Brussels, 21/01/2004 (Agence Europe) - On 20 January, the Irish Presidency issued the following declaration on Burma on behalf of the European Union:
"The European Union continues to remain concerned at the situation in Burma/Myanmar and announces that it has updated its visa ban and asset freeze list. The list applies to members of the State Peace and Development Council, government ministers, senior members of the military ,members of the United Solidarity and Development Association, state-owned economic enterprises, and beneficiaries of the government's economic policy, and their families. The update follows the latest reshuffle of the government in Burma/Myanmar. The European Union takes note of the Government of Burma/Myanmar's announcement to convene the National Convention in 2004 and to draft a constitution. The European Union calls on the Government of Burma/Myanmar to enter into substantial and meaningful political dialogue, at the earliest opportunity, with the NLD, as well as other political groups, concerning a process leading to national reconciliation. The EU fully endorses the call of the UN Secretary General that his Special Envoy, Tan Sri Ismail Razali, be allowed to return to Burma/Myanmar as soon as possible. The European Union continues to monitor the situation in Burma/Myanmar, and stands ready to react proportionately to future developments".