Taken Question Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC September 9, 2008 Question Taken at the Daily Press Birefing, September 9
Burma: Status of Aung San Suu Kyi Question: Can the Department of State confirm that Aung San Suu Kyi has been on a hunger strike? When was the last time a U.S. official was able to visit her?
Answer: We are aware of the reports that Aung San Suu Kyi has refused food deliveries. The regime’s continued isolation and detention under house arrest of Aung San Suu Kyi makes it impossible to confirm reports such as these. The United States and the international community remain deeply concerned about her welfare.
The last time a U.S. official visited her was in April 2003. Aung San Suu Kyi has been under house arrest since May 2003. The regime has severely limited outside contact with her since then. We continue to urge the Burmese regime to release immediately and unconditionally Aung San Suu Kyi, as well as all other political prisoners and begin a genuine, time-bound dialogue on democratic transition with the democratic movement and ethnic minority leaders.
2008/698
Released on September 9, 2008
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