Brussels, 12/11/2013 (Agence Europe) - High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton will be in Burma/Myanmar on 13-15 November to launch a task force to provide complete support for the transition, by bringing together all the tools and mechanisms available at both the political and economic levels (development aid, parliamentary cooperation, support for the peace process, investment). The EU will thus engage more with the Burmese government and civil society.
While the other task forces already set up have been the opportunity to announce significant funding, a high level official did not want to say more on this, stating that the EU already brings “substantial aid” and that final agreement on the 2014-2020 European budget should be awaited. However, he said, Burma will be one of the first recipients in the region as regards aid. The EU aids development, providing €180 million, and funds specific projects on police reform (€10 million) and the peace process (€16 million). The EU also implemented €19.5 million in humanitarian aid in 2013 in order to address the conflict in Kachin, and €1.65 million for activities to reduce the risk of catastrophes. In order to support the “incredible ongoing” transition process, the EU suspended sanctions against the country in 2012, then lifted them in 2013 and established the system of tariff preferences in July 2013.
During her stay, Ashton will jointly chair the task force with Burma's Minister U Soe Thane. The European commissioners for industry and entrepreneurship, Antonio Tajani, for development and cooperation, Andris Piebalgs, for agriculture and rural development, Dacian Ciolos, and representatives from the European Parliament will also be present. European business people will also be there so as to develop European investment in Burma.
On 22 July (see EUROPE 10894), the EU foreign affairs ministers adopted a strategic framework which aims to support the political, social and economic development of the country for the next three years, to ensure the respect of human rights and Burma's return to the international community. In April 2012, the EU opened an office in Yangon, which became a full delegation in September 2013. (CG/transl.fl)