Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Sam Gyimah (Conservative). It was answered by Lord Hague of Richmond (Conservative) on Tuesday, 17 January 2012 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Burma

Question: What assessment he has made of political progress in Burma; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: I draw the House's attention to the written statement on my visit to Burma, which was published yesterday. Last week, the Burmese Government and the Karen National Union signed a historic ceasefire. The following day, there was a significant release of political prisoners, which will contribute to greater democratic participation in the parliamentary by-elections. If that momentum can be maintained, we are clearly moving into a new phase in our relations with Burma.

Secondary information