Brussels, 25/05/2000 (Agence Europe) - Portuguese presidency, on behalf of EU, made the following declaration:
"Ten years after the 1990 legislative elections in Burma/Myanmar, which the democratic party, the National League for Democracy (NLD), won by such a convincing majority, the European Union deeply regrets that the Burmese authorities still fail to respect the clear democratic verdict of the people. The EU furthermore expresses its grave concern that the period leading up to this anniversary has been marked by fresh arrests of NDL activists. It reiterates its calls on the Burmese authorities to respect human rights, restore democracy and engage in a dialogue with opposition parties and ethnic minorities that could lead to lasting national reconciliation in a united and democratic State. The EU also recalls its willingness to send a further troika mission to Rangoon/Yangon to promote positively and constructively the aims of the EU's policy towards Burma/Myanmar through the establishment of a meaningful political dialogue. The Central and eastern European countries associated with the European Union, the associates countries Cyprus, Malta and turkey, Iceland and Liechtenstein, countries members of the European Economic Area, align themselves with this declaration" (see EUROPE of 25 may, p.4, on strengthening of EU structures against Rangoon).