HL Deb 05 June 2000 vol 613 c116WA
Baroness Howells of St Davids

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What changes have been made to EU sanctions in place against Burma. [HL2637]

Baroness Scotland of Asthal

On 26 April the Council of the European Union adopted a Common Position (2000/346/CFSP) which enhanced EU sanctions against Burma by strengthening the existing visa ban, improving a freeze on the funds of those individuals subject to the visa ban and imposing a ban on the supply of equipment which might be used for internal repression or terrorism.

Following from this Common Position, the Council adopted Regulation 1081/2000 on 22 May. The regulation prohibits the sale, supply, export or shipment of goods listed in an annex to the regulation, directly or indirectly, whether or not originating in the Community, to any person or body in Burma or to any person or body for the purposes of any business carried on in, or operated from, the territory of Burma.

The regulation also provides that all funds belonging to individuals listed in an annex to the regulation shall be frozen and that no funds shall be made available, directly or indirectly, to or for the benefit of those persons.

The regulation applies within the territory of the Community including its air space and on board any aircraft or any vessel under the jurisdiction of a member state, and to any person elsewhere who is a national of a member state and any body which is incorporated or constituted under the law of a member state.

The regulation entered into force on 24 May and is directly applicable in the UK. Legislation to provide for enforcement, including penalties, will shortly be in effect.