MEDIA RELEASE

Burma – China and the Olympic card.

September 28, 2007. The deaths of more monks and civilians today in Burma calls for drastic action by the international community.

The courageous acts of protest against oppression by hundreds of thousands in Burma is a call to the international community for immediate action.

Caritas Australia welcomes the harsh criticism of the Burmese regime’s tactics by ASEAN, USA, EU, Australia and others.

Caritas Australia also welcomes the response from the Government of China in calling for ‘restraint’. As is well recognised China has vital economic and geo-political interests in Burma and hence has a critical influence over the Burmese junta.

China has taken great strides in its moves to becoming a global power. Increased multilateralism, such as joining the WTO and singing the Kyoto Protocol show a new maturity and a policy of engagement and integration with the international community.

With this new attitude comes many new responsibilities. Questions over China’s human rights commitments remain, particularly in relation to Darfur, Burma and Tibet.

Jack de Groot, CEO of Caritas Australia says, “The unfolding dramas in Burma offer a unique opportunity for China to emphasise how it will embrace its emergence as a globally responsible power”.

“With China hosting the Beijing Olympics in 2008, it is critical that they are seen to be hosting and advancing international human rights principles and condemning the brutal tactics of its neigbour Burma in repressing political and religious dissent,” concluded Mr de Groot.

ends

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