I can't speak to safety issues relative to Burma/Myanmar.  What I can
comment on, is the U.S. government's official position.

For U.S. persons, which includes anyone residing or a citizen of the U.S.,
there are Office of Foreign Asset Control sanctions in place against the
country.  While I find some U.S. sanctions very weakly supported, I have no
opinion on those imposed against Burma.  Please don't blame the messanger on
this one, I'm just reporting facts.  The sanction brochure can be viewed in
total at http://www.treas.gov/ofac/ .  If you are a U.S. person, you might
want to bookmark this site.  This is the official site for all OFAC
sanctions.

The United States imposed sanctions against Burma on May 20, 1997 because of
"large scale repression of and violence against the Democratic opposition."
The sanctions prohibit new investment in Burma by U.S. persons, and their
facilitation of new investment in Burma by foreign persons.  Investment is
generally defined as equity investment in the development of new financial,
industrial, natural and other resources and any approval or supervisory
participation in such projects.  Having just read the sanction notice, I
find no prohibition against travel to Burma or the utilization of goods or
services incidental to such travel.  It appears to address only equity
ownership and supervision of projects designed to support development of
infrastructure in Burma.  In other words, I think you can go and dive your
heart out without violating OFAC  sanctions.  This is a good since penalties
for violating the sanctions include up to 10 years in jail and $250,000 in
individual fines for criminal violations (deliberate violations) and up to
$11,000 per violation for civil violations (unintentional violations).

I see nothing suggesting a problem for U.S. persons who choose to travel to
Burma, but suggest the following:
1. Somebody give OFAC a call to ensure they concur with my analysis.  I'm
fairly sure I'm right, but I'm not authorized to make official
determinations.  Better safe than sorry.  The number is (202) 622-2430.
2. Consider whether the existance of U.S. sanctions against the country may
expose visitors from the U.S. to problems resulting from hard feelings about
restrictions which would might be impacting the quality of life of those in
Burma.  Perhaps current politically motivated hostage situations involving
divers have made me overly cautious, but I consider the risk worth at least
considering.

Lee

Don said:
> > Isn't that Myanmar (now)?  And isn't it dangerous?

Strike responded:

> NO!! :-)