WRITTEN QUESTION E-2338/00

by John Bowis (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(11 July 2000)

Subject: Human Rights in Burma

Is the Commission aware of the following cases of Burmese doctors and dentists who are in prison for human rights activities and will it pursue these cases with the Burmese authorities:

- Dr Myint Naing doctor at a private clinic in Karbo arrested in January 1991 and sentenced in 1992 to 25 years in prison, subsequently commuted to 10 years, for attending meetings of the National League for Democracy. Elected MP for Kanbalu May 1990. He is currently in Thayet Prison, Magway Division.

- Dr Zaw Min general practitioner arrested in July 1989 and sentenced in 1992 to 20 years in prison, subsequently commuted to 10 years, for taking part in demonstrations and distributing pamphlets.

- Dr Zaw Myint Maung doctor on staff of Mandalay Medical College arrested January 1991 and sentenced to 25 years in prison, subsequently commuted to 10 years, for attending political meetings. Elected MP for Amarapura May 1990. He is currently in Myitkina Prison.

- Dr Ma Thida surgeon and writer, working at Muslim Free Hospital in Yangon she is a former campaign assistant to NLD leader, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi arrested in July 1993 and sentenced that October to 20 years in prison for political activities.

- Dr Aung Khin Sint doctor and team leader of the tuberculosis team at Dekhina Medical Department Secretary of Burma Medical Association arrested August 1993 for writing and distributing letters and leaflets and sentenced to 20 years in prison. He was released in February 1995 under an amnesty, rearrested in May 1996, then released again but rearrested in July 1996 to serve remainder of 20-year sentence. Elected MP for Mingala Thaungnyunt May 1990.

- U Khin Zaw Win dentist who has worked in Burma/Myanamar, Malaysia and Unicef arrested in July 1994 and sentenced to 15 years in prison for political activities tortured in Insein Prison for trying to send information about prison conditions to the United Nations. Currently in Myitkyina Prison.

- Dr Zaw Myint dentist working in various hospitals arrested January 1991 and sentenced to 25 years subsequently commuted to 10 years in 1992, for attending political meetings tortured in Insein Prison. Elected MP for Hinthada May 1990. Currently in Tharawaddy Prison.

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(28 July 2000)

The Commission is aware of the seven cases of doctors and dentists in Burma mentioned by the Honourable Member. It has been informed that two of them Dr Ma Thida and Dr Zaw Myint were released in February 1999 and late 1998 respectively. The Commission has further been informed that a total of at least 30 doctors and dentists are still detained.

The Union continues, in the framework of its contacts with the Burmese authorities, to press for the immediate release of political prisoners. It will continue to do so including for those detainees mentioned by the Honourable Member. In its common position adopted on 26 April 2000(1),

the Council indicated its willingness to send a second Troika mission to Rangoon later this year to promote the aims of the Union's policy through the establishment of a political dialogue. Failure to engage in such a dialogue will only mean continued isolation for Burma's regime, and prolong the hardship and suffering for the Burmese people that result from its policies.

(1) Common Position 2000/346/CFSP, 26.4.2000 (OJ L 122, 24.5.2000).