Statement issued by International Organisations attending the ASEM People's Forum V concerned about the continuing violations of human rights and democracy in Burma

CONCERNS SHARED WITH THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, VIETNAM AND EU DELEGATIONS

Participation of Military Regime of Burma (Myanmar) in ASEM V

The Burmese military regime is now in its 43rd year of illegitimate rule. It has been over 14 years since the regime, ignoring the results of the 1990 election, reversed its stance to transition to democracy.

In 1997, the world community was told that further pressure would be brought upon the military junta through its participation in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Six years later, the human rights, economic and political situations have severely deteriorated.

The world community is being presented with similar arguments for the entry of Burma into the Asia Europe Meeting (ASEM) process. ASEM countries have agreed to allow Burma to have a downgraded presence in the upcoming ASEM V in Hanoi, Vietnam.

We believe that allowing the military regime to have a presence in international events such as ASEM gives legitimacy to the regime, further hurting the people of Burma.

Until the regime complies with the demands of the international community as expressed through resolutions of the United Nations General Assembly, governments must not provide support to the regime. We reiterate the demands for the regime to:

1) Release all political prisoners including Aung San Suu Kyi and U Tin Oo.

2) Cease military hostilities against ethnic minorities.

3) Commence tripartite dialogue between the State Peace and Development Council, the opposition National League for Democracy, and Ethnic nationalities.

We condemn the decision by ASEM member countries to allow Burma to participate in ASEM V.

We challenge ASEM member countries to reaffirm their commitment to democracy and human rights by refusing to grant membership to governments that systematically violate human rights and basic democratic process.

Signed by: International Organisations attending the ASEM People's Forum V concerned about the continuing violations of human rights and democracy in Burma, Hanoi, Vietnam, 9th September 2004

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