Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 10 Jun 2003

Vol. 568 No. 1

Written Answers. - Human Rights Abuses.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Question:

299 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the response he plans to make to developments in Burma either directly or through the European Union or United Nations; if he has information concerning the condition of those who have been arrested and detained by the Burmese authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15951/03]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen)

I understand that Aung San Suu Kyi was travelling in northern Burma on 30 May 2003, when, according to reports, her supporters were attacked and fired upon by supporters of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, USDA, a group which supports the Burmese regime. Aung San Suu Kyi, along with 18 others, was detained, and unconfirmed reports indicate that she received head injuries. I understand that she has since been brought back to the Rangoon area and is now in custody. Her exact whereabouts are still unknown, and no visits have been allowed. The Burmese Government has also announced the closure of a number of offices of the National League for Democracy, NLD, and the closure of a number of universities.

On 2 June 2003, the EU High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy, Javier Solana, issued a statement condemning the detention of Aung San Suu Kyi and urging her immediate release and the re-opening of NLD offices. He added that this repressive behaviour confirms the regime's lack of interest in the return to democracy. It will most certainly reinforce the European Union's resolve to stick to the current policy of sanctions against the military regime. The Government fully associates itself with this statement.

A démarche on behalf of the EU was delivered by the acting Presidency in Rangoon to the Burmese authorities, which urged the immediate release of Aung San Suu Kyi and her party officials and the re-opening of NLD offices, and of universities. The EU called on the Burmese authorities to refrain from any action that would flare further tensions and to co-operate fully and constructively with the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary General, Mr. Razali Ismail.

The recent events in Burma have been discussed at official level by the Asia-Oceania working group and the political and security committee in Brussels. Depending on developments, the situation may also be discussed at the External Relations Council 16 and 17 June.

I also welcome the statement by the UN Secretary General on 31 May 2003, in which he expressed his concern at the developments in Burma. His Special Representative for Burma, Mr. Razali Ismail, arrived in Burma on 6 June for a five-day mission. The question of Aung San Suu Kyi's detention is unlikely to be discussed at the Security Council in the absence of consensus among members.

In view of recent events, we will continue, along with our EU partners, to make known our serious concern to the Burmese government, and to monitor events in Burma closely.