Press Statement
Robert Wood, Deputy Spokesman
Washington, DC
October 23, 2008
Aung San Suu Kyi Marks 13 Years Under House ArrestAs of October 24, 2008, Aung San Suu Kyi has spent a total of thirteen years under house arrest. Over the many years, Aung San Suu Kyi has endured unlawful detention, she has remained a steady beacon of hope and inspiration to those seeking a peaceful, democratic Burma. We again call upon the Burmese regime to immediately and unconditionally release her and the more than 2000 political prisoners it holds.
October 24 also marks the anniversary of the coming into force of the United Nations charter. We renew our support for UN efforts, under the leadership of Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, to obtain the release of Burma’s political prisoners and encourage Burma to move toward democracy. Releasing Aung San Suu Kyi would be a first step toward Burma’s reintegration into the world community. We further join the United Nations and the rest of the international community in calling upon the regime to engage credibly in an inclusive, time-bound dialogue with Aung San Suu Kyi and other democratic and ethnic minority leaders to bring about a genuine democratic transition.
2008/904
Released on October 23, 2008
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