Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2005-11-17-Speech-4-211"
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"en.20051117.23.4-211"2
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".
Mr President, I wish to begin by saying that the Commission fully shares the concerns regarding the situation in Burma/Myanmar, as expressed here today by honourable Members of the European Parliament. There is no doubt that several issues are of serious concern, in particular the proceedings of the so-called national roadmap, the human rights and forced labour situation and many more issues that have been mentioned today.
Without a doubt, the overarching goal of our dealings with Burma is the transition towards democracy.
In this context, let me emphasise that the Commission continues to call for the unconditional release of Aung San Suu Kyi and other political leaders who remain in detention. In the past, the Commission maintained contacts with most of the Shan leaders who have now been sentenced, and it goes without saying that the conduct of these politically motivated trials was unacceptable according to democratic and legal standards.
The Commission continues to urge the regime to engage in a real dialogue with all political actors, including the National League for Democracy and ethnic groups. We are convinced that only a transparent and constructive dialogue between legitimate stakeholders can lead to national reconciliation and a return to democracy. Probably, the regime will deliver on its roadmap. It will probably formally accomplish the National Convention later this year and organise a referendum on the draft Constitution in 2006. The result will certainly fall short of our expectations in terms of real democracy. It should nevertheless be considered a small step in the right direction.
Burma/Myanmar is partly isolated from the Western world and partly isolating itself. However, we must understand that the country continues to enjoy a comfort zone in the region, especially with regard to its neighbours. There is a degree of intra-ASEAN solidarity, despite the position of individual political leaders in ASEAN. I mention these issues because they illustrate the difficult background against which we operate.
Without any doubt, we must voice our concern for the people in the country. The EU is called upon to help the people of Burma/Myanmar. The Commission therefore strongly supports a significant increase in humanitarian aid and assistance. The Commission maintains that our common position generally reflects what should be done. We should continue voicing the Union’s criticism of members of the junta and policies pursued by the regime. This can be done only if we continue the agreed EU policy by keeping communication channels open and using high-level ASEM and EU-ASEAN meetings, or the margins of such meetings.
An update of the common position needs to be discussed with and agreed by all EU Member States, bearing in mind the possible positive or negative developments in the country, and reflecting our values and political interests. This would also apply if the EU were to nominate a special envoy.
A year ago, in October 2004, we strengthened the EU common position. We introduced a more comprehensive visa ban and prohibited support for international financing. Any further change in the common position – apart from the fact that we would need all the partners to agree – would need to ensure the legality of such a measure under international law and ensure that the people of Burma/Myanmar did not become the victims. The people of Burma/Myanmar should not pay twice: once for living under a repressive regime and twice as a result of the economic sanctions imposed by the West.
Then there is the question of whether the UN Security Council should discuss Burma. Most of us have seen the recent report, endorsed by Vaclav Havel and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. The report concludes that the UN Security Council should deliberate on the Burma/Myanmar issue. However, we are all aware that it will prove very difficult to pass any resolution on this subject given the reluctance of some permanent members, notably China.
I assure honourable Members of Parliament that the Commission will continue its work on Burma/Myanmar, stepping up its assistance for people in need and, at the same time, pressing for democracy, human rights, the release of political detainees and for democratic reform and political transition."@en1
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