§ Mrs. GillanTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the Government's policy is on the implementation of sanctions against Burma. [2817]
§ Mr. BradshawThis Government have been at the forefront of international efforts to bring about good governance, respect for human rights and a return to democracy in Burma. Sanctions have been a significant aspect of this effort. We believe multilateral sanctions are the most effective and we were instrumental last year in securing a strengthening of the EU Common Position on Burma that includes an asset freeze and visa ban for members of the Burmese regime, an arms ban and a ban on non-humanitarian aid. In the UK, this has been implemented through the Burma (Sale, Supply and Export of Goods) (Penalties) Regulation (SI 2000/1408) and Burma (Freezing of Funds) Regulation 2000 (SI 2000/1472) and the Immigration Designation of Travel Bans) (Amendment) Order 2000. We have given a cautious welcome to recent positive developments in Burma, such as the release of some political prisoner s and the lessening of the restrictions on pressure on the National League for Democracy. But we will not soften or position until there is evidence of real change in Burma.
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§ Mrs. GillanTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Burmese Government about continuing violations of human rights being committed against the Karen, Karenni and Shan people by the Burmese army. [2816]
§ Mr. BradshawContacts between British and Burmese officials are necessarily limited but we make representations to the Burmese authorities on their treatment of ethnic minorities whenever suitable opportunities arise. In January, a visit by EU Troika representatives to Burma raised with the regime this issue among other human rights concerns.
We also fully support the efforts of the UN Special Envoy to Burma, Tan Sri Razali Ismail, who is encouraging the regime to move towards national reconciliation and a return to democracy. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary met Razali on 26 June to discuss these issues.
Multilaterally, we have ensured that violations of human rights in ethnic minority areas are properly covered in UNCHR and UNGA, and by the ILO in its examination of forced labour in Burma.
§ Mrs. GillanTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he has discussed Burma with his predecessor. [2818]
§ Mr. BradshawI am aware of the keen interest my right hon. Friend the then Foreign Secretary and my hon. Friend the Member for Leeds, West (Mr. Battle) took in Burma. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and I look forward to carrying on the very important task of encouraging national reconciliation, respect for human rights and a return to democracy in Burma.