MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS

The Hon. Kevin Rudd MP

STATEMENT ON BURMA ELECTIONS

On 7 November Burma will hold its first elections in 20 years.

This should have been a moment to be welcomed for a country that has suffered under
repressive military rule since 1962.

We have very grave reservations about the elections. They are being conducted under
patently unfair election laws that place severe restrictions on political parties.

International media and international observers are banned.

Eleven political parties have been dissolved by the authorities and several others have been
denied the right to register.

Parties’ ability to campaign and gain access to the media is severely constrained.

There are over 2000 political prisoners, including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. Australia has
consistently called for their immediate and unconditional release.

Despite these unpromising circumstances, many democrats in Burma have chosen to

contest the elections.

We respect their decision to do so – as we do the decision of those who have chosen to not
participate.

A number of the 37 registered parties contesting the elections are not affiliated with the
regime. We acknowledge their right to pursue the limited opportunities they have to try
and create new political space in Burma and give opportunities for democratic and ethnic
voices to be heard.

Minister’s Office: 02 6277 7500 or 0434 664 589 Department: 02 6261 1555
I welcome Indonesian Foreign Minister Natalegawa’s comments of 28 October noting the
elections’ ‘credibility deficit’ and again calling for the release of Aung San Suu Kyi and other
political prisoners. He also said the elections must be accompanied by national dialogue
and reconciliation. We support these calls.

We also welcome Philippine President Aquino’s call for the immediate release of Aung San
Suu Kyi.

Australia knows that the struggle for democratic change in Burma is ongoing. So our
targeted sanctions, travel bans and ban on defence exports will remain in place to maintain
pressure on the Burmese authorities to address human rights concerns and pursue real
change.

At the same time, Australia will continue to help the Burmese people. Burma is the poorest
member of ASEAN. Its child mortality rates are among the highest in the world, while the
level of international aid to Burma is amongst the world’s lowest.

This year, Australia is providing $48.6 million in aid, a significant increase from the $29.1
million in provided in 2009-10.

This aims to meet critical needs in health, especially for mothers and children, education
and agriculture. It also aims to rebuild the capacity of Burmese people and institutions and
address the decline in Burma's human capital.

In addition, Australia is providing an initial assistance package of $200,000 for those affected
by Cyclone Giri, which struck Burma on 22 October.

Australia will continue to work with the United Nations and the international community to
encourage inclusive dialogue and genuine democratic reform, and promote national
reconciliation, in order to help the people of Burma build a better future.

CANBERRA
31 OCTOBER 2010

Minister’s Office: 02 6277 7500 or 0434 664 589 Department: 02 6261 1555
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