Cowen contradicts himself on Burma

IT is good that Brian Cowen, as president of the EU council of ministers, has recently called for the release from house arrest of Aung San Suu Kyi, the leader of the Burmese opposition National League for Democracy, and a freewoman of Dublin.

However, this call by Mr Cowen also highlights the inappropriate Government response to the military dictatorship in Burma.

On the one hand, the Government appeals for the restoration of democracy in that country, while on the other it officially recognises the military regime and accepts it as the 'legitimate' government of Burma (or Myanmar, as the junta now terms the state).

This illegitimate military dictatorship, accepted since February by our Government, is the same regime that in 1990 refused to accept the results of an election the National League for Democracy won in a landslide.

It is a disgrace that the Government recognises the military regime in Rangoon and, in that context, Mr Cowen's entirely correct call for the release of opposition leaders will carry little moral weight.

Dr Fintan Lane,

2B, Miller's Court,

Drinan Street,

Cork.