§ Ms JowellTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations he has received about human rights abuses in Burma. [38112]
§ Mr. HanleyWe have received representations about human rights abuses in Burma from a wide variety of sources including church groups, non-governmental organisations and members of the public.
§ Ms JowellTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the EU partners concerning the use of chemical weapons against the Karen people in Myanmar. [38113]
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§ Mr. HanleyWe discuss the plight of Burma's ethnic groups, including the Karen, and the human rights situation in Burma in our regular contacts with our EU partners. There have not, however, been any discussions specifically about the alleged use of chemical weapons against the Karen with our European Union partners.
The Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment has analysed samples of equipment allegedly used to transport bacteria against the Karen. No conclusive evidence was found. We deplore any use of bacteriological and chemical weapons and are willing to consider carefully any new evidence of their use in Burma.