Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 4 Jul 1996

Vol. 468 No. 2

Written Answers. - Diplomatic Protection.

Trevor Sargent

Ceist:

38 Mr. Sargent asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Government will consider offering diplomatic protection to opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi who is currently under threat of arrest by the Myanmar Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14318/96]

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Spring)

The Government continues to be concerned at the deterioration of the situation in Burma [Myanmar].

Ireland does not have diplomatic relations with Burma. However, as we hold the EU Presidency we are in ongoing consultation with our partners on the evolving situation in Burma which is likely to be discussed at the next meeting of the EU General Affairs Council on 15/16 July 1996.

We are concerned about the position of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and arrangements have already been made to ensure that regular EU contacts are made with her.

The Government are seriously concerned at the restriction on the fundamental rights of freedom of speech, movement and association in Burma. The State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) should implement, without further delay, respect for human rights and democratic reform. SLORC should release, immediately and unconditionally, those members of the National League for Democracy who are still detained and all other political prisoners.

In addition, SLORC should enter into meaningful dialogue with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and other representatives of pro-democracy groups in Burma in order to bring about national reconciliation and a full and early restoration of democracy, which respects the aspirations of the Burmese people, as expressed in the elections of May 1990.

The European Union awaits a full and satisfactory explanation from the Burmese authorities of the circumstances surrounding the death in custody in Rangoon, on 22 June 1996, of the late Mr. Leo Nichols. Mr. Nichols had served as Honorary Consul for several European states and was a friend of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.