VZCZCXRO9506
OO RUEHCHI RUEHDT RUEHHM
DE RUEHML #1766 1500658
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 300658Z MAY 07
FM AMEMBASSY MANILA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 6717
INFO RUEHZS/ASEAN COLLECTIVE IMMEDIATE
RHHMUNA/CDR USPACOM HONOLULU HI IMMEDIATE
UNCLAS MANILA 001766
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N:A
TAGS: PREL PHUM BM RP
SUBJECT: FOREIGN SECRETARY CALLS FOR RELEASE OF AUNG SAN SUU KYI
1. In a May 29 statement, Philippine Foreign Secretary Alberto G.
Romulo expressed deep regret regarding the extension of Aung San Suu
Kyi's house arrest and called for her release along with releases of
all political prisoners. This statement again reflected the
continued concern of the Philippines for the situation in Burma and
its willingness to use its chairmanship of ASEAN to try to encourage
the Burmese regime to take long overdue steps toward democracy and
respect for human rights. Full statement in para 2.
2. Begin text
Statement of Dr. Alberto G. Romulo
Secretary of Foreign Affairs
SIPDIS
On the Extension of the House Arrest of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi
29 May 2007
The Philippines deeply regrets the Myanmar Government's decision to
extend Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's house arrest.
The Myanmar Government has expressed its full adherence to the
Roadmap to Democracy. Yet this delay in Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's
release - and those of other political prisoners - reflects the
Myanmar Government's unwillingness to demonstrate its genuine
commitment to full democratization and national reconciliation.
The Philippines joins the call for the release of Daw Aung San Suu
Kyi and all political prisoners. We believe this will enable the
Myanmar Government to engage all of its stakeholders in inclusive
and constructive dialogue towards nation-building at the soonest
possible time. We also believe that this will help hasten the
attainment of a truly caring and sharing ASEAN community.
Extending Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's house arrest is an impediment to
the achievement of Myanmar 's Roadmap to Democracy. And any delay in
this process is one delay too long for Myanmar 's people and for
democracy.
We, therefore, urge the Myanmar Government to reconsider its
decision and lift the house arrest of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.
End text
KENNEY