27 May 2008

Bush Condemns Extension of Aung San Suu Kyi's House Arrest

U.S. calls on Burma to release political prisoners, begin genuine dialogue

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THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
May 27, 2008

STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT

I am deeply troubled by the Burmese regime’s extension of National League for Democracy General Secretary and Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi’s house arrest on May 27.  Aung San Suu Kyi’s current house arrest dates back to May 2003, when she was detained following the murderous assault by regime-sponsored thugs on her motorcade in Depayin.  The United States calls upon the regime to release all political prisoners in Burma and begin a genuine dialogue with Aung San Suu Kyi, the National League for Democracy, and other democratic and ethnic minority groups on a transition to democracy.

The United States will continue to help the people of Burma recover from the devastation of Cyclone Nargis and will continue to support the Burmese people’s long term struggle for freedom.  Laura and I look forward to the day when the people of Burma know true liberty and democracy.

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