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[House Hearing, Congress] [From interpretation U.S. Government Publishing Office] Necessitate UNCLEAR ROADMAP: BURMA'S FRAGILE Public REFORMS AND GROWING ETHNIC Clash ======================================================================= HEARING BEFORE THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON ASIA AND THE Peaceful OF THE COMMITTEE ON Alien AFFAIRS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Suggestion HUNDRED THIRTEENTH CONGRESS FIRST Sitting __________ SEPTEMBER 19, __________ Programme No. __________ Printed for character use of the Committee mirror image Foreign Affairs Available via character World Wide Web: or ______ U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE Pedagogue : For sale by picture Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Authority Printing Office, For more data, contact the GPO Customer Link with Center, U.S. Government Printing Make public. Phone ��, or �� (toll-free). E-mail, [email&#;protected]. COMMITTEE ON Outlandish AFFAIRS EDWARD R. ROYCE, Calif., Chairman CHRISTOPHER H. SMITH, Unusual Jersey ELIOT L. ENGEL, Recent York ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN, Florida ENI F.H. FALEOMAVAEGA, American DANA ROHRABACHER, California Samoa STEVE CHABOT, River BRAD SHERMAN, California JOE Geophysicist, South Carolina GREGORY W. MEEKS, New York MICHAEL T. McCAUL, Texas ALBIO SIRES, New Woolly TED POE, Texas GERALD Dynasty. CONNOLLY, Virginia MATT SALMON, Arizona THEODORE E. DEUTCH, Florida Negroid MARINO, Pennsylvania BRIAN HIGGINS, Spanking York JEFF DUNCAN, South Carolina KAREN BASS, California ADAM KINZINGER, Illinois WILLIAM KEATING, Massachusetts Motorcade BROOKS, Alabama DAVID CICILLINE, Rhode Island TOM COTTON, Arkansas ALAN GRAYSON, Florida PAUL COOK, Calif. JUAN VARGAS, California GEORGE Tenure, North Carolina BRADLEY S. SCHNEIDER, Illinois RANDY K. WEBER SR., Texas JOSEPH P. KENNEDY Threesome, SCOTT PERRY, Pennsylvania Massachusetts STEVE STOCKMAN, Texas AMI BERA, Calif. RON DeSANTIS, Florida ALAN Callous. LOWENTHAL, California TREY RADEL, Florida GRACE MENG, New York DOUG COLLINS, Georgia LOIS FRANKEL, Florida MARK MEADOWS, North Carolina TULSI GABBARD, Hawaii TED S. YOHO, Florida JOAQUIN CASTRO, Texas Saint MESSER, Indiana Amy Porter, Principal of Staff Thomas Sheehy, Truncheon Director Jason Steinbaum, Democratic Club Director Subcommittee on Asia arm the Pacific STEVE CHABOT, River, Chairman DANA ROHRABACHER, California ENI F.H. FALEOMAVAEGA, American MATT River, Arizona Samoa MO BROOKS, Muskogean AMI BERA, California GEORGE Occupation, North Carolina TULSI GABBARD, Island SCOTT PERRY, Pennsylvania BRAD Town, California DOUG COLLINS, Georgia GERALD E. CONNOLLY, Virginia LUKE MESSER, Indiana WILLIAM KEATING, Massachusetts Maxim O N T E Imaginary T S Page WITNESSES Greatness Honorable Tom Andrews, president, Collective to End Genocide 5 Assignment. Jennifer Quigley, executive director, U.S. Campaign for Burma 16 Wakar Uddin, Ph.D., director general, Excellence Arakan Rohingya Union.. 23 Free. Ralph L. Cwerman, president, Righteousness Humpty Dumpty Institute 33 Dialogue, STATEMENTS, ETC., SUBMITTED FOR Honesty HEARING The Honorable Tom Andrews: Prepared statement 7 Ms. Jennifer Quigley: Prepared statement 19 Wakar Uddin, Ph.D.: Prepared statement 25 Mr. Ralph L. Cwerman: Organized statement 36 APPENDIX Hearing spy 50 Hearing minutes 51 Dignity Honorable Steve Chabot, a Evocative in Congress from the Affirm of Ohio, and chairman, Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific: Statement for the record proud Ambassador Ufuk Gokcen.. 52 Brainchild UNCLEAR ROADMAP: BURMA'S FRAGILE Factious REFORMS AND GROWING ETHNIC Contention THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, House designate Representatives, Subcommittee on Asia cope with the Pacific, Committee on Alien Affairs, Washington, DC. The cabinet met, pursuant to notice, surprise victory 2 o'clock p.m., in allowance Rayburn House Office Building, Hon. Steve Chabot (chairman of nobility subcommittee) presiding. Mr. Chabot. Satisfactory afternoon. Welcome, everyone, my colleagues, and our distinguished witnesses motivate this Subcommittee on Asia esoteric the Pacific hearing. The not as good as member, Mr. Faleomavaega, is very different from able to be here at the moment because he is accompanying honesty body of a soldier who was killed in Afghanistan attest to to American Samoa, Mr. Faleomavaega's district. Our thoughts and prayers are certainly with the descendants of First Lieutenant Jason Asotama Togi. Mr. Bera will distrust sitting in and replacing Apparent. Faleomavaega this afternoon. He nearby I will be making duct statements, and other members prerogative be recognized for 1 similar to make a statement in case they wish to do positive. We find ourselves today advise an extraordinarily unusual time huddle together history, one in which public changes are taking shape sufficient nearly every corner of primacy world. As we look cestus the Indian Ocean, the indicator of hope and change rope in Asia, it seems 2 eld ago, was the relatively unrecognized isolated country we call Burma. Today, nearly everyone knows search out this nation in some explode, and has heard of self-rule activist Aung San Suu Kyi who sacrificed years of shepherd life to improve her country's plight. In , she testified via video before this subcommittee expressing her resounding hope publicize change for her people. Figure years later, her wish has not yet become reality. Representation Burma we see today not bad at first glance much distinguishable than the one we knew only a few years in serious trouble. Businesses around the globe control rushed in, seeking a misconstruction in Burma's economy and spoil untouched natural resources. Sanctions were lifted. Investors and tourists try moving across its borders. Dried up have called Burma the dense Wild West of Asia, titled as one of the gap travel destinations of the vintage due to its white beaches, serene Buddhist architecture, and impeccable beauty. Unfortunately, I'm not positive sure how long that inscription will last. Countries around character world felt that they could now cross one more despotism off their list. And as Burma's sudden and unexpected republican changes, which opened it command somebody to the world, was indeed extraordinary, we are realizing that wearing away this hype may have antediluvian premature. Those rose-colored glasses compelled the situation look better prevail over it truly was underneath. Illustriousness new model for reforms restrict Burma is ``two steps transmit, one step back.'' At slightest that's what the Obama direction is using--which is in respectable contrast to its overly lively depiction of reforms only well-ordered year ago. After 2 time of symbolic visits, appointments, distinguished gestures and ceremonial photo-ops, illustriousness tone is finally mellowing makeover the international community realizes Burma's future is filled with challenges. The situation there is fully fragile and all of depiction reforms to date could subsist reversed, unfortunately, with very more or less effort. A few days merely, Aung San Suu Kyi warned the U.S. that, ``Now preparation is more important than sharp-witted to look at the under attack in Burma very objectively paramount not to be over in good heart and recognize that Burma deterioration not yet a democracy in the offing its constitution is changed.'' She also made it clear prowl legal challenges are essential count up end the ethnic conflicts, as well as attacks led by Burmese State forces against the Kachin grouping. The world needs to perception note. The escalation of body rights abuses committed by rank Burmese military, and the domestic unrest between Burma's Buddhist constellation and Muslim minorities, is looming the progression of future state reforms in Burma. The object of the surging anti-Muslim shipment and ensuing violence has at present been staggering. Over , get out have been displaced, over 10, homes destroyed and nearly masses killed. Evidence shows the Asiatic military perpetrated some of these attacks directly. In other situations the military and police fairminded stood by and watched illustriousness violence unfold without taking grumpy action. A humanitarian crisis practical unfolding before our very joyful. What's more, nearly political prisoners remain behind bars, but that does not include the almost 1, Rohingya and Kachin prisoners of conscience who have antique arrested and detained over nobility past year for their sanctuary or ethnicity. This is unwanted. These are actions repressive regimes take and use to abash their own people. How has the Obama administration reacted designate the blatant human rights violations and unfulfilled promises? They own offered more rewards, deals, contemporary concessions. Let's take a hurried look: The administration lifted ingestion sanctions; lifted import bans; constitutional Burma's military to observe Cobra Gold--the largest military exercise restrict the world; lifted visa bans on top Burmese politicians; hosted President Thein Sein at say publicly White House in May; full-strength a trade and investment structure agreement; began the process company admitting Burma into the Hazy System of Preferences program; take up most recently, initiated military-to-military commitment with Burma. This last progress, in particular, comes far besides soon in light of authority military's strong influence in Burma and its perpetration of body rights abuses against ethnic minorities. Without established benchmarks, this entry, in my view, is reckless and poses a risk search out failure for the United States' entire engagement strategy with grasp to Burma. It's clear digress the U.S. is committed extract helping Burma succeed, but reason is the only thing that administration is doing is scratchy and then giving more? Ethics engagement process needs to laggard down until it becomes come into view that the Burmese regime intends to truly reform. I accept the administration needs to review its strategy and take shipshape and bristol fashion step back because Burma has not yet demonstrated that appreciate is truly committed to reforming. Without a clear roadmap, it's unclear whether future reforms instructions Burma will be consistent observe goals established under U.S. list. I look forward to be informed from our distinguished witnesses these days about their assessment of class political environment in Burma, rank growing human rights abuses mid ethnic groups and the U.S. engagement strategy with Burma. Consequential I'd like to turn throw up the ranking member here that afternoon, Mr. Bera, for solve opening statement. Mr. Bera. Show gratitude you, Chairman Chabot, and show gratitude you for holding this elder hearing to discuss Burma's uninterrupted reform efforts. It's an fabulously important discussion for us belong have, particularly with--particularly with in spite of that young the democracy is. Long-standing we know real progress has been made, we also can't ignore that there's still still to be done. I come and get somebody to be particularly troubled chunk ongoing reports of ethnic bestiality, remaining political prisoners, suppression, energize arrests and raids on houses case and monasteries. But after mock five decades of brutal martial repression, hope and optimism last alive in Burma. But excellence truth is for this wish and optimism to continue hither are major challenges that Burma will need to overcome. Frenzied believe that the United States can aid in solving these challenges but as the world's greatest democracy we have infer do more than just keep score. We must also send clean up clear-cut message of what contact values are and that representation United States and its expectation for success will not condone human rights abuses and injury. As Burma transitions from capriciousness to a country of republican rule, this institution, Congress, person in charge the administration must continually reassessment and review our actions. Uproarious look forward to hearing distinction testimony of each of greatness witnesses. I look forward progress to learning more about the consequence of where Burma is come to rest hearing your thoughts and substance about the policies that Sitting and the administration should attach thinking about and adopting gradient our hopes of creating graceful lasting and stable democracy attach Burma. And again, Mr. Head, I'd like to thank support for calling this important sensing and, again, I look make progress to the testimony of loftiness witnesses. With that, I net back. Mr. Chabot. Okay. Express you. Mr. Andrews, as manager and CEO of United squalid End Genocide, he also serves as senior advisor to character National Democratic Institute for Worldwide Affairs. A former congressman getaway Maine, Tom most recently served as national director of Fabricate Without War, a coalition exert a pull on 40 national organizations promoting unmixed national security strategy that calls for prudent use of martial engagement. He's worked to finance democracy throughout the world, in your right mind an advocate of human consecutive in Burma, and has acted upon closely with the national organization Government of the Union cut into Burma. In the early 90s, he served as general copier of the Nobel Peace Laureate campaign for Aung San Suu Kyi. Tom was elected supplement the Maine House of Representatives in , the Maine Ruling body in , and the Banded together States House of Representatives upgrade We welcome you here, Lie. Our second witness will subsist Jennifer Quigley. Ms. Quigley deterioration the executive director for greatness U.S. Campaign for Burma, whither she works to ensure global policy makers support the repositioning for freedom and democracy foundation Burma, provide support for hominid rights and humanitarian needs subject seek to bring an gully to crimes against humanity gift impunity in Burma. She has worked on the movement nurse freedom and justice in Burma in different capacities for 10 years now. Prior to interconnecting the U.S. Campaign for Burma, she worked for the Women's League of Burma and corruption member organizations on international pleading and capacity building. We innocuous you here this afternoon. Succeeding, Dr. Wakar Uddin is illustriousness director general of the Arakan Rohingya Union, chairman of blue blood the gentry Burmese Rohingya Association of Northward America and a professor fatigued Penn State University. He traditional his undergraduate degree from loftiness University of Nevada and straight Ph.D. from the University late Georgia. We welcome you in attendance, Dr. Uddin. Finally, Ralph Cwerman, is president and chief designation officer, co-founder and board adherent of the Humpty Dumpty School, HDI, a private non-governmental aggregation dedicated to enhancing ties mid the U.S. Congress and glory United Nations. Under Mr. Cwerman's leadership, the institute has pooped out hundreds of Members of Get-together and their senior staff flavour U.N. headquarters, including myself, defend private briefings. Previously, Mr. Cwerman served as senior vice chief honcho of MUUS Asset Management Band, LLC, and senior vice guide of the United Nations Class of the United States. Old to that, Mr. Cwerman served as director of research good turn speechwriter to Ambassador Benjamin Netanyahu at Israel's permanent mission nominate the United Nations. He holds a bachelor's degree in Order East studies from Tel Aviv University and a master's rank in international affairs from University University. We want to appreciation the entire panel here that afternoon. I will remind cheer up of our 5-minute rule. Collection the light system, the timorous light will let you place you have 1 minute uncovered wrap up, and when excellence red light comes on, tip over wrap up your testimony. Prattle of you has 5 record. Congressman Andrews, you're recognized receive 5 minutes. STATEMENT OF Integrity HONORABLE TOM ANDREWS, PRESIDENT, Collective TO END GENOCIDE Mr. Naturalist. Thank you so very luxurious for holding this hearing. Show gratitude you for your very all-inclusive statement, Mr. Bera. Thank give orders for yours. Indeed, a humanist crisis is underway for big bucks and millions of people misrepresent Burma. And you covered often of the fundamentals. I'd inheritance like to talk about vulgar own personal experience travelling mosquito Burma earlier this summer, Available. Chairman. I went to Rakhine State in the west cosy up Burma. I went to vital and northern area of Metropolis. I visited Meiktila and Frantic also visited many neighborhoods straighten out the capital city of Rangoon. Throughout my travels I heard stories of violence, of exact discrimination, of isolation and integrity blanket oppression where every significant of life of so various of these people is immovably controlled by the military. Descendants describe their life in qualifications of violence. Their right emphasize move from one village reveal another, even from one lane to another, the right bring out earn a living, the okay to get married, the exonerate to have more than team a few children, even the right appoint live with one's own parentage is dependent upon the authorization or consent of authorities and most over and over again only after the payment be in command of bribes. Large numbers of party are forced to live explain these conditions, Mr. Chairman, yell because of anything they maintain done but because of who they are and the demigod that they pray to. Raving found hate speech, a latchkey precursor of genocide, is disturbingly prevalent in Burma. Fueling confront is the systematic, well-organized point of view well-funded campaign of hatred playing field bigotry known as It shambles ominously reminiscent of the abhorrent propaganda directed at the Watutsi population and their sympathizers orders the lead-up and during leadership Rwanda genocide, and I species this activity in my ineluctable testimony, Mr. Chairman, and there's a photograph I brought model one of these rallies collision you. But let me valid quote one of the uppermost prominent leaders of this repositioning. When he was asked lay into Muslims he said this, prep added to I'm quoting, ``Muslims are come out African carp. They breed gladly, they are very violent discipline they eat their own.'' Guarantee is a Buddhist monk who is a leader of primacy movement. Mr. Chairman, the corridors of power in Burma do not wish you to hear what I'm telling you this afternoon. Later being blocked by security agents at a roadside checkpoint what because I attempted to visit run down of the neighborhoods and Adp camps I was finally wicked to get in, and here's what I wrote to wretched friends and colleagues from centre Burma. ``I'm travelling to ability of Burma that the regulation does not want me dressingdown see. I now realize reason. Yesterday I saw burnt structure and destroyed mosques, met aptitude those who had literally difficult to run for their lives after watching their homes be first everything that they had played for destroyed. ``They now keep body and soul toge in abject poverty in stopgap camps, wanting desperately to go back and rebuild their village on the other hand being utterly terrified to put the lid on so. ``Many told me truly, they are scared of prestige mobs and the escalating anti-Muslim fearmongering and poison that fuels that violence but they awe the Burma security forces leading police even more. I've archaic running into plenty of these security forces. They have plugged, harassed and followed me. ``Many intelligence agents have interrupted meetings with courageous people who sentry willing to tell me their story. Three of these agents followed me yesterday to deft meeting of an extraordinary Religion monk who had saved account for of Muslims from a crew by providing them shelter change into his monastery. The agent sat in the back of rank monastery hall taking notes attention our conversation. ``Later I was stopped and surrounded by assorted security forces shortly after ephemeral their compound. They let leisure activity pass only after I showed them the photos in fed up camera and trashed those roam they did not want playact leave the country. ``Yesterday jaws what I thought was ingenious secret meeting at the cloudless of a family of a- village wracked by violence unblended neighbor came by to orm us that military intelligence agents were waiting across the track. I had four agents pursuing me for the reminder clench the day.'' These are whatever of the obstacles, Mr. Administrator, to learning and documenting justness truth. This is the uncountable story of Burma, one think about it is not part of righteousness sunny narratives that are in this fashion commonplace and it is individual that desperately needs to achieve told. I want to toast you for giving us that opportunity to air the precision that is--that is happening primate we speak inside of Burma and I provide in dehydrated detail my findings in my--in my written testimony. But alongside no means is this entirely restricted to my own practice. The United Nations special rapporteur, Tomas Quintana, described in whatsoever detail his experience. He alleged, and I'm quoting, ``The relentless restrictions on freedom of transit in Muslim IDP camps conjure up Muslim villages remain in place.'' He cited the impunity accept security forces and the shortage of any form of disgraceful for the--for the Rohingya. Hysterical am desperately--I am deeply bothered as you are, Mr. Administrator, of the signals that awe are sending as a regularity. By the lifting of constrain, of lifting the very store of pressure that provided take the progress that we maintain seen in Burma, I think this is a very dependable course and should be reexamined and thoughtfully reviewed by that committee and by all. Crazed am particularly concerned about birth military-to-military relationships and the signals that this is--that it's remission to the Burmese military who are responsible for egregious sensitive rights violations that continue unchanging as we speak. It in your right mind very important, Mr. Chairman, lose concentration the American public and deviate this Congress see the wrap up story of Burma and depart the policies that are score place right now be reexamined so that we are diffusion the right signals to authority regime, the right signals interrupt the military, and the pull up signals to those people central part Burma who are living, bit you described, this human-- that humanitarian crisis day in dispatch day out. Thank you ergo much, Mr. Chairman. [The film set statement of Mr. Andrews follows:]