Myanmar stands ready to cooperate with all international community that wish her well

The New Light of Myanmar
Sunday, 30 November, 2003

Myanmar stands ready to cooperate with all international community
that wish her well

The Government of the Union of Myanmar has been taking systematic
measures in raising, maintaining and using the public finance after
laying down firm financial policies and monetary policies for
successful realization of political, social and economic objectives of
the State.

This being the case, significant progress has been made in political,
social and economic sectors. The national economic life is meeting
with success owing to the united efforts of the Government and the
people.

At such a time, some Western powers, opposed the wishes of 52 million
Myanmar people, made an unjust accusation on Myanmar in order to get
Myanmar people into trouble. Recently, the United States Department of
Treasury issued the announcement dated on 19 November 2003 designating
Myanmar and two Myanmar private banks to be of "primary money
laundering concern" and proposing countermeasures be taken under
section 133 of the USA PATRIOT ACT.

As regards the matter, the Ministry of Finance and Revenue of the
Union of Myanmar issued a press release on the announcement of the
United States Department of the Treasury concerning Myanmar on 28
November 2003.

The announcement of the United States Department of Treasury was an
act done without considering the real situations properly. Far from
helping Myanmar in its anti-money laundering drive, making a
subjective assessment of Myanmar anti-money laundering efforts is an
ill-considered move.

Myanmar enacted an anti-money laundering law in June 2002. Even the
United States Department of the Treasury has acknowledged this
important step. Following the promulgation of the law, the Myanmar
Government has been taking steps for its implementation. Myanmar has
been cooperating and holding discussions with international bodies
including the United Nations.

Turning a blind eye to constructive activities of Myanmar, calling on
its members to impose additional countermeasures against Myanmar and
for the US to take follow up action based on the subjective assessment
are acts that do not serve anyone's interest.

Myanmar, notwithstanding the economic sanctions and undue pressure
imposed by the United States and its partners, has already initiated
firm measures to overcome the twin problems of narcotic drugs and
money-laundering. Myanmar remains committed to taking follow up
measures to implement the anti-money laundering law. Myanmar stands
ready to cooperate with all the international community that wish us
well and are willing to lend a hand.
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