EU concerned by reports of Burmese

[FreeBurma@xxxxxxx]

Subject: EU concerned by reports of Burmese police brutality

      DUBLIN, December 13 (Reuter) - The European Union said on Friday it was
deeply concerned by reports of police brutality in dispersing student
demonstrations in Burma and called on the Burmese authorities to enter into
meaningful dialogue with pro-democracy groups. 

    ``The EU affirms the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and freedom of
expression and calls on all sides to show restraint and to prevent any
further deterioration in the situation,'' EU president Ireland said in a
statement on behalf of the EU. 

    The EU also expressed concern at the restrictions which have been placed
on the movement of opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi and urged Burma's State
Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) to remove the roadblocks from the
vicinity of her residence to allow her full freedom of movement. 

    ``The European Union also expresses its deep concern at persistent
reports that further infringements on the personal safety of Daw Aung San Suu
Kyi may be imminent,'' the statement said, adding that the EU would hold the
SLORC fully responsible for her well-being. 

    Access to Suu Kyi's lakeside residence in Rangoon has been blocked by the
SLORC during recent student unrest in the capital. 

09:03 12-13-96