AFP | July 29, 2008

President George W. Bush on Tuesday renewed a ban on imports from military-ruled Myanmar and also signed a new law that aims to keep Myanmar’s gems from entering US markets via third-party countries.

“Our message is: the United States believes in democracy and freedom,” Bush said during a White House ceremony in which he signed the two laws.

The Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act renews a sanctions regime imposed since 2003 over the suppression of opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi’s democracy movement.

Bush also signed a new sanctions regime aimed at stopping gems including jade and rubies from entered the United States via third nations such as Thailand, China, Taiwan, Malaysia and Singapore. The gems are a key source of income for the military regime.

9/11 Chronicles Part One: Truth Rising Get the DVD and make copies or watch the high quality streaming and download version online at Prison Planet.tv. Click here to read more about the film and view sample trailers.

The Emergency Election Sale is now live! Get 30% to 60% off our most popular products today!