As the date for the possible extension of Aung San Suu Kyi’s house arrest approaches, calls for her release have proliferated. Her detention is, according to reports, due to be reviewed on 27 May 2007. The big news today is that:
US First Lady Laura Bush has called on countries including Australia and China to pressure Burma’s military regime over its human rights record.
Several female US senators have formed a group to write to the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General, urging him to press Burma to release opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi from house arrest.
Speaking at the launch of the group, Mrs Bush said the democracy campaigner had the support of American women.
- “Laura Bush calls for pressure on Burma“, ABC News Online, 24 May 2007. A full report of her comments is available from the White House website.
Thanks to Asia specialist, Paul, for bringing the First Lady’s statement to my attention.
1 response so far ↓
1 jeru // May 26, 2007 at 2:59 am
Doesn’t it make the Thais sick to see tyranny flourish for so long and in total disrespect of world opinion right at their neighbor Burma?
ASEAN should stop patronizing the Burmese generals and give these army thugs the ASEAN snub . . . remove Burma from ASEAN membership unless Aung San Suu Kyi is released and the Burmese junta give a clear cut schedule of a new election.
Leave a Comment
Please note: New Mandala encourages vigorous debate. However, for the moment we will only be publishing high-quality comments that make original contributions to discussion. There will, of course, still be space for pithy, humorous, eccentric and cheeky input. Short and sweet will usually trump long and involved. Repetitive ranting, unimaginative point-scoring and idle abuse will not be entertained. Comments which carry a real name are also more likely to be approved. Thank you for your ongoing interest and contributions.