Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2008-10-23-Speech-4-235"
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"en.20081023.27.4-235"2
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"Mr President, I would like to start by reminding you that the Commission’s response to the cyclone last May was quick and substantial. We provided humanitarian and food aid and worked through the civil protection mechanism in cooperation with the EU Member States.
We are pleased with ASEAN’s active role in coordinating international efforts. The Commission funded the largest part of the needs assessment undertaken jointly by ASEAN, the United Nations and the Government. The humanitarian emergency is not over, but we will now also look at rehabilitation issues. Most remarkable during this period has been the outpouring of solidarity among citizens, local NGOs and the Myanmar Red Cross. This is a clear signal that giving up on civil society is not an option.
The problems that need to be addressed are the following:
Firstly, we must reduce the isolation of the Burmese people. Civil society needs strengthening. The Commission is co-hosting a conference on the role of civil society in Myanmar in Brussels, which will take place on 29 October.
Secondly, we must keep open all possible channels of communication with the Government. At the ASEM Summit, which will take place in Beijing on 26 October, President Barroso is expected to take the floor. In addition, the Commission has established working relations with line ministries in matters of health, education and livelihoods.
Thirdly, we must keep and strengthen the United Nations as a driving force. There is no alternative to the good offices of the UN Secretary-General and the UN Special Adviser, Ibrahim Gambari. The Commission strongly backs the efforts of the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Myanmar, Mr Tomás Ojea Quintana.
National reconciliation also requires an inclusive dialogue. It cannot take place with political stakeholders in jail or under house arrest. We continue to request the release of all those being detained on political grounds. The Commission also backs the ILO efforts to end forced-labour practices used for military and infrastructural programmes.
The Commission is using all its channels to express concerns regarding forced labour and non-respect for fundamental freedoms. The people of Myanmar deserve our attention and assistance, and the Commission will continue to do everything in its power."@en1
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