Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

Brutal repression, mass arrests and intimidation cannot hide the fact that over the past two months, the people of Burma have made clear their unequivocal demand for democracy, national reconciliation and an end to military dictatorship. The Government and people stand firmly behind them. As the crisis escalated, the Government was active in support of the Burmese people. As well as the series of statements I made as the crisis in Burma unfolded, I wrote to the Foreign Ministers of China and India, calling on them to use their influence to stop the violence in Burma and facilitate positive change. In my address to the UN General Assembly in New York on 2 October, and in bilateral meetings with the UN Secretary General and international Foreign Ministers, including the Foreign Minister of Indonesia, I highlighted our concerns. I also held detailed discussions on the issue with US Secretary of State Rice and British Foreign Secretary Miliband. Equally, Irish diplomats in Asia, as well as at the UN in New York and Geneva, have been active in conveying these messages to all relevant parties, including Security Council members and Burma's neighbours.

Ireland has also been to the fore in seeking a strong EU response to events in Burma. Last week, the EU agreed a series of additional targeted sanctions, which should increase pressure on the regime, and it made clear its willingness to impose further sanctions. At the same time, Ministers also made clear to the regime the benefits that might accrue from genuine, substantive change. The priority is the implementation of a sustainable and meaningful political process in Burma leading to democratisation and national reconciliation. This must include the military, the democratic opposition and ethnic groups. The main track to achieving this is the process initiated by the UN Secretary General and his Special Representative, Dr. Ibrahim Gambari. I greatly welcome the fact that Dr. Gambari is again in the region. The Government believes the opportunity provided by this good office's mission must be seized by all sides.

The role of Burma's neighbours is essential. Chinese and ASEAN involvement has helped gain the agreement of the Burmese regime to accept a visit by Dr. Gambari, and to allow real access to him. Ireland, together with its EU partners, will continue to use every avenue to encourage continued active engagement by Burma's neighbours, and all who have influence on the regime, for positive change.

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