Paudge Connolly (Cavan-Monaghan, Independent)
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Question 376: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he proposes to raise human rights violations in Burma at the United Nations Security Council under Article 35 of the UN Charter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20980/06]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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Ireland takes a consistently strong position on Burma in relevant contacts, in particular in the European Union framework and at the United Nations. Together with our EU partners, we avail of all opportunities to condemn the abuse of human rights and fundamental freedoms in Burma and deplore the lack of progress towards democracy.

I am pleased that the UN Security Council (SECCO) is expected to hear a briefing this week from UN Under Secretary Gambari on his visit to Burma from 18-20 May. The exact date remains to be fixed. SECCO last held a briefing on the situation in Burma in December 2005.

The recent visit by Under Secretary Gambari was the first high-level visit to Burma by a UN representative in more than two years. I welcome the fact that Mr Gambari was able to meet with the most senior Burmese leaders as well as with Aung San Suu Kyi and representatives of her party, the National League for Democracy, during the visit. I welcome in particular the agreement by the Burmese government that the UN should play a role in promoting common ground between the government and the National League for Democracy so that the National Convention, which is due to resume its work in October, can proceed in a more inclusive way.

While I am not aware of any plans by the UN Security Council, beyond this week's briefing, to consider the question of Burma, we would be very pleased if this were to occur. The UN Secretary General is due to appoint a new Special Representative on Burma in the near future to replace Mr. Razali Ismail who resigned at the end of last year. I hope that the new Special Representative, when appointed, and the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation on Human Rights in Burma, Mr. Sergio Pinheiro, will be given the necessary cooperation by the Burmese government to allow them to discharge fully their mandates.

The EU issued a statement on 26 May which noted with deep concern that the process of democratisation in Burma has recently suffered a worrying setback as the Burmese government has stepped up its pressure against ethnic groups and the two main political parties. The statement noted that these actions contradict the professed intention to establish a genuine democratic nation. The EU remains deeply concerned that Aung San Suu Kyi has been detained continuously for three years without charge and urged the Burmese government to restore fully her freedom and civil liberties. In fact, reports in recent days indicate that her house arrest, which was due to expire on 27 May, has been extended.

The statement also urged the Burmese government to accelerate the democratisation process, a process which should engage all political and ethnic forces in the country in a genuine dialogue and lead to the speedy completion of a constitution under civilian rule, which commands popular support and promotes peaceful and sustainable development. For my part, I will continue to raise concerns about Burma on all possible occasions and to work for real progress there.