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THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary


For Immediate Release October 27,1999

October 27, 1999

MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF STATE

SUBJECT:       Report to the Congress Regarding Conditions
               in Burma and U.S. Policy Toward Burma

Pursuant to the requirements set forth under the heading "Policy Toward Burma" in section 570(d) of the FY 97 Foreign Operations Appropriations Act, as contained in the Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act (Public Law 104-208), a report is required every 6 months following enactment concerning:

(1) progress toward democratization in Burma;

     (2)  progress on improving the quality of life of the Burmese
            people, including progress on market reforms, living standards,
            labor standards, use of forced labor in the tourist industry,
            and environmental quality; and

     (3)  progress made in developing a comprehensive, multilateral
            strategy to bring democracy to and improve human rights
            practices and the quality of life in Burma, including the
            development of a dialogue between the State Peace and
            Development Council (SPDC) and democratic opposition groups in
            Burma.

You are hereby authorized and directed to transmit the attached report fulfilling this requirement to the appropriate committees of the Congress and to arrange for publication of this memorandum in the Federal Register.

WILLIAM J. CLINTON

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