# CE2004070EN.01010801.xml

| 20.3.2004 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 70/108 |
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20.3.2004

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 70/108

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(2004/C 70 E/108)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2475/03

by Glenys Kinnock (PSE) to the Council

(24 July 2003)

Subject:   Burma

Subject:

The EU's sanctions against Burma have recently been extended, with an increase in the number of people subject to a visa ban, and assets being frozen. Could the Council comment on whether these steps represent a strengthening of the sanctions, and what impact these sanctions are expected to have on the Burmese regime?

Reply

(5 December 2003)

(5 December 2003)

| 1. | On 16 June 2003, the Council discussed recent developments in Burma/Myanmar and expressed its continued grave concern over the events of 30 May and the deteriorating overall situation. The Council urged the Burmese authorities to immediately release Daw Aung San Suu Kyi as well as other members of the National League for Democracy (NLD), and to re-open NLD offices and universities throughout the country. |
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1.

On 16 June 2003, the Council discussed recent developments in Burma/Myanmar and expressed its continued grave concern over the events of 30 May and the deteriorating overall situation. The Council urged the Burmese authorities to immediately release Daw Aung San Suu Kyi as well as other members of the National League for Democracy (NLD), and to re-open NLD offices and universities throughout the country.

| 2. | In order to re-launch a process of national reconciliation and transition to democracy in Burma/Myanmar, the Council urged the authorities to enter into a substantial and meaningful political dialogue with the NLD as well as other political groups. The Council reiterated its call to Burma to respect its promises to release all political prisoners and expressed its deep concern over the noted increase of politically motivated arrests. |
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2.

In order to re-launch a process of national reconciliation and transition to democracy in Burma/Myanmar, the Council urged the authorities to enter into a substantial and meaningful political dialogue with the NLD as well as other political groups. The Council reiterated its call to Burma to respect its promises to release all political prisoners and expressed its deep concern over the noted increase of politically motivated arrests.

| 3. | In accordance with its commitment to react proportionately to developments in Burma/Myanmar and in light of the serious deterioration of the situation in the country, the Council decided on 16 June 2003 to implement without delay the extended sanctions mentioned by the Honourable Member of Parliament. Originally it had been envisaged to put them into force by October 2003. |
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3.

In accordance with its commitment to react proportionately to developments in Burma/Myanmar and in light of the serious deterioration of the situation in the country, the Council decided on 16 June 2003 to implement without delay the extended sanctions mentioned by the Honourable Member of Parliament. Originally it had been envisaged to put them into force by October 2003.

| 4. | The Council invites the Honourable Parliamentarian to address also her question to the Commission which is currently assessing the impact of all existing sanctions on the Burmese regime. |
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4.

The Council invites the Honourable Parliamentarian to address also her question to the Commission which is currently assessing the impact of all existing sanctions on the Burmese regime.

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