U.S. Concerned for Safety of Burma's Aung San Suu Kyi
Aug. 31 statement on Aung San Suu Kyi's hunger strike
The United States has learned that Burma's pro-democracy leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, is on a hunger strike to protest her
illegal detention by that country's military regime, State Department Deputy Spokesman Philip Reeker said in a statement
released August 31.
The United States is "deeply concerned" for Aung San Suu Kyi's safety and well-being and calls for her immediate release
and the release of all other political prisoners in Burma, Reeker said.
Following is the text of Reeker's statement:
Press Statement
Philip T. Reeker, Deputy Spokesman
Washington, DC
August 31, 2003
Burma - Aung San Suu Kyi's Hunger Strike
The United States has learned that Burma's pro-democracy leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, is on a hunger strike to protest her
illegal detention by that country's military regime. This courageous leader of the National League for Democracy and
proponent of non-violent political change, has placed herself at risk on many occasions in pursuit of democracy and
respect for basic human rights in Burma. We are deeply concerned for her safety and well-being. The Burmese authorities
have full responsibility for her health, having placed her in so-called "protective custody" since a May 30 premeditated
attack on her convoy. They are also fully responsible for the welfare of all political prisoners.
We again call for her immediate release as well as the release of her National League for Democracy colleagues and all
political prisoners in Burma. We urge the Burmese authorities to enter into a serious political dialogue with all of
Burma's political parties.