Brussels, 22/06/2015 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 22 June, the EU foreign affairs ministers underlined their support in Luxembourg for the political and economic transition in Burma/Myanmar.
In its conclusions, the Council welcomes the strengthening of bilateral cooperation - including two dialogue sessions on human rights, the signature of a framework agreement between the EIB and the Burmese government, the ongoing negotiations for an agreement on protecting investments, and the EU's participation in the plurilateral initiative on labour rights in Burma/Myanmar (see EUROPE 11310).
The 28 EU member states underline the importance of elections in 2015 for the democratic transition in Burma/Myanmar, and they say that the elections are “an opportunity to confirm that reforms are irreversible”. The Council therefore hails the holding of a political dialogue in various formats between the major players, including the opposition and ethnic political parties. The Council underlines its call for the conduct of “democratic, inclusive, credible and transparent” elections that enable people belonging to minorities to exercise fully their political rights and vote, and that encourage the participation of women.
The Council also says that it is following the talks closely between the Burmese government and ethnic armed groups for a national-level ceasefire.
In addition, the Council calls for a “durable solution” to the issue of Rohingya citizenship, which would contribute towards addressing the root causes of the migratory crisis in the Andaman Sea. (Emmanuel Hagry)