Minister of State O'Donnell states Government stance on Burma

Ms Liz O'Donnell T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs (with special responsibility for Overseas Development Assistance and Human Rights) has reiterated the Government's grave concern at the violations of human rights and democratic principles in Burma. The continuing large-scale repression of the democratic opposition, the detention of human rights activists, including the house arrest of the elected President, Aung San Suu Kyi, and the forced labour of Burmese citizens is unacceptable.

The Government strongly supports the existing EU measures in force against the Burmese regime, the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC). Because of the deteriorating human rights situation in Burma, the Government will actively support the taking of additional restrictive measures by the European Union against Burma over the coming months.Top