Burma regains a democratic color, the EU sends an electoral mission

(B2) The April 1 elections in Burma are a good step in the democratic transition in Burma. The EU recognizes this and will therefore deploy "a small mission of experts"at the request of the Burmese authorities.

Reforms that go in the right direction

These elections are part of the "remarkable program of reforms" undertaken by the Burmese government and which the High Representative, Catherine Ashton, on behalf of the EU, "welcomes“The Burmese reform process began in early 2011. "The release of political prisoners and the dialogue between the government and the opposition, including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, are all important positive developments, as are ongoing efforts to secure peace with ethnic armed groups and the engagement economic reform"said the spokesperson for the High Representative.

A gradual lifting of sanctions

While the EU welcomes recent developments, it is none the less "concerned by reports of intimidation and other irregularities committed by certain parties". The message is quite clear: the lifting of the remaining sanctions and the resumption of normal relations with the country are conditional on the pursuit of reforms and, in the shorter term, on the peaceful and democratic conduct of these elections. A first step was taken last month. At the January Foreign Affairs Council, the "27" had decided to lift certain sanctions. Decision became effective on February 17 with the lifting of the visa ban for 87 people, including the president, vice-presidents, members of the cabinet and the presidents of the two chambers of parliament as well as members of their families; their assets remaining, however, frozen in the European Union. The continuation of the review of European policy vis-à-vis Burma will be discussed at the next Council of Foreign Ministers on 23 April. A necessity, especially since the current sanctions expire on April 30.

An electoral mission on site to ensure the smooth running

Even if they are only partial - only 48 seats being subject to competition (out of more than 500) - these elections are nevertheless "significant" and allow the EU to review its policy towards the country. The European electoral mission will have the task of ensuring "an international presence", thereby responding to a direct request from the Burmese authorities. Members of ASEAN, the United States and Australia will also be present. The experts will be responsible for monitoring the elections and the government's reaction to the possible violations. The European Parliament will be represented in this mission.thus demonstrates the coherence of the Union". A delegation of 11 MEPs, chaired by Werner Langen (CDU, Germany), visited the country recently (end of February) to deliver a message of support to the opposition and encourage the government to continue its reform efforts.