STATEMENT BY SENATOR JOHN McCAIN COMMENDING THE DECISION TO SUSPEND THE MYITSONE DAM PROJECT

Washington, D.C. ­-- U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) today issued the following statement commending the decision to suspend the Myitsone dam project:

“I commend President Thein Sein and other government leaders in Nay Pyi Taw for their bold and responsible decision to suspend construction of the Myitsone dam project, which has been estimated to do irreparable harm to the Irrawaddy River. More than any issue in recent memory, this project and its reportedly disastrous environmental impact have united the Burmese people in overwhelming public opposition.

“It is to the credit of President Thein Sein and his allies in government that, in the face of considerable internal and external pressure, they listened to the voice of the people and made a dramatic change in government policy for the sake of the public interest. This was a democratic act, and I hope the government in Nay Pyi Taw will continue to respond to the peaceful will of the people to make additional positive changes in other areas.”