Myanmar Democracy Icon Suu Kyi Released

[Rinrada]

Some of you think too much.

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

Simple!

Agree....Great News and hopefully a new dawn rising for positive changes in Burma....however???

Anyway as said great day and good to see "the Lady" smile again......

[george]

Joy as Myanmar releases democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi

2010-11-13 21:14:47 GMT+7 (ICT)

YANGON, MYANMAR (BNO NEWS) -- Thousands greeted pro-democracy leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi on Saturday as she was released after years under house arrest in Myanmar (Burma).

Reports emerged on Friday that military authorities in Myanmar had signed an order authorizing the release of Suu Kyi, but few details were released officially and it remained uncertain if the release would go ahead.

Then at around 5 p.m. local time (10.30 GMT), officials entered the home of Suu Kyi and read the release order. Minutes later, police removed the barricades near her house as hundreds of supporters rushed to the front of her home.

After Suu Kyi held a brief meeting with her lawyer and a doctor, and as police left the scene for the first time in years, she was finally allowed to greet the cheering crowd at the gate of her home.

Suu Kyi addressed her supporters and invited them to work "together" for the country's future. She said she will offer a speech on Sunday at noon local time (05.30 GMT) at the headquarters of her party, which is the now dissolved National League for Democracy (NLD).

"We must work together, united, to achieve our goal," she said. "If you want to hear me, please come tomorrow at noon to my office," she added.

The international community immediately welcomed the release, but cautioned that concerns remain. "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," said U.S. President Barack Obama. "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. The United States welcomes her long overdue release."

However, Obama noted that it 'does not matter' whether Suu Kyi is living in 'the prison of her house or the prison of her country,' and said that the 'political opposition she represents has been systematically silenced, incarcerated, and deprived of any opportunity to engage in political processes that could change Burma.'

"It is time for the Burmese regime to release all political prisoners, not just one," Obama said, as around 2,100 political opponents remain imprisoned. "The United States looks forward to the day when all of Burma's people are free from fear and persecution."

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon was also among the first to welcome the release of Suu Kyi. "Her dignity and courage in the face of injustice have been an inspiration to many people around the world, including the Secretary-General, who has long advocated her freedom," said Martin Nesirky, Ban's spokesman.

However, some have pointed out that Suu Kyi's release was likely timed to take place just days after the country's first election in 20 years. By keeping her and other political opponents imprisoned, they had no chance to participate in the election, even though the international community widely condemned the vote as a fraud.

"Notwithstanding the welcome news of her release, it is deeply regrettable that Daw Aung Suu Kyi was effectively excluded from participating in the recent elections," Nesirky added on behalf of Ban. "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. Democracy and national reconciliation require that all citizens of Myanmar are free to participate as they wish in the political life of their country."

Former U.S. President Bill Clinton, who presented Suu Kyi with a Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2000, said he hoped that her release signals a new direction for life within the country and for the country's relations with others beyond their border.

"I am thrilled by the news of her release. People who love freedom everywhere admire her and the long sacrifice she has made for her people," Clinton said, adding that he hopes that Suu Kyi's release will lead to the inclusion of her and the Myanmar citizens in governance.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy also welcomed the news, saying Suu Kyi has found freedom which should never have been deprived in the first place. "Any restrictions on her freedom of movement and expression would be an unacceptable denial of her new rights," a spokesperson for Sarkozy said.

UK Foreign Secretary William Hague said the Myanmar government needs to go ahead with releasing all other 2,100 political prisoners and begin a dialogue with Suu Kyi and opposition and ethic groups. "These remain the crucial first steps to solving Burma's many problems and addressing the pressing needs of its people," Hague said. "Last week's sham elections will not bring peace and prosperity to Burma."

Hague further said that Suu Kyi's detention for years has been 'deeply unjust.' "Her fortitude in the face of this outrage has been inspirational," he added. "I welcome news of her release. She must now be allowed to assume a role of her choosing in the political life of her country without further hindrance or restriction."

Suu Kyi, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991 for her non-violent struggle for democracy and human rights, is sometimes compared with former South African leader Nelson Mandela as an international symbol of heroic and peaceful resistance in the face of oppression.

In 1988, Suu Kyi returned to Myanmar after a period overseas but was quickly put under house arrest in Rangoon as the junta declared a martial law. Two years later, Myanmar held its first general election since 1960. The polls were by far won by Suu Kyi of the NLD, but the results were ignored by the military junta and has since ruled the country.

Years later, in 1995, Suu Kyi was released from her house arrest in Rangoon although her movements remained restricted. She eventually was placed under house arrest again from September 2000 to May 2002 after she traveled to the city of Mandalay, in defiance of her travel restrictions.

Her release in May 2002 was unconditionally, but just a year later she was arrested after a clash between NLD supporters and a government-backed mob. After several months in prison, in September 2003, Suu Kyi was put under house arrest again.

Ever since, up until Saturday, she remained under house arrest but briefly appeared in public in September 2007 to greet protesting Buddhist monks. In May 2009, she was charged with breaking detention rules after an American swam to her compound and broke into her house even though he had not been invited by Suu Kyi.

After a trial that was widely condemned by the international community, Suu Kyi was convicted and sentenced in August 2009 to a further 18 months of house arrest. The term of this house arrest expired on Saturday.

Last Sunday, Myanmar held its national elections even though foreign journalists were barred from entering the country and while thousands of opponents remained imprisoned. As was expected, the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party 'won' the election.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2010-11-13

[skyaslimit]

Surprise

[george]

EU envoy calls for 'democratic transition' in Myanmar

ROME, November 13, 2010 (AFP) - The EU special envoy for Myanmar on Saturday called for democratic transition and an end to persecution of ethnic minorities in the country following the release of democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

"We hope that this act... is followed by other essential ones: freedom for all political prisoners, an end to all hostility towards ethnic minorities and the launch of a process for national reconciliation," Piero Fassino, who is also an Italian lawmaker, said in a statement on his website.

"It's now time for Myanmar to launch a real democratic transition based on dialogue and the involvement of all parts of society," he said.

Italy's foreign ministry earlier hailed the release and said it hoped it could be "a first signal of openness" from the regime.

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

[ianf]

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

So beautifully worded. You are absolutely 100% correct. One of the best posts I have ever seen on Thai Visa.

[george]

Amnesty says world should not be "fooled" by Suu Kyi released

BERLIN: -- Human rights watchdog Amnesty International cautiously welcomed Saturday the release of Myanmar democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi, saying that more than 2,200 other political activists remained imprisoned in the country.

"While Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's release is certainly welcome, it is by no means a concession on the part of the authorities," Amnesty said in a statement, adding "the world should not be fooled."

"The fact remains that authorities should never have arrested her or the many other prisoners of conscience in Burma in the first place, locking them out of the political process," the statement said.

-- The Nation 2010-11-13

[george]

Laura: President Bush and I join with those around the world celebrating her freedom and urge for her release to be without condition.

Statement by Mrs. Laura Bush: Today Burma's democratically elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi was released from years of unlawful detention.

-- BNO News 2010-11-13

[george]

VIDEO: AUNG SAN SUU KYI RELEASED on Vimeo!

[george]

Burma's rulers have put no conditions on the release of pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, officials say.

Full story: http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-News/Burmas-Pro-Democracy-Leader-Aung-San-Suu-Kyi-Has-Been-Freed-After-Being-Under-House-Arrest/Article/201011215804844?lpos=World_News_Carousel_Region_0&lid=ARTICLE_15804844_Burmas_Pro-Democracy_Leader_Aung_San_Suu_Kyi_Has_Been_Freed_After_Being_Under_House_Arrest

[moskito]

Hope its a step forward to Democracy in Myanmar. When the country sooner or later opens Thailand will loose a lot of money in form of Tourism!

I will be one of the first who is moving up north then....HOPEFULLY SOOOOOOON ....the last Farang here can switch the lights off :jap:

[george]

Bill Clinton 'thrilled' by Aung San Suu Kyi release

WASHINGTON, November 13, 2010 (AFP) - Former US president Bill Clinton said Saturday that he hopes the release of the pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi points to a "new direction" for life in Myanmar.

"I am thrilled by the news of her release," the former US president said in a statement.

"People who love freedom everywhere admire her and the long sacrifice she has made for her people."

Clinton said he hoped the release "signals a new direction for life within the country and for the country's relations with others beyond their borders.

"In light of recent elections, I also hope that Aung San Suu Kyi's release will lead to the rapid inclusion of her and the Burmese citizens in governance," said Clinton.

Clinton, US president from 1993 to 2001, presented Suu Kyi with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2000.

Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace laureate, walked free 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.

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

[Thai at Heart]

Will be very interesting to see what if anything changes in Burma in the next 6 months. Is this the first step in the downfall of the army?

[george]

Aung San Suu Kyi 'completely free': Myanmar official

YANGON, November 13, 2010 (AFP) - Myanmar's pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi has been released with no conditions on her freedom, an official in the military-ruled country said on Saturday.

"She is completely free -- there are no conditions at all," the senior government official told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Suu Kyi's supporters have voiced concern that the junta may place restrictions on her activities and movements as it did during her previous brief periods of freedom.

State media confirmed her release from the latest seven-year stretch of house arrest, attributing it to good conduct.

"Aung San Suu Kyi behaved well according to the regulations during the period she was under a suspended sentence," government-controlled television reported.

"So she was allowed to be released from her sentence."

It noted that she was "the daughter of the leader General Aung San who gave his life for Myanmar's independence" and it also expressed a desire "not to have a grudge against each other."

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

[george]

Nobel laureates celebrate Suu Kyi release

HIROSHIMA, November 13, 2010 (AFP) - Nobel laureates attending a peace summit in Hiroshima on Saturday celebrated with toasts the news of Myanmar democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi's release.

The freed dissident was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991 for her "non-violent struggle for democracy and human rights" and past winners greeted news of her release at an annual gathering.

"It's wonderful," said former South African president F.W. de Klerk, who won the Peace Prize in 1993 with Nelson Mandela for efforts to end apartheid in the country. "We would like to have her next year with us."

The news reached Hiroshima as the city hosts the World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates, with six past Nobel Peace laureates including exiled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama.

Former Italian football player Roberto Baggio, who has been picked for this year's World Peace Award bestowed by Nobel Peace Prize laureates, also joined the celebration.

"Just very happy, absolutely," he said as he got off a cruise ship on a tour given on an invitation of Hiroshima governour.

De Klerk and Shirin Ebadi, the 2003 Nobel Peace recipient and a lawyer promoting human rights in Iran, also heard the news and toasted on the ship.

"I will go to Burma (Myanmar), or rather I hope to be able to go because I tried in the past without results," Baggio said.

He was singled out for his long-time charity work, particularly in Myanmar in trying to win freedom for Suu Kyi and also his fundraising for victims of the Haiti earthquake, according to the office of the World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates.

Baggio, a convert to Buddhism, is to receive his accolade here on Sunday.

Suu Kyi walked free Saturday after seven years as a prisoner in her own home, calling on a sea of jubilant supporters to unite in the face of repression.

Waving and smiling, the 1991 Nobel Peace Prize winner appeared outside the crumbling lakeside mansion where she had been locked up by the military rulers, to huge cheers and clapping from the waiting crowds.

The 2010 peace summit calls for a global nuclear disarmament in Hiroshima, the city obliterated by a US atomic bomb attack in 1945.

Those who could not attend the summit include this year's Nobel Peace Prize winner Liu Xiaobo, who is imprisoned in China.

US President Barack Obama, who was awarded the 2009 Nobel Prize partly for his commitment to nuclear disarmament, missed the meeting due to a scheduling conflict with the Group of 20 meeting in Seoul and an APEC meeting in Japan.

Former Soviet president Mikhail Gorbachev, who received the prize in 1990 for his role in ending the Cold War, cancelled for health reasons.

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

[george]

Japan calls for rights reforms after Myanmar frees Suu Kyi

YOKOHAMA, November 13, 2010 (AFP) - Japan on Saturday welcomed the release of democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi and called on Myanmar to take "further positive measures" on human rights.

"The government of Japan views the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi as a step forward," Japanese Foreign Minister Seiji Maehara said in a statement from a Pacific Rim summit in Yokohama.

"We expect the government of Myanmar to take further positive measures in the future to realize improvement of the human rights situation, democratisation and national reconciliation," Maehara said.

Unlike major Western nations, Japan has maintained trade ties and dialogue with Myanmar, warning that a hard line on the ruling junta could push it closer to neighbouring China, its main political supporter and commercial partner.

Tokyo has however suspended economic aid since 2003, except for humanitarian and emergency purposes.

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

[george]

Family of Aung San Suu Kyi's husband toast her release

LONDON, November 13, 2010 (AFP) - The family of Myanmar democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi's late British husband held a toast Saturday to celebrate her release and said they would love to visit her at long last, if possible.

Adrian Phillips, the icon's brother-in-law, told BBC television he had not spoken to her since her husband Michael Aris died in 1999 as communication had been restricted.

Phillips' wife Lucinda is Aris's sister. Aris and Aung San Suu Kyi had two children, Alexander and Kim.

"We've had a family toast today: to a free Suu and a free Burma," Phillips said.

"Absolutely delighted. I hope that for the first time in 10 years or more we'll be able to communicate with Suu.

"When her husband died was the last time I spoke to her on the telephone.

"It's been very difficult because there has been all sorts of family news and problems that we haven't been able to share with her at all. She hasn't seen one of her grandchildren ever.

"She was completely cut off. She had no telephone, no fax, no email and very rarely the occasional letter was delivered, that was all."

Myanmar's most famous dissident had been under house arrest since 2003 and spent 15 of the last 21 years in detention.

Phillips, 68, said he had followed the developments on television and now hoped to be able to reunite the family.

"We'd love to if she wants to see us. I've no doubt in the next few months she's going to be extremely busy and taken up with things but I'd like to very much."

He said of her 33-year-old younger son Kim: "I hope that the regime will give Kim a visa to allow him to go and see her now but that depends on the regime."

Phillips added: "There are still well over 2,000 political prisoners in Burma and Suu, the symbol, if you like, of Burma, I'm sure that's something that she will address."

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

[george]

US wants 'unconditional' Aung San Suu Kyi release: Hillary Clinton

WASHINGTON, November 13, 2010 (AFP) - US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Saturday called on the government of Myanmar to make sure Aung San Suu Kyi's release is without conditions, and to free all political prisoners.

"The United States calls on Burma's leaders to ensure that Aung San Suu Kyi's release is unconditional so that she may travel, associate with her fellow citizens, express her views, and participate in political activities without restriction," Clinton said in a statement.

"They should also immediately and unconditionally release all of Burma's 2,100 political prisoners," she added.

US officials refer to Myanmar by its previous name Burma.

Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace laureate, walked free 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.

The United States urged the regime leaders "to break from their repressive policies and begin an inclusive dialogue with Aung San Suu Kyi and other democratic and ethnic leaders towards national reconciliation and a more peaceful, prosperous, and democratic future."

Clinton welcomed the "long-overdue release" of the democracy leader, who has "endured enormous personal sacrifice in her peaceful struggle to bring democracy and human rights to Burma."

The military regime in Myanmar "has repeatedly rejected her offers to engage in dialogue and work together, trying instead to silence and isolate her. Through it all, Aung San Suu Kyi's commitment to the Burmese people has not wavered," Clinton said.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2010-11-14

[Moonrakers]

I can't help but think she might be 'gotten rid off' soon.

[george]

Apart from oil and natural gas, Thai and Myanmar have a joint venture hydropower project, Tar-hsan, on Myanmar's Thanlwin River. /via @RynnerleinCFCx

[george]

Canada welcomes Suu Kyi's release

MONTREAL, November 13, 2010 (AFP) - Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper welcomed the release of Aung San Suu Kyi in Myanmar Saturday and called on the country's military leaders to release all political prisoners.

"Canada stands resolutely with Burma’s democratic forces and like-minded members of the international community in the quest to restore civilian government to the Burmese people," he said.

"We continue to call on the Burmese authorities to release all political prisoners and allow the meaningful political participation of all Burma’s opposition and ethnic groups."

He said sanctions imposed by Canada on Myanmar in 2007 will remain in place.

The 1990 Nobel Peace Prize winner walked free from her home Saturday to greet crowds of supporters for the first time since she was placed under house arrest in May 2003.

"She is an unwavering champion of peace, democracy and respect for human rights in Burma, despite being held in detention for 15 of the past 21 years," Harper said.

"Neither her trial nor appeal process were conducted in line with international standards. She was not granted due process and should never have been detained," he said.

Canada has granted Suu Kyi honorary citizenship.

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

[george]

Europe rights body welcomes Suu Kyi release

STRASBOURG, November 13, 2010 (AFP) - The Council of Europe Saturday welcomed the release of Myanmar's defender of democracy Aung San Suu Kyi, saying that the country's junta should now allow her to re-enter politics.

"This is a day of joy for her and her family as well as for the people of Burma," the secretary-general of the 47-member European rights body, Thorbjorn Jagland, said in a statement, using the country's former name.

"Their belief in freedom of speech, democracy and human rights will be reinforced."

Calling it "an important day for human rights defenders worldwide," Jagland added, "I expect Ms Aung San Suu Kyi to be able now to engage in political life and contribute to a new future for her country."

Suu Kyi walked free Saturday after seven years as a prisoner in her own home, calling on a sea of jubilant supporters to unite in the face of repression.

She had swept her party to victory in elections two decades ago, but the military never allowed her to take power.

Her release comes just days after the first vote in the country since 1990, which was boycotted by Suu Kyi's party and was widely decried in the West as a sham.

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

[monkfish]

What great super fantastic news..... I am almost crying...!!

But was the release for all the wrong reasons??

Guess we will just have to wait and see if Myanma is on the verge of political reform or just relieving pressure after the recent scam elections.

If so clever move by the Junta!!

[hungryhippo]

Some of you think too much.

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

Simple!

You're so naive. The last time she was released she was almost assassinated and when escaped immediately placed under house arrest again.

[tombkk]

Kudos to the Burmese government for this courageous decision.

[BusyBee123]

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...

nothing to do with thailand weirdo, have you just been born or something?

[souvenirdeparis]

oFrance warns Myanmar against restrictions on freed Suu Kyi

PARIS, November 13, 2010 (AFP) - French President Nicolas Sarkozy warned Myanmar against "any restrictions on the freedom of movement and expression" of Aung Sang Suu Kyi after she was freed Saturday, the presidency said.

obviously he 's never heard about Total. But lots of French know better.

[Rinrada]

Just got a Press release from Free Burma UK....FYI..

Aung San Suu Kyi Released – 1 Down, 2,202 To Go

13 Nov 2010

Burma Campaign UK today welcomed the release of Aung San Suu Kyi, but warned that the release should not be interpreted as a sign that democratic reform is on the way.

Burma Campaign UK also called for the immediate release of 2,202 political prisoners who remain in detention.

“The release of Aung San Suu Kyi is about public relations, not democratic reform,” said Zoya Phan, International Coordinator at Burma Campaign UK. “I am thrilled to see our democracy leader free at last, but the release is not part of any political process, instead it is designed to get positive publicity for the dictatorship after the blatant rigging of elections on 7th November. We must not forget the thousands of other political prisoners still suffering in Burma’s jails.”

It is the third time Aung San Suu Kyi has been released from house arrest. The last time she was released, in 2002, it was part of a UN-led initiative to try to persuade Burma’s dictatorship to enter into dialogue leading to a transition to democracy. However, when the time came for substantive discussions the dictatorship refused to continue the dialogue. At the current time there is no such UN effort. The focus of the international community has instead been on a failed effort to ensure elections were free and fair.

The international community should use the release of Aung San Suu Kyi as an opportunity to apply pressure on the dictatorship to enter into genuine dialogue.

For many years the United Nations Security Council, United Nations General Assembly, United Nations Human Rights Council, United Nations Secretary General, European Union, ASEAN, USA and even China has stated that the way to bring genuine change in Burma is for dialogue between the democracy movement, including the NLD, genuine ethnic representatives, and the dictatorship. The jargon used to describe this dialogue is tri-partite dialogue. This dialogue should lead to national reconciliation and a transition to democracy.

A revived UN-led effort to secure such dialogue, with strong backing from world leaders and the United Nations Security Council, must be the top priority. This must not be delegated to a new low-level UN envoy. The UN must learn from the failures of previous UN envoys, such as Razali Ismail, who did not have the strong international backing he needed, and Ibrahim Gambari, who tried a ‘hug a General’ approach of befriending the Generals, which failed miserably.

“The international community must seize the opportunity of Aung San Suu Kyi’s release to increase pressure on the dictatorship to enter into dialogue,” said Zoya Phan. “Ban Ki-Moon must personally take the lead in persuading the dictatorship to start genuine negotiations with Aung San Suu Kyi and ethnic groups.”

Burma Campaign UK has produced a detailed briefing paper on Aung San Suu Kyi, which provides a basic history, as well as analysis and information on past actions and future options for the international community.

The briefing is available at: http://www.burmacampaign.org.uk/index.php/news-and-reports/burma-briefing/title/aung-san-suu-kyi1

[NanaFoods]

I am very happy she has been released.

Will she leave Myanmar for safer havens??

[arco27]

It seems that this website was fa ahead of its time yesterday. That is remarkable. Next step: Thailand will release its political prisoners?????

what a silly comparison

[Rinrada]

another PR from Gordon (Former Prime Minister)

Aung San Suu Kyi - Statement from Gordon Brown

13 Nov 2010

There will be joy round the world at the release of Aung San Suu Kyi, the world’s most renowned and courageous prisoner of conscience. Her release proves that no injustice can last forever, and while Burma’s junta can continue its policy of repression it has never been able to wholly silence her voice. Despite enduring two decades of separation her family has displayed great strength which has proved an inspiration to us all. Her release from house arrest – where she has spent fifteen of the last twenty one years – is only a partial victory, because her liberation and that of the Burmese people will not be complete until she is able to take up her position as the rightful leader of her country.

Support from people of good conscience everywhere must continue as she fights for the freedom of her people.

Gordon Brown is a Patron of Burma Campaign UK