The Burma Campaign UK: Statements on Crackdown in Burma

Campaigning for Human Rights and Democracy in Burma





		Over the past month, thousands of monks and civilians have been protesting in cities across Burma, demanding an end to injustice. The protests have now grown into the largest public demonstrations since 1988. The protests were sparked by the military regime’s decision to raise fuel prices by 500 per cent. In response, the regime has launched a severe crackdown on protestors. Over 150 people have been arrested, including almost all the leading pro-democracy activists, and demonstrators have been savagely attacked by police and pro-junta mobs.


	Singapore

	MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS SINGAPORE 27 SEPTEMBER 2007 MFA SPOKESMAN'S COMMENTS ON THE SITUATION IN MYANMAR "Singapore is deeply troubled and concerned by reports that the demonstrations in Yangon have been suppressed by force. We urge the Myanmar authorities to exercise utmost restraint. Singapore welcomes the decision of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to send Special Envoy Ibrahim Gambari to Myanmar. We fully support any initiative by the UN which would help defuse the situation. We urge the Myanmar authorities to admit Mr Gambari into Myanmar and grant him full access to all players in Myanmar. A peaceful resolution to the situation in Myanmar will require the cooperation and involvement of all parties, including the military. The situation in Myanmar affects all ASEAN countries. We hope that the Myanmar authorities and all other parties in Myanmar will appreciate the broader implications of their actions on the region as a whole and act accordingly. The UN offers the best hope for a peaceful resolution of the situation. We call upon the Myanmar authorities to take advantage of Mr Gambari's planned visit to defuse the situation. Currently in New York for the UN General Assembly session, Minister for Foreign Affairs George Yeo has applauded the decision by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to send Mr Gambari on this mission. He urged all parties in Myanmar to work towards national reconciliation. He had spoken to Mr Gambari in New York and assured him of Singapore's full support. We understand that the UN Security Council intends to conduct consultations on the situation in Myanmar. In his capacity as the current Chairman of the ASEAN Standing Committee, Mr Yeo is currently consulting with Foreign Minister Hassan Wirajuda of Indonesia, which is now a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, and other ASEAN members."

	MFA SPOKESMAN'S COMMENTS 26 SEPTEMBER 2007 Singapore is deeply concerned by reports of clashes between protestors and security forces in Yangon. We urge the Myanmar authorities to exercise utmost restraint. We call upon all parties To avoid provocative actions and to work towards reconciliation and a peaceful resolution of the situation." MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS SINGAPORE