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).