11 August 2009

Statement by Secretary Clinton on Aung San Suu Kyi’s Conviction

Clinton calls on Burma to release Suu Kyi, and other political prisoners

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U.S. Department of State
Office of the Spokesman
August 11, 2009

Secretary Clinton Statement on Aung San Suu Kyi

August 11, 2009
Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo

The following is a transcript of comments made by Secretary Clinton regarding Aung San Suu Kyi at a press availability with DRC Foreign Minister Alexis Thambwe this afternoon:

"With respect to Aung San Suu Kyi, she should not have been tried and she should not have been convicted. We continue to call for her release from continuing house arrest.  We also call for the release of more than 2,000 political prisoners, including the American John Yettaw. We are concerned about the harsh sentence imposed upon him especially in light of his medical condition. The Burmese junta should immediately end its repression of so many in this country, start a dialogue with the opposition and the ethnic groups. Otherwise the elections they have scheduled for next year will have absolutely no legitimacy."

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