Friday 20 June 2008

EU denounces call to flog Burma's Suu Kyi

Radio Australia

Members of the European Parliament have denounced Burmese newspapers that said detained opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi should be flogged.

A resolution adapted on the Nobel Peace Prize winner's 63rd birthday on Thursday says any such action is a crime against humanity.

On June 11 official newspapers of the Burmese military regime called for the public flogging of Aung San Suu Kyi.

The resolution says junta refuses to distance itself from this disgraceful suggestion,

EU deputies also called for a tightening of sanctions against the regime.

Meanwhile, Canada says it will take an additional 1,300 Karen refugees from the Thai-Burma border.

Since 2006, Canada has accepted 2,600 Karens for resettlement.

Canadian Immigration Minister, Diane Finley, says the newest arrivals, expected later this year through 2009, are relatives of the first wave of refugees.

Almost 140,000 Karen refugees have been living in Thai refugee camps for up to 20 years.

The minority ethnic group fled their country in 1995 following a major offensive by the junta against the Karen National Union.

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