For Immediate Release: September 13th, 2003
New York Press Contact: (646) 643-8689

(Washington,
DC and New York) The United States Campaign
for Burma announces a celebratory dinner on
September 14th, 2003 to thank Congressman Joseph
Crowley (D-Queens/Bronx) for his support for
freedom and democracy in Burma. The dinner is
hosted by the New York Coalition for a Democratic
Burma (NYCDB).

Says Moe Chan, a resident of Queens and a leader
in the NYCDB: “Congressman Joseph Crowley
is a Congressman who believes in freedom and
democracy, and he is using his votes to prove
that. He is a true champion for human rights.”

On July 28th, U.S. President George W. Bush
signed into law the Burmese Freedom and Democracy
Act of 2003, which passed the U.S. House of
Representatives overwhelmingly by a vote of
418-2. The Act, led by Congressman Tom Lantos
(D-CA), received early support from Congressman
Crowley, a key figure on the House International
Relations Committee.

What: The evening event will include traditional
Burmese cuisine, dance performances, a video
featuring 1991 Nobel Peace Prize recipient Aung
San Suu Kyi, and a speech by Congressman Crowley.

Where: Walter Crowley Intermediate
School, 50-40, Jacobus Street, Elmhurst, NY
11373
When: Sunday, September 14th,
2003, 6:00-8:00 pm

BACKGROUND ON BURMA

The people of Burma, ruled by one of the world’s
most brutal dictatorships, are locked in a struggle
for freedom and democracy. For many years, the
Burmese have led a concerted effort to bring
about an end to dictatorship in Burma. The leader
of the struggle, Aung San Suu Kyi, was imprisoned
after a bloody May 30 attack by regime paramilitaries
on her motorcade. Scores of democracy supporters
were murdered, many more arrested and all NLD
members remain in danger.

Numerous Burmese dissidents have sought and
received political asylum in the United States.
It is believed that over 6,000 Burmese live
in the New York area alone, many in Congressman
Crowley’s district.

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