Now is not the time for prevarication, says MEP EU leaders must keep their word and stand firm on Burma, Euro-MP and Burma Campaign Patron Glenys Kinnock today urged.
Speaking in Brussels, GLENYS KINNOCK said:
“Next week European Foreign Ministers meet in Luxembourg and the tragedy is that the prospect of a strong an unequivocal response to the horrific events in Burma has receded as they prevaricate about the need to agree targeted economic sanctions.
“The EU’s subscription to human rights will be severely questioned if there isn’t a clear signal that the recent events in Burma deserve a robust European response.
“That means strengthened sanctions on individuals and on imports of commodities such as gems, timber and metals, and I know the UK Government is working tirelessly for a strong European position on this.
“So too must there be the prospect of an investment ban if there is no progress on talks – without conditions imposed by the junta – with the opposition and ethnic nationalities.
“All those who do business in Burma provide the lifeblood of that odious regime hunkered down in the jungle.
“EU Member States must stand firm and keep their word. There is no justification for inaction now, of all times, as the brutality continues against those who joined the biggest popular uprising for two decades.
“Europe must stand by those who demonstrated with such dignity and who dared to speak out in the face of threat of execution, arbitrary arrest and torture.”
Notes
- Glenys Kinnock MEP is Patron of the Burma Campaign UK.
- STATEMENT BY THE EU 25TH SEPTEMBER 2007
The European Union is very concerned by the latest reports from inside Burma/Myanmar which suggest that the authorities are moving military forces to city centres. We reiterate our call on the authorities in Burma/Myanmar not to use violence against people who are committed to non-violence, and to pursue genuine reconciliation and negotiation. We also call on all those with influence over the military government to bring that influence to bear to ensure that the authorities respond in a non-violent manner.
The EU further underlines to the authorities in Naypyidaw that it will not hesitate to reinforce and strengthen the existing sanctions regime, should they resort to using violence against the unarmed and peaceful demonstrators.
- For more information please contact Lisa Stevens at the Labour European Office on 029 2022 7654.