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STATEMENT BY SENATOR JOHN McCAIN ON BURMA
March 21, 2012
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) today released the following statement on Burma:
“The decision by President Thein Sein’s government to invite U.S. and European election monitors to observe the country’s upcoming election is an encouraging step. It gives reason for hope that this election could be free, fair, and credible.
“A successful election that is consistent with international standards would be an important benchmark for the country’s democratic development. It would also create an opportunity for the U.S. government and the Congress, working together with our international partners, to begin a process of gradually easing sanctions in a way that would benefit the Burmese people and strengthen the political and economic reforms that the government is making.
“After suffering so many years of oppression and the denial of their rights, the Burmese people deserve a chance to have their voices heard and their votes matter. I hope this right to participate in the democratic process will also extend to the country’s many ethnic minority communities, where we continue to hear troubling reports of abuse by government forces.”
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