Kerry Warns Against Another “Tiananmen Square moment;” Urges China, India, and ASEAN to Join U.S. In Pressuring Junta

WASHINGTON D.C. – Sen. John Kerry issued the following statement today in response to the military junta’s ongoing crackdown on non-violent, pro-democracy protestors in Burma.

“If the Burmese military stops peaceful protest with still more butchery, the world must be prepared to act in concert to stop the blood shed and force meaningful negotiations down the path towards political change. The world cannot stand by and allow this to become another Tiananmen Square moment. We can not permit a “Hotel Rwanda” in Burma. The United States must stand strong. China, India, and the ASEAN nations must also demonstrate leadership commensurate with their growing power and status. Is Beijing willing to risk their chosen status as hosts of the 2008 Olympics by enabling cruelty and repression in Burma? This is a moment when China must be a responsible stakeholder in the world community.”