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THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release May 23, 1996

STATEMENT BY THE PRESS SECRETARY

We are deeply concerned by reports indicating that some 91 members of the democracy movement in Burma have been detained by the authorities in Burma. Those groups include members of the National League for Democracy who were elected to parliament in 1990 but were not allowed to take their seats, as well as family members of several representatives.

We condemn efforts by the State Law and Order Restoration Council to prevent the citizens of Burma from exercising their basic political rights. We have strongly protested these arrests to the Burmese authorities and have warned that a continued crackdown would lead to further deterioration in our already strained relationship.

We will continue our active diplomatic efforts, including consultations with friends and allies in the international community, on how to encourage the regime to respect the rights of the people of Burma.

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