Madam, - Hidden at the bottom of Jamie Smyth's article (April 24th), "Russia warns EU not to unilaterally recognize independence of Kosovo" was a quote from Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern, saying that "Ireland has been at the forefront in championing pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi".
While it is true that the Irish Government has been vocal on the subject of Burma, the Minister's comments bring into focus the fact that, despite a number of protests, the plight of Burma's democratically elected leader remains the same now as it has been since 1996.
In those past 15 years, there have been 28 resolutions passed by the Security Council and the United Nations Commission on Human Rights condemning the Burmese junta's gross human rights violations.
However, like much of the UN's rhetoric, these resolutions have not been enforceable and have been so ineffectual as to be an insult to the proud people of that nation.
Burma is yet another clear example of the West's appeasement policy towards developing-world dictators. The world says, let's waste more time. Let's hold a conference. Let's pencil resolutions. All the while, people suffer in the most unimaginable way.
The time has come for UN Security Council action which would be binding, such as a resolution under Article 41 of Chapter VII of the UN Charter that would require Burma's despicable junta to restore the democratically elected Aung San Suu Kyi.
Meanwhile, our leaders should lead the way in increasing efforts to bring Burma before the UN Security Council immediately and end the suffering of this terrorised nation where an entire generation has been persecuted by the junta.
While it is a welcome development that the EU Ministers agreed to extend diplomatic and economic sanctions against Burma, the stubbornness of this regime is legendary and they are not likely to be swayed by anything but the most iron-fisted penalties.
Enough talk. It's time for real action. - Yours, etc,
JOHN O'SHEA, Goal, Dún Laoghaire.