News Diary for Friday Aug 13

AAP General News (Australia)
08-13-2010
FED:Aust 'grave reservations' on Burma poll

Australia has expressed grave reservations about Burma's plan to hold the first election
in 20 years.

There are concerns the November 7 poll will be neither free nor fair .. with Foreign
Minister STEPHEN SMITH saying Australia has major concerns about the election process
and the country's highly restrictive political environment.

Mr SMITH says Australia has repeatedly urged Burma to allow freedom of speech and assembly
.. and to work with the UN to make the election transparent.

He says he hopes the election will mark the beginning of a return to democracy .. and
it's up to the Burmese people to decide whether to vote or not .. with some boycotting
the poll.

Mr SMITH says he'd support sending observers to monitor the election .. although he
hasn't said if they'd come from Australia.

AAP RTV ca/ajw/

KEYWORD: BURMA VOTE AUST (CANBERRA)

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