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US imposes sanctions on junta officials

The Bush administration imposed economic sanctions against more than a dozen senior officials of Myanmar, condemning the military-run government's crackdown on protesters. President George W. Bush also urged China to use its influence in the region to find a peaceful end to the standoff.

"The world is watching the people of Burma take to the streets to demand their freedom, and the American people stand in solidarity with these brave individuals," Bush said on Thursday as the Treasury Department announced the sanctions against officials of Myanmar, also known as Burma.

"We feel admiration and compassion for the monks and peaceful protesters calling for democracy," Bush said. "Every civilized nation has a responsibility to stand up for people suffering under a brutal military regime like the one that has ruled Burma for too long."

National Security Adviser Stephen Hadley met at the White House on Thursday with Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi (楊潔篪). During their meeting, Bush invited Yang to the Oval Office to thank him for helping facilitate UN special envoy Ibrahim Gambari's visit to Myanmar.

"President Bush expressed his concern for the people of Burma and asked Minister Yang that China use its influence in the region to help bring a peaceful transition to democracy in Burma," said Gordon Johndroe, a spokesman for the National Security Council.

The White House called on the junta to allow the UN special envoy full access to all relevant parties, including those jailed by the junta and religious leaders, while he is in Myanmar, beginning yesterday.

The action by Treasury will freeze any assets that the individuals targeted have in US banks or other US financial institutions. The order also prohibits any US. citizens from doing business with the designated individuals. Among those targeted for the sanctions are the junta leader, Senior General Than Shwe, and the No. 2 man in the military regime, Deputy Senior General Maung Aye.

"The president has made it clear that we will not stand by as the regime tries to silence the voices of the Burmese people through repression and intimidation," said Adam Szubin, director of Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control.
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