The Forum for Democracy in Burma (FDB) would like to call all 27 European Union (EU) members to impose economic sanctions including a total ban on all new investments in Burma and a ban on financial transactions.
 
FDB recalled the EU's statement on 25th September 2007 which reads,
"The EU further underlines to the authorities in Naypyidaw that it will not hesitate to reinforce and strengthen the existing sanctions regime, should they resort to using violence against the unarmed and peaceful demonstrators."
 
The recent brutal crack down by the military government against peaceful protesters, mainly Buddhist monks has proved that the Burma's military government ignored not only the real desire of all the people of Burma, but also the will of international community including the EU.
 
Continuous ignorance by the military government on calls to stop the human rights violation and engage in a dialogue for peaceful transition towards democracy shouldn't be left overlooked any more.  The EU has particularly to show this time that it can no longer expect the regime to move forward a positive change in Burma without any punitive pressure from the international community. 
 
FDB acknowledged that the EU's previous policy of gradually increasing pressure on the Burmese military government if there was no change, and relaxing pressure if there was positive change.  It is the time all 27 EU members to access the current situation in Burma and judge whether there has been positive change or not. 
 
FDB believes that there can be no other option for the EU than putting more effective pressure on the military regime, and the EU needs to stand with Burmese people who bravely express their choice for democracy.
 
Therefore, the FDB strongly requests all 27 EU members to take the situation of Burma into their serious consideration and take further steps together by imposing stronger targeted economic sanctions.
 
Policy Forum
Forum for Democracy in Burma (FDB)