EPCB condemns sentencing of Aung San Suu Kyi and calls for UNSC Arms Embargo - News - The Burma Campaign UK

EPCB condemns sentencing of Aung San Suu Kyi and calls for UNSC Arms Embargo - News - The Burma Campaign UK

Open Letter

Aung San Suu Kyi’s sentence is a death sentence for democracy
Burma Campaign Aotearoa/New Zealand (BCNZ) joins international leaders and advocates in strongly condemning yesterday’s sentencing of democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi to a renewed period of 18 months of house arrest and calls upon the New Zealand Government to support the international community in pursuing an international commission of inquiry to investigate war crimes and crimes against humanity in Burma as well as sanctioning a global arms embargo.

It is clear from the regime’s current actions that this sentencing is a part of a steadfast campaign to exclude Aung San Suu Kyi from participating in the proposed 2010 elections which would entrench an undemocratically derived constitution and military rule in the country.

Following the failure of previous efforts to hold the regime accountable for its horrendous human rights records, the international community must now back words with action. Only through strong condemnation of the regime by the international community will international mechanisms be able to protect the future of the Burmese who for too long have suffered unequivocally under a tyrannical and oppressive regime.

BCNZ calls upon the New Zealand Government to support international calls for a commission of inquiry into the actions of the regime as well as endorse a universal arms embargo against the regime.
BCNZ also calls upon the New Zealand Government to review any economic or trade relationships that New Zealand has with the regime and asks that New Zealand companies considering investing, working or trading with the regime in light of the recent Free Trade Agreement with ASEAN, take account of the reality that trade with Burma is likely to benefit and entrench the ruling military elite,

Sincerely,
Ross Wilson
Burma Campaign Spokesperson
Contact: 0274468767
Visit the website at www.burmacampaignorg.nz