Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 27 Nov 1996

Vol. 472 No. 2

Written Answers. - Joint Resolution on Burma.

Ray Burke

Ceist:

96 Mr. R. Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs whether the Government, as President of the EU, will join the European Parliament in supporting the joint resolution of seven political groups on the situation in Burma, which calls on the international community to adopt, through the UN, measures aimed at isolating SLORC, both politically and economically; and whether the Government, as President of the EU, will join the European Parliament in supporting the countries of ASEAN which have announced their opposition to Burma's accession to the organisation until democracy has been restored in Burma. [22844/96]

Ray Burke

Ceist:

97 Mr. R. Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the circumstances under which the EU Council failed to respond to the European Parliament which called for the Council to adopt economic sanctions against SLORC and sever all ties established between the EU and Burma through trade, tourism and investment; and whether Ireland, as EU President, will use its influence to ensure that these measures are adopted in their entirety. [22845/96]

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Spring)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 96 and 97 together.

I refer the Deputy to the replies I gave to Questions Nos. 17 and 29 of 31 October 1996, Question No. 52 of 23 October 1996 and Question No. 103 of 25 September 1996.

In accordance with the EU Common Position on Burma of 28 October 1996, the Council is monitoring developments in Burma on a continuing basis.

Burma already has observer status in ASEAN since July 1996. I am not aware that ASEAN have announced their opposition to Burma's accession to ASEAN until "democracy has been restored in Burma". I am, however, aware of media reports arising out of a meeting of ASEAN Foreign Ministers in Manila last week, to the effect that ASEAN are unlikely to agree to the early admission of Burma to full membership and I have also seen reports citing the view of certain ASEAN Foreign Ministers that, while favouring in principle Burma's full membership, there was a question of timing.