Media Release
Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Alexander Downer
16 September 2000
Burma: Lifting of Restrictions on Daw Aung San Suu Kyi
I welcome the news that access was restored to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and other NLD leaders on Thursday 14 September. I am relieved by reports she is in good health and spirits.
I also note that restrictions on the movements of Daw Aung Suu Kyi and other NLD representatives within Rangoon have been lifted, and that police have finished their occupation of the National League for Democracy (NLD) Headquarters in Rangoon.
We hope this is only the first in a series of much-needed steps by the Burmese Government to address the underlying cause of the continuing confrontation between the Burmese Government and the NLD.
Australia strongly believes the only way to resolve Burma's political problems is through substantive dialogue, in particular with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.
The Australian Government deplores the recent treatment of NLD representatives, including General Secretary Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the prevention of her travel beyond Dala, and her forcible return to Rangoon, in violation of the internationally recognised rights to freedom of movement and association.
I have made our concerns clear to the Burmese Government in a series of representations since the events at Dala and urged it to exercise restraint. I continue to call on the Burmese Government to undertake systematic efforts to address human rights issues.
Media contacts: (Ministerial) James Baker,
(Departmental) Matt Francis, 02-6261 1555
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