The Bush administration imposed sanctions on more individual members of the military junta that rules Burma. 23 additional people "and entities" were designated to be covered by the sanctions. In addition, additional export controls for the little amount of trade the US does with Burma were imposed. It isn't much, but it is about the limit of US influence on Burma.
Unveiling the second package of U.S. measures in less than a month, Bush said he was adding more of Myanmar's military leaders to a list already facing sanctions and had ordered a tightening of U.S. export controls on the Asian country.
But in a tacit admission that U.S. steps alone would not be enough, he urged China, India and other countries in the region to "review their own laws and policies" on Myanmar, the former Burma.
"Burma's rulers continue to defy the world's just demands to stop their vicious persecution," Bush told reporters. "They continue to reject the clear will of the Burmese people to live in freedom under leaders of their own choosing."
Bush's latest announcement followed weeks of mostly unsuccessful international efforts to get Myanmar's government to ease up on repression of protesters and open a dialogue with detained opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
Myanmar's junta has kept a tight lid on the country since crushing Buddhist monk-led protests that began in September and grew into the largest anti-government demonstrations in 20 years. Official media said 10 people died.
Bush unveiled one set of limited sanctions last month targeting 14 military leaders, toughening U.S. measures that had been in place for years but had forced little change.
"In light of the ongoing atrocities by these men and their associates, the United States has today imposed additional sanctions," Bush said on Friday.
Bush also praised those countries that have also put unilateral sanctions in place against Burma. The European Union, Australia, Japan, Singapore, Indonesia and the Philippines have all taken at least some steps against the thugs. The UN, meanwhile, discussed the relative merits of baked potatoes versus French fries.
Incidentally, the name of the country is Burma – the name changes were made by the junta after the last crushing of democracy. I've been making it a point to refuse to use the names the thugs imposed.
