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An Appeal to the European Union Council of Ministers

25.02.2006

We, the “Democracy for Burma” campaign group in alliance with the “Burma Digest” campaign Journal, noted with deep concern that the European Union is considering a relaxation of the existing travel ban on the notorious military regime of Burma to allow Burmese military regime officials to attend the various ASEM/ARF meetings in Europe in 2006

There have been reports that the European Union is trying to increase engagements with the military regime of Burma, with a wishful thinking that this oppressive regime may be engaged and persuaded to make democratic reforms.

But it is quite obvious that the generals will never compromise with anybody, including the EU, UN, ASEAN, USA, etc. Recently, UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy Mr. Razali had to resign because the military regime time and again refused him entry into Burma. The UN Special Rapporteur for Human Rights Mr. Pinheiro as well has been denied visa by the military regime.

The EU’s recent activities, such as the opening of Burmese embassy in Brussels, the opening in Rangoon of the European Community Humanitarian Office (ECHO), the EU aid grant plan to Burma for 2007-13, the commissioning of regime apologist Robert Taylor to write an EU policy review paper, potential easing of visa ban on Burmese ministers and military officials, etc. do indicate a relaxing of the EU policy towards Burma at a time when the military dictatorship itself is trying to consolidate its power and hardening its stance on human rights and democracy.

So, we here make an appeal to the European Union Council of Ministers that _

1. no relaxation of the visa ban for the Burmese military regime officials to attend the ARF and ASEM meetings in Europe,
2. the EU Common Position on Burma be strengthened, especially sanctions on oil and gas, forest and mining products, and fisheries and garments,
3. EU would commend the UN Security Council to make a formal discussion on the atrocities and crimes against humanity committed by the military regime, and also to make a binding UN resolution to take tough actions on Burmese military regime immediately.

BURMA DIGEST Journal

DEMOCRACY For BURMA Forum

[*** You can sign this appeal and make your comments on http://burmadigest.wordpress.com/2006/02/25/appeal-to-eu/ ]

WWW http://www.tayzathuria.org.uk/

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