*EPF104 06/02/2003
Text: U.S. Condemns Burmese Government's Detention of Suu Kyi
(State Department June 2 statement) (330)

Following is the text of a statement released by the Department of State June 2 on the detention of Aung San Suu Kyi and the closing of the National League for Democracy's offices in Burma:

(begin text)

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
June 2, 2003

STATEMENT BY PHILIP T. REEKER, DEPUTY SPOKESMAN

Burma - Detention of Aung San Suu Kyi

The United States condemns placing National League for Democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi in any sort of custody. The recent detention of Aung San Suu Kyi and other senior leaders of her party marks a significant step back for the military regime in Rangoon and for the people of Burma. The closing of the offices of the National League for Democracy across the country hinders national reconciliation and a peaceful transition to democracy and is inconsistent with the will and rights of the Burmese people.

We call on the regime for the immediate release of these officials and the reopening of their offices. A government that does not allow peaceful political expression or an atmosphere in which citizens can peacefully express their views cannot be counted as a responsible member of the international community. The United States, in coordination with other concerned members of the international community, including members of the United Nations Security Council, is considering all measures available in our efforts to foster this transition to democracy.

We also continue to support the efforts of United Nations Special Envoy Tan Sri Razali Ismail to meet with all parties in Burma to encourage national reconciliation. We urge the regime to provide the conditions that will allow for a successful visit this week. Officials at the highest levels of the military regime should meet with him and take advantage of this visit to reverse this recent setback and make substantial progress on the road to a better future for the people of Burma.

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(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)

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