Vol. 504 No. 4
74 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the situation in Burma; and the steps, if any, taken by the General Affairs Council of the EU and Ireland to bring democracy to that country. [12011/99]
The continuing human rights violations in Burma and the increasing repression of the democratic opposition there is a matter of great concern to the Government and to our partners in the European Union. The EU Common Position on Burma was therefore renewed for a further six months by the General Affairs Council which met in Luxembourg on 26 April 1999. The Council called once more on that occasion for the Burmese authorities to take early and concrete steps towards democracy, respect for human rights and national reconciliation. The Council furthermore expressed its strong wish to initiate a meaningful political dialogue with Burma at the earliest opportunity.
As an indication of its intention to increase the political pressure on the Burmese Government, the Council has decided to consider the imposition of further restrictive measures against the regime before the next renewal of the common position in October of this year. Ireland remains supportive of the strengthening of the common position to include additional sanctions and will endeavour to ensure that a consensus to that effect emerges among EU partners.
