|
Spindelegger: "House arrest of Suu Kyi prevents free elections" |
|
|
"House arrest of Aung San Suu Kyi prevents free and fair elections in Myanmar"
Foreign Minister Michael Spindelegger on the conviction of Nobel Peace Prize laureate
 Vienna, 11 August 2009 – Federal Minister Michael Spindelegger condemned the outcome of the trial of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi: "The trial, which was intended to deprive Aung Sang Suu Kyi of the opportunity to become politically active prior to the 2010 elections, did not meet rule-of-law standards and is an example of continued political repression in Burma." The Foreign Minister regretted the fact that international appeals, including those by the United Nations and the EU, had again not been heeded.
"This decision has to be seen as a further sign that those responsible in Burma are not prepared to strike a compromise or take steps towards real democracy. Free and fair elections will not be possible in 2010 without the participation of the opposition, in particular Aung San Suu Kyi."
The Foreign Minister appealed to the government of Burma to affect the immediate, unconditional release of Aung San Suu Kyi and all other political prisoners, as well as launch a genuine dialogue with all of the country’s political and ethnic groups in order to achieve national reconciliation, the creation of democratic conditions and respect of human rights in Burma.
Federal Ministry for European and international Affairs
|
