15 October 2007
The UK will press for tough sanctions against Burma in a meeting of EU Foreign ministers today, the Prime Minister has said.
In a Downing Street statement, Gordon Brown said that the country’s military regime must take "clear steps" towards the return of democracy. He called on the ruling junta to start a process of reconciliation with opposition leaders, including Nobel peace prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi, and to release all political detainees.
The UK will seek sanctions against individuals within the regime as well as on trade in commodities such as timber, gems and metals, the PM said. Other suggested measures include a ban on future investment linked to progress with the reconciliation talks and the implementation of a UN arms embargo to augment the EU arms embargo already in place.
Mr Brown said the UK would work with and with regional powers such as China and India to support reconciliation and democracy.
"Burma must take clear steps towards the return of democracy. The Security Council should meet again to review the results. If progress is insufficient, the Council will need to consider further measures.
… I want to be clear if this process of change begins we stand ready - as the international community - to support the recovery of Burma with aid and other support."
This morning the Prime Minister met with Burmese activists and representatives from advocacy group Avaaz. The charity organisation presented a petition to the UN calling for action against the Burmese government.
Image copyright: Reuters
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