The International Community must protest new arrests in Burma.
| Wednesday, 22 August 2007 | |
| The International Community must protest new arrests in Burma. It is important that the UN, Asian countries, and big powers like the USA, China, India and Russia react strongly against the new arrests of democracy defenders in Burma. I see it as a matter of course that the Norwegian Government will express their protests, says the President of the Oslo Center for Peace and Human Rights, Mr. Kjell Magne Bondevik. According to news releases from Burma, at least 13 activists, among them student leaders, have been arrested in connection with a demonstration in Rangoon. It is a sign of weakness that Burma’s military junta does not tolerate open expressions of opinion like a demonstration. The pressure against the regime must be strengthened. This can only be achieved if the international community manages to coordinate its policy on Burma. Today, the regime has a much too easy game to play because different policies are pursued; the West with sanctions and Asia with a so-called constructive engagement, says Mr. Bondevik. The international community should also increase its support of the democratic forces in Burma, represented by Aung San Suu Kyi and her Party, the Student movement and the ethnic minorities. Particularly China and India, who are increasing their economic cooperation with Burma, have a key role to play, says Kjell Magne Bondevik. Press contact: Øistein Mjærum: +47 952 14841 |
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