Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 September 2004
117 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the Government’s position on each of the European Burma Network’s six Dublin recommendations to the EU with regard to the EU Common Position on Burma. [23180/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am informed that at a meeting held in Dublin on 6 March 2004, the European Burma Network adopted six objectives with regard to the EU's common position, which was due for renewal in April 2004.
Ireland and its EU partners are broadly supportive of the six objectives. The Deputy will be aware of the three conditions adopted at the informal meeting of EU Foreign Ministers in Tullamore: the release and continued liberty of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi; the participation of the National League for Democracy and other opposition groups in the National Convention; and the operation of the National Convention free from interference.
The Deputy will be further aware that the EU is presently considering the strengthening of its common position on Burma, given the lack of progress there. Among the measures being considered is the expansion of the visa ban list and a prohibition on EU registered companies from financing loans to named Burmese state-owned enterprises. It is also intended that the EU will vote against the extension of loans to Burma by international financial institutions. The Commission is to put forward means of addressing the issue of illegal logging. At the same time, we have agreed that the Union will increase its assistance to the Burmese people in the areas of health and education as defined in consultation with democratic groups, including the NLD, and managed through the UN system or NGOs. It is hoped that this revised common position will be ready for adoption at the October meeting of the External Relations Council.
Our continuing goals remain the release and restoration of liberty to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, 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.
