Written answers

Wednesday, 2 May 2012

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Human Rights Issues

6:00 pm

Photo of Tommy BroughanTommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 32: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to meet Burma's Pro Democracy Leader Aung San Suu Kyi; the way he is supporting the development of democracy in Burma; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22257/12]

Photo of Eamon GilmoreEamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Burma is in the process of undergoing an important and long-awaited transformation. I have been very encouraged by the manner in which the by-elections of April 1 were conducted. The credibility of the recent election process has been a testament to the commitment of President Thein Sein and the Burmese Government to advancing the causes of democracy, peace and reform in Burma. I warmly congratulate Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the members of the National League for Democracy on their recent election to Burma's parliament. They, and others, have struggled for many years to bring freedom and democracy to the people of Burma and now have the opportunity play a defining role in shaping the future of their country.

The situation in Burma has greatly improved and Ireland has always remained ready to respond positively to genuine progress towards democratisation and respect for human rights. In April, together with my EU colleagues, we decided to suspend all sanctions against Burma with the exception of the arms embargo and the embargo on equipment which might be used for internal repression. At the ASEAN European Ministerial Meeting last week, which was attended by my colleague the Minister of State for European Affairs, the EU praised ASEAN's role on Burma and the courage of the Burmese Government in pushing through reforms, while cautioning about the challenges ahead. The ASEAN side underlined the fact that Burma will need a lot of support in coming years, welcomed the measures taken by the EU Foreign Affairs Council in suspending sanctions and urged the EU to work towards the full lifting of sanctions.

I remain concerned that an unknown number of political prisoners remain incarcerated. Ireland urges the Burmese Government to release all political prisoners unconditionally as an indication that it is firmly committed to change and reform. I am confident that the Burmese Government will continue to address the concerns of ethnic minority groups and work towards the establishment of comprehensive human rights protection for the people of Burma.

Ireland has been funding organisations working in Burma for a number of years and over the last four years has given €6 million to NGOs and missionaries working on long term and emergency responses. I am hopeful that recent developments will facilitate increased cooperation between the European Union, including Ireland, and Burma, as it continues its journey of reform and democratisation. I expect to speak with Aung San Suu Kyi, members of the National League for Democracy and other civil society organisations at an appropriate occasion in the future.

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