MEPs DEMAND ACTION ON BURMA

11.28.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 27th Sep 2007

Burmese political prisoners must be released and violence towards protestors must stop, the European Parliament has demanded in a strongly worded resolution adopted today.

Applauding the popular protests against the repressive military regime, the resolution also calls for a greater UN role in a future transition to democracy, including an urgent visit by the UN envoy, in which he is given free access in the country.

Speaking today from Strasbourg after the vote to adopt the resolution, Liz Lynne MEP, Member of the European Parliament's Subcommittee on Human Rights and a co-author of the resolution, said:

"I deplore the news that shots have been fired into crowds in Rangoon and that protesters have been beaten.

"In the light of these recent events and Burma's tragic recent history, I warmly welcome the overwhelming support for this resolution from my colleagues. I hope that this means the EU will have a strong influence on any further international action taken on the Burmese regime.

"It is so important we make it clear to the regime that there will be dire consequences if the violent crackdown on the recent protests continues. The EU's approach so far, and our policy of sanctions, has not been tough enough. The Burmese military junta must be left in no doubt that the EU will not tolerate its brutal and oppressive tactics.

"But at the same time we need to do more to support change from within the country, by working with people on the ground and by encouraging dialogue and reform at a local level. The people of Burma have been suffering for a long time - we must do everything we can to support them.

"The military regime must also be aware that help with any democratic transition is available from the international community and I strongly hope the EU will be a part of this when it happens.