October 10, 2007
H.E. Nicolas Sarkozy
President of the Republic of France
Palais de l’Elysée
55, rue du faubourg Saint-Honoré
75008 Paris
Your Excellency,
The National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma is very grateful to Your Excellency’s
Government for disapproving the recent brutal crackdown on monks and peaceful demonstrators
and also wishes to express our thanks for extending the support for the transition to democracy in
Burma. I particularly thank Your Excellency for meeting with me on September 26 to discuss the
status of Burma and show the world the importance of resolving the situation. Unfortunately, I did
not have enough time to raise the issue of TotalFinaElf during our meeting.
The killings and beatings of peaceful protestors in public bring to light the vicious practice of the
Burmese regime, State Peace and
Development Council (SPDC), which for decades has been
committing similar crimes against the people, particularly the ethnic nationalities, in remotes areas.
Poignant scenes of brutality against the citizens, including murder and human rights violations,
like arbitrary detention and complete prohibition of access to information only confirm the junta’s
intention to go to any length to retain its hold on the country as well as to silence anyone from
religious leaders to newsmen to the common people who dare to question their authority.
On a positive note, the courage and resourcefulness shown by the demonstrators and the brutal acts
committed by the military have galvanized the international community into supporting the people
of Burma in an unprecedented way. Sources back home inform us that the people are encouraged
by the support they are getting and are determined to continue their struggle for democracy with
international help.
In this regard, we are looking forward to the upcoming EU Council of Foreign Ministers Meeting
where passage of correct and firm decisions will help quicken the pace toward democracy in
Burma. Hence, the NCGUB wishes to seek the support of Your Excellency’s Government to
strengthen the EU Common Position by adoption of additional resolutions which include:
– Rejecting the outcome of the junta-organized National Convention, particularly the military
proposed constitution which will legitimize and perpetuate military rule in Burma unless
the convention is reformed to include all stakeholders — the National League for Democracy and other ethnic parties — and is modified to make it more democratic and
Transparent;
– Freezing the assets of key members of the military junta, their families and business
associates.
– Banning all new investment and financial transactions in Burma
– Banning key imports from Burma, such as metals, gems, timber and marine products
– Freezing or withdrawing of all operations relating to gas, oil, and other energy resources in
Burma.
The regime and its cronies have monopolized almost all lucrative businesses and manufacturing
firms in Burma and targeting sanctions in the abovementioned areas will have less impact on the
common people. We believe that strengthening of EU Common Position at this critical juncture
will send a clear and strong message to the Burmese military regime that EU will never tolerate the
use of violence to restrict fundamental freedoms and human rights of the people.
We are convinced that targeted sanctions applied in combination with high-level critical
engagements, including the facilitation of the good offices of the UN Secretary-General, will open
opportunities for a political dialogue leading to a peaceful democratic transition in Burma.
Thank you for Your Excellency’s consideration of our recommendations. We greatly appreciate
your continued efforts to support the Burmese people in their call for democracy.
Sincerely,
Dr. Sein Win
Prime Minister