DATE=05/06/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=U-S-BURMA REACT (S)

NUMBER=2-289470

BYLINE=DAVID GOLLUST

DATELINE=

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Here in Washington, Secretary of State Colin Powell has welcomed the release of Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, though it is unclear whether there will be an early move by the Bush administration to ease sanctions against the Burmese government. V-O-A's David Gollust reports from the State Department.

TEXT: Mr. Powell, approached by reporters after addressing a Latin American group here, said he is very pleased Aung San Suu Kyi has been released and allowed to participate in political life once again. But Mr. Powell did not elaborate, and officials here promised a more detailed response after assessing reports from Rangoon.

The Bush administration had reacted cautiously last week to reports that Burma's military leaders were planning to free the Nobel laureate from 19-months of house arrest. Spokesmen said the release had to be unconditional, and they did would not say if such a move would mean the lifting of U-S sanctions against Burma.

Congressionally-imposed sanctions against Burma have been in place for several years and include bans on aid and investments and on visas for U-S visits by Burmese government officials. The sanctions are to remain in place until the president certifies that Burma has made "measurable and substantial progress" in improving human rights practices and implementing democratic government. (Signed)

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