Media release

2 May 2008

Burma

I welcome President Bush’s statement overnight that the 10 May Burma referendum is a fatally flawed process.

President Bush’s statement that the referendum vote will be on a dangerously flawed constitution, and will not be free or credible reflects Australia’s consistently expressed view about the referendum.

Australia also shares the view expressed by the President about Burma’s failure to cooperate with the UN Special Envoy Ibrahim Gambari.

Regrettably, the referendum process does not signal any intention by the Burmese regime to listen to the will of the Burmese people on their future.

The proposed constitution is deeply flawed and intended only to entrench the military's grip on power. It was drafted without any genuine involvement of opposition groups, including the National League for Democracy, and Burma's ethnic minorities.

Australia has consistently called for the full and free participation of all political players in Burma in a political reform process supported by the international community.

I also note the United State’s statement overnight that the US will expand its sanctions against the Burmese regime.

Australia has its own sanctions regime against Burma, which the Australian Government believes has been an effective tool to put pressure on the regime.

Australia will continue with these sanctions, as we will continue to urge upon the Burmese regime that it must begin a genuine political process that allows for the full and complete participation by all political players in Burma.

Media inquiries: Mr Smith's office 02 6277 7500 - Departmental Media Liaison 02 6261 1555