UK Government Backs UN Arms Embargo on Burma

The Burma Campaign UK today welcomed British government support for a United Nations arms embargo against Burma.

Speaking on Tuesday in the British Parliament during a debate on foreign policy, Foreign Office Minister Meg Munn stated: “We are concerned about the lack of progress (in Burma) and, indeed, in some respects, matters have gone backwards. We would certainly consider pushing for the issue to be discussed further at the UN, and we would support a UN call for an arms embargo.”

The European Union already has an arms embargo against Burma, but so far no serious steps have been taken to persuade the United Nations to impose an arms embargo, despite increasing demands for an embargo by Burmese pro-democracy organisations.

“We welcome British government support for a UN arms embargo,” said Zoya Phan, International Coordinator at Burma Campaign UK. “It is shocking that despite the UN stating the regime is breaking the Geneva Convention by deliberately targeting civilians in Eastern Burma, and guns being used against peaceful protestors in Rangoon, there is no global ban on arms sales to the regime. What we need to see now is the British government actively working to get agreement on a UN arms embargo”

For more information contact Zoya Phan on 44(0)20 73244712

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