The European Parliament passed a tough new resolution on Burma on Thursday
evening (17th November).
The strongly worded resolution welcomed the recent report – A Threat to the Peace – by Desmond Tutu and former Czech President Vaclav Havel, which called for United Nations Security Council intervention in Burma. It states that the European Union should “endorse the report and resolution proposed in the report.”
MEPs also demanded the release of Aung San Suu Kyi and other political prisoners, and called for the EU Common Position to be strengthened to broaden the ban on new investment in Burma. At present, the EU Common Position only has a limited investment ban, that includes a pineapple juice factory and a tailor shop, but not the oil, gas timber and gems sectors, which earn the regime most of its revenue. France has vetoed stronger sanctions to protect TOTAL Oil, the largest European investor in Burma.
“MEPs have sent a timely and strong message that the UN and EU need to get serious about tackling the crisis in Burma,” said Glenys Kinnock MEP. “This sadistic regime has repeatedly ignored requests by the EU to restore democracy to Burma. It’s time for the EU to apply real economic and political pressure, and throw its weight behind UN Security Council action. The UK government, as EU President, must ensure this happens.”
Yvette Mahon, Director of the Burma Campaign UK, also welcomed the EU Parliament resolution. “MEPs have highlighted the EU’s limp approach to Burma. The EU promised to increase pressure on the regime if there was no progress towards democracy. Things have only got worse in Burma, but the EU has done nothing. If the EU won’t do anything itself, it should support the Security Council intervening.”
For more information contact Mark Farmaner, Media and Campaigns Manager on 020 7324 4713