NSW Upper House passes motion in support of Burmese people
Media Release: 8 May 2008
The NSW Legislative Council today passed a motion expressing sympathy for
the people of Burma devastated by Cyclone Nargis and calling on the
Burmese
regime to lift needless restrictions that are hampering international aid
efforts.
The motion was moved by the Greens NSW MP John Kaye who is also the
President of the Australian Coalition for Democracy in Burma. It was
passed
unanimously by the Legislative Council.
Dr Kaye said: "Cyclone Nargis has had a appalling impact on the people of
Irrawaddy Delta. It appears that up to 100,000 people have been killed and
many more are homeless, without access to clean water or food.
"The Burmese regime has yet again failed its people. Instead of opening up
to international offers of help, it has frustrated access and covered its
tracks by expelling foreign journalists.
"The Burmese people have suffered under 46 years of brutal and incompetent
military dictatorship. The tragedy of Cyclone Nargis has been made much
worse by the failure of the regime to prepare the region for these events.
"The Upper House also called on the Burmese regime to suspend the voting
on
the referendum to introduce a new constitution planned for this weekend,"
Dr
Kaye said.
For more information: John Kaye 0407 195 455
Motion passed by the NSW Legislative Council Thursday 8 May 2008
Dr Kaye moved-
1.. That this House expresses its deepest sympathy to the people of
Burma
who have suffered massive devastation caused by Cyclone Nargis and the
ensuing tidal surges.
2.. That this House calls on the Burmese regime:
(a) to lift restrictions that are frustrating access to the affected
areas
by international aid agencies, and
(b) postpone voting on the constitutional referendum throughout the
country in order to concentrate on delivering assistance to those affected
by Cyclone Nargis.
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John Kaye
Greens member of the NSW Parliament
phone: (02) 9230 2668
fax: (02) 9230 2586
mobile: 0407 195 455
email: john.kaye@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
www.johnkaye.org.au
mail: Parliament House, Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000
