HC Deb 20 November 2003 vol 413 c1306W
Mrs. Iris Robinson

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent action the Government has taken in relation to breaches of(a) human and (b) political rights in Burma. [139789]

Mr. Mike O'Brien

[holding answer 19 November 2003]The UK has made regular representations to the Burmese authorities about the human rights situation in Burma, bilaterally, with our EU partners and at the United Nations. I regularly speak to EU partners and Burma's neighbours to press Burma on human rights issues.

In addition, the UK co-sponsored a resolution in the UN Commission on Human Rights (UNCHR) on 16 April 2003 and will be co-sponsoring a Burma resolution at this year's UN General Assembly concerning the abuse of all human rights in Burma.

Mrs. Iris Robinson

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make it his policy to support the United States Government's stance on sanctions against Burma. [139790]

Mr. Mike O'Brien

[holding answer 19 November 2003]Like the US, we believe that pressure on the regime is essential if we are to bring about democracy, national reconciliation, and respect for human rights in Burma.

With our EU colleagues we are currently discussing what further measures we may take to target those obstructing reform and progress in Burma, while ensuring that the ordinary people of Burma suffer as little as possible.