U.S. Department of State
96/11/15 Statement: Burma: Concern Over Potential Violence 
Office of the Spokesman



Press Statement by Nicholas Burns/Spokesman
November 15, 1996



                Burma: Concern Over Potential Violence



The United States is gravely concerned by reports about the potential 
for violence this weekend in Rangoon.  In the wake of an extremely 
disturbing attack last weekend by hired thugs, the military junta 
reportedly is organizing further demonstrations by the regime's mass 
front organization, the Union Solidarity Development Association (USDA), 
with the express purpose of provoking violence in Rangoon.

On November 9, the United States, along with the rest of the 
international community, was outraged by an attack on Aung San Suu Kyi 
and other senior leaders of the democratic opposition in Burma.  We have 
clear evidence that the attackers were organized by USDA.  We reject the 
attempts of the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) to blame 
this attack on Aung San Suu Kyi and her party, the National League for 
Democracy (NLD).

The United States reaffirms its previously stated position that we -- 
and the international community -- will hold the SLORC responsible for 
any violent attacks or any harm that may come to Aung San Suu Kyi, other 
senior leaders of the NLD, or other supporters of the democratic 
opposition.  Aung San Suu Kyi and her fellow NLD leaders have 
demonstrated repeatedly their strong commitment to nonviolent expression 
of their views.

We call on the SLORC to punish those responsible for the November 9 
attack and to prevent further violent incidents by organizations under 
its control.  We also call on the SLORC to engage the NLD and the 
country's ethnic groups in discussions about the political future of the 
country.  Only such a dialogue can unlock the door to the bright future 
that all the people of Burma deserve.