Minister Condemns Detention of Democracy Activists in Burma

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Dermot Ahern T.D., expressed his deep concern today at the arrests of a number of democracy activists by the Burmese regime on Tuesday night.

“I utterly condemn the detention of 13 democracy activists in Burma from the 1988 Generation of student leaders, including Min Ko Naing, Ko Ko Gyi, Jimmy, Min Zayar, Mya Aye, Phone Kyaw and Pan Daiq, on Tuesday evening.  Those detained had, with many others, been exercising their right to peaceful protest at the substantial increase in fuel prices by the Burmese regime, which have placed further harsh economic burdens on the people of Burma.

The Irish Government believes that these arrests, and the continued detention of other political leaders, including Aung San Suu Kyi, manifestly contradicts the professed aim to transform Burma into a democratic society through an inclusive, broadly-based process.  I again call urgently for the release of all political prisoners in Burma and urge the Burmese government to ensure that the work of the National Convention proceeds in a more inclusive way.

In this context I believe it would be useful for the Burmese authorities to give serious consideration to the proposals by 92 MPs from the 1990 Burmese General Election made to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon for national reconciliation and democratisation in Burma.” 

Ends + + +

Press

24/08/07