Bush To Impose New Sanctions On Myanmar

NEW YORK – President Bush on Tuesday will announce additional sanctions against the military dictatorship in Myanmar to support the push for democracy in that Asian country, the White House said Monday.

Bush, in a speech at the U.N. General Assembly, will announce financial sanctions against key members of the regime and those who provide them financial aid, said Stephen Hadley, the president’s national security adviser. The U.S. action came amid a growing series of anti-government protests in Myanmar, also known as Burma.

As many as 100,000 protesters led by a phalanx of barefoot monks marched Monday in the most powerful show of strength yet. “It’s very interesting what is happening in the country with the Buddhist monks who have joined this effort,” Hadley said. “Our hope is to marry that internal pressure with the external pressure coming from the United States and the United Nations and really all countries that are committed to freedom to try to force the regime into a change.”

Hadley would not be specific about the financial sanctions to maintain what he called an element of surprise against those who might try to hide their assets. But he said they would target key members of the regime and those who provide financial support to them. He also said there would be a visa ban against those associated with the regime, including their families.

“He will call for the United Nations and for other countries there to do all they can to support a process of political change in Burma,” Hadley said. The U.S. restricts imports and exports and financial transactions with Myanmar. Washington also has imposed an arms embargo on Myanmar.

By BEN FELLER, Associated Press Writer