Burma

I welcome the decision by the Burmese authorities to accept a visit by the UN Secretary General’s Special Envoy on Burma Mr Ibrahim Gambari. He has the full backing of the UN Security Council and is well placed to assist the Burmese authorities to achieve a peaceful resolution of the current crisis.

I urge the Burmese authorities to listen to the international community and give Mr Gambari wide access, including to Aung San Suu Kyi.

At my instruction, my Department today called in the Burmese Chargé d’Affaires.
Ms Gillian Bird, a Deputy Secretary of my Department stressed the Government’s condemnation of the violent crackdown against peaceful protestors. Ms Bird advised the Chargé of the measures Australia is taking, in particular the introduction of targeted financial sanctions against members of the Burmese regime and their supporters.

I renew calls for the immediate release of those arrested for exercising their fundamental human rights. The violent treatment meted out to Buddhist monks is particularly distressing to the Australian community.

In addition to my own discussions in New York and Washington, Australia’s senior diplomatic representatives are pursuing our concerns in relevant countries including, China, India and ASEAN members.

Australia is also supporting moves for a Special Session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Media Inquiries: Mr Downer's office 02 6277 7500 - Departmental Media Liaison 02 6261 1555