Home
Document Actions
Burmese Junta violence requires tough sanctions
Thursday 27 September 2007
As the military dictatorship in Burma begins a brutal crack down on protestors, the President of the Australian Coalition for Democracy in Burma, Dr John Kaye MLC, called on the Howard Government condemn the violence and tighten sanctions against the leaders of Burma’s military junta and its financial backers.
Dr Kaye said: “Tear gas and beatings have been used against a peaceful protest in Rangoon. There have been mass arrest involving about 100 protestors and bullets were fired over the head of the crowd. We understand that five monks have died.
“The Howard government must condemn this latest act of violent repression of the movement for democracy in Burma.
“The last time there were demonstrations on this scale in Burma, the protests were brutally crushed by the authorities, with the loss of thousands of lives.
“This nation cannot stand by and allow this to happen again. This time the Burmese people must be set free without the loss of life, torture and arbitrary imprisonment.
“Australia has a moral obligation to do everything in its power to prevent a recurrence of these events. Howard must act now,” Dr Kaye said.
The Vice President of the Australian Coalition for Democracy in Burma, Penny Sharpe MLC, urged Sydneysiders to attend an emergency lunchtime protest in Martin Place behind the Fountain at 12.30 pm, today, Thursday 27 September.
“Foreign Minister Downer’s comments yesterday in New York were a good start, but the Australian Government must act, not just talk. Economic sanctions, a downgrading of diplomatic relations and withdrawal of investment are necessary.
“As citizens of the world committed to human rights and freedoms, all of us have a responsibility to pressure the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister to take a strong stand.
“Anyone unable to attend the rally should email Alexander Downer at the Department of Foreign Affairs to let him know that the Australian people want their Government to speak out in support of the Burmese democracy protesters,” Ms Sharpe said.
