Minister Cowen welcomes announcement that Aung San Suu Kyi is to be released

Speaking in his capacity as President of the EU Council of Ministers, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Brian Cowen T.D., today welcomed the announcement by the Foreign Minister of Burma/Myanmar that Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi, leader of the National League for Democracy, will be released before the beginning of next month’s National Convention. The National Convention is scheduled to begin on 17 May. “I welcome the reported announcement”, said Minister Cowen. “The European Union has consistently called for the release of Aung San Suu Kyi and for the inclusion of the National League for Democracy in the National Convention” The Minister called for Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi and other members of the National League for Democracy who remain in custody to be released immediately. Minister Cowen said “The European Union wants to see the return of democracy to Burma, an end to all human rights violations and the realisation of peace and prosperity for the people of Burma. The release of Aung San Suu Kyi and an inclusive National Convention would constitute an important first step towards that goal”. Top