Press Release
29 June 2007
Burma: Joint statement from the Department for International Development and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office
We strongly condemn the failure of the Burmese Government to cooperate with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). We share the deep frustration of the ICRC, which has been forced by the continuing harassment and obstruction of the Burmese regime to suspend its operations inside the country. The ICRC has been operating in Burma for more than 20 years, providing rehabilitation and assistance to mine victims, providing basic health care, water and sanitation as well as visiting detainees and working to improve prison conditions.
This development is a setback to the efforts of the international community to alleviate the suffering of the ordinary people of Burma. The British Government will, however, continue in its efforts with our international and local partners to address the humanitarian needs of the people of Burma.
For further information, contact Nic Fearon-Low on 020 7023 0533 or 020 7023 0600, e-mail pressoffice@dfid.gov.uk or contact the Foreign Office Press Office on 020 7008 3100. DFID News is available on our website at www.dfid.gov.uk
