AAFA calls for extension of Burma import ban

AAFA calls for extension of Burma import ban    The American Apparel & Footwear Association on Monday sent letters to Congress members calling on them to swiftly renew the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003, an expiring import ban on goods from that country.
   The association did so citing continuing human rights abuses in Burma.
   'AAFA once again calls on Congress to follow through on U.S. commitments to human rights and renew economic sanctions against Burma,' said Kevin M. Burke, AAFA president and chief executive officer. 'AAFA strongly supports this renewal because it will send a clear and unmistakable message that the United States is not interested in doing business with regimes like the one that brutally enslaves the people of Burma.
   'A unilateral approach, however, will only bring about a limited effect,' Burke said. 'I hope the world community will join the United States in implementing economic sanctions to demonstrate that there is no room for oppression in the global marketplace.'
   The AAFA said it was the first business organization to call for the original ban on all U.S. imports from Burma in 2003 and has been a strong advocate for its renewal in subsequent years. The current House bill (H.J. Res. 56) is sponsored by Reps. Joseph Crowley, D-N.Y., and Peter King, R-N.Y., and lead sponsors for the Senate version (S.J. Res. 17) are Sens. Diane Feinstein, D-Calif., and Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. These resolutions would maintain import restrictions against the ruling military junta in Burma for up to three years.
   While the current import ban is set to expire on July 26, Burma continues to be cited by numerous organizations and governments for widespread human rights violations, AAFA said.