To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations she has received about the activities of the Burmese army in Karen State; and if she will make a statement. (95145)

We have received recent representations from hon. Members and Peers as well as members of the public about the Burmese army’s offensive in Karen State.

I raised our concerns about human rights issues in Burma, including the attacks in Karen State, when I called in the Burmese ambassador on 15 June, in my letter to the Burmese Foreign Minister on 5 July and when I raised human rights issues most recently with AS BAN ambassadors, including the Burmese ambassador, on 18 September.

The EU issued a statement on 3 May calling on the Burmese Government to cease their attacks in Karen State. The statement was sent to the Burmese Ministries of Information and Foreign Affairs. The statement can be found at: http://www.eu2006.at/en/News/CFSP_ Statements/May/(0305Myanmar.html?null

On 29 September, the United Nations Security Council discussed Burma in a private meeting. The UK’s Permanent Representative in New York raised the situation in Karen State at that meeting.