ASEM Backs Release Of Political Prisoners And UN Action On Burma

By Burma Campaign UK • October 5, 2010

Burma Campaign UK today welcomed the ASEM statement on Burma as a sign that European and Asian countries are not being fooled by the Burmese dictatorship’s promises that elections will bring significant change in Burma.

While the statement is far weaker than Burma Campaign UK would like it to be, the fact that the statement calls for continued UN engagement on Burma, and for the government of Burma to cooperate more closely with the UN and international community, is a tacit acknowledgement that the elections in November won’t solve the problems in Burma, and the continued engagement of the international community is necessary.

ASEM countries have agreed to a statement which is very similar to that in 2008, despite a massive diplomatic push by Burma’s generals to win strong Asian support for elections due on 7^th November.

“With China and ASEAN countries in ASEM, it is highly unlikely we will ever see a robust statement on Burma from ASEM, so the call for the release of political prisoners and for the dictatorship to engage with continued UN efforts on Burma is welcome,” said Mark Farmaner, Director of Burma Campaign UK.

Burma Campaign UK is calling for the world to unite behind a revived UN-led effort to secure negotiations between the dictatorship and Burma’s democracy movement, including ethnic representatives.

“We are very grateful to the UK and other European governments which fought hard for ASEM to take a strong and principled stance on Burma,” said Mark Farmaner.

ASEM – The Asia-Europe Meeting – brings together Asian and European countries to discuss issues of mutual interest. The summit meeting of ASEM is held every two years. The 8^th ASEM summit has just concluded in Brussels, Belgium.

For more information contact Mark Farmaner on 44(0)7941239640.

Tags: 2010 Elections, Asia-Europe Meeting, Burma Campaign UK

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ASEM Backs Release Of Political Prisoners And UN Action On Burma

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