[Greens-Media] Rudd Government at last bows to community pressure on Burmese human rights

[Dortch, Eloise (Sen S. Ludlam)]

Rudd Government at last bows to community pressure on Burmese human
rights

MEDIA RELEASE, Wednesday, 12 August 2009

The Australian Greens today welcome an apparent bowing to community
pressure by the Rudd Government on human rights in Burma.

Under questioning by Greens Senator Scott Ludlam in the Senate today,
the Government revealed for the first time that it was actively working
with other countries to impose a global arms embargo on Burma through
the UN Security Council.

"This is the first time we have heard the Rudd Government say it will
take the crucial step towards protecting the oppressed people of Burma
by imposing a global arms embargo on the regime," said Senator Ludlam,
who is co-chair of Australian Parliamentarians for Democracy in Burma.

"Answering on behalf of the Foreign Minister, Sen. John Faulkner stated
that the government was working with other governments to advance the
global embargo through the UN Security Council.

"This follows the unanimous vote in the Senate on 18 June in favour of a
Greens' motion for the Australian Government to back a universal arms
embargo against Burma.

"I congratulate the Burmese community and their supporters here in
Australia for their continuous hard work which has led to this important
step.

"I now call on the Australian Government not to leave the job half-done
and immediately ban Australian companies from trading and investing in
Burma - activity that lends legitimacy and financial support to the
brutal military regime."


For more information or media inquiries, please call Eloise Dortch on
0415 507 763