Minister for Foreign Affairs condemns the arrest of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi

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Minister for Foreign Affairs condemns the arrest of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Micheál Martin, T.D., has condemned the arrest on 14 May of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the leader of the National League for Democracy in Burma and Nobel Peace laureate. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was arrested in connection with the illegal intrusion of a US tourist who entered her compound in early May. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is expected to be tried on 18 May.

The Minister said:

"I utterly deplore the arrest of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, leader of the National League for Democracy in Burma and esteemed Nobel Peace laureate, her imprisonment in the notorious Insein Prison in Rangoon, and plans to bring her to trial on Monday.

Her arrest is the latest chapter in an ongoing effort to silence this courageous pro-democracy advocate and opposition leader before, during and after the elections which are due to be held in 2010. Her arrest and incarceration at this time are particularly distressing, given the very real concerns regarding her state of health.

I have repeatedly made clear the Government's demand that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, together with all political prisoners in Burma, should be released at once and a process of dialogue and national reconciliation initiated.

I will continue to work in the EU and UN frameworks and with the countries of the region to do all possible to advance these objectives."

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14 May 2009

Press Office