JOINT COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS debate -
Thursday, 18 Sep 2003

Vol. 1 No. 29

Burma Conflict: Presentation.

Chairman

On behalf of the joint committee I welcome Dr. Sein Win, Prime Minister in exile of Burma, who is accompanied by Dr. Thaung Htun, the special representative on UN affairs; Mr. Hugh Baxter and Mr. John Copley, Burma Action Ireland and Mr. Martin Lacey. Ireland has taken every opportunity possible to support the NLD and its leader Aung San Suu Kyi. I appreciate the time of the delegation is limited. We are interested to hear about the current situation in Burma. Our Minister for Foreign Affairs informs us and we keep in touch with events in that country. We would like to know about the conditions and if there is any sign that the military regime is responding to international pressure and the sanctions. We would also be interested to hear about the current whereabouts and state of health of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, and if she has been able to communicate with the outside world. After Dr. Win has concluded his presentation I will open the discussion to members. I understand Dr. Win must leave the joint committee by 12.45 p.m. to catch a flight. Nevertheless, we are pleased he is present to give us his views.

I remind the meeting that while members are covered by privilege others appearing before the joint committee do not enjoy the same privilege. I invite Dr. Win to make his presentation.

Dr. Sein Win

I should like to thank the committee for giving us the opportunity to make a presentation. I would like to convey serious news about Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. This is not the SPCD news but we received information that she is not well, was operated on and is now in a private hospital called Royal Asia. The military undercover agents are surrounding the building and not allowing anyone get in touch with her. We are very concerned about her health and her safety and Mr. Razali bin Ismail has asked to meet her. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi should be released immediately to start the political process. The news we are getting is very urgent.

Before describing the current situation I wish to comment on the Tabayin massacre. On 30 May Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, and her entourage, were brutally attacked by the Burmese military, SPDC. This was a planned attack and soldiers who were not in uniform attacked the entourage and scores of the NLD members and their supporters were killed. Fortunately, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi escaped that attack but later was put under detention and nobody knows where exactly she is kept except that she is in hospital. This is a very serious matter. After 30 May international community reaction to her changed dramatically. The international community mounted pressure and called for the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. The military still refuses to give reasons for her detention, which is not reasonable, and makes comments such as she is detained for her protective custody and so on. International pressure is mounting for her release; even ASEAN has broken its long-standing rule on non-interference. ASEAN countries are calling for the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and highlighting that such a move will go towards national reconciliation.

The SPDC started to reshuffle the Cabinet. Gen Khin Nyunt, who was the intelligence chief, has become the Prime Minister and presented his version of the "roadmap" which we consider is not a roadmap because it does not set out a timeframe or details; it is the old version of the way to democracy. The reshuffle and the roadmap have come about as a result of international pressure. They want to ease the pressure. They feel it and that is why they have started to make these cosmetic changes.

The current situation is not good. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is still under detention after three months and the people inside, especially the NLD, have no leadership. The leadership of the NLD is also detained, but members of it, especially the MPs, are sending letters to the Secretary General of the UN requesting that the Burma problem should be discussed in the Security Council because they believe the situation is very serious. We also support them.

This is an important time now that Ireland will shortly take up the Presidency of the EU. We have come here to point out what we would like Ireland to do. In October there will be an APEC meeting and after that there will be many other important meetings. Prior to those we need some kind of an action plan. Perhaps Dr. Thaung Htun will briefly outline what we want the Irish Government to do and what we expect in the future.

Dr. Thaung Htun

Honourable Senators and Members of the Parliament, as the Prime Minister mentioned we are passing through the most difficult part of the struggle. We need to have effective immediate action to secure the release of Aung San Suu Kyi because her health has deteriorated. We request Parliament to encourage the Government, which is part of the EU Troika, to immediately send a Troika mission to investigate the health of our leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, and to find ways and means whereby the EU could help the national reconciliation process in Burma.

After the Tabayin massacre, the UN Special Envoy, Mr. Razali bin Ismail, made a clear conclusion that it would be unlikely to expect a fully home grown national reconciliation process since the political regime has not the political will to find a solution to Burma's political crisis. He recommended that it is time for the United Nations, in co-operation with other international key players, to formulate a roadmap for democratic transition in Burma. It is already high on the agenda of the UN Secretary General to formulate a roadmap in consolidation with key players. We would like the Irish Government, as well as the European Union, to take part in formulating such a roadmap. It is a difficult and tragic but we believe a UN mediated political settlement is the best option for our country. We need Ireland's assistance to make this political settlement happen.

We need to pass through a national reconciliation process in which all key players, including the military, will participate. We look forward to the establishment of a national reconciliation government, having learned lessons from the transition in South Africa. We are asking for a national reconciliation government that would include the military. It would go through a four-year period during which we would be able to draft a constitution that would accommodate the interests of all ethnic nationalities of Burma. We are asking for a phased negotiated settlement, which would be co-ordinated by the UN. We are also asking for a peaceful transition that would involve the presence of the international community, especially the United Nations.

There is a need to strengthen the UN General Assembly resolution to be considered in November. Ireland has always supported us in our cause at the UN General Assembly to ensure there will be a resolution of the conflict in Burma. We ask the Parliament to encourage the Government to actively participate in the drafting process of the resolution and to ensure that the mandate of the Secretary General is strengthened in order that the special envoy will be able to consult the Security Council members whenever he needs.

More than ten resolutions are before the General Assembly but the military continue to refuse to comply with the contents of them because they are not legally binding. A UN resolution would have more authority than another resolution, but there is no enforcement mechanism for such a resolution. We ask the Parliament to encourage the Irish Government to ensure that the Burma issue is put on the official agenda of the Security Council.

The Burmese people look forward to action being taken by the European Union following the massacre on 30 May. What additional measures will be taken by the European Union? The Burmese people welcomed the immediate response by the US Congress imposing a ban on all products from Burma and imposing a restriction on financial transactions with Burma. That ban has had an impact on the economic base of the military regime and Burmese people appreciate the initiative taken by the US congress. Burmese people look forward to other important lions of the democracy movement, such as the European Union, imposing additional measures. We have already recommended that the European Commission should consider imposing targeted sanctions which would hit the economic base of the military regime's monopolies in the area of mining, timber, oil and gas exploration and fishing. If the European Union were to impose targeted sanctions in these areas, they would have a direct impact on the military regime and that would push the regime to the negotiating table.

I understand that Burma Action Ireland has submitted a recommendation for the consideration of Parliament, which we fully endorse. We would be obliged if the Parliament could pass a resolution at this time when we need an immediate response to help secure the release of Aung San Suu Kyi to ensure her safety and physical wellbeing.

Deputy M. Higgins

It is important that we hear this presentation from the Burmese Prime Minister in exile. The committee met representatives of Burma Action Ireland previously. When that issue was discussed at that time it was simply disposed of by noting that there might be a better atmosphere now because there had been a change of military leadership in Burma, but that has not taken place. The significant change that has taken place has been the appalling events of 30 May and the consequences of that, which resulted in an increase in the number of political prisoners, and the illegal detention of Aung San Suu Kyi. The position has deteriorated both in circumstances and in every other way. Significant progress on this is not being made at the level of the European Union and the United Nations. The United Nations resolution is a General Assembly resolution. I will save time by suggesting how we might practically move forward a little more on this occasion. The Prime Minister referred to our Presidency of the EU and I propose we now seek the visit of a Troika mission there. That would enable the European Union in the Irish Presidency to discuss the situation. Ireland's recent experience as an elected member of the Security Council means that the Department of Foreign Affairs representatives are in a position to seek the movement of the General Assembly resolution on to the Security Council's agenda. Other countries, such as Mexico, have adopted the same position as us. They would be amenable to an Irish suggestion to advance the Burma issue on the Security Council. There are other tragic aspects to this issue, which we should bear in mind. While there is technically an arms embargo, at the same time arms are arriving in Burma from China.

This committee is regularly asked to address issues such as Tibet. We do not often make much progress on issues such as Chechnya because Russia is a permanent member of the Security Council. We do not make much progress on Tibet because China is a permanent member of the Security Council. We should seek an opportunity to invite the Chinese ambassador here to tell us what suggestions China has in relation to the armaments issue and its attitude towards a breakthrough in the roadmap. The term "roadmap" is almost a misnomer. The other road map in the Middle East has the endorsement of the Quartet and is usually described in the media as the American supported roadmap. However, suggestions have been made that insufficient initiative or action has been taken at European Union level to save it. This roadmap hardly exists. It is something worse than something that is not supported because it is a cosmetic construction by a military regime. It is similar to what was rejected when it was sought by Pinochet in Chile, namely, the right of the military to remain permanently in control nationally and regionally. They endorse not only the appointment of the Government nationally but also regionally.

We need to push this issue forward by asking the Irish Government to seek a Troika mission following on the results of the Troika visit during the Irish Presidency. It is at that stage the issue of appropriate action on the sanctions will arise. We should ask the Government to take it on as a project at the Security Council with friendly countries that might be able to advance it. If there is a weak General Assembly resolution, which is not the case here, and there is not any Security Council resolution, the quality of the representation of the United Nations in Burma will be much weaker. If there are better General Assembly and Security Council resolutions, the representation will be much stronger. The notion that we could facilitate talks on the assumption that something can happen indigenously with the military in control is unrealistic. That leaves the obligation on us. Some 25 parliamentarians were arrested during the last outrage. We, as parliamentarians, have an interest in this.

During the Irish Presidency there will be meetings between the European Union and the ASEAN countries. Countries in Europe frequently suggest that they want to hear what the neighbours are saying. Many countries said in the past that this was an Asian problem, in the same way as they said that the problem in the Middle East was an Arab problem. This is an outrageous situation. The position of an elected representative of the people has deteriorated since we last discussed this issue. When we last discussed this issue it was described as "house arrest". However, her location is uncertain and the state of her health is a cause of great concern. There is not any evidence that there will be significant progress unless there is a strong new outside initiative. I recommend to the committee that we follow the path suggested by Burma Action Ireland.

Deputy Noonan

I thank the delegation, particularly the Prime Minister, for sharing its views with us. Deputy Michael Higgins has laid out a case and proposed a strategy that the committee should follow. I not only agree with him in principle, but I agree with the detailed proposals he made. My party will be happy if the committee pursues the strategy he outlined.

Deputy T. Dempsey

I welcome the delegation. I agree with every detail of the proposal put forward by Deputy Michael Higgins.

Deputy Davern

I welcome the delegation to the committee. I would like to hear more about the country's exports to Ireland. Perhaps the delegation could give us specific details. I know hardwood products are imported from that country. Perhaps the people involved in importing goods could be notified about the attitude that should be adopted towards those goods.

Mr. Hugh Baxter

We are in the process of trying to get details of the small amount of imports. The Deputy mentioned hardwood products. It is mostly hardwood furniture that is imported into Ireland. We had campaigns in recent years which were mainly targeted at imported textiles and clothing. That was successful and well received by the various outlets which stocked Burmese products, but which no longer do so. I accept the Deputy's point. Imports have decreased in Ireland, although they are increasing elsewhere. We must consider that in the future. We would appreciate any assistance in identifying it. We could, through the Government, get further details of the residual imports coming into Ireland.

Deputy O’Donnell

I support the recommendations put forward by the delegation, which is headed by Dr. Sein Win. Successive Irish Governments have supported efforts to alleviate the plight of those who have been deprived of their political and civil rights in Burma. There is much interest in and concern about the recent terrible events and the ongoing detention of Aung San Suu Kyi. We will do everything we can to support her and the democracy movement. We will bring the proposals to the attention of the Minister for Foreign Affairs. It is opportune that the presentation is being made because it will allow us to prepare in advance for the Troika mission when Ireland has the Presidency. The last time Ireland held the Presidency of the European Union we made significant progress in the area of human rights. The Burma situation is an area of interest and concern that could be promoted during our Presidency. I support and welcome the delegation.

Deputy Gregory

I welcome the Prime Minister and the delegation. I support the views already expressed by members. It is even more critical at this stage that we take the initiative. It is an opportune time to have this briefing and Ireland's EU Presidency is an appropriate time to take the initiative. I fully support the programme for action outlined by Burma Action Ireland and I hope the Parliament, the Minister and the Government will do so, particularly when Ireland holds the EU Presidency.

Senator Kitt

I welcome the delegation and thank the Prime Minister for his presentation. If, as he said, the European Union has not taken any concrete action on this issue, where does he suggest we go from here? Obviously, there is the question of contacting countries on the Security Council and other countries. It is important we take specific action, particularly with the EU Presidency next year, and in relation to a Troika, which was suggested by Burma Action Ireland. I support what Burma Action Ireland said but would like to know if there are other ways in which we can support the cause, which I would like to support, other than through the EU?

Chairman

Prime Minister, you have heard the views. We are all very much in agreement on the kind of actions that should be taken. You mentioned the Troika and a visit during the Irish Presidency. We will convey that to our Minister and will support it. On seeking to advance the Burma issue in the UN and the Security Council, we will actively support that.

The Prime Minister mentioned the question of targeted sanctions. Funnily enough, the current sanctions were introduced during the Irish Presidency in 1996. Under those sanctions, senior members of the Burmese military regime are not allowed visas to enter any EU state and the list of banned people has been published. Funds held by these people have been frozen. There is also a ban on the export of equipment to Burma that might be used for internal repression. We will certainly look at the question of what further measures might be appropriate. We have taken the advice of the Prime Minister on targeting sanctions.

The Red Cross visited Burma recently - I cannot give the date - and there seems to have been a fairly dramatic change. I am quite alarmed and concerned about the change mentioned by the Prime Minister. It would be appropriate for us to ask the Red Cross to visit to ensure the safety and good health of Aung San Suu Kyi. That is an immediate action that should take place.

We are in agreement to follow up action in this area. We would like to see an action plan. I know there is a roadmap. We are keen on it and would like to see it advanced. However, a roadmap needs an action plan. We appreciate the urgency of the situation that exists in Burma. The Prime Minister has our full support for the actions he is taking to bring about democracy and political freedom for those who are active in Burma. We wish him well in his endeavours.

Dr. Win

We have a paper describing the phases of the roadmap and what should become of it. Of course, the people who will have to deal with it are Aung San Suu Kyi, the NLD, the military and the ethnic leaders. We are trying to provide the ideas and the concepts and what we prefer but the people have to think about the options. The people who have to start the dialogue are Aung San Suu Kyi, the NLD, the military and the ethnic people.

Chairman

If you leave the paper with us, I will circulate it to members and we will consider it further.

Deputy M. Higgins

Could we establish the Troika's work during the Italian Presidency in order that during the Irish Presidency we might be able to follow up on these issues?

Chairman

We will put it to the Minister now with a view to it being in operation during the Irish Presidency. I think all members are in agreement with that.

I understand that you, Dr. Win, must leave to catch a flight. He can leave happy in the knowledge that we have been delighted to meet him. As Parliament has not yet returned from the summer recess, all the members present came to meet him today. We regard Burma as an important issue and we will give the Prime Minister every support we can. We will follow this up later. I wish the Prime Minister well in his endeavours and he will hear from us.

Dr. Win

Thank you.

The joint committee went into private session at 12.38 p.m. and adjourned at 1.30 p.m. sine die.