§ 10. Rev. Martin Smyth (Belfast, South)What recent representations he has made to the Government of Myanmar concerning treatment of the Karen population. [61389]
§ The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Mr. Derek Fatchett)We regularly make representations to the Burmese authorities on the treatment of ethnic minorities, including the Karen—most recently on 25 November.
§ Rev. Martin SmythI welcome the Minister's response. Does he agree that the State Peace and Development Council has perpetrated one of the most tragic scenarios of ethnic cleansing and genocide? What can be done internationally to stop such events, prevent further atrocities and aid victims, bearing in mind that hundreds of thousands of Karen and others have been so eliminated?
§ Mr. FatchettWhat has happened to the ethnic minorities in Burma is a true but sad reflection of the regime's nature. That is why we constantly argue for the international community to be vigilant, to maintain the pressure and to work for a restoration of democracy and a respect for human rights. We have provided £250,000 of humanitarian aid in the 1997–98 financial year. I also discussed the issue in Thailand earlier this year in order to ensure some co-ordination in providing support for ethnic minorities.
§ Mr. David Heath (Somerton and Frome)Given the uniquely abhorrent nature of the regime in Myanmar and the quite uncalled-for action against the Karen, Karenni and other peoples, will the Minister give an absolute assurance that the Government and the European Union will do everything possible to put pressure on the Myanmar authorities? To that end, will he explain why Mr. Win Aung, Foreign Secretary designate of Myanmar, was admitted to this country last week?
§ Mr. FatchettThe answer to the hon. Gentleman's first question is yes, we shall continue to give that commitment.
The second question refers to the Burmese ambassador, who returned to the United Kingdom as ambassador, not as Foreign Secretary. When he becomes Foreign Secretary he will enjoy no right to enter the United Kingdom because of the European Union's common position. We shall certainly safeguard it; indeed, the United Kingdom strengthened that position at the most recent meeting of the General Affairs Council.
My position on Burma is now so strong that I have been told today that the Burmese authorities will not allow me to visit Burma. I see that as an accolade for the work that we have done and for our fight for human rights and democracy in Burma.
§ Mrs. Maria Fyfe (Glasgow, Maryhill)One of the Government's first actions was to stop financing trade missions to Burma, and many human rights activists throughout the world were very pleased about that. However, does my right hon. Friend agree that the campaign must be stepped up—that the destruction of human rights in Burma is so severe that we need a campaign on the scale of that mounted against apartheid in South Africa? What action is being taken by European Union states to advance that cause?
§ Mr. FatchettThe European Union toughened its position in October 1998. We have strengthened our 666 position against the regime on visa issues. We have also issued a statement advising people not to go to Burma as tourists. The position is strong. At the General Assembly of the United Nations on 12 November 1998, we co-sponsored a resolution again condemning the Burmese regime for its violation of human rights.
I very much share my hon. Friend's views. This issue should unite the House in condemnation of a regime that is unique in the atrocities that it commits against its own people.