Burma: Australia increases list of Burmese individuals subject to financial sanctions - brands referendum "a sham"

Radio Australia reports foreign minister, Stephen Smith has announced Australia has increased its list of Burmese individuals subject to financial sanctions, and maintained defence export bans and visa restrictions against the regime.

The list includes members of the ruling council, ministers and senior military officers.

It also lists prominent business associates of the regime, and immediate family members of those individuals.

Mr Smith told parliament the regime's decision to hold its constitutional referendum amid the disaster of Cyclone Nargis was of particular concern.

"Neither the referendum process, nor its ultimate outcome, signaled any intention by the Burmese regime to actually listen to the will of the Burmese people on their future," he said.

"The referendum process itself was a sham.

Published by Mike Hitchen, Mike Hitchen Consulting
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