Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 17 Dec 1996

Vol. 473 No. 1

Written Answers. - Establishment of Democracy in Burma.

Ray Burke

Question:

60 Mr. R. Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the way in which dialogue between the EU and the pro-democracy forces in Burma will be developed; the steps, if any, being taken, in conjunction with members of ASEAN, in order to promote democracy in Burma; and whether the adoption by the EU of a common position on Burma at its General Affairs Council on 28 October 1996, is not merely a smoke screen to deflect criticism of the EU's failure to take real action against the Rangoon regime. [24341/96]

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Spring)

Regular contact is maintained by EU representatives on the ground with pro-democracy groups in Burma.

Developments in Burma, and the desire by the EU to see democratic legitimacy in that country, have been raised on a continuing basis with ASEAN. As President of the Council, as I have already informed the House, I raised the matter of Burma at the ASEAN Regional Forum Ministerial Meeting, on 22-23 July 1996, and the ASEAN Post Ministerial Conferences, on 24-25 July 1996, in Jakarta.

The EU common position on Burma, which was adopted by the Council on 28 October 1996, provides for a ban on entry visas to EU member states for senior members of the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) and their families as well as for senior members of the military or the security forces who formulate. implement or benefit from policies that impede Burma's transition to democracy, and their families; and the suspension of high-level bilateral governmental visits to Burma.

In addition, the common position recalls the action that has already been taken by the EU. This action includes expulsion of all military personnel attached to the diplomatic representations of Burma in EU member states and the withdrawal of all military personnel attached to diplomatic representations of EU member states in Burma; an embargo on arms, munitions and military equipment; and the suspension of non-humanitarian aid or development programmes.

The EU common position states further that its implementation will be monitored by the Council and that, in the light of developments in Burma, further measures may need to be considered.

On 13 December 1996, an EU declaration was issued which expressed deep concern at reports of police brutality in the dispersing of recent student demonstrations in Burma and at the restrictions which have been placed on the movement of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. The EU reiterated its call on the SLORC to enter into meaningful dialogue with pro-democracy groups immediately to restore peace and to bring about national reconciliation. It was also made clear that the EU would hold the SLORC fully responsible for the physical well-being of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.