Brussels, 10/05/2012 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 10 May, European Parliament President Martin Schulz welcomed the announcement by the Burmese authorities that all death penalties would be changed into life sentences. Also, during his first visit to the parliament and his meeting with the speaker of Burma's Lower House, U Shwe Mann, he reiterated the request that all remaining political prisoners be released.
Martin Schulz also encouraged U Shwe Mann to continue working for a truly multi-party system and for the strengthening of the civil society and protection of human rights. He stressed that the recent, impressive democratic overture made by Burma gives a great deal of hope and allows one to be optimistic. He added, however, that he looked forward to even more progress being made so that the EU might be able to waive all the sanctions imposed against that country, which would give a boost to the country's trade and economic development.
The European Parliament is ready to help the parliament of Burma in capacity-building, in the training of its personnel and in building up its parliamentary culture, he said. (CG/transl.jl)