Americans applaud progress in Burma

Jewelers of America, the national trade association for businesses serving the fine jewellery retail marketplace, have welcomed the recent political and economic changes in Burma.

In letters to President Barack Obama, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, JA has applauded US efforts to bring about change in the country.

In particular, JA touted the Tom Lantos Block Burmese JADE Act of 2008 which amended the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003 to impose import sanctions specifically on Burmese gemstones.

“We believe the JADE Act, along with other diplomatic efforts, has been instrumental in bringing about political and economic changes in the country,” wrote JA president and CEO Matthew Runci.

In January, the US moved to restore full diplomatic relations with Burma, rewarding the country for reforms that included the loosening of military rule, a cease-fire with ethnic rebels and the release of hundreds of political prisoners.

Runci wrote the JADE Act should remain in effect until the US government believes the Burmese government has taken additional steps toward democratic reform and shown that reforms can be sustained.

The letter stated that JA and its members will continue to support all efforts to encourage human rights reforms in Burma.

“As long as there continues to be improvement of relations with the US government and further progress on human rights reforms, JA will look forward to the eventual easing of the ban on precious stones,” said Runci.