Burma: Aung San Suu Kyi's 61st Birthday

Sadly, there are over 1,100 other individuals who also are imprisoned in Burma for the peaceful expression of their political views. These political prisoners include National League for Democracy Vice Chairman U Tin Oo, who remains under house arrest; and Hkun Htun Oo, leader of the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy, who is serving two life sentences plus 53 years in a remote prison. Others imprisoned for expressing their beliefs include journalist U Win Tin, who has been jailed since 1989; U Kyaw Min, a Muslim leader elected to Parliament in 1990, who is currently serving a 47-year sentence for allegedly violating immigration laws; and Aye Myint, who is serving a seven-year sentence for providing advice to farmers whose land had been confiscated by the military.

It is long past time to redress these and other injustices. The United States reiterates its call on the Burmese regime to release these and all political prisoners and initiate the genuine dialogue with all elements of political life needed to bring about true national reconciliation.