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What others say on tourism to Burma....

Position statement of the NCGUB

The National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma is Burma’s democratically elected government-in-exile

When democracy is restored and the people are free, the Burmese democracy movement would gladly welcome visitors to Burma. However, any concerned people who care about Burma should wait for the time to visit Burma. Visiting Burma under the prevailing conditions will only help the military junta to remain in power. With more than 40 percent of the national budget every year spent on maintaining Burma's large armed forces and welfare of the country completely ignored, tourists' money can just perpetuate the vicious cycle of repression, poverty and crisis in Burma.

See: www.ncgub.net

Former UK Prime Minister, Tony Blair

The UK has been at the forefront of efforts over many years to draw attention to the extent of abuse in Burma, and to bring pressure to bear on the military regime to reform. We are actively working with our European and international partners, as well as through the United Nations and the International Labour Organisation, to press the regime to end the appalling human rights violations and to engage in a genuine process of national reconciliation. This must involve all relevant parties and groups in Burma.

Human rights violations in Burma have been highlighted in successive UN Resolutions which have drawn attention to torture, extra-judicial killings and rape by members of the armed forces, forced labour including the use of child soldiers and forced relocation of villagers. Together with our partners in Europe, the British government imposes a series of measures against those responsible for these crimes. For as long as they continue, I would urge anyone who may be thinking of visiting Burma on holiday to consider carefully whether by their actions they are helping to support the regime and prolong such dreadful abuses.

See: www.burmacampaign.org.uk

UK Foreign Commonwealth Office statement on Burma’s relations with UK

The UK is active within the EU and UN to bring pressure to bear on the Burmese regime to improve the human rights situation, to strengthen civil society, to promote positive political change, national reconciliation and economic development. The Embassy works closely with pro-democracy forces and ethnic nationality groups. The UK does not encourage trade, investment and tourism with Burma. We do not offer any commercial services for companies wanting to do business with Burma, nor do we give financial support for trade promotion activities or organise trade missions [emphasis added].

We have drawn attention to the views of Burma's democratic leaders, including ASSK, who have in the past argued that tourism to Burma should be discouraged for the economic benefits it brings to the regime. Their recent views are unknown. Burmese tourism officials are included in the EU travel ban imposed on Burma. We would urge anyone who may be thinking of visiting Burma on holiday to consider carefully whether by their actions they are helping to support the regime.

See: FCO website