Vol. 476 No. 5
7 Mr. M. Kitt asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the matters he discussed with Dr. Sein Win, Burma's Prime Minister in exile; the measures, if any, taken at EU and UN level on the continued repression by the military in Burma; if priority will be given to human rights in Burma; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7551/97].
For a comprehensive account of Government actions on Burma, including action at EU and UN level, I refer the Deputy to my replies to Question No. 60 of 22 October 1996, Questions Nos. 46-62, inclusive, of 23 October 1996 and Question No. 60 of 17 December 1996 which relate to the period of the Irish Presidency of the EU. The position on discussions on Burma since then, particularly at the EU-ASEAN meeting in Singapore in February, is outlined in my replies to Question No. 48 of 19 February and Question No. 44 of 11 March.
At my meeting with Dr. Sein Win on 5 March I had a useful exchange of views on the current position in Burma. This included a discussion on the internal situation, including the position of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the military offensive by the SLORC against Karen National Union forces. I briefed Dr. Sein on EU policy on Burma, including the common position on Burma, adopted by the Council of the European Union on 28 October last. I was also able to brief him on discussions on Burma which had taken place at the EU-ASEAN ministerial meeting in Singapore in February.
Dr. Sein Win urged the international community to show its displeasure at the SLORC offensive against the Karen National Union and to help the refugees on the Thai border. I was able to inform him that the EU had issued a declaration on the matter urging the Government of Thailand to apply internationally recognised norms and standards relating to the treatment of refugees and to ensure that all civilians seeking refuge in its territory will be allowed protection and shelter there until the underlying causes for their flight have been removed.
On Irish aid assistance for projects in Burma, I told Dr. Sein that we would examine any proposals submitted for Irish aid assistance and if we could help, we would be glad to do so.
The meeting was conducted in a friendly atmosphere. I was able to assure Dr. Sein that Burma will remain high on the EU agenda as it had been during the Irish Presidency.
Did the Minister discuss with Dr. Sein Win the violent attacks on members of the National League for Democracy and the continuing detention of over 100 political prisoners? More than 2,000 people were arrested for taking part in peaceful demonstrations. Did those issues arise in discussions?
In the time available, all issues were discussed, primarily those relating to the unacceptable policies of the military regime in Burma and the necessity of the SLORC regime to have democracy strengthened. We concentrated on the European Union's actions over recent months and I also reported to Dr. Sein Win on the two meetings I had with the Burmese Foreign Minister, Mr. Ohn Gyaw. One meeting was when I was President of the Council and the other was when I led an EU ministerial troika to New York on 26 September 1996.
Is the Minister aware of concerns that there are different views within the EU on the question of sanctions against Burma and that the EU might be putting trade before human rights? What position is the EU working towards on sanctions?
As has been expressed, there is grave concern in the EU in relation to the deterioration of political and human rights in Burma such as the unwarranted restrictions on fundamental rights like freedom of speech, movement and association. Some travel restrictions have been imposed, as the Deputy will be aware, and sanctions have been discussed. A majority is not in favour of sanctions at present but this will again be discussed. A strong determination is shared by all member states that what is happening in Burma is unacceptable to the EU.
Have the attitudes of neighbouring countries in the region been discussed at either EU or UN level? We are told that China sells arms to and trains military personnel for Burma. This was discussed in the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs.
In the context of discussions with China and the ASEAN countries such as Thailand, which is an immediate neighbour, the EU's concerns relating to Burma would have been stated and are clearly understood by the neighbouring states.
