John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 80: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position with regard to diplomatic relations between Ireland and Burma; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7608/05]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Ireland announced the establishment of diplomatic relations on a non-resident basis with Burma on 13 February 2004. However, given that the progress which had been anticipated in 2004, most notably the meeting of an open and unhindered national convention and the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, did not materialise, the Government has decided to put on hold the exchange of ambassadors. Any decision to proceed with such an exchange of ambassadors will have to await positive and significant moves by the Burmese Government.

The Government's continuing goal, and that of the EU, remains the release and restoration of liberty to 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.