NEWS RELEASES

June 19, 2006 (11:35 a.m. EDT)
No. 68

CANADA DENOUNCES EXTENSION OF AUNG SAN SUU KYI’S DETENTION

Foreign Affairs Minister and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency Peter MacKay today made the following statement on the detention of Burmese Nobel laureate and pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, on the occasion of her 61st birthday:

“Canada strongly condemns Burma’s recent decision to extend the detention of Aung San Suu Kyi, and we reiterate our call for her immediate and unconditional release. In ignoring international calls for her release, the Burmese government has shown its total disregard for fundamental freedoms, democracy and human rights.

“Canadian Embassy representatives met with senior Burmese officials last week to convey Canada’s concern about Aung San Suu Kyi’s health and to impress upon them the need to provide her with appropriate medical care.

“Canada also condemns the Burmese army’s military offensive in eastern Burma, which has destroyed the lives and livelihoods of Burmese people and caused thousands of people to flee, some into neighbouring countries. This displacement poses a serious threat to the peace and security in the region and Canada believes it should be discussed at the United Nations Security Council.”

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