Sharon calls for the EU to step up sanctions against Burma

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 28th Sep 2007

Monks protesting against the regime in Burma

Sharon Bowles South East MEP and Liberal Democrat representative of the Parliament's ASEAN delegation has called for the EU to impose stronger sanctions on Burma, as the UN is paralysed by a veto from China and Russia. The EU's Portuguese presidency has already warned that the junta faced tougher sanctions "should they resort to using violence against unarmed and peaceful demonstrators". Existing EU measures include a travel ban on Burma's leaders, an arms embargo and a ban on military cooperation, but no economic sanctions.

Speaking today Sharon Bowles said "I have long been calling for the EU to take a tougher stance on Burma. If the UN is paralysed, the EU must step up and impose sanctions that will put serious pressure on those directly responsible for the suffering of the Burmese People.

"If India China and Russia want to be considered as strategic partners of the EU they must end their political support for the Burmese regime and stop providing them with military support via the backdoor.

"Today I have joined thousands of human rights activists across the globe by putting a red shirt on and joining in solidarity with the people of Burma. I encourage you to join us."

"The bravery and determination of the monks and their supporters in the face of the despotic and oppressive junta is truly inspirational and we must continue to offer our support to the Burmese people in their struggle against tyranny."

"The situation is critical and fast-changing, but we must make clear that we expect the junta to show restraint and to refrain from further action against the protesters. The international community must do more than watch impotently from the sidelines."

ENDS