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Press Release:

PFOB calls on ASEAN for the release of Aung San Suu Kyi from Insein Prison

Parliamentary Friends of Burma (PFOB)
Larry Bagnell, Chair

Press Release:
PFOB calls on ASEAN for immediate action in the release of Aung San Suu Kyi from Insein Prison

May 15, 2009
For Immediate Release                                                                                                     
Media Contact: (613) 995 9368

Parliamentary Friends of Burma (PFOB), calls on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), to join forces in attaining the release of Aung San Suu Kyi from the notorious Insein Prison.

ASEAN was established in 1967 and membership includes Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, Lao PDR, Cambodia and Burma.
According to ASEAN, the declaration of 1967 “exhorts the association to attain its economic, social and cultural aims through “joint endeavours” and “active collaboration and mutual assistance.” Regarding its political objective of regional peace and stability, however, the Declaration contains no equivalent exhortation. It speaks only of “respect for justice and the rule of law” and “adherence to the principles of the United Nations Charter.”

“Therefore”, said Mr.Bagnell, “we are urging ASEAN to immediately use its influence and own guiding principles, to call on the Burmese Government to release Aung San Suu Kyi from prison, where she clearly does not belong”.

Of its member countries, Indonesia and Singapore were the only members to publicly condemn the charges against her. Nations such as the UK, EU, United Sates, Australia, France and Norway, have also taken action.

“ASEAN, as well as the UN Security Council, particularly China and India, must intervene immediately to secure Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's release from Insein prison. Tactically, they are in the best position to put pressure on the Burmese military government”, he continued.

Aung San Suu Kyi, leader of the National League for Democracy, Nobel Peace Prize winner and Honourary Canadian Citizen, has been under house arrest for most of the last 19 years. On Thursday, May 14th, ASSK and two maids were taken to Insein Prison following her arrest and charges for her alleged involvement when a man swam across a lake and intruded on the premises.

“Not only is there concern for her health and safety, but it is feared that this was a deliberate move by the regime to ensure that Aung San Suu Kyi and the League for Democracy, pose no opposition in next year’s elections”, Mr.Bagnell concluded.

Parliamentary Friends of Burma consists of Members and Senators from all parties of the Canadian Parliament.