26/09/2007
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Dermot Ahern T.D., expressed his grave concern at news that the Burmese military have today used physical force and tear-gas to break up the peaceful demonstrations against the government led by Buddhist monks over recent days and arrested many monks and others. The Minister condemned these actions in the strongest terms and described them as unacceptable and deeply shocking.

"I am gravely concerned by news from Burma/Myanmar this morning that, in addition to the imposition of curfews, the Burmese military regime have today deployed troops onto the streets of Rangoon, who have used batons and tear-gas to break up peaceful demonstrations led by Buddhist monks, and that hundreds of monks and others have been arrested. The use of physical force by the military against monks, nuns and unarmed civilians, who have committed their lives to the path of non-violence, and who are simply exercising the basic right of freedom of expression in a peaceful manner, is unacceptable and deeply shocking. All people of conscience throughout the world and all countries, in particular China and India, who have influence with the Burmese military regime, must condemn the use of force against unarmed civilians, demonstrating peacefully and demand the utmost restraint.

Ireland, like the EU, expresses its solidarity with the people of Burma/Myanmar and its admiration for the courageous monks, nuns and other citizens who are exercising their rights of peaceful demonstration.

Burma/Myanmar is at a crossroads. The scale of the demonstrations, led by thousands of Buddhist monks and tens of thousands of ordinary people, is unprecedented. They can leave no room for doubt that, above all else, the Burmese people want rapid, peaceful, political change and genuine, inclusive, national dialogue and reconciliation. The Burmese authorities have an opportunity to respond constructively to the will of the people – so clearly and bravely expressed on streets throughout the country, and to engage meaningfully with the democratic opposition and ethnic groups in open and inclusive dialogue.

The international community has a vital role to play in promoting the path of restraint and reconciliation. At this stage, there is still time to step back from the brink, but we must act immediately and decisively. I believe that the time is right for the Security Council to immediately seize itself of the issue, and I support today’s call to this effect by the British Prime Minister.
At a meeting yesterday with the Chairperson and representatives of Burma Action Ireland, I made clear Ireland’s firm intention to continue to work with all partners, including within the EU and the UN, and with those countries which wield some influence with the Burmese regime, to encourage positive developments in Burma/Myanmar."
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Press Office

Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs Calls for Change in Burma/Myanmar

24 September 2007

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Dermot Ahern T.D., today praised those leading and participating in the ongoing protests in Burma/Myanmar, and again called for the release of all political prisoners.

"Since they began last month, protests in Burma/Myanmar have continued and escalated. Like many others, I have been struck by the dignity and courage of the protests by thousands of Buddhist monks and tens of thousands of ordinary people in cities across the country, and their appeal for national reconciliation, genuine democracy and improved living conditions. One month ago, I called upon the Burmese authorities to release all those detained while exercising their right to peaceful protest. I deeply regret that they, and hundreds of other peaceful protestors detained and held in appalling conditions, have not yet been released. Today, I repeat the call for the immediate release of all political detainees and prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi.

I join with others who have called on the Burmese authorities to show the utmost restraint in dealing with these peaceful, legitimate demonstrations. Furthermore, I would again strongly urge them to respect the genuine democratic aspirations of the people of Burma/Myanmar, as expressed so clearly in these demonstrations. It is long past time for the Burmese authorities to fulfil their promises of reconciliation and democratisation, which the 14 year-long National Convention has singularly failed to deliver. The authorities must engage meaningfully with the democratic opposition and ethnic groups in open and inclusive dialogue, which is indispensable to long-awaited political reforms.

It is vital at this time that the international community speak with one voice in seeking to ensure restraint on the part of the Burmese regime in dealing with the peaceful protests and in urging them to fulfil its long-standing promises to its own people. I would also urge the Burmese authorities to engage constructively with the UN Secretary General's Special Envoy, Dr Ibrahim Gambari. Ireland will continue to work with all partners, including within the EU and the UN, to encourage positive developments in Burma/Myanmar."