President and CEO of the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA), Kevin Burke, has urged the US Congress to quickly renew import restrictions against the ruling military junta in Burma because of its continued violations of human rights. He also urged the Bush administration to do more to encourage other countries to impose similar sanctions against Burma’s military rulers.

In letters to key members of the House and Senate, Mr Burke urged Congress to extend the import ban contained in the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003, which will expire July 31. He also applauded the government for putting the issue of Burma before the international community.

“Unfortunately, while the international community, led by the International Labor Organization (ILO) and the United Nations, has universally condemned the deplorable human and labour rights situation in Burma, the United States has been the only one to exercise true leadership by imposing tough sanctions.”