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Australia, Senator Vicki Bourne Med



Subject: Australia, Senator Vicki Bourne Media Release

Free Burma Coalition, Australia
Senator Vicki Bourne	
Australian Democrats	
Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs

Media Releasech 1999	MEdia RELEASE 	Media 
                          99/169Government should clarify Burma policy


The Australian Democrats today called on the Federal Government to clarify 
its policy on Burma, following the death of democracy leader Daw Aung San 
Suu Kyi's husband, Dr Michael Aris on the weekend.

In a speech to the Senate last night, Senator Bourne, the Democrats 
spokesperson on foreign affairs, stated her concern that the Government 
appears to be wavering in its resolve to support Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and 
the properly elected government of Burma.

"It concerns me that the Minister recently criticised the European Union 
for maintaining the policy prohibiting visits by Burmese military 
ministers, which is something Australia should prohibit too" she said

"I am also concerned that Australia broke ranks with other western nations 
by attending a controversial narcotics conference in Rangoon at 
ambassadorial level.  The Government's original justification for attending 
the conference was for law enforcement purposes

"I hope this does not represent a weakening of Australia's policy on Burma. 

"Clearly it is time for the Government to clarify its position, and fully 
support Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the legitimate government of the National 
League for Democracy in Burma.

"The Democrats also call on the Government to immediately support 
international calls for Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to be permitted to travel to 
Oxford for her husband's funeral, and then to unconditionally re-enter 
Burma on humanitarian grounds, without fear of reprisals


A 7th day prayer service is being organised in Rangoon for Friday 2 April 
1999.  The Burmese community will be holding similar interfaith services 
throughout the world, not just for Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's family but also 
for the families who have been kept separated by the military regime.  For 
further information contact the National Coalition Government of the Union 
of Burma Minn Aung Myint on (02) 9264 7694




Contacts: Senator Vicki Bourne 6277 3820