Australia's role in urgent road map to peace and democracy in Burma

"The Australian Government can play a vital role in resolving the current situation in Burma, " said Caritas Australia's CEO Jack de Groot today.

"China, India and to a lesser extent Russia have the ear of the Burmese junta and these are the countries who can bring pressure to bear on the Burmese Generals," said Mr de Groot.

"Australia has a special relationship with China, growing influence with India and increasing involvement with Russia, particularly following APEC. The time for active and creative diplomacy is now."

"China's role in Burma is closely related to its strong economic and military ties with that country. China is also particularly sensitive in relation growing human rights concerns in Sudan and Tibet, particularly in the lead up to the Olympics. The international community must use its influence with China to resolve the tension in Burma"

"The international community has turned a blind eye to Burma for too long. Horrendous human rights violations, including the state sanctioned policies of rape and forced labour must stop. The people of Burma, lead by the courageous monks, have evidently had enough with the recent 500% fuel price hikes being the final straw."

"China can encourage Burma to urgently commence a road map to peace and democracy. The first step is multiparty talks with Aung San Suu Kyi and her National League for Democracy. Australia can advocate with China for this outcome.

"From these talks a timeline needs to be established with a date for an election in the very near future. The international community needs to be involved in this process in ensuring the election is free and fair'.

"The 400,000 - 500,000 military personnel in Burma, who chew up as much as 40% of the countries budget are the key to a peaceful resolution of the conflict. They are open to the influence of the international community particularly through China and India".

"The people of Burma desperately need the support of the international community. A human catastrophe can be averted if Australia and other like minded governments make this clear to China, India and Russia".

"We can not afford another August 8 1988 situation were thousands were massacred. A peaceful resolution to this situation is a real test of China's resolve in committing to human rights. It is also a true test of the assertion that Australia is a middle power and our relationship with China. Much is at stake. The following days and weeks will inform us of the true commitments of Australia and China to human rights" concluded Mr de Groot.

ENDS

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