B4-0588, 0608, 0630, 0642 and 0648/96

Resolution on human rights violations in Burma (Myanmar)

The European Parliament,

- having regard to its previous resolutions on Burma (Myanmar), in particular those of 29 September 1994 ((OJ C 305, 31.10.1994, p. 98.)), 16 February 1995 ((OJ C 56, 6.3.1995, p. 110.)) and 15 June 1995 ((OJ C 166, 3.7.1995, p. 128.)),

A. aware that Burma has been under military rule since 1962 and that, following the failed popular uprising of 1988, the new military regime under the SLORC has been particularly repressive, denying all rights to freedom of expression and association,

B. whereas Aung San Suu Kyi, held under house arrest from 1989 until July 1995, still continues to have severe limitations placed on her personal liberty, including her freedom of movement, by the SLORC,

C. appalled by the continuing human rights violations, including atrocities committed by the SLORC against ethnic minorities, in the country,

D. shocked by the persecution by the Burmese authorities of the Karen people, an ethnic group of four million people, who have suffered cruel treatment and seen their villages destroyed, which has led to the flight of some 80,000 Karens to camps across Thailand; noting in particular the April 1996 Amnesty International Report on the continuous killing of Karen people by the Burmese army,

E. noting the SLORC policy of refusing permission to foreign dignitaries on official visits to the SLORC of also meeting Aung San Suu Kyi, and of withholding visas from foreign politicians who wish to meet with her; noting that foreign journalists and aid workers sent to the region work at considerable risk to their personal safety, especially in border areas,

F. aware of the complaint against Burma, jointly lodged by the European Trade Union Confederation and the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions, alleging various forms of forced labour practised in Burma; noting the Commission's current investigations under the terms of Council Regulation No 3281/94 applying a four year scheme of generalized tariff preferences (1995 to 1998) in respect of certain industrial products originating in developing countries with a view to the possible suspension of the country from the System of Generalized Preferences,

G. aware that the Burmese authorities have just launched the "1996 Visit Burma Year¨ in order to boost tourism in the country; noting that certain countries in Europe and in Asia are aiding the Burmese military regime, economically and/or militarily, ignoring the deplorable human rights situation,

1. Calls on the Council, the Commission and the Governments of the Member States to make it clear to the Burmese military authorities that any normalisation of relations, including trade, between the EU and Burma will be dependent on progress in Burma towards the restoration of democratic institutions, respect for human rights and the abolition of forced labour;

2. Urges the Council, the Commission and the governments of the Member States to give public support to the appeals of Aung San Suu Kyi for a national reconciliation in Burma between the military and democratic forces which guarantees the rights of all minorities and the full restoration of freedom of expression, political rights, right of association and religious freedom;

3. Calls on the Council to define a common position on the policy to follow with regard to Burma, pursuant to Article J.2 of the EU Treaty, in order to apply all the pressure required to secure democratiztion in the country;

4. Calls on the Burmese authorities to release all prisoners of conscience immediately and unconditionally (including those elected members of the National League for Democracy prevented from attending their Party Congress on May 26-27 1996) and to remove all remaining restrictions on the personal freedom of Aung San Suu Kyi, including her right to receive foreign dignitaries,

5. Urges all the Member States to take into account the serious human rights violations by the Burmese authorities before signing trade, investment and tourism agreements with Burma;

6. Welcomes the investigation currently being undertaken by the Commission into the allegations of forced labour in Burma with a view to a possible suspension of GSP privileges;

7. Asks the Commission to provide adequate humanitarian aid to the Karen refugees in Thailand and refugees from other minority communities;

8. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Commission, the Council, the governments of the Member states, the SLORC and Aung San Suu Kyi, the Secretary General of the UN, the UN Commission for Human Rights and the governments of the member countries of ASEAN.