UK wants Burma dialogue after Aung San Suu Kyi release
By politics.co.uk staff
Burmese pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi has pledged to seek “national reconciliation” a day after being freed by her country’s military junta.
Senior figures in the UK government welcomed her release after she was detained for 15 of the last 21 years yesterday and backed her initial calls for discussion rather than confrontation.
“I am for national reconciliation, I am for dialogue and … whatever authority I have, I would like to use toward that end. And I hope the people will support me,” Ms Suu Kyi told party supporters this morning.
UK prime minister David Cameron said her release was “long overdue” and called the Nobel peace prize winner “an inspiration for all of us who believe in freedom of speech, democracy and human rights”.
“Freedom is Aung San Suu Kyi’s right,” he added. “The Burmese regime must now uphold it.”
Ms Suu Kyi was released only after elections in the country which both deputy prime minister Nick Clegg and foreign secretary William Hague dismissed as a “sham”.
“Her prolonged detention was a disgrace,” Liberal Democrat leader Mr Clegg commented.
“The Burmese regime should now leave her in peace and allow her to exercise her freedom fully.”
Mr Hague called on the Burmese government to allow Ms Suu Kyi to “assume a role of her choosing in the political life of her country without further hindrance or restriction”.
“Last week’s sham elections will not bring peace and prosperity to Burma,” he added.
“The regime now needs to release the other 2,100 political prisoners and begin a genuine dialogue with Aung San Suu Kyi and all opposition and ethnic groups.
“These remain the crucial first steps to solving Burma’s many problems and addressing the pressing needs of its people.”
Ms Suu Kyi’s release does not guarantee progress, however. Her first task will be uniting the country’s divided opposition, following the disbanding of her National League for Democracy party.
