Citing continued human rights abuses in Burma, American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) President and CEO Kevin M. Burke called for swift Congressional action to renew an expiring import ban on that country.
“The American Apparel & Footwear Association believes it is more important than ever that the U.S. renews its commitment to implementing economic sanctions against Burma,” wrote Burke in a series of letters to the Congressional sponsors of legislation (H.J. Res 93/S.J. Res 41) that seeks to renew the import ban in the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003. AAFA was the first business organization to call for the original import ban on Burma in 2003.
The House bill was sponsored by U.S. Representatives Joseph Crowley (D-NY) and Peter King (R-NY), while the Senate version was introduced by U.S. Senators Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Diane Feinstein (D-CA) and John McCain (R-AZ).
The resolutions maintain import restrictions against the ruling military junta for another year. The current import ban expires on July 26, 2008.
“As long as other countries continue to trade with Burma, our unilateral sanctions will have only a limited effect,” Burke stated.
“I hope the world community will join the United States in implementing economic sanctions to send a clear and unmistakable message to the Burmese government that humanity will not stand idly by as the junta oppresses the good people of Burma.”
Burma continues to be cited by numerous organizations and governments for widespread human rights violations. Moreover, the world watched in horror recently as the egregious response of the Burmese government to the destruction caused by Cyclone Nargis greatly exacerbated the devastation caused by that tragedy.
American Apparel & Footwear Association
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