[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index ][Thread Index ]

The Nation News (25-4-99)





<bold>Burma's junta blasts UN resolution

</bold>

The Burmese junta accused the United Nations yesterday of duping
political activists by passing a resolution condemning the regime for
widespread human-rights abuses. A UN Human Rights Commission resolution
on Friday contained a long list of abuses, including summary executions,
torture, abuse of women, systematic forced relocation and widespread
forced labour. 


It also said the numbers of arbitrary and politically motivated arrests
and detentions without trial were increasing.


In a statement, a spokesman for the Burmese military regime said the UN
researchers had been manipulated and the resolution was " regretful".


" It is quite regretful that the resolution has been passed based on
politically motivated allegations from certain quarters, which are
deliberately neglecting and downplaying the positive developments," he
added.


He said the junta's " sincere efforts " had made Burma " one of the most
peaceful and stable countries in the world today ".


The resolution, tabled by the European Union and co-sponsored by
countries including the United States, was adopted by consensus at the
53- member-state Human Rights Commission.


The seven-page document deplored an " escalation in the persecution of
the democratic opposition, particularly members and supporters of the
National League for Democracy ( NLD )".


It regretted " threats of deportation, arrest and physical violence
against NLD leader Aung San Suu Kyi and the continued harassment, arrest
and detention of the NLD and other democratic group activists " including
elected MPs. The Burmese delegation to the UN denounced the resolution as
" a litany of unproven false allegations " and full of " outlandish
speculation ".


Its delegate said the text paid " undue attention to one political party
and individual ". Perhaps the intention is to encourage members of the
political party to break laws and destabilise the country ", he told the
commission.