Bernard J. Durkan
Question:101 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent, if any, of Irelands endeavours to influence in a positive way the situation in Burma; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13204/00]
Written Answers. - Foreign Conflicts.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:102 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps, if any, he will take to bring international pressure to bear on those in Burma who have failed to allow the democratic process in accordance with the wishes of the people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13205/00]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:103 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps, if any, he will take to ensure the implementation of due process following the democratic decisions by the Burmese people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13206/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 101 to 103, inclusive, together.
As has been indicated to the House on several occasions, most recently in my reply of 23 March, the systematic violation of human rights in Burma is a matter of profound concern to the Government and to the EU. The continuing refusal of the military regime to respect the results of the democratic elections which were held there, or to address the findings of various UN and other inquiries, means that the situation remains unacceptable. The regime has, moreover, failed to act on the recommendations of a number of resolutions adopted by both the Commission on Human Rights, including as recently as last month, and by the General Assembly of the United Nations.
Ireland and the EU strongly hold the view that progress will be made only when the military regime enters into meaningful dialogue with Madam Aung San Suu Kyi and other leaders of the National League for Democracy. The EU has sought to persuade the Burmese military regime to engage in dialogue with the National League for Democracy by suggesting initial practical steps and confidence building measures. To date, however, the response of the regime has been disappointing.
In view of the continuing failure of the regime to enter into dialogue with the democratic movement, and the ongoing unsatisfactory situation there, my EU colleagues and I, at our meeting on 10 April, decided to extend for a further period and to strengthen the EU Common Position on Burma, adopted during the Irish Presidency in 1996, which imposes restrictive measures on the military regime. In doing so, we expressed concern at the continuing and intensified repression of civil and political rights, as well as the harsh conditions hindering the people's enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights. We once again urged the Burmese authorities to respect human rights, restore democracy and engage in a dialogue with the opposition that could lead to national reconciliation in a united and democratic State.
The additional measures agreed on to strengthen the common position are as follows: a ban on the export of equipment that might be used for internal repression or terrorism; a strengthening of the current visa ban on senior officials of the military regime, their family members and supporters as well as publication of the names of the persons concerned; and a freeze on the funds held abroad by those same persons.
It was also decided to make a further effort to explain and to promote the aims of the EU's policy towards Burma/Myanmar through the establishment of a meaningful political dialogue. To that end, the EU intends to send a second Troika mission to Rangoon. In addition, in an effort to alleviate the hardship being suffered by the Burmese people, the Commission has been invited to examine the possibilities for increased humanitarian aid to Burma.
The situation in Burma, and the effect of the strengthened restrictive measures, will be kept under close review.