Nordic Countries and Burma

   Although they do not have significant historical ties with Burma, the nordic countries (Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and Finland) have been particularly active in providing the Burmese prodemocracy movement with moral and material support, aiding Burmese refugees, and calling upon the post-1988 military regime to recognize the results of the General Election of May 27, 1990. In 1991, the Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded the Peace Prize to Aung San Suu Kyi; the Norwegian government established ties with the National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma after it was set up in late 1990 and has provided funding for the Democratic Voice of Burma radio station, which broadcasts Burmese programs from Norway. Although Sweden and Denmark coordinate their Burma policies with those of the European Union, the Swedish foreign minister, the late Anna Lindh, was strongly committed to focusing international attention on the Burma crisis. In the 1990s, Sweden cosponsored resolutions in the General Assembly of the United Nations condemning the post-1988 military regime's violations of human rights. Nongovernmental organizations in all four countries have been active in addressing Burma-related issues.