Foreign and Commonwealth Office (UK)
Foreign Secretary on Extension of the House Arrest of Aung San Suu Kyi
The Foreign Secretary said:
"I was saddened, if not surprised, to learn that the Burmese Government has, once again, decided to extend the house
arrest of Aung San Suu Kyi. Along with some 2,000 other political prisoners in Burma, Aung San Suu Kyi lost her freedom
for simply expressing a desire to bring democracy to Burma.
"She has now spent more than twelve of the last eighteen years in detention. That she will spend her 63rd birthday next
month in total isolation is an indictment of the regime.
"While our immediate focus is on relieving the suffering caused by the recent cyclone, restoration of democracy in Burma
is still vital for that country's long-term future. I urge the Burmese government to release Aung San Suu Kyi and allow
her to play her rightful role in the process of genuine national reconciliation."
COI ref 161282P
ENDS