This post is based on my own notes from the Senate hearing on US-Burma relations. It concerns the present state of bilateral relations. (For an overview of the hearing see, "Burma is not Vietnam." See also "Burmese slam Senate hearings" and "US Senate AWOL on Burma.")
Sen. Webb explained that in February the US State Department initiated a review of US policy towards Burma.
Deputy Sec. of State Kurt M Campbell explained hat he had just concluded talks with a Burma official "16 hours ago."
Campbell said that "we had heard quite clearly that the administration did not do a good enough job on consultation. Not just in terms of the executive, but also the legislative branch. I need to do a better job."
Campbell said a lot of people had been asking him, "'What do we do when the talks fail?' Campbell said his reply to this question is 'let's give talks a chance.'"
What common interests do the US and Burma share? Prof. Steinberg said that both "do not want the Balkanization of Burma." Nevertheless, he said the perception that the US supports separatists is counterproductive.
Prof. Steinberg said that Burma's isolation had allowed the military to build "a garrison state."
Webb poised the question: how much assistance does Burma receive from the US today? "After Cyclone Nagris, about $75 million. Also, substantial amounts going to border areas, refugees, and settlement issues."
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Photo: by Jotman shows Dep. Sec. of State James Campbell. Monks in foreground.
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