Supporting Burma Key Achievement of Laura Bush

By LALIT K JHA

WASHINGTON — Supporting the people of Burma and mobilizing world opinion against the military junta was one of the highlights of Laura Bush’s efforts during her tenure as first lady, the White House said on Monday.

"Mrs. Bush actively supports the people of Burma as they struggle to free themselves from the regime's tyranny," said a statement released by the White House as George W. Bush completes eight years of his administration and leaves the White House on January 20.

The White House noted that the first lady hosted a roundtable at the United Nations Headquarters in 2006 to draw attention in the international community to human rights problems in Burma.

"In subsequent editorials, interviews and public statements, she has continued to cast the spotlight on the plight of the Burmese people," it said.

As part of her ongoing call to the international community to assist the Burmese people in their struggle for democracy and human rights, Mrs. Bush also traveled to the Thai-Burma border.

In August 2008, she visited the Mae La refugee camp and the Mae Tao medical clinic to learn first-hand of the refugees' plight and their desire for education and freedom. Mae La, the largest of nine camps along the western Thailand border, shelters more than 35,000 refugees and provides free health care to hundreds of refugees each day.

She also protested the violent crackdown of the ruling junta against peaceful protesters and the prolonged detainment of Aung San Suu Kyi, a Nobel Prize laureate and leader of Burma's freely elected, pro-democratic party.

She has repeatedly called on the regime to stop its terror campaign against its own people; to release all political prisoners; to commit to a meaningful, unrestricted dialogue with opposition leaders; and to take steps to foster a democratic transition.

"She has also called on the international community to refrain from purchasing Burmese gemstones, the revenue from which props up the repressive Burmese regime rather helping the people of Burma," the White House said.

On May 5, 2008, Laura Bush held a rare press conference in the White House Press Briefing Room and called on the junta to allow unhindered access for international disaster experts and aid providers so that the Burmese people could receive the assistance they needed in the wake of the devastating Cyclone Nargis.