As Myanmar Government mulls status of democracy leader, Annan calls for her release

As the Government of Myanmar prepared to review the status of the country’s most prominent democracy advocate, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, who has been under house arrest for 10 of the past 16 years, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today again called for her release to pave the way for reconciliation and economic development.

“I believe her release will facilitate national dialogue and allow the National League for Democracy to participate in that dialogue,” Mr. Annan said in a statement, referring to the party which Ms. Suu Kyi leads. “I think it would be in the interest of Myanmar, the region and the world at large.”

Calling last week’s visit to Myanmar by Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Ibrahim Gambari, the first high-level contact in more than two years, “a welcome development,” and noting that the Government will be reviewing Ms. Suu Kyi’s status within 24 hours, he appealed directly to the head of State, Senior General Than Shwe, for her release.

“It would also allow the government and the people, not only to build the nation together, but to focus on the essential issue of economic and social development. For the democratic process and the reconciliation process to be truly successful, it has to be inclusive. And she has a role to play. And I'm relying on you, Gen. Than Shwe, to do the right thing,” he concluded.

Mr. Annan has repeatedly called for Ms. Suu Kyi’s release and that of other political detainees over the past several years.