Myanmar Democracy Icon Suu Kyi Released

[Max4243]

good news, but that doesn't make the junta look better though.

Good luck and all the best to her and her family and relatives.

I'll second that, good luck to her and it's about time.

Stay safe dear Lady and (literally) watch your steps...........

regards to All,

Brewsta

Wish her luck , she needs this. Hope she watches her steps carefully as you just cannot predict the junta ways of doing things. Wish her well and all the best for her new future.

[palusa]

Fantastic news.I think this is a moment to pay tribute to the Thai leaders (from Thaksin to Abhisit) who have laboured so hard to secure her release and democratic rights for the oppressed people of Burma.Thailand politicians and the Thai army (instead of tying up business deals with the Burmese junta) should be congratulated for their persistent and unflagging efforts.It's also a moment to pay tribute to the moral courage of ASEAN who have never felt bound by the asinine policy of non interference in the internal matters of other members.How we remember with pride the interventions by Thailand when the Burmese generals stole the election and continued through murder and repression to cow the Burmese population.

If only...

Your dead on with your skit Jayboy, but just watch and see how the leaders of the biggest contributing countries to Burmese misery and slavery put on their false smiles and spout little sentences like "We really were trying behind the scenes, we are so pleased the lady is free", Oh yes they will squirm and lie to try to attach their selves with self righteousness, the repugnent humans they have been over this. Thailand, India and China, you helped enslave a people and raped a country, you three were/are the worst offenders but you will sleep tonight as usual dreaming of your fat bank accounts while a people still suffer and it will be the same tomorrow. You attitude has been disgusting

[george]

EU calls for 'unrestricted freedom' for Aung San Suu Kyi

BRUSSELS, November 13, 2010 (AFP) - The European Commission called for the "unrestricted freedom" of Aung San Suu Kyi after she was released Saturday, and demanded the military junta free Myanmar's other political prisoners.

"It is now crucial that Aung San Suu Kyi has unrestricted freedom of movement and speech and can participate fully in her country's political process," European Commission president Jose Manuel Barroso said.

"I also call for the unconditional release of all other citizens detained for their political convictions," he said in a statement welcoming the democracy icon's release from her latest stretch of house arrest.

"This is the only way to ensure that the Myanmar elections of 7 November are the start of a real transition to democracy," he said. The election was the first in Myanmar in 20 years and has been dismissed as a sham.

The president of the European Parliament, Jerzy Buzek, also called for Suu Kyi's release to be "without any conditions" and for the ruling regime to end human rights abuses.

"Releasing Aung San Suu Kyi must be seen as an important first step towards political change," Buzek added in a statement.

"The abuses by the military regime in Burma/Myanmar have to be stopped. Human rights and democracy have to be embraced," he said, calling for "genuine dialogue, for real change".

Buzek said the European Parliament reiterated its support for a UN inquiry into crimes against humanity committed by Myanmar's military regime.

Suu Kyi has spent most of the past two decades under house arrest.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2010-11-13

[cardholder]

This is still a good news story

[george]

Obama welcomes release of 'hero' Aung San Suu Kyi

YOKOHAMA, November 13, 2010 (AFP) - US President Barack Obama welcomed the release of Aung San Suu Kyi on Saturday, calling her "a hero of mine" and saying it was time for the Myanmar junta to free all political prisoners.

"While the Burmese regime has gone to extraordinary lengths to isolate and silence Aung San Suu Kyi, she has continued her brave fight for democracy, peace, and change in Burma," he said in a statement.

"She is a hero of mine and a source of inspiration for all who work to advance basic human rights in Burma and around the world," said Obama, using the country' former name.

"The United States welcomes her long overdue release," added the president, who is in Japan for a Pacific Rim summit.

"It is time for the Burmese regime to release all political prisoners, not just one. The United States looks forward to the day when all of Burma’s people are free from fear and persecution."

Aung San Suu Kyi, who like Obama is a Nobel Peace laureate, walked free Saturday from the lakeside home that has been her prison for most of the past two decades, to the delight of huge crowds of waiting supporters.

"Whether Aung San Suu Kyi is living in the prison of her house, or the prison of her country, does not change the fact that she, and the political opposition she represents, has been systematically silenced, incarcerated, and deprived of any opportunity to engage in political processes that could change Burma," Obama said.

"Following Aung San Suu Kyi’s powerful example, we recommit ourselves to remaining steadfast advocates of freedom and human rights for the Burmese people, and accountability for those who continue to oppress them."

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2010-11-13

[george]

Elders demand release of all Myanmar's political prisoners

LONDON, November 13, 2010 (AFP) - The Elders, a group of retired world statesmen, urged the release of all political detainees in Myanmar after democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi -- one of their number -- was freed Saturday.

Welcoming the news, Elders chair Archbishop Desmond Tutu said her release gave the country's people hope, while former US president Jimmy Carter urged heavyweight neighbours China and India to use their influence to encourage dialogue and stability.

Aung San Suu Kyi is an honorary Elder. The group places an empty chair for her at their meetings.

Tutu said in a statement: "Aung San Suu Kyi's release offers hope to the people of Burma, who face uncertain times following the November 7 elections.

"She is a global symbol of moral courage and we wish her strength and health as she makes her own transition from such a long period under house arrest.

"We are of course absolutely delighted that she is free, and stand ready to assist her and the people of Burma in any way that we can."

Carter added: "We urge the government to maintain the ceasefires with the armed groups. Burma's neighbours, especially China and India, have a great deal of interest in stability in the region and I hope they will also try to encourage dialogue between the government and ethnic groups.

"It is sad to see a country of such great natural wealth that is so fractured and unable to properly protect and care for its people in a way that allows all of them to prosper."

The Elders, which has its offices in London, called for the release of all the country's political prisoners, while urging the Myanmar regime to place no conditions on Aung San Suu Kyi's release.

Former Irish president Mary Robinson said freeing Aung San Suu Kyi was an important gesture.

"But her release should not detract attention from more than two thousand other political prisoners who remain incarcerated," she added.

"We should not forget that Daw Suu Kyi's detention served to deny the will of the people at the last elections more than two decades ago and to silence her. Little seems to have changed in that regard."

The Elders also drew attention to the wider political and humanitarian situation in Myanmar.

Last Sunday's elections cannot be called "free and fair", they said, adding that the coming months "may be unpredictable and uncertain".

"Much more needs to be done by the government to convince its own citizens and the international community that it is serious about greater political participation and reconciliation."

Meanwhile the humanitarian situation is "dire" and donors must take "more active and imaginative approaches" to addressing Myanmar's urgent health, education and food needs", The Elders said.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2010-11-13

[george]

FACTS:

Suu Kyi's 15 years under house arrest

YANGON, November 13, 2010 (AFP) - Myanmar's pro-democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi, who has spent 15 of the past 21 years locked up, was freed from house arrest on Saturday to the cheers of huge crowds of jubilant supporters.

Following is a summary of her time in detention:

- 1989-1995:

The junta places Suu Kyi under house arrest in July 1989, 10 months after she helped form the National League for Democracy (NLD) in the wake of national pro-democracy protests crushed by the military government.

Despite her confinement, the NLD scores a landslide victory in 1990 elections, but the junta does not recognise the result.

One year later, she is awarded the Nobel peace prize, accepted by her sons on her behalf. She is released in July 1995, after six years of being confined to her home in Yangon.

- 2000-2002:

Suu Kyi is again placed under house arrest in September 2000, after several face-offs with the regime, including attempts to leave Yangon on party business in defiance of the junta's orders.

Landmark secret talks on "national reconciliation" begin in October 2000, brokered by UN envoy Razali Ismail.

Suu Kyi receives regular visits at home from a junta liaison officer and her NLD deputies, and is freed in May 2002. Thousands of her supporters are allowed to greet her, and foreign press are allowed to cover her release.

- Since May 30, 2003:

Suu Kyi, travelling in a convoy with NLD members in northern Myanmar, is attacked in an ambush apparently organised by a regime frightened by her continued popularity.

The junta says four people are killed in the attack but the NLD puts the toll at nearly 100. Suu Kyi is arrested along with many party activists.

In September, she is moved back to her Yangon home and placed under house arrest for a third time.

In May 2009, shortly before her expected release, Suu Kyi is put on trial over a bizarre incident in which an American man swims uninvited to her lakeside home. She is sentenced to another 18 months of house arrest.

Suu Kyi writes to junta chief Than Shwe offering suggestions on getting sanctions lifted, marking an easing of her stance after years of advocating punitive measures against the ruling generals.

Her party boycotts the country's first poll in 20 years, held on November 7, saying the rules are unfair. The NLD is disbanded by the authorities.

- November 13, 2010: Suu Kyi walks free, appearing outside her crumbling lakeside home and calling on a sea of jubilant supporters to unite in the face of repression.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2010-11-13

[george]

RT @IrrawaddyNews: Suu Kyi: "Please understand each other. I have alot to talk. Pls come to party office at 12 pm tomorrow"

[george]

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS:

Thailand’s Statement on the Release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi

November 13, 2011, 7:11 pm

The Royal Thai Government warmly welcomes the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi on 13 November 2010. Her release marks another important step in the national reconciliation and democratization process in Myanmar. The Royal Thai Government hopes that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi will have a constructive role to play in Myanmar’s nation building process.

The Royal Thai Government reaffirms its commitment to cooperating with the new Government of Myanmar in these endeavours for peace, development, and prosperity of Myanmar as well as for the well-being of the Myanmar people.

-- Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bangkok, Thailand 2011-11-13

http://www.mfa.go.th/web/35.php?id=25797

[george]

UN rights chief heralds Suu Kyi's release

GENEVA, November 13, 2010 (AFP) - The UN human rights chief welcomed Saturday the Myanmar authorities' release of opposition icon Aung San Suu Kyi and called for the freeing of the country's hundreds of other political prisoners.

"This is a positive signal that the authorities in Myanmar are willing to move forward with the serious challenge of democratic transition, and the need for national reconciliation," Navi Pillay said in a statement.

"Clearly, Aung San Suu Kyi can make a major contribution to this process," she said.

Suu Kyi, a winner of the Nobel Peace Prize and a symbol of the fight for democracy in Myanmar, was freed on Saturday after more than seven consecutive years of house arrest.

She has spent most of the past two decades under house arrest because of her political beliefs.

Pillay said it was important that Suu Kyi's release was unconditional.

"Her long detention and deprivation of rights remain a serious violation of human rights on the part of the government of Myanmar," she added.

The commissioner also urged Myanmar's ruling junta to "now release the other 2,200 political prisoners as a clear sign that the new government intends to respect human rights and forge a new future for the country."

She said she was "extremely disappointed" that Suu Kyi was not released before the November 7 elections. Her party boycotted the poll, which was described as a sham, saying the rules were unfair.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2010-11-13

[niveknedwob]

"... still a good news story" ??? Not sure what that comment was about

This 'Elders' group seem to be as 'hyena-minded' as the 'Amnesty lot' - just 'modern human nature' I guess - never happy with a 'small result' - the "do-gooders" are likely to FUBAR it for everyone.

[hanuman1]

This isn't like when Mandela was released. It doesn't come as part of a fundamental shift in the country's political makeup as Mandela's release did.

We could almost have a sweepstake on how soon she'll be back under lock and key. I'd say certainly within a year, probably within just a few months.

[george]

[blog] Suu Kyi is released; Thai TV shows normal programming UPDATE Thai Foreign Ministry… http://goo.gl/fb/Qh8Hm /via @bangkokpundit

[niveknedwob]

She could possibly end up being as effective as the Dalai Lama if she actually managed to 'do a runner'.

[george]

HRW says Suu Kyi's release 'cynical ploy'

BANGKOK, November 13, 2010 (AFP) - Human Rights Watch said Saturday the Myanmar junta's release of democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi from house arrest was a "cynical ploy" to deflect criticism of its recent election.

The New York-based group called on the regime to free all of Myanmar's more than 2,000 political prisoners.

"Her release now is a deeply cynical ploy by the military government to distract the international community from its illegitimate elections," said Elaine Pearson, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch.

"If the military government is serious about increasing political space after the elections then it will release all political prisoners immediately and unconditionally," said Pearson.

Suu Kyi, who has spent 15 of the past 21 years confined to her Yangon mansion, walked free Saturday, less than a week after a controversial election widely derided as a sham aimed at putting a civilian facade on military rule.

There are an estimated 2,200 political prisoners behind bars in the impoverished nation, which the junta has ruled with an iron fist for nearly five decades.

Partial results from the November 7 poll -- denounced by the West as neither free nor fair -- show that Myanmar's main army-backed party has won the majority of the parliamentary seats up for grabs.

The opposition has complained about widespread reports of intimidation and fraud.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2011-11-13

[Robby nz]

Great news that she has been released.

I hope they dont find an excuse to lock her up again but I fear they will.

They seem to be really scared of her.

An aside, sorry if it is off topic.

Was sickened when I saw the reds on this forum useing this subject to have a dig at Thailand and the Govt.

[jayboy]

Fantastic news.I think this is a moment to pay tribute to the Thai leaders (from Thaksin to Abhisit) who have laboured so hard to secure her release and democratic rights for the oppressed people of Burma.Thailand politicians and the Thai army (instead of tying up business deals with the Burmese junta) should be congratulated for their persistent and unflagging efforts.It's also a moment to pay tribute to the moral courage of ASEAN who have never felt bound by the asinine policy of non interference in the internal matters of other members.How we remember with pride the interventions by Thailand when the Burmese generals stole the election and continued through murder and repression to cow the Burmese population.

If only...

Your dead on with your skit Jayboy, but just watch and see how the leaders of the biggest contributing countries to Burmese misery and slavery put on their false smiles and spout little sentences like "We really were trying behind the scenes, we are so pleased the lady is free", Oh yes they will squirm and lie to try to attach their selves with self righteousness, the repugnent humans they have been over this. Thailand, India and China, you helped enslave a people and raped a country, you three were/are the worst offenders but you will sleep tonight as usual dreaming of your fat bank accounts while a people still suffer and it will be the same tomorrow. You attitude has been disgusting

To me India is the most disappointing. particularly with a PM of the highest moral; and intellectual calibre.China and Thailand are no surprise.

[Deeral]

Abhisit should bow his head in shame

[Captain_Bob]

While her release is obviously a good thing, let's take care to not over-react. She will still be on the junta's tight leash and could easily be jerked back into line. While symbolically important, her release does very little for the current state of affairs of the citizenry. Until the junta is permanently replaced with some sort of constitutional democracy free of military influence, Myanmar is doomed to remain a third rate banana dictatorship. The world must continue to take a hard line against the Myanmar junta.

Well stated. It's great that she has been set "free" of her house arrest but she will undoubtedly be watched very closely with every move noted and any excuse made to pull her back in. Personally I can't see ASSK being very effective still inside the country. If possible she should get out, seek asylum in a secure environment, then do loads of press conferences and televised interviews to get the word out as much as possible. Get global leaders to put even more pressures on the regime and encourage its citizens to stand up for their rights.

Then if sanctions and the sheer will of the people doesn't turn the tide we just send in Rambo, John J. =)

[niveknedwob]

Yes, or I wouldn't have singled you out for attention.

"This is still a good news story " WHAT ?

[george]

UN chief Ban Ki-moon hails 'inspiration' Aung San Suu Kyi

UNITED NATIONS, November 13, 2010 (AFP) - UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Saturday hailed Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi as an "an inspiration" to the world, but called on the junta to now free all political prisoners, a UN spokesman said.

"The secretary general expects that no further restrictions will be placed on her, and he urges the Myanmar authorities to build on today’s action by releasing all remaining political prisoners," said the spokesman.

"Democracy and national reconciliation require that all citizens of Myanmar are free to participate as they wish in the political life of their country," Ban added in a statement released by the spokesman.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2010-11-13

[cardholder]

Some of you think too much.

This is a good news story because Aung Suu Kyi is no longer under house arrest.

Simple!

Edited November 13, 2010 by cardholder

[george]

RT @tulsathit: Close-up photo of Suu Kyi on her release (via manager web). She does change on closer look. http://yfrog.com/b7k5xj

[george]

RT @rickmook: Burmese living in Thailand will lay flowrs at Burmese Embassy at 10 am tmrrw to show Suu Kyi their support. #suukyi

[housepainter]

Only 2,200 more political prisoners to go then.

Propted up by China it's difficult to understand why and for what. She's been held for the last 7 years, something like 20 in total and her party the right to run the country having overwhelmingly won the only fair election they held.

It is to be hoped that now sanctions are at worst maintained and at best increased. Furthermore, possibly China has grown tired of being attacked at the United Nations for defending Burma and has told them what to do. But I doubt that. However, the West does need to increase the pressure, condemn the elections and seek democratic rule.

I'd like to see the junta end up in the Hague and the West to make it clear that's where they are headed for.

[bluedragon_online]

AP says #AungSanSuuKyi has to decide whether or not to sign the release papers and walk free.

Sky and BBc news confirming Aung San Suu Kyi has been released, crowd are going mad as she appears on platform

Its committed love forever for all Myanmar!

[george]

@myanmarmonitor: Reports: Officials are on a crackdown for foreign reporters who 'illegally' covered Suu Kyi's release. #assk

[niveknedwob]

Some of those others may well be 'banged-up' for legitimate reasons - they should not be under consideration at this time. The apparent relaxing of detainment for ASSK should be grasped as an opportunity 'with limited focus' - people just seem to expect too much too soon. A bit Thai style I guess (because here we are) - I am eating breakfast now ... what can I eat for lunch.

[random]

as good as this is I can't help thinking it is too little too late

[george]

Suu Kyi's 22 years in political spotlight - Chrono

YANGON, November 13, 2010 (AFP) - Aung San Suu Kyi, the Myanmar opposition leader who was released Sunday after seven years of house arrest, was a political newcomer when she took up the struggle for democracy in 1988.

Following are the major events in the history of her role in Myanmar's politics since a military crackdown in 1988 and the formation of her National League for Democracy (NLD) party that followed.

1988:

-- August: Thousands of people are believed killed after troops open fire on mass protests. Suu Kyi, daughter of independence hero Aung San, delivers a speech at Yangon's Shwedagon Pagoda to a crowd of 500,000

-- September: Military takes charge with the creation of the State Law and Order Restoration Council

-- Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) is formed

1989:

-- July: Suu Kyi is placed under house arrest

1990:

-- May: Her NLD wins 392 out of 485 seats in parliamentary elections but the junta refuses to recognise the results

1991:

-- October: Suu Kyi wins Nobel Peace Prize

1994:

-- September/October: Talks with junta number one and three, Senior General Than Shwe and Lieutenant General Khin Nyunt

1995:

-- July: Released after six years under house arrest

1996:

-- May: Some 10,000 supporters of Suu Kyi march in Yangon in the biggest demonstration since 1990, which the junta declares illegal

1999:

-- March: Her husband Michael Aris, a British academic, dies from cancer having not seen his wife in four years

2000:

-- August: Suu Kyi defies order confining her to Yangon. Again placed under house arrest the following month after attempting to travel to Mandalay

2002:

-- May: Released after 19 months under house arrest

2003:

-- May: Arrested in the country's north after a violent clash between her supporters and a pro-junta group

-- September: Moved to her Yangon home and placed under house arrest for a third time

2007:

-- September: Suu Kyi prays with Buddhist monks allowed to walk past her home during mass protests against escalating fuel costs, in her first public appearance since 2003

2008:

-- May: Her detention is extended again three days after a referendum is held to confirm a new constitution that paves the way for an election in 2010

-- August/September: Refuses food and placed on intravenous drip

-- October: Appeals through her lawyers against her detention

2009:

-- May: Appeal against detention is rejected

-- Shortly before her expected release, Suu Kyi is put on trial over a bizarre incident in which an American man swims uninvited to her lakeside home. She is sentenced to another 18 months of house arrest.

-- November: Appeals detention at Supreme Court

2010:

-- February: Supreme Court rejects appeal

-- March: Suu Kyi says she opposes contesting the first election in 20 years because the rules are unfair. Her party announces it will boycott the vote and is disbanded

-- May: Lodges last-ditch appeal with Supreme Court against detention

-- November: Suu Kyi remains in detention at her lakeside mansion on election day. Her final appeal is rejected but hopes for her release remain when her current sentence is completed

-- Supporters gather as officials say her release is imminent

- November 13: Suu Kyi walks free, appearing outside her crumbling lakeside home and calling on a sea of jubilant supporters to "work together in unison."

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2010-11-13