Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
702. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will engage with the National Unity Government of Myanmar which has been recognised by the European Parliament as the legitimate government of Myanmar. [42179/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn previous statements on Myanmar, I have maintained that the election results of November 2020 and the sustained, large-scale popular opposition to the coup since 1 February 2021 demonstrate that the military have no mandate to govern Myanmar. The people of Myanmar have consistently endorsed the democratic path and overwhelmingly reject the military coup. The coup is a reversal of the progress made towards establishing democracy and rule of law in Myanmar.
Ireland has had no engagement or bilateral meeting with the Myanmar military and firmly rejects any attempts to consolidate or legitimise the military regime. Any future election that excludes major political parties from participation cannot be either free or fair and will not deliver sustainable peace in Myanmar.
Ireland is gravely concerned by the continued arbitrary detention of prisoners on political grounds. On 2 September, the courts sentenced both Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint to a further three years imprisonment with hard labour, on charges of electoral fraud. Cumulatively, Aung San Suu Kyi now faces a total 20-year sentence, with further cases outstanding. Ireland supports the EU's condemnation of these sentences and its call for the release of Aung San Suu Kyi and all political prisoners. Such proceedings appear to be an attempt to exclude democratically elected leaders from future political engagement in Myanmar, contrary to the inclusive approach called for by ASEAN's five-point consensus. Ireland calls for the release of all those detained.
Ireland acknowledges the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH) and the National Unity Government (NUG) as important stakeholders in Myanmar’s future. However, Ireland’s practice is to recognise states and not governments. Therefore, we do not recognise specific governments in Myanmar or elsewhere. Ireland has engaged with the NUG at official level and we encourage their involvement in discussions and negotiations. We also commend the NUG for facilitating greater representation from women, youth and ethnic-minority groups.
The democratic will of the people of Myanmar must be respected and we will continue to advocate actively within the European Union, the United Nations, including through membership of the United Nations Security Council, on behalf of the people of Myanmar.
