"I am deeply concerned about the sectarian violence being carried out in Burma. Recent killings, burning of homes and hateful rhetoric are ominous warning signs of genocide. Urgent action is needed to prevent a genocide from being unleashed on Burma's ethnic minorities.

Over the last year, your Administration has lifted many sanctions against Burma to reward political and economic reforms. Yet, the Burmese government continues to commit severe human rights abuses and has consistently displayed insufficient response to ethnically and religiously motivated attacks. 

The leading role that your Administration played in scaling back sanctions on Burma obligates the U.S. government to act urgently and demand that the Burmese government protect its ethnic populations.

I am asking you to use all tools at your disposal to demand action -- including a thorough review of all U.S. sanctions and placing greater accountability on Burmese President Thein Sein. I also urge you to call for a United Nations observer mission to investigate the violence, deter escalation and hold the perpetrators of violence accountable.

Your consideration of this urgent request is appreciated and I look forward to your response."