Burma’s security forces, operating with little oversight from the civilian government, often act with impunity. We are further concerned that prisoners remain detained and that police continue to arrest critics of the government for peacefully expressing their views
Washington, May 17, 2016 – President Barack Obama of the US today showed that it was still not impressed with progress so far made by the government of Burma and decided to prolong the 19 year emergency imposed on the state since May20, 1997.
In his letter to the congress prolonging emergency on Burma, the President said Section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)) provides for the automatic termination of a national emergency unless, within 90 days prior to the anniversary date of its declaration, the President publishes in the Federal Register and transmits to the Congress a notice stating that the emergency is to continue in effect beyond the anniversary date.
“ In accordance with this provision, I have sent to the Federal Register for publication the enclosed notice stating that the national emergency with respect to Burma that was declared on May 20, 1997, is to continue in effect beyond May 20, 2016”, he said.
The president advanced a lot of reasons for refusing to terminate the 19 year emergency on Burma.
According to him, the Government of Burma has made significant progress across a number of important areas since 2011, including the release of over 1,300 political prisoners, a peaceful and competitive election, the signing of a Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement with eight ethnic armed groups, the discharge of hundreds of child soldiers from the military, steps to improve labor standards, and expanding political space for civil society to have a greater voice in shaping issues critical to Burma’s future.
“In addition, Burma has become a signatory of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Additional Protocol and ratified the Biological Weapons Convention, significant steps towards supporting global non-proliferation. Despite these strides, the situation in the country continues to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States”, he said.
According to him, concerns persist regarding continued obstacles to full civilian control of the government, the ongoing conflict and human rights abuses in the country, particularly in ethnic minority areas, and military trade with North Korea.
“In addition, Burma’s security forces, operating with little oversight from the civilian government, often act with impunity. We are further concerned that prisoners remain detained and that police continue to arrest critics of the government for peacefully expressing their views.
“For this reason, I have determined that it is necessary to continue the national emergency with respect to Burma.
Despite this action, the United States remains committed to working with both the new government and the people of Burma to ensure that the democratic transition is irreversible”, he said.
