Political relations

France acts for change in Myanmar

France has contributed to the renewal of the common European position adopted in April 2008 on the restrictive measures instituted against Myanmar while supporting a balanced approach through increased humanitarian aid and associated measures, should there be a positive change in the situation in Myanmar. Similarly, the French government is maintaining a steady dialogue with the countries of Asia and is mobilizing international bodies to promote change in Myanmar.

France has continued to appeal for the release of political hostages, including Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi, as well as for all forms of intimidation of the population and the opposition to stop.

Since the very beginning of the crisis in Myanmar in September 2007, Mr. Bernard Kouchner has been committed to triggering a real process of reconciliation and democratization in Myanmar. Moreover, a press statement on Myanmar was adopted for the first time during the French presidency of the Security Council in September 2007.

France is also behind the establishment of the “Friends of Myanmar Group” in New York.

The government has made a few timid gestures. For the first time in three years, Aung San Suu Kyi, put under house arrest for nearly 18 years, met with members of her party, the National League for Democracy (NLD), in January 2008. United Nations emissary Ibrahim Gambari was able to meet with Aung San Suu Kyi in March 2008. Moreover, a minister of Myanmar’s military regime was appointed to be her“liaison officer” in October 2007.