April 2, 2009

EAP PRESS GUIDANCE

BURMA: Deputy Secretary Steinberg’s Comments on Burma

Q:  Can you clarify Deputy Secretary Jim Steinberg’s comments on Burma at the National Bureau of Asian Research?  Is the United States proposing a six-party-talks mechanism for Burma? 

A: --    WE WANT TO SEE PROGRESS TOWARDS A DEMOCRATIC BURMA THAT RESPECTS THE RIGHTS OF ITS CITIZENS, LIVES AT PEACE WITH ITS NEIGHBORS, AND IS INTEGRATED INTO THE GLOBAL ECONOMY. 

     --     WE ARE PREPARED  TO WORK WITH OTHER COUNTRIES IN THE REGION AND ELSEWHERE TO ACHIEVE THESE GOALS AND WE ARE FLEXIBLE ON THE MECHANISMS AND MODALITIES THAT UNDERPIN THAT EFFORT. 

     --     WE ARE STILL IN THE PROCESS OF REVIEWING OUR POLICY TOWARDS BURMA AND ARE CONSIDERING IDEAS FROM A VARIETY OF STAKEHOLDERS. 

Background:  During comments at the National Bureau of Asian Research, Deputy Secretary Jim Steinberg commented that the United States is seeking a collaborative and constructive approach on Burma and that we would discuss a common approach with regional stakeholders.  Some press reports have incorrectly extrapolated from his comments that we are contemplating a mechanism akin to the six-party talks with North Korea.  However, our policy review is still ongoing and no conclusions have yet been reached.

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