The Inter-Parliamentary Union has expressed deep concern at the authorities' crackdown on nationwide protests in Myanmar. "Violence is not the answer to the people of Myanmar's persistent call for change. The authorities should start a genuine dialogue that is firmly grounded in respect for democratic principles", said the IPU President, Mr. Pier Ferdinando Casini.

Referring to the IPU's long-standing concern over the authorities' refusal to respect the outcome of the democratic elections that took place in 1990 and their continued imprisonment of 13 parliamentarians who were elected on that occasion, he stated that "Any transition towards democracy in Myanmar should be preceded by the unconditional release of political prisoners and an end to all restrictions on human rights."

At this critical juncture, the IPU renews its call on the international community and in particular ASEAN and neighbouring countries China and India to encourage national, regional and global efforts in favour of peaceful change in Myanmar.

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Established in 1889 and with its Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, the IPU, the oldest multilateral political organisation, currently brings together 147 affiliated parliaments and seven regional assemblies as associate members. The world organisation of parliaments has an Office in New York, which acts as its Permanent Observer at the United Nations.
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Mrs. Luisa Ballin, IPU Information Officer 5, ch. du Pommier, CH - 1218 Le Grand-Saconnex / Geneva Phone: +41 22 919 41 16 Fax: +41 22 919 41 60 E-mail: lb@mail.ipu.org or cbl@mail.ipu.org Ms. Ingeborg Schwarz, Manager, IPU Human Rights Programme Phone : +41 22 919 41 42 E-mail: is@mail.ipu.org et Mr. Rogier Huizenga, Programme Officer Phone : +41 22 919 41 24 E-mail: rh@mail.ipu.org