Canada enforces sanctions on Myanmar

(AFP)

15 December 2007

OTTAWA - Canada bolstered its sanctions against Myamnar Friday to punish its military regime for failing to make reforms after its violent crackdown on pro-democracy protestors drew worldwide condemnation.

“Despite repeated calls by the international community to return democracy to Burma, the Burmese regime has been completely unwilling to undertake genuine reform,” said Foreign Minister Maxime Bernier, referring to Myanmar by its old name.

“With the new sanctions now in effect, we have the toughest sanctions in the world,” he added, in a statement announcing that the measures, drafted last month, had come into force.

“The regime continues to show a complete disregard for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of the people of Burma,” he added. ”We believe that sanctions are the means by which we can best exert pressure on the military junta.”

In September, Myanmar’s security forces violently repressed peaceful protests by the country’s Buddhist monks, leading to at least 13 deaths and thousands of arrests.

Canada responded by unveiling in November what it said were “the toughest sanctions in the world.”

The measures include bans on exports from Canada to Myanmar except humanitarian goods, and on Canadians investing and providing financial services there, and a freeze on assets in Canada of Myanmar nationals linked to the rulers.

It also bans Burmese ships and planes from docking or landing in Canada.

“Our sanctions show Canada’s commitment to promoting freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law, as well as our solidarity with the Burmese people,” said Bernier.

“Canada urges others to undertake the strongest possible measures against Burma until the Burmese authorities implement genuine reform.”