THE past year has seen an escalation in political repression in Burma unequalled since the army crushed a popular uprising in 1988 and 1989, according to a report published by Amnesty International today.
The publication of the report comes as talks between the foreign ministers of the EU and the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) open in Singapore.
In its report, Amnesty calls on the international community to redouble pressure on the Burmese military regime to move towards democracy.
"While the world talks about constructive engagement, the situation is worsening in Burma (Myanmar)," said Ms Mary Lawlor, director of the Irish section of Amnesty International. "Those governments with influence, particularly ASEAN, need to think again, and think hard, about how to pressure the Burmese government to improve its human rights record."
Despite pressure for a delay from the EU and the US, ASEAN is expected to offer Burma membership later this year.
Amnesty said more than 2,000,people had been arrested in Burma in 1996 for calling for human rights reforms. The report also criticised the severe restrictions put on the movements of the opposition leader, Ms Aung San Suu Kyi, and the violent attacks on members of her National League for Democracy.
On November 9th last, a group of abut 200 young men attacked her motorcade with iron bars and sticks, according to the report. Amnesty says the men were thought to be members of a group sponsored by the ruling State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC).
ASEAN membership for Burma could threaten plans for next year's summit of EU and Asian leaders in London. Members of the Burmese military government are currently banned from the EU under a package of sanctions adopted last year.
The prime minister-in-exile of Burma, Dr Sein Win, plans to visit Ireland early next month, and is expected to meet the President, Mrs Robinson, and the Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Spring.