Brussels, 11/11/2008 (Agence Europe) - In the conclusions on the situation in Myanmar, the Council of the EU welcomes the Presidential Declaration adopted in Peking on 24-25 October 2008 during the ASEM summit, which calls for the lifting of restrictions placed on political parties and early release of those under detention and encouraging the government to engage all stakeholders in an inclusive political process and to cooperate more closely with the United Nations. Adopted on Monday 10 November, the conclusions also call on the Burmese authorities to facilitate the granting of visas. Overall, the Council deplores the lack of progress made this year towards a genuine transition to democracy in Burma/Myanmar since the violent repression of peaceful demonstrations by the military authorities. The European Union points out that, “the elections scheduled for 2010 will have no credibility unless the Burma/Myanmar authorities unconditionally release all political prisoners, in particular Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and initiate a political process with United Nations support on the basis of an inclusive, long-term dialogue in which the opposition and ethnic groups can participate fully”. The Council also points out that, the EU “is prepared to revise, amend or reinforce the measures it has already adopted to keep pace with developments in the situation”. (A.B./trans/rh)