On 6 February, EU High Representative Catherine Ashton and Myanmar’s
Foreign Minister U Wunna Maung Lwin met in Brussels. A spokesperson of
Mrs. Ashton announced that the two sides discussed ways to strengthen
the economic cooperation between EU Myanmar.
In detail, according to the statement the EU High Representative
commended the historic changes in Myanmar and referred to the challenges
ahead in terms of the situation of human rights, democratisation,
economic development, and peace and national reconciliation. In
addition, Mrs. Ashton emphasised the importance of a Myanmar-EU Task
Force which will enhance the economic ties between EU-Myanmar, as well
as normalise relation and promote the successful implementation of
Myanmar’s national reforms through EU’s support.
Regarding EU Myanmar economic aid an additional €5.5 million were
granted by the European Commission on 21 December, to provide food
assistance, provisional shelter, basic household items, and protection
to people displaced by violence in Rakhine and Kachin states and along
the eastern border of Myanmar. On 15 January, Ashton expressed her deep
concern about the continuous fighting in the Kachin State, which
according to her statement it puts at risk the nation-wide peace process
and the gains already made.
According to January’s statement, “the latest reports of the shelling
of Laiza and the resulting deaths of innocent civilians are particularly
troubling. They point to a dangerous escalation of the conflict leading
to more suffering for the people in Kachin.” Ashton, urged “all sides
to end the hostilities and to engage in dialogue towards a settlement in
earnest immediately.”
On 4 February, China has arranged for Myanmar officials to hold another
round of talks with the Kachin Independence Army. Pressure to end the
fighting between the two sides is mounting from China, the United States
and EU.
Today Ashton reiterated the invitation for President U Thein Sein to visit Brussels soon.
source: NewEurope
http://www.neurope.eu/article/eu-myanmar-seek-strengthen-economic-cooperation
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