B4-0375, 0384, 0389, 0399, 0410 and 0416/99

Resolution on Burma

15/04/99

The European Parliament,

- having regard to its previous resolutions on Burma,

A. saddened by the death of Dr Michael Aris, Mrs Aung San Suu Kyi's husband, in the United Kingdom,

B. deploring the decision of the Burmese government not to grant an entry visa for humanitarian reasons to Mrs Aung San Suu Kyi's husband in order to allow him to visit his wife while he was seriously ill,

C. noting the Council declaration expressing condemnation of such an inhumane attitude displaying blatant disregard for fundamental human rights by the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC),

D. deploring that political parties are prevented from functioning freely, and that the Secretary-General of the National League for Democracy (NLD) and Nobel Peace and Sakharov Laureate, Aung San Suu Kyi, effectively remains under house arrest,

E. deeply concerned at the continuing and extremely serious human rights abuses committed by the military authorities in Burma, especially the violation of humanitarian law by the Burmese army in ethnic minority areas,

F. whereas the SPDC Army units and local authorities have recently ordered the forced relocation of KAREN villages, and the use of the villagers as forced labour,

G. condemning the recent arrests and forced resignations of hundreds of elected representatives and NLD members,

H. whereas, on 16 September 1998, 250 members of the People's Parliament (54,6 % of the 485 parliamentarians) mandated the NLD and representatives of four parties to form the Committee Representing the People's Parliament (CRPP) to act on behalf of the entire parliament, which has never been permitted to convene,

I. stressing that Aung San Suu Kyi has repeatedly called on all democratically elected parliaments world-wide to give due recognition to the Committee and to support its work,

J. whereas the Danish Parliament and the Belgian Senate have already given their support to the CRPP,

K. noting that the ASEAN-EU Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) has not met for over a year as a result of disagreement over the inclusion of Burma,

1. Expresses its sincerest sympathy for Mrs Aung San Suu Kyi;

2. Denounces the refusal by the Burmese authorities to grant an entry visa to Dr Michael Aris as further proof of the attitude of the Burmese government regarding fundamental human rights;

3. Reiterates its condemnation of the military dictatorship in Burma and all human rights violations by the SPDC;

4. Condemns the continued human rights abuses against ethnic groups within Burma, the current forced relocation of KAREN villages and the use of the villagers as forced labour;

5. Calls again on the Burmese Government to guarantee the fundamental rights of the Burmese people, to release all political prisoners and to allow freedom of movement for Mrs

Aung San Suu Kyi;

6. Reaffirms its opinion that the only path leading Burma back to recognition as part of the international community and to a solution of the deep crisis in the country has to start with a meaningful political dialogue between the Burmese authorities, the democratic opposition leaders and representatives of ethnic minorities;

7. Expresses its recognition and support for the CRPP and urges its relevant committees to enter into a constructive dialogue with Burma's elected parliamentarians;

8. Reiterates its support of the Council decision not to accept the participation of Burma at EU-ASEAN and ASEM meetings until there are significant improvements in human rights and democracy in Burma;

9. Calls on the Council to ensure that the current CFSP common position on Burma is strictly enforced, in particular with regard to the ban on entry visas, and moreover urges the EU Member States to refrain from giving transit visas to SPDC and military personnel;

10. Instructs its President to forward the present resolution to the Commission, the Council, the ASEAN, the CRPP and the government of Burma.