European Union Parliament opposes free trade agreement with ASEAN due to Myanmar issue
All Headline News | November 23, 2007
European Union Parliament Opposes Free Trade Agreement With ASEAN Due To Myanmar Issue
Windsor Genova - AHN News Writer
Manila, Philippines (AHN) — The parliament of the European Union will oppose an E.U.-ASEAN free trade agreement as long as democracy is not restored in Myanmar.
German lawmaker Hartmut Nassauer stated the condition in Manila on Friday, when he and eight other members of the European parliament visited the Philippines, according to Business Week.
Nassauer also said E.U. will impose trade sanctions against Myanmar and isolate the country until its military rulers institute democratic reforms, starting with the release of opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi and all political prisoners.
The head of the E.U. parliament delegation urged other members of the ASEAN to take a similar stand against Myanmar. Trade ministers from the regional grouping told their European counterparts during a meeting on the side of the ASEAN summit in Singapore on Thursday that they will include Myanmar in negotiations for an FTA with Europe.
On Monday, E.U. foreign ministers approved a ban on imports of timber, gemstones and precious metal from Myanmar in response to the death-marred crackdown of pro-democracy protests in Yangon in September by the military junta.
