Written by U Ne Oo on 2001-04-27
27 April 2001
The Hon. Robin Cook MP
Secretary for Foreign Affairs
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
King Charles Street
London SW1A 2AH, UK
Dear Secretary Cook:
re: Dis-investment for UK's Premier Oil in Burma
I am a Burmese national currently residing in Adelaide Australia. I like draw your attention to the urgency of situation in Burma. Earlier this year in January, there has been unconfirmed report of a `secret dialogue' taking place between the Burma's military junta, State Peace and Development Council, and the Nobel Laureate Opposition Leader, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. However, it becomes clear that a non-genuine dialogue has been staged up by the State Peace and Development Council with the help of its business collaborators so as to reduce the international pressure. By noting evidences such as (1) there has been no public announcement of dialogue by both sides; and, as of recent, (2) Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has not been allowed to receive visitor, we can reach the conclusion that the dialogue in Burma is not a genuine one. I believe it is urgent for international community to put strongest possible pressure on the Burmese junta.
I have always been impressed by the British Government's effort to strongly condemn the military government of Burma through the European Union. However, the Premier Oil Company, one of the major investors to Burma and British owned, has still been operating in Burma. Collective actions through European Union is one thing; the Government of United Kingdom however needs to demonstrate that your actions have been matched up by your own words. It is time that your government introduce legislation banning the Premier Oil from investing in Burma.
Enclosed also is a copy of letter to Australia's Foreign Minister, Mr Alexander Downer, regarding with Australian government initiated human rights training program in Burma. The Premier Oil company's involvement in it has also been noted. As far as foreign policy is in concern, the Australian government may have the right to formulate its own foreign policy - in this case much to the detriment of Burma pro-democracy campaigners. However, the private businesses such as Premier Oil must not come meddling in the political scene in collaboration with the military junta. I ask the Government of Britain put strong resolution that Premier Oil be immediately withdrawn from Burma.
Yours respectfully,
Sd. U Ne Oo