Burma (Hansard, 26 July 1999)

§ Dr. Tonge
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the State Peace and Development Council in Burma concerning dialogue with the Committee Representing the People's Parliament. [92811]

§ Mr. Hoon
Our policy is to press the SPDC to enter into substantive dialogue with democracy leaders, including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and ethnic minority leaders. We do so regularly.

§ Dr. Tonge
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received concerning the introduction of sanctions on Burma. [92812]

§ Mr. Hoon
Our leading role in international action on Burma is supported by the interest shown by the public, non-governmental organisations and pressure groups in the UK in bringing pressure to bear on the regime. Representations received include calls both for and against sanctions.

§ Dr. Tonge
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Burmese Government concerning the re-opening of universities and colleges. [92813]

§ Mr. Hoon
Since universities and colleges closed in 1996, we have raised the issue with the Burmese regime on a number of occasions. We shall continue to do so. The question has also been covered in UN resolutions, most recently that of the UN Commission on Human Rights adopted in April 1999.