Minister Martin calls for the Release of Aung San Suu Kyi

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Micheál Martin T.D., renewed today the Government’s call for the immediate release of Aung San Suu Kyi.

“I condemn the decision of the Burmese government today to extend the detention order on Aung San Suu Kyi for a further six months. I call on the Burmese authorities to rescind this order and release her immediately. Not only would this be a humanitarian gesture to a woman who has spent more than 12 of the last 18 years in detention without charge, it would provide real substance and significance to the regime’s professed goal of a return to civilian democratic government in Burma.”

The Minister also commented on the Constitutional referendum in Burma.

“I am deeply concerned by the passage of what is a fundamentally-flawed referendum on a new Constitution.  The published results have no credibility. This referendum cannot be regarded as reflecting the real wishes of the people of Burma and, I believe, has done nothing to assist long-term stability and democratic development.

The people of Burma have long made clear their demands for democracy, freedom, justice and economic security. It is time that the Burmese government listened.”

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Press
27/5/08