The extensive and widespread devastation left this weekend by the cyclone in Burma has claimed over 60,000 lives and millions more have seen their homes and communities destroyed. I extend my deepest condolences to the people of Burma struggling to recover from this catastrophic disaster.

Through tragedy, there may be some hope for the future for the citizens of Burma. After years of being isolated from the rest of the world, the United States along with the international community can use this opportunity to assist Burma and demonstrate good will towards the Burmese people.

The time is ripe to move beyond the strategy of isolation and sanctions and toward the goal of opening up Burma. I am hopeful that the administration will move forward in that spirit and that the Government of Burma will accept the outpouring of international aid and allow international relief organizations access throughout the country.

This entry was posted on Thursday, May 8th, 2008 at 4:01 pm and is filed under Politics, Foreign Policy .