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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