Minister to raise Burma issue at summit

Ireland will raise concerns about the political situation in Burma at an EU summit in Luxembourg tomorrow.

Foreign ministers from the bloc’s 27 member states are gathering for the General Affairs and External Relations Council.

Tensions have eased in Burma since Buddhist monks led the largest pro democracy demonstrations in 20 years last month.

Military rulers have relaxed curfews but Amnesty International claims more than 1,000 protesters remain in prisons.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern is expected to raise the ongoing political crisis with his EU colleagues in Luxembourg tomorrow.

A spokesman said: “The minister has highlighted human rights issues in Burma on behalf of the Irish Government at every available forum in the past, including at the UN and with the US Secretary of State.

“He will do so again at the General Affairs and External Relations Council meeting.”