*EPF112 06/21/2004
Text: U.S. Salutes Democracy Leader Aung San Suu Kyi on 59th Birthday
(State Dept. urges Burmese junta to release political prisoners) (360)

The U.S. Department of State issued a statement June 18 saluting Burmese democracy activist and Nobel Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi on her 59th birthday the following day, and expressing concern for Burma's lack of progress toward national reconciliation and democracy.

"The United States again calls upon Burma's military rulers to release Aung San Suu Kyi and fellow democracy leader U Tin Oo immediately and unconditionally and to allow the reopening of National League for Democracy offices across the country. We also urge the military authorities to release all other political prisoners," the statement says.

Following is the text of the statement:

(begin text)

Press Statement
Adam Ereli, Deputy Spokesman
Washington, D.C.
June 18, 2004

Burma -- Birthday of Aung San Suu Kyi

Tomorrow, June 19, is the birthday of the leader of the democratic opposition in Burma, Aung San Suu Kyi. The 1991 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate continues to inspire those who support democracy and freedom around the world.

She has continued her struggle on behalf of democracy and human rights in Burma for almost 16 years. Sadly, in eight of those years she has spent her birthday under detention. The United States again calls upon Burma's military rulers to release Aung San Suu Kyi and fellow democracy leader U Tin Oo immediately and unconditionally and to allow the reopening of National League for Democracy offices across the country. We also urge the military authorities to release all other political prisoners.

The international community, including Burma's neighbors, has joined the United States in expressing concern for the lack of progress towards national reconciliation and democracy. The military junta continues to pursue what it calls a "road map" to democracy, yet does not respect the principles of democracy and the need for open discussion that includes all elements of Burmese society.

The United States salutes Aung San Suu Kyi on her 59th birthday. We look forward to the time when she will be able to celebrate her birthday in a free and democratic Burma.

2004/690

(end text)

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

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