Bkk Post-European Union pushes dipl

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Subject: Bkk Post-European Union pushes diplomacy

Bangkok Post July 6, 1999.
BURMA

European Union pushes diplomacy

The European Union will today send a mission to Burma to try to broker a
dialogue between the military junta and pro-democracy opposition leader Aung
San Suu Kyi, it was announced yesterday.

A European diplomat in Bangkok, who asked not to be named, said the EU would
raise its concerns on human rights violations and the "urgent" need for a
dialogue between the ruling State Peace and Development Council and
democratic and ethnic leaders when it holds talks with Burmese officials.

The mission is also expected to meet Mrs Suu Kyi, leader of the National
League for Democracy Party, during the two-day visit ending tomorrow, he
added.

The mission was in line with resolutions of the EU ministerial meeting in
April that called for further measures to improve human rights and ensure
democratisation in Burma, and reaffirmed the need for a dialogue with the
Burmese government, he said.

The EU has imposed economic sanctions and visa bans on Burmese officials in
protest against the political deadlock and widespread human rights abuse in
Burma.