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Resistance See other Resistance Articles Title: Burma a threat to peace, US warns THE US has attacked Burma's military government as a threat to international peace and security, and called for UN action to force a change in its polices. US ambassador to the UN John Bolton said yesterday he planned to push for a Security Council resolution to pressure Rangoon for change. Mr Bolton cited the Burmese Government's failure to curb trafficking in drugs and people and to end abuses that have led one million people to flee the country, and actions that have made the transmission of diseases such as AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria more likely. "The policies the Government has been pursuing ... continue to contribute to instability in the region, and therefore, in our view, constitute a threat to international peace and security," the US envoy said. The first resolution would not seek sanctions against Burma, he said. "What it will do is lay out what we expect Burma's performance to be. "We need to focus on concrete changes in Burmese policy," he said. "The resolution will focus on those elements of the Government's policies that do threaten stability in the region and more broadly." Burma is already on the Security Council's agenda, which means it is under UN scrutiny. But Washington faces an uphill struggle to get the Security Council to take tough action against the country. China strongly opposed putting Burma on the agenda, as did Russia. And both are veto-wielding members of the Security Council. The renewed US push for action also highlights the difference in approaches to Burma by Washington and Canberra. Australian government agencies have been involved in providing counter-terrorist training for Burmese officials, as part of broader programs for ASEAN member nations. Mr Bolton announced plans for the Burma resolution after a Security Council briefing from undersecretary-general for political affairs Ibrahim Gambari, who has just returned from Rangoon, where he met imprisoned pro-democracy leader and Nobel peace prize-winner Aung San Suu Kyi. Mr Gambari said afterwards he had raised with the Burmese Government the need to release all political prisoners, including Ms Suu Kyi. "Her health is fair considering the circumstances of her prolonged detention," he said. "She asked to have more regular visits by her doctor and I'm pleased to note that on November 16 she was allowed to see her doctor." The doctor had previously seen her on August 24. Mr Bolton said the US was concerned about Ms Suu Kyi's physical condition. "We think, obviously, she should be released from house arrest, but at a minimum they have to make sure that she is not denied appropriate humanitarian assistance," he said. Ms Suu Kyi looked gaunt in a rare photograph released by the UN after her meeting with Mr Gambari in Rangoon. Mr Gambari said he had raised with the Burmese Government the importance of including Ms Suu Kyi's party, the National League for Democracy, in the political process. He said he expressed the need for an agreement between the Government and UN agencies to deliver humanitarian aid, an agreement with the International Labour Organisation to address complaints about forced labour, and a halt to fighting with rebel ethnic minorities. "None of the issues raised, or suggestions I raised, were rejected, so they are all on the table and we are just waiting for concrete action on their part," Mr Gambari said. "The ball is clearly in the court of the Government."
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#1. To: innieway (#0)
They got oil ???
"Guard with jealous attention the public liberty. Suspect every one who approaches that jewel. Unfortunately, nothing will preserve it but downright force. When you give up that force, you are ruined." Patrick Henry
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