Burmese Regime Hits Out At US Criticism Of Democracy Plans - 2004-03-28

Burma has denounced the United States for dismissing the ruling military's plans for political reform.

The rebuke appeared to be a response to testimony by U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Lorne Craner at a Congressional hearing last week. Mr. Craner called Burma's announced "road map for democracy" is a sham and said the country's ruling generals are not sincere about moves towards democracy announced last year.

Rangoon insisted today (Sunday) that it is working in a systematic manner towards becoming a peaceful, stable and sustainable democracy .

The military government also criticized U.S. efforts to support democratic governments, saying they have led only to tragedy and hardship.

information for this report is provided by AFP.