Concerned for Safety Burma's Aung San Suu Kyi

U.S. Concerned for Safety of Burma's Aung San Suu Kyi

Aug. 31 statement on Aung San Suu Kyi's hunger strike

The United States has learned that Burma's pro-democracy leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, is on a hunger strike to protest her illegal detention by that country's military regime, State Department Deputy Spokesman Philip Reeker said in a statement released August 31.

The United States is "deeply concerned" for Aung San Suu Kyi's safety and well-being and calls for her immediate release and the release of all other political prisoners in Burma, Reeker said.

Following is the text of Reeker's statement:

Press Statement
Philip T. Reeker, Deputy Spokesman
Washington, DC
August 31, 2003

Burma - Aung San Suu Kyi's Hunger Strike

The United States has learned that Burma's pro-democracy leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, is on a hunger strike to protest her illegal detention by that country's military regime. This courageous leader of the National League for Democracy and proponent of non-violent political change, has placed herself at risk on many occasions in pursuit of democracy and respect for basic human rights in Burma. We are deeply concerned for her safety and well-being. The Burmese authorities have full responsibility for her health, having placed her in so-called "protective custody" since a May 30 premeditated attack on her convoy. They are also fully responsible for the welfare of all political prisoners.

We again call for her immediate release as well as the release of her National League for Democracy colleagues and all political prisoners in Burma. We urge the Burmese authorities to enter into a serious political dialogue with all of Burma's political parties.

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