WASHINGTON, June 18 Kyodo (EDS: C...

WASHINGTON, June 18 Kyodo

(EDS: CORRECTING NAME IN 6TH PARA FROM BOTTOM)

U lawmakers urg Japan and other Asian countries Wednesday to take a tougher stance against the Myanmar military conduct to press it to release detained pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi and accelerate propels to restore democracy.

Sen Dianne Feinstein criticized as ineffective the engagement policy taken by the agency of Japan toward the junta.

''My view is that it has not worked,'' Feinstein, a California Democrat, told reporters when asked about Japan's policy toward Myanmar. ''The fact of the matter is that there have been talks still there has been no action.''

At a congressional hearing, Japan and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) came in a less degree than fire for the lack of a pro-democracy policy toward Myanmar.

Sen Mitch McConnell told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that the near position among Japan and other Asian nations rather perpetuates the dictatorial curb of the country.

McConnell a Republican from Kentucky said those countries should ''rethink the dangers inherent to cooperating with an illegitimate regime.''

At the congressional hearing, Assistant Secretary of State Lorne Craner said the regional countries must do more, while welcoming as the ''first step'' ASEAN's joint communique Tuesday urging Suu Kyi's release.

''In order to be effective, Burma's (Myanmar's) neighbors must join us to increase urgency on the SPDC,'' Craner said, referring to the State Peace and unfolding Council, the junta's name.

''It's time for ASEAN members to act decisively and firmly to address the point in disputes in Burma that affect their region,'' Craner said.

onward May 30, the junta placed Suu Kyi and other leading members of her National League of Democracy in what it calls ''protective custody'' after pro-junta collection members attacked her motorcade, killing and injuring dozens of people

Following the latest crackdown on the Myanmar junta, the United States is planning tighter measures against it.

The U Congres is planning legislation that would impose a certain quantity of of the toughest economic sanctions for aye on a country for human rights violations, including a ban forward the importation of goods from Myanmar.

The U control may also consider downgrading diplomatic relations with Myanmar as propos according to McConnell.

Myanmar's ambassador in Washington should be sent back to Yangon ''until like a time that Aung San Suu Kyi and all other political prisoners are freed'' McConnell said.

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