Monday, 5 May 2008

Burma's 'sham' referendum may be deferred

Voting in Burma's "meaningless" referendum may be delayed because of the destructive cyclone in the nation's former capital, Foreign Minister Stephen Smith says.

Reports of the death toll from the cyclone that hit Rangoon have been difficult to ascertain because of communication difficulties, but Mr Smith said there had been no reports of Australian casualties.

All Australian diplomats and Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) officers were safe and accounted for.

He has urged all Australians in Burma to contact the Australian mission in Burma or their friends or families in Australia.

"We've had no reports of any Australians in difficulties, the mission has contacted a number of Australians in Rangoon but we know that we haven't contacted all Australians who are living or temporarily living in Burma," Mr Smith said.

"So we urge those Australians in Burma to either make contact with our mission or Smart Traveller or their friends or family in Australia."

More than 350 people have been killed by the powerful cyclone Nargis that knocked out power in the impoverished country's commercial capital and destroyed thousands of homes, state-run media said.

Mr Smith said the significant cyclone damage could mean voting in the upcoming referendum could be deferred or delayed.

In February, Burma's military rulers announced a constitutional referendum would be held on May 10, which they said would set the stage for multi-party elections in 2010.

But the referendum was meaningless, Mr Smith told reporters at Perth airport.

"We've made it absolutely crystal clear that Burma should move to a democratic state where human rights are respected," he said.

"It's quite clear that the current referendum process that the Burmese have in train is nothing more, nothing less than a complete sham.

"It may well be as a result of the cyclone that voting in the referendum is deferred or delayed.

"To me that won't account for anything in the overall context because that referendum is nothing more, nothing less than a fraud designed to perpetuate the military regime in Burma."
Source: AAP -SBS Australia

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