MEP speaks out on Burma
22 May 2008
During a debate in Strasbourg on the tragic situation in Burma, Traditional Unionist MEP Jim Allister condemned the ruling Junta for putting its "xenophobic paranoia" above allowing aid to its own suffering people.
In the course of his remarks Mr Allister said:-
"A regime which wantonly allows its own citizens to needlessly suffer, all in pursuit of its own xenophobic paranoia, is not just amoral, but evil. Such a junta rules in Burma. Unmoved by the plight of its own people, it is unlikely to be influenced by what is said in the European Parliament. Nonetheless, in the name of humanity we must speak out.
We are not trying to control Burma, just help its people, though the reality is that without regime change, little will improve in the long-term for the Burmese. Yes, we must maximise humanitarian aid, considering food and supply air drops as a necessary tactic, but ultimately the restoration of democracy is how this once thriving country will reclaim its position and puts the people's needs before the junta's preservation."
