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Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Answer

Mr. Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to urge the European Union to strengthen sanctions against Burma in response to the atrocities against the Karen, Karenni and Shan peoples by the Burmese military. [174559] Mr. Mike O'Brien: The UK and its European partners follow events in Burma closely. We remain willing to support a genuine process of national reconciliation, leading to the restoration of democracy and full respect for human rights in Burma. We share the view of a number of international partners that the best interests of all the people of Burma continue to be served by targeted measures against those responsible for the obstruction of reform and progress, together with humanitarian support to ensure that the ordinary people of Burma do not suffer as a result of the damaging policies of their government. EU Foreign Ministers agreed on 26 April 2004 to maintain the Common Position on Burma for a further 12 months. We believe that this will maintain pressure on the regime. We are closely monitoring the National Convention process and stand ready to respond proportionately to future developments in Burma, positive or negative.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

174559; 421 c1356-7W

Session

2003-04

Subjects

Armed conflict Human rights Ethnic groups Minority groups Sanctions Myanmar EU external relations

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk