MYANMAR: UN HUMAN RIGHTS OFFICIAL CALLS FOR RELEASE OF DAW AUNG SAN SUU KYI

MYANMAR: UN HUMAN RIGHTS OFFICIAL CALLS FOR RELEASE OF DAW AUNG SAN SUU KYI New York, May 28 2008 12:00PM The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour today <" http://www.unhchr.ch/huricane/huricane.nsf/view01/3BB348F4B4A7BC58C12574570038887F?opendocument">expressed her "profound disappointment" at the decision to extend the house arrest of pro-democracy campaigner Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in Myanmar.

Ms. Arbour called on the Government of Myanmar to unconditionally release Ms. Suu Kyi, saying in a statement that, "Her release will be critical in facilitating national reconciliation and democratic transition, to which the Myanmar leadership has committed itself."

The detention of Ms. Suu Kyi, who is the General Secretary of the National League for Democracy (NLD) in Myanmar, was extended on 27 May. She has been under house arrest for 12 of the last 18 years. Her current period of detention began in 2003.

"These continued severe restrictions on the freedom of expression and movement against Daw Aung San Suu Kyi contravene basic human rights," Ms. Arbour added. "They come at a time when the people of Myanmar are suffering hard and their suffering should not be compounded by more restrictive measures."

In addition Ms. Arbour expressed concern at the arrest on Tuesday of at least 15 members of the NLD who were marching towards Ms. Suu Kyi's house.

Yesterday, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon <" http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs//2008/sgsm11598.doc.htm">said that he 'regretted' the decision by Myanmar's Government to extend the detention of pro-democracy leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.

"The sooner restrictions on Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and other political figures are lifted, the sooner Myanmar will be able to move towards inclusive national reconciliation, the restoration of democracy and full respect for human rights," he said in a statement.
2008-05-28 00:00:00.000

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