Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 306: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the efforts he is making to seek the immediate and unconditional release of Aung San Suu Kyi; the further efforts he is making to oppose the Salween Dams and SHWE gas pipeline projects; if he will take all necessary measures to support the speedy restoration of democracy in Burma, if he will encourage the European Union and Ireland's partners in the European Union to join in collective efforts by all Member States to assist in the restoration of democracy in Burma; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24585/06]

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

The recent visit by UN Under-Secretary-General (UN USG) Gambari to Burma from 18-20 May was the first high-level visit to that country by a UN representative in more than two years. I welcome the fact that he 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 also welcome 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. I would appeal to the Burmese authorities to live up to their undertakings in this regard.

While welcoming the above developments, I remain very concerned about the situation. On 26 May, the EU issued a statement which noted with deep concern that the process of democratisation in Burma had recently suffered a worrying setback as the Burmese government 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 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.

I remain deeply concerned that Aung San Suu Kyi has been detained continuously for three years without charge and, once more, urge the Burmese government to restore fully her freedom and civil liberties. UN USG Gambari's visit generated high hopes that her detention under house arrest, which was up for renewal a few days after he left Burma, might not be renewed by the authorities. This did not happen. On 27 May, the EU issued a further statement which deeply regretted the decision of the Burmese government to extend the house arrest of Aung San Suu Kyi and deplored the fact that international appeals, including that of the EU, had once again gone unheard. It said that this decision will be seen as yet another sign that the Burmese government is unwilling to compromise and move in the direction of an all-inclusive democracy.

I am aware of concerns relating to a possible international project to build a series of dams on the Salween River and also a proposal to construct the SHWE gas pipeline. While both projects are still at the planning stage, I believe that they should be the subject of full environmental and social impact assessments which should take the views of all stakeholders into account, and in particular those of the local populations. Insofar as the Salween Dams project is concerned, I understand that the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand has recently begun a feasibility study of the project. It is expected to consider all aspects of the project including financing, environmental and social aspects and that it will take about two years to complete. A decision on whether or not to proceed with the project will only be taken when the feasibility study is complete. I have instructed our Ambassador to Thailand to express the Government's concern to the Thai authorities.

I will continue to raise concerns about Burma on all possible occasions and to call on the Burmese government to assume its responsibilities towards its people and to allow the fullest possible UN involvement in a genuine process of democratisation and reconciliation. I am also strongly supportive of the fullest possible involvement by the UN Secretary-General, and his representatives, in working with the Burmese authorities on a genuine process of democratisation and reconciliation and in responding to the humanitarian needs of the long-suffering Burmese people.