NEWS RELEASES
GRAHAM CALLS FOR RELEASE OF BURMESE DEMOCRACY LEADER
June 2, 2003 (3:00 p.m. EDT) No. 76
GRAHAM CALLS FOR RELEASE OF
BURMESE DEMOCRACY LEADER
Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham today issued the following statement concerning the detention of Burmese democracy
leader Aung San Suu Kyi and19 members of the National League for Democracy (NLD) on May 30, 2003:
"Canada deplores these latest detentions, and calls on the Burmese authorities to immediately release Aung San Suu Kyi
and her colleagues. I also urge the authorities to investigate the attack on her convoy that coincided with her detention, and
to identify those responsible.
"I urge the authorities to begin substantive discussions on national reconciliation and democracy with Aung San Suu Kyi.
Canada strongly supports the efforts of United Nations Special Envoy Tan Sri Razali Ismail to facilitate a dialogue between
the Burmese authorities, leaders of the NLD and representatives of Burma's ethnic groups. Genuine dialogue is a critical
first step toward improving human rights and democratic freedoms in Burma."
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Isabelle Savard
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
(613) 995-1851
Media Relations Office
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
(613) 995-1874
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca
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