Burmese pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi said she hoped her freedom of Dublin award would lead to closer links between Ireland and her country as it struggles to free itself from military rule.
In a video message recorded in Burma, where her movements are strictly controlled by the military, Ms Suu Kyi (54) said she wished to thank the people of Dublin for conferring on her the honour of freewoman of the city. She added: "I hope it will be an augury of greater ties between our countries, greater friendship, greater understanding, greater compassion."
Collecting the award on her behalf, her son, Mr Kim Aris (23) said he hoped "some day circumstances in Burma will allow my mother to come to Ireland to accept this honour herself". A blank space was left on the roll of honour for Ms Suu Kyi to sign if and when that day comes.
U2's Bono said he was "really proud" to be linked in this way to the Burmese human rights activist. "I think it's a mark of the city that while celebrating U2's freedom they bring the spotlight on Aung San Suu Kyi's incarceration. "You can't ever forget . . . what we have been through as a people, and the way we don't forget that is by putting our arms around people who are currently in a situation that we might have been in." The chairman of Burma Action Ireland, Father Pat Raleigh, praised Bono for his work against global debt and urged him to use his influence to "draw attention to the awful plight of the situation" in Burma.
Father Raleigh also called on the Government to appeal to the UN Security Council for trade sanctions against the military regime.
The Lord Mayor, Ms Mary Freehill, noted a recent report from Burma had found refugees were being subjected to forced labour, "being used as human shields or used to clear landmines. The report finds no signs of any improvements in the human rights conditions over the last couple of years."
Paying tribute to Ms Suu Kyi, the Lord Mayor said: "We can only marvel at the sacrifices this brave woman and her family have made for the people of Burma. She left a comfortable life in England, her young son not yet grown and her husband Michael, who sadly died last year.
"She said once, 'I hope the world will not forget us'. I'd like to send the message to Aung San and the people of Burma that Dublin has not forgotten."
Bono's wife Ali and their daughter Eve at the conferringof the Freedom of the City of Dublin on U2, Paul McGuinness and Burmese pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu KyiIrish IndependentA night of perfect harmonyU2 sing along after sharing limelight with jailed hero of Burmese democracy
By MIRIAM LORD
BENEATH the unforgettable fire of Smithfield's blazing braziers, the businessman and the boys of U2 signed their home town's role of honour. And with a few strokes of a pen they wrote themselves into the city's history - the Unforgettable Five.
On an emotional and uplifting night in Dublin, the city resisted the urge to look inward in the usual welter of self- congratulation. Instead, not only did it honour its own, but there was a poignant reminder that not everywhere is as good a place to be on a cool Saturday night.
The members and manager of U2 were not alone in receiving the Freedom of Dublin city. Sadly though, freedom is something that Aung San Suu Kyi can only dream about at the moment. Under house arrest since 1989 the Burmese freedom leader was honoured in her absence.
A blank space for her name has been left on the role of honour. Perhaps, someday, she will be able to leave her signature in person. All she asks now is that ``the world does not forget the plight of the people of Burma''.
Her 23-year-old son Kim Aris, accepted the award on her behalf. His presence and his quiet dignity brought another dimension to the ceremony.
In light of the ugly public excesses of Friday's St Patrick's Day, there was always a worry that the 15,000-strong crowd, largely made up of young people might not be willing to reflect upon the bravery of Aung San Suu Kyi. They had come for a party, to see and hear Ireland's world famous rock stars, would they have the patience to listen to the story of a distant nation's suffering?
We need not have worried, the good humoured crowd responded with touching warmth and genuine concern when Kim Aris spoke a few brief words.
And they listened respectfully as Lord Mayor Mary Freehill read out the lengthy citation. Aung San Suu Kyi could so easily have been lost in the celebrations and congratulations for U2.
But this did not happen, thanks to the audience who created a wonderful atmosphere in the redeveloped square.
At a pre-ceremony press conference it was different. Kim Aris, on crutches following an accident and holding a framed picture of his mother, was nearly mown down by photographers in the rush to snap the stars. Fr Pat Raleigh of Burma Action Ireland sat redundantly at the top table ready to answer questions, but was never asked.
Everything focused on U2 - there were a large number of international media present - and it looked embarrassingly like the Burmese resistance leader would be forgotten.
But the one-year-old grandson she has never seen, who was in his mother's arms at the back of the room, began to cry loudly. Jamie was not that interested in the number of ways a rock star can say he is `humbled', and through his, cries he reminded everyone that somebody else was part of this great occasion.
But fair play to Bono, whose credentials are impeccable with his work for the Jubilee 2000 campaign to wipe out third world debt, he made a point of including Kim in the photographs, holding his mother's picture for greater effect.
``I think it is a testament to Dublin that while U2 are being given the freedom of Dublin, we are also acknowledging the terrible incarceration of Aung San Suu Kyi. I am honoured to be on the same platform as her son,'' he said.
But there had to be joy and fun, and the pride and delight among the band members at receiving the honour was far from phoney. Clearly, these men who enjoy world wide adulation and possess multi-millionaire fortunes were simply dead chuffed that their city was making them free men. Bono, not surprisingly, was most vocal about it, but the other three waxed loquacious as well when they got the chance. Meanwhile, the Lord Mayor looked like she had died and gone to political photographic heaven as scores of photographers jostled to picture her between a rock star and the son of a revered resistance leader.
``It's kind of incredible,'' said Bono, as he listed off the names of all the great Dublin musicians who could have rightly laid claim to similar recognition. He thought of Phil Lynott and Thin Lizzy, Bob Geldof, the Dubliners, Luke Kelly ... in fact, before U2 were conferred, Count John McCormack was the only name from the world of music on the role of honour.
Being superstars, the lads can't help being cool. But there was real emotion when they spoke on stage about their families and the people who helped them to get where they are today. At the press conference, Bono remarked: ``It means a lot to my father Bob and if my mother Iris was still alive, it would mean a lot to her.''
Back outside, the crowd waited patiently for a glimpse of their heroes. In the magnificent Smithfield Centre, a line of 12 lighting masts capped with huge gas braziers flamed into the night, giving a Viking feel to the occasion. A giant video screen was suspended by crane at the side of the stage where Corporation members sat waiting for their VIP guests.
``We have a quorum, and the meeting has been convened,'' announced the City Manager, getting business under way, which was a relief, and none of the Councillors felt the urge to sign the attendance book and leave.
Then it was time. The crowd went wild as the band and their manager walked on stage. Paul McGuinness in his businessman's suit, the other four in black. Two elderly nuns clapped enthusiastically. It turned out they were Columban Sisters who had worked as missionaries in Burma. They said they were not important enough to have their names in the paper.
The audience remained polite through the rather long citations, guffawing when the Mayor spoke of ``Bone-O'' and how the band ``had been showered with Grannies (sic,) Brits and other awards''. Kim Aris, who was presented with a beautiful Waterford Crystal dove of peace, said he hoped his mother would be able to collect it in person one day.
There were specially crafted Waterford Crystal Joshua Trees for the businessman and the boys. Paul McGuinness thanked his wife Kathy and children Alexandra and Max. ``This is a great gift from a great city,'' he said. The Edge, does he ever take off that black monkey hat? thanked his father Garvan and mother Gwenda and children Harry, Aaron, Blue, Sian and Levi and his lover Marie Steinberg.
``This is even better than the real thing','' said Larry who thanked the boys ``for being in my band'' before charmingly fluffing his lines. He mentioned Anne and his children Elvis and Ada.
Coolest of them all, Adam apologied to the Guards for giving them a hard time over the years. Then Bono took his turn and declared he wasn't going to be saying much. Instead he would sing. But before he did, he had his own point to make about refugees. ``We come from a tribe of refugees and now it's our turn to welcome the refugees,'' he said.
For his part,he mentioned his Dad Bob, brother Norman, wife Ali and kids Jordan, Eve and Eli.
They wound up what was a marvellous night in the city with four brilliantly performed songs. The crowd loved them and wanted them to stay forever.
If they don't lose the run of themselves after this, they never will.
The United States has already said it will sponsor a resolution criticising China, for the alleged arbitrary detention of members of the spiritual movement Falun Gong; and for increased restrictions on political dissent.
The BBC correspondent in Geneva says that although Western countries have expressed concern at the plight of civilians in Chechnya, no member of the Commission appears willing to table a resolution critical of Russia.
Amnesty International says Saudi Arabia should be scrutinised for widespread torture, floggings and amputations. Our correspondent says the human rights records of Iran, Iraq, Burma and Cuba are also likely to be closely examined.
India didn't want him to go - arguing that he should not visit a country under military rule, and one which allegedly supports terrorism.
But Pakistan has hailed his decision to visit, and wants him to help resolve tensions with India over Kashmir.
Clinton's visit to south Asia sounds like another political drama. I do not
think that there is going to be a major change in the regional politics between
now and next month so why can't he make up his mind? I suggest that while he is
in the region he should pay a friendly visit to the military rulers of Mayanmar
and Iraq as well.
Vish, UK
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