Madam, - The recent Government decision to establish diplomatic relations with Burma is deplorable given Ireland's often stated commitment to democracy and human rights.
Burma is ruled by a military dictatorship infamous for oppressing and impoverishing its people. The regime has an appalling record, including the detention of more than 1,350 political prisoners many of whom are routinely tortured. Among its crimes is the widespread use of slave labour, described by the International Labour Organisation as a "crime against humanity".
The regime maintains one of the largest armies in Asia (450,000) despite facing no immediate external threat. In the past year, the Burmese army continued to inflict gross human rights abuses on the population in Karen, Kayah, Shan and Mon states, including killings, disappearances, and torture. Rape is used as a weapon of war against ethnic women and children.
The Irish Government argues that having diplomatic relations will ensure that Ireland, during the EU Presidency, "can contribute more directly to promoting the process of democratisation and national reconciliation". But opening diplomatic relations gives legitimacy to an oppressive government and will reinforce its conviction that it can get away with murder. - Yours, etc.,
JUSTIN KILCULLEN, Director, Trócaire, Maynooth, Co Kildare.