PM calls for "immediate international action" on Burma

25 September 2007

The Prime Minister has called on the international community to take a tougher stance with Burma as pro-democracy demonstrations in the country intensify.

Mr Brown also called on the ruling junta in Rangoon to "exercise restraint" in its response to demonstrations that have seen thousands of monks, nuns and ordinary citizens take to the streets of the capital, Rangoon.

In letters today to the current holder of the European Union presidency, Portuguese Prime Minister Jose Socrates, and United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, the PM called for a warning to Rangoon of tougher sanctions if there is a crackdown.

He told Mr Socrates:

"I would strongly support a presidency initiative to warn the Burmese government that we are watching their behaviour and that the EU will impose tougher EU sanctions if they make the wrong choices."

And in his letter to Mr Ban, Mr Brown said:

"We need concerted international action, including the UN, to discourage violence. We need to stand together.''

The PM said he would support an urgent visit to Burma by UN special envoy Ibrahim Gambari, as well as discussions at the UN Security Council.

The "unfolding human tragedy" in Burma requires "immediate international action", he added.

Calling the widespread demonstrations "unprecedented", he said that the Burmese regime had failed to promote "a genuine process of political reconciliation".

"It is vital that the Burmese authorities exercise restraint in the face of the demonstrators and seize the opportunity to launch a process of real political reform."

Mr Brown called on "all those with influence" over the Burmese regime use it to "deter violence and encourage reconciliation".

Democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi has under house arrest in Burma since 2003.

• Burma country profile (new window)

Image copyright: Reuters