THE WHITE HOUSE

               Office of the Press Secretary
                     (Dublin, Ireland)
___________________________________________________________
For Immediate Release                      December 1, 1995

STATEMENT BY THE PRESS SECRETARY

The United States views with concern recent events in Burma.

We and other governments have noted that under current circumstances, the National Convention convened by the Burmese authorities does not offer the opposition a meaningful opportunity to participate in the crucial decisions that will determine Burma's political future.

We understand that the National League for Democracy (NLD) withdrew from the Convention after its repeated requests for dialogue with the authorities were rejected, triggering a harsh and threatening response by the authorities.

We urge the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) to recognize that public discussion in an environment free of intimidation is critical to the healthy functioning of any political system. We further urge the authorities to avoid threats or other measures against those who seek freely to express their views.

We continue to believe that it is only through peaceful dialogue between the SLORC and recognized democratic leaders that national reconciliation will take place in Burma. We urge the authorities in Burma to agree to such a dialogue.

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