A group campaigning for democracy in Burma has said it is "surprised and dismayed" at the Government's decision last week to recognise the military regime in Rangoon.
Burma Action Ireland also complained that, despite regular meetings with the Department of Foreign Affairs, they were were not made aware of any plans to establish diplomatic relations with the regime.
In a statement last night the group said: "We are further dismayed at the unfortunate timing of this development, falling as it does during Ireland's EU presidency and shortly before the review of the European Union's Common Position on Burma (April 2004).
"We believe it will serve only as a diplomatic coup for the military regime and bring much valued status to an illegitimate government."
Burmese democratic opposition groups said such a move may show weakness on behalf of the EU at a time when the military regime is yet again trying to win support in the international community for claims that it is moving towards a peaceful transition to democracy.
In a statement issued late last Friday announcing the move, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Cowen, said it would contribute more directly to promoting the process of democratisation and national reconciliation in Mynanmar/Burma.
Diplomatic relations will be on a non-resident basis and the Irish ambassador to Malaysia, Mr Daniel Mulhall, will be accredited to Rangoon.
The Government recently established diplomatic relations with North Korea on a non-resident basis, with the ambassador in Seoul, Mr Paul Murray, being accredited.