U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell has called on the United Nations to take firm action against Burma.
Mr. McConnell, the second-ranking Republican in the Senate made his remarks after introducing legislation to renew U.S. sanctions against the military junta in Rangoon.
Mr. McConnell said he welcomed U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan's recent statements supporting freedom in Burma. But the senator said the world body must now take action.
Mr. McConnell's bill, submitted late Tuesday, would renew a complete ban on all imports from Burma for a year, or until President Bush informs Congress that Rangoon has made substantial and measurable progress on human rights and
democracy issues.
The Senator also called on Burma's military rulers to release pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi from house arrest.
Information for this report is provided by AFP.
