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<title>AXWORTHY EXPRESSES CONCERN OVER RECENT EVENTS IN BURMA</title>
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<p><font face="Univers" size="+2"></font><font face="Univers" size="+2">July 9, 1998 No. 169</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Univers" size="+2">AXWORTHY EXPRESSES CONCERN OVER RECENT EVENTS IN
BURMA</font><font face="Courier"></font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy today expressed concern at reports that
Burma's military authorities have prohibited leaders of the National League for
Democracy (NLD), including Secretary-General Aung San Suu Kyi, from travelling
outside Rangoon to meet with local party members.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">"This incident is the latest in a series of disturbing events that point to an
increase in repression and harassment of Nobel Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi and the
National League for Democracy," said Minister Axworthy. </font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">The Canadian Chargé d'Affaires, Mr. Robert Desjardins, who is based in Bangkok,
is currently in Rangoon. He is seeking a meeting with Aung San Suu Kyi, and will
convey to Burma`s military leadership Canada's deep concern for her safety.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">"In a democratic society, political parties and their members must be able to
operate freely and without fear of persecution. Any actions by the Burmese
authorities to restrict these freedoms are unacceptable," said Secretary of State
(Asia-Pacific) Raymond Chan.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Burma's national elections on May 27, 1990, resulted in a landslide victory for
the NLD. The military regime has refused to honour the election results.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">The Canadian government continues to urge the Burmese military regime to initiate
a meaningful dialogue with Burma's pro-democracy leaders, including Aung San Suu
Kyi, as an important step toward the restoration of democracy.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">- 30 -</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">For further information, media representatives may contact:</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Debora Brown</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">(613) 995-1851</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Hilary Humphrey</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Office of the Secretary of State (Asia-Pacific)</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">(613) 995-1852</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Media Relations Office</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">(613) 995-1874</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">This document is also available on the Department's Internet site:
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca</font></p>
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