TGA Applauds Senate Vote to Renew Import Ban on Burma
Urges President Bush to Push Other Countries to Follow U.S. Lead

Princeton, NJ - 25 June 2004 - Travel Goods Association (TGA) President Michele Marini Pittenger applauded yesterday's vote in the U.S. Senate to renew the complete ban on all U.S. imports from Burma. "I applaud the Senate for following the House's lead in sending a message to the world that the United States will not conduct business with regimes that have complete disregard for human rights such as the one that brutally represses the people of Burma." Pittenger continued, "On behalf of the U.S. travel goods industry, I would like to thank the Senate for their courageous vote."

Concluded Pittenger, "TGA encourages the United States to redouble its efforts to 'multilateralize' this import ban. Burma is the only country that has been sanctioned by the International Labor Organization (ILO) for its abysmal human and labor rights record, drawing a bright line around that country and its continued affront to human rights. The United States must demonstrate its leadership by seeking change in Burma through our country’s example and by actively encouraging others to follow that example."

The Travel Goods Association is the voice of the U.S. travel goods industry. A national trade association, TGA represents the manufacturers, distributors and retailers of luggage, leather goods, business and travel accessories, business and computer cases, handbags and other products for people who travel.

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