Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 126: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Irish high level delegation to China indicated Ireland's strong support and concern for human rights in Burma-Myanmar, in view of the recent opportunity offered by the ASEM meeting. [38387/08]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The strong Government position on the unacceptable situation in Burma has been consistently conveyed internationally, including and in particular to the countries in the Asia region, whose involvement we see as crucial to a resolution of the problems in Burma. I welcome in this regard the fact that the ASEM Summit, as its record makes clear, adopted a very positive position on the Burmese situation.

On the political situation in Burma for example, the ASEM leaders expressed support for the UN in its good offices efforts, and encouraged the Myanmar Government to conduct closer cooperation with the UN. They also encouraged the Myanmar government to "engage all stakeholders in an inclusive political process in order to achieve national reconciliation and economic and social development", and in this regard they called for "the lifting of restrictions placed on political parties and early further release of those under detention".

As I stated in my address to the United Nations General Assembly on 29 September, the Government's immediate focus is on the release of Aung San Suu Kyi and other political prisoners, and increased engagement by the UN Secretary General and his Good Offices Mission. Alongside this, we are working towards securing international support to ensure that the elections to be held in Burma in 2010 are free and fair. In this context, we will continue to work pro-actively within the EU, including at the General Affairs and External Relations Council next week, where Burma will be discussed. The Government will of course also continue to provide practical support to the people of Burma and their representatives and supporters, at home and in exile.