Written question asked by Keith Simpson (Conservative) on Wednesday, 20 May 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 1 June 2009. It was answered by Bill Rammell (Labour) on Wednesday, 3 June 2009 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Burma: Sanctions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proposals for further discussions with Asian countries on Burma have been made at EU level; what steps the UK is taking in this regard; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Members of the EU share the UK's view that our Asian partners have a key role to play in encouraging the process of change in Burma. The EU raises the issue of Burma in its discussions with China, India and other Asian states at every opportunity. I joined Asian and other EU Ministers at the Asia Europe Meeting on 25-26 May 2009 in Hanoi and at the EU-ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) Summit on 27-28 May 2009 in Phnom Penh. Burma and the trial of Aung San Suu Kyi were among the issues discussed in detail at that meeting.

Secondary information