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Diplomatic Representation.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 March 2004

Wednesday, 3 March 2004

Questions (130, 131)

Gay Mitchell

Question:

201 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the reasons Ireland has established diplomatic relations with Burma-Myanmar as of 10 February 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7232/04]

View answer

Gay Mitchell

Question:

203 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the way in which the establishment of diplomatic relations with Burma-Myanmar as of 10 February 2004 can contribute more directly to promoting the process of democratisation and national reconciliation there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7235/04]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 201 and 203 together.

The decision to establish diplomatic relations with Burma-Myanmar was taken in the context of Ireland's current Presidency of the European Union and the need for Ireland, as EU Presidency, to be in a position to deal directly with the Burmese authorities. Of the other EU member states, only Luxembourg does not have diplomatic relations with Burma.

Our previous unwillingness to appoint an ambassador to Burma, however satisfying it may have been as a gesture of disapproval, had no effect on the behaviour of the Burmese authorities. As Presidency of the EU, we have both the opportunity and the responsibility to speak to the Burmese authorities on behalf of the EU. We will in particular demand the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, and other political prisoners, the participation of the National League for Democracy in the forthcoming national convention, a timetable for progress towards democracy, and an improvement in the human rights situation in Burma.

Our ambassador designate visited Burma from 23 to 25 February. The ambassador used this opportunity to convey our views to the Burmese Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, who he met along with other EU Heads of Mission. He also met with five members of the central executive committee of the National League for Democracy and with representatives of Burma's ethnic nationalities. This visit, and the access the ambassador gained, confirmed the practical value of the Government's decision to establish diplomatic relations.

Both Ireland and the EU are strongly critical of serious and persistent human rights abuses, the lack of fundamental freedoms, and the absence of political progress in Burma. The EU Common Position on Burma, which provides for a visa ban on members of the regime and a freeze on all their financial assets in the European Union, is due to expire on 29 April 2004. Ireland, together with our EU partners, will discuss in due course what revisions in the common position, if any, may be necessary in view of developments in Burma.

Ireland continues to work with Burma's Asian neighbours to encourage them to bring their influence to bear on Rangoon. For example, the question of Burma was on the agenda for the EU Ministerial Troika to India, 16 February, and was discussed during the troikas at political director level with China, 26 February, and Japan, 27 February. These concerns will feature in discussions at the ASEM Foreign Ministers' Meeting, which I will host in Kildare in April 2004.

Our goals continue to be the return of democracy to Burma, an end to human rights violations, and the realisation of peace and prosperity for the long suffering people of Burma. It is our belief that the appointment of an ambassador to Burma increases our influence and credibility in the efforts to promote these goals by the EU and international community.

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