged that opium production has fallen 77 per cent since the programme began in 1993. If one is to quote from INCB report, it is clearly stated that opium production fell by 50 per sent in the last six years.

Therefore, it is time for the United States to adopt a more positive approach towards Myanmar. It is time that it begins with a fair and objective assessment on the situation in Myanmar. It is also time to review policies that are neither in the interest of Myanmar nor the United States.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Yangon
Dated, 30 October 2003