French rights consortium calls attention to Myanmar

An international rights consortium said it was frustrated with the lack of attention given by the European Union to ongoing crises in Myanmar. "[The International Federation for Human Rights] deeply regrets that no statement nor public condemnation on the recent attacks has been issued and calls upon you to issue a public and high level statement condemning these events," the organization said in an open letter to the European Union. Myanmar earned high marks for political reforms ending military rule in 2010. Its national security situation and human rights record remain sources of concern for advocacy groups. The rights group, based in Paris, highlighted three incidents where Myanmar military forces used heavy weapons on or near areas populated by civilians. Myanmar is working to reach settlements with the dozens of ethnic armed groups fighting for more rights in the country known formerly as Burma. "[We wish] to invite you to launch a genuine dialogue with civil society with the aim to clarify the way the EU will proceed to address human rights challenges in Burma," the group said in a statement. The group said it was concerned about the EU's financial support for Myanmar given the lingering human rights concerns. A bilateral financial review is scheduled for November.