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Burma - Government and Political Conditions (Notes)

GOVERNMENT AND POLITICAL CONDITIONS The Union of Burma (or Myanmar as it is called by the ruling junta) consists of 14 states and divisions. Administrative control is exercised from the central government through a system of subordinate executive bodies and regional military commanders. Power is centered on the ruling junta--the State Peace and Development Council, or SPDC--which maintains strict authoritarian rule over the people of Burma. The Prime Minister is appointed directly by the SPDC. Control is maintained through intimidation, the strict censuring of information, repression of individual rights, and suppression of ethnic minority groups. The SPDC continues its harsh rule and systematic human rights abuses today, and insists that any future political transition be negotiated on its terms. It proclaimed a seven-step roadmap to democracy beginning with a National Convention process, purportedly to develop a new constitution and pave the way for national elections. However the regime restricts public input and debate and handpicks the delegates, effectively excluding pro-democracy supporters. Although the SPDC changed the name of the country to 'Myanmar,' the democratically elected but never convened Parliament of 1990 does not recognize the name change, and the democratic opposition continues to use the name 'Burma.' Due to consistent support for the democratically elected leaders, the U.S. Government likewise uses 'Burma.' Principal Government Officials Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council--Senior General Than Shwe Prime Minister--Gen. Soe Win Minister of Foreign Affairs--U Nyan Win Chargé d' Affaires, Burmese Embassy in the United States--U Myint Lwin Ambassador to the United Nations--U Kyaw Tint Swe Burma maintains an embassy to the United States at 2300 S Street NW, Washington, DC 20008, tel.: (202) 332-3344; fax: (202) 332-4351.