Written question asked by Bob Spink (Conservative) on Tuesday, 28 October 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 6 November 2003. It was answered by Mike O'Brien (Labour) on Thursday, 6 November 2003 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what account the Government takes of the Burmese army's atrocities against the (a) Karen, (b) Karenni and (c) Shan people in their decision-making; and what sanctions regime against Burma the Government will adopt.

Answer: Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what account the Government takes of the Burmese Army's atrocities against the (a) Karen, (b) Karenni and (c) Shan people in their decision-making; and what sanctions regime against Burma the Government will adopt. [135576] Mr. Mike O'Brien: Together with the international community, we recognise that the resolution of the ethnic nationality issue is an essential ingredient in any possible solution to Burma's problems. The disproportionate violation of human rights suffered by ethnic groups has been highlighted by successive UN resolutions and were included in the European Union Council Conclusions on Burma when the EU decided to strengthen the Common Position in April 2003. We are currently discussing with EU colleagues what additional measures we may take to encourage national reconciliation, respect for human rights and democracy in Burma.

Secondary information