Inter Pares has learned that a Montreal-based company, Dickens & Madson Canada, has recently been hired by General Mya Tun Oo – a senior member of Burma’s military regime and a listed individual in the Special Economic Measures (Burma) Regulations – to lobby on behalf of the military.

The firm is to assist in “the devising and execution of policies for the beneficial development of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar” – what is now a dangerous and violent military regime – and in “explaining” the country’s recent coup d’état to other governments, international organizations and NGOs. General Mya Tun Oo was one of the nine individuals added to the sanctions list on February 18th, 2021.

We are outraged by this business agreement, given the current status of Mya Tun Oo on Canada’s sanctions list. This status is the result of his role in a bloody military coup that continues to murder, injure, and detain peaceful protestors throughout Burma.

We are calling on our community to join us in expressing outrage and interest in this matter, by requesting the RCMP to investigate this potential breach of sanctions.

Send a letter to the RCMP and The Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today to:

Federal Policing Operations - Intake Unit
RCMP
73 Leiken Drive, Ottawa, Ontario
Canada K1A 0R2

Fax: 613-825-7030
Email: Federal_Policing_Intake_Unit@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Cc : Minister Garneau marc.garneau@international.gc.ca
Cc : [Your MP] (Click here to find their information)

Find a sample letter below:

[Date]

RE: Breach of Special Economic Measures (Burma) Regulations

I would like to report a potential breach of Canadian Special Measures. I believe that Ari Ben-Menashe and his Montreal-based company Dickens & Madson Canada have been hired by General Mya Tun Oo – a senior member of Burma’s regime and a listed individual in the Special Economic Measures (Burma) Regulations. General Mya Tun Oo was one of the nine individuals added to the sanctions list on February 18th, 2021. Please see links below to media articles reporting this.

Even if the contract is not specifically made with General Mya Tun Oo, I believe it to be abundantly clear that this lobbying contract is in contravention of the spirit of the sanctions.

I look forward to hearing from you on this very serious matter,

[name]

Media:

https://www.foreignlobby.com/2021/03/05/myanmar-junta-hires-israeli-intelligence-veteran-for-international-lobbying-campaign

https://www.jpost.com/international/infamous-israeli-businessman-hired-to-lobby-in-favor-of-myanmar-junta-661132