29 August 2003

U.S. Calls for Immediate Release of Burma's Aung San Suu Kyi, August 29, 2003

(Statement by State Department Deputy Spokesman)

The Burmese junta's continued detention of democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi and other members of the National League for Democracy is unacceptable and should end immediately, Deputy State Department Spokesman Philip Reeker said in a statement released August 29.

Aung San Suu Kyi and several members of her party were attacked by "thugs sponsored by the junta in Burma" May 30, and have remained in detention since that time, according to the statement.

"The delay in releasing Aung San Suu Kyi and the others who have been detained for peacefully expressing their political views is unacceptable," the statement says. "The people of Burma have waited far too long for the opportunity to participate in the governing of their own country and the climate of fear created by the junta's actions is appalling and tragic. Hope for Burma remains solidly with the Burmese democracy movement, and our support for them is unwavering."

Following is the text of Reeker's statement:
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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
August 29, 2003
2003/865

Statement by Philip T. Reeker, Deputy Spokesman

Burma -- Detention of Aung San Suu Kyi

Tomorrow marks three months since the premeditated assault on the convoy of democratic leader Aung San Suu Kyi by thugs sponsored by the junta in Burma. It also marks three months of detention for Aung San Suu Kyi and other democracy leaders, isolated from their family, their friends, their colleagues, and the world. There is no acceptable explanation for her continued detention, and the world community -- including the United States -- has demanded her immediate release.

We have seen some recent changes in the government in Rangoon. The question remains whether this signals any change for the better. The delay in releasing Aung San Suu Kyi and the others who have been detained for peacefully expressing their political views is unacceptable. The people of Burma have waited far too long for the opportunity to participate in the governing of their own country and the climate of fear created by the junta's actions is appalling and tragic. Hope for Burma remains solidly with the Burmese democracy movement, and our support for them is unwavering. It is clear that no progress is possible without the unconditional release of Aung San Suu Kyi and restoration of her ability to travel freely in Burma.

We are encouraged to see initiatives in the region in support of change. We urge the involvement of neighbors and others in support of Burma's democracy and national reconciliation and continue our support for a high-level visit to Burma by representatives from ASEAN member states. We also maintain our support for the efforts of UN Special Envoy Tan Sri Razali, and hope that the junta will soon welcome him in Rangoon and cooperate with his efforts to facilitate a return to democracy. The international community will continue to press the junta for change until the long-suffering people of Burma have what they deserve -- full democracy, freedom and guaranteed human rights.

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