International Law Advisory - Congress passed Joint Resolution 97

This is to advise you that last week, Congress passed Joint Resolution 97, effectively renewing sanctions against Burma (Myanmar), which were instituted last year pursuant to the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act (the “BFDA”) and related presidential Executive Order 13310.  A summary of the Burmese sanctions can be found in the attached memoranda, which we circulated last year when the BFDA and Executive Order 13310 were originally implemented.  Joint Resolution 97 does not change the scope of the sanctions against Burma, but extends them for one year, until July 29, 2005 (the BFDA was scheduled to sunset on July 29, 2004).

The President is expected to sign Joint Resolution 97 shortly.  The President extended Executive Order 13047 earlier this year, until May 20, 2005

We will continue to keep you apprised of further developments with respect to sanctions against Burma.  If you have any questions, or would like copies of the proposed legislation, please contact Ed Krauland (202.429.8083), David Lorello (202.429.6757), or Meredith Rathbone (202.429.6437).