CFOB supports the NLD’s position on economic sanctions

on Burma
Canadian Friends of Burma – Ottawa, February 8, 2011

The National League for Democracy (NLD), led by the Burmese democracy
leader Aung San Suu Kyi, issued a statement today reviewing the economic
sanctions on Burma. The statement outlines a rationale for maintaining the
sanctions and notes that “the hardships of the vast majority of the people of
Burma are not related to sanctions, but to misguided government policies.”

The NLD statement calls for those countries imposing economic sanctions,
including Canada, to maintain sanctions until a set of benchmarks, including
the release of more than 2,000 political prisoners, are met.

The statement was released in the midst of media speculation on the lifting
of sanctions – speculation which the NLD notes “…seem to have been
motivated by political considerations.” They went on to note that “Criticism
of sanctions, particularly economic sanctions, sometimes serve to divert
attention from the main problems plaguing the country.”

The Canadian Friends of Burma (CFOB) supports the NLD’s position and its
assessment that the mismanagement and misappropriation of the country’s
budget and resources by the military regime is a fundamental problem in
Burma. CFOB agrees that “Targeted sanctions serve as a warning that acts,
contrary to basic norms of justice and human rights, cannot be committed
with impunity, even by authoritarian governments”

The NLD ends their statement expressing an interest in further, well-

informed discussion. CFOB also supports NLD’s call “for discussions with the
United States, the European Union, Canada and Australia with a view to
reaching agreement on when, how and under what circumstances sanctions
might be modified in the interests of democracy, human rights and a healthy
economic environment.”

Therefore, CFOB calls upon the Government of Canada to maintain economic

sanctions until Canada’s concerns on human rights situations are addressed
and significant political progress is made in Burma. Canada should also take
an active role in policy-consultation and coordination with like-minded
countries for any reviewing process.

Full policy statement of the National League for Democracy (NLD) can be
read at the following link

The Canadian Friends of Burma (CFOB) is federally incorporated, national

non-governmental organization working for democracy and human rights in
Burma. Contact: Suite 206, 145 Spruce St., Ottawa, K1R 6P1; Tel:
613.237.8056; Email: cfob@cfob.org; Web: www.cfob.org