Press releases from FCO (UK) and Socialist International

PRESS RELEASE THURSDAY 5 JUNE 2003

BURMA: STRAW'S GRAVE CONCERN

British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw today called for the immediate release of Aung San Suu Kyi (ASSK) and other senior members of her party who are being detained by the Burmese regime. He urged the Burmese authorities to allow UN Special Envoy Razali access to ASSK when he visits Burma from tomorrow.

Jack Straw said:

'I remain deeply worried by events in Burma. Bill Rammell spoke to the Burmese Ambassador again this morning to express the UK’s grave concern at the disturbing and credible reports we have received that the attack on ASSK and her colleagues at Sagaing was much worse than we were led to believe, in particular that the number of deaths is much higher. It is essential that a full and thorough investigation takes place and that those responsible are held to account.'

'We call on the Burmese authorities to release ASSK and other members of the National League for Democracy (NLD) immediately and to enter into a substantive and meaningful political dialogue with them.'

'UN Special Envoy Razali travels to Burma tomorrow. We attach the highest importance to him being able to meet with ASSK. A refusal by the regime to allow Razali such access will constitute a deliberate rebuff to the international community, and the Burmese authorities must recognise that there will be consequences.'

Notes for Editors

1. On 30 May, violence against the supporters of ASSK's NLD in northern Burma led to the deaths of at least 4 people and injuries to over 50 others. ASSK and other senior members of the NLD were taken into 'protective custody' by the military regime. Diplomats in Rangoon have been denied access to her. NLD offices and universities have been closed throughout the country.

2. UN Special Envoy Razali begins a 4-day visit to Burma on 6 June. He will demand to see ASSK to confirm her welfare.

3. Bill Rammell summoned the Burmese Ambassador on 2 June to express HMG's deep concern at the detention of ASSK. Mike O’Brien issued a statement on 1 June calling for her immediate release.

FCO Press Office: Duty Press Officer 020 7008 3100

Socialist International Press Release

Socialist International condemns actions of the military régime in Burma against Aung San Suu Kyi and the democratic opposition

The Socialist International strongly condemns the latest actions by the military régime in Burma against Aung San Suu Kyi, the National League for Democracy and other members of the democratic opposition, and rejects all attempts by the régime to undermine efforts toward a democratic opening in Burma.

The International demands that the régime immediately release Aung San Suu Kyi and the more than one hundred members of the National League for Democracy believed to be held in detention or under house arrest, and that political party offices and universities closed following the arrests be allowed to reopen.

The International further calls for a full and independent investigation into the attacks by the police and the military against members of the democratic opposition in recent days that reportedly resulted in the killings of numerous people and injuries to many others.

The International reiterates its full support for international efforts in defence of the democratic rights and aspirations of the Burmese people, especially by the United Nations, and calls on the international community, including ASEAN, to apply strong pressure on the régime until it respects the rights of freedom of expression, association and assembly and engages the democratic opposition in a formal and substantive dialogue leading to real political change.

The Socialist International, which has long supported the fight for democracy and human rights in Burma, led with such courage and determination by Aung San Suu Kyi and the National League for Democracy, again reaffirms its complete solidarity with their continuing struggle.

3 June 2003

Euro-Burma Office

Square Gutenberg 11/2

1000 Brussels

Belgium

tel: 32 2 280 0691/280 2452

fax: 32 2 280 0310

e-mail: [email protected]