HC Deb 18 June 2003 vol 407 cc253-4W
Mr. Jenkins

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations his Department has made to the Burmese Government on their recent arrest of Aung San Suu Kyi. [119262]

Mr. Mike O'Brien

The UK has made numerous representations to the Burmese Authorities. The British Embassy in Rangoon has repeatedly sought access to National League for Democracy (NLD) leaders Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and U Tin Oo. On 2 June we called in the Burmese Ambassador to the UK to express the British Government's deep concern over recent events in Burma and again spoke to him on 3 June. On 6 June I spoke to the Burmese Deputy Foreign Minister to reiterate our concern and to call for substantive and meaningful dialogue with the democratic movement. On 9 June the EU d"marched the Burmese Government calling for the immediate release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and her party officials and for the reopening of universities and NLD offices. With our EU partners we are considering what further steps we will take if the regime does not provide immediate satisfactory responses.

Bob Spink

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Burmese authorities about the detention of Aung San Suu Kyi; and if he will make a statement. [119477]

Mr. Mike O'Brien

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to my hon. Friend, the Member for Tamworth (Brian Jenkins) today (UIN 119262).

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