Julie Bishop - Member for Curtin

Burma elections

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Published on Monday, 02 April 2012 07:00

The elections in Burma over the weekend are a significant step in the right direction for the country, but there is a long way to go.

The strong vote for the National League for Democracy and Aung San Suu Kyi personally shows that the people of Burma, like people the world over, want to live their lives in freedom and peace.

Decisions about whether to ease sanctions will have to be taken in consultation with other sanctioning nations, with the government of Burma and with opposition parties.

It is important that Burma is welcomed back into the international community as it opens up the economy and embraces democratic reforms.

However, the Parliament is still dominated by the military and further reforms may be necessary before significant easing of sanctions is achieved.

I think it is important to be realistic and pragmatic, and make continuous reassessments of our relations with Burma as things change, hopefully for the better.

I had the privilege of meeting Aung San Suu Kyi in Burma in October 1995 shortly after she was released from house arrest. Her election to Parliament is highly symbolic as she has been a courageous advocate for freedom and democracy on behalf of the Burmese people.