Nov
13
2010

Aung San Suu Kyi Released – 1 Down, 2,202 To Go

36

Aung San Suu Kyi Released €“ 1 Down, 2,202 To Go

Burma Campaign UK today welcomed the release of Aung San Suu Kyi, but warned that the release should not be interpreted as a sign that democratic reform is on the way.  Burma Campaign UK also called for the immediate release of 2,202 political prisoners who remain in detention.

€œThe release of Aung San Suu Kyi is about public relations, not democratic reform,€ said Zoya Phan, International Coordinator at Burma Campaign UK. €œI am thrilled to see our democracy leader free at last, but the release is not part of any political process, instead it is designed to get positive publicity for the dictatorship after the blatant rigging of elections on 7th November. We must not forget the thousands of other political prisoners still suffering in Burma€™s jails.€

It is the third time Aung San Suu Kyi has been released from house arrest.  The last time she was released, in 2002, it was part of a UN-led initiative to try to persuade Burma€™s dictatorship to enter into dialogue leading to a transition to democracy. However, when the time came for substantive discussions the dictatorship refused to continue the dialogue. At the current time there is no such UN effort.  The focus of the international community has instead been on a failed effort to ensure elections were free and fair.

The international community should use the release of Aung San Suu Kyi as an opportunity to apply pressure on the dictatorship to enter into genuine dialogue.

For many years the United Nations Security Council, United Nations General Assembly, United Nations Human Rights Council, United Nations Secretary General, European Union, ASEAN, USA and even China has stated that the way to bring genuine change in Burma is for dialogue between the democracy movement, including the NLD, genuine ethnic representatives, and the dictatorship. The jargon used to describe this dialogue is tri-partite dialogue. This dialogue should lead to national reconciliation and a transition to democracy.

A revived UN-led effort to secure such dialogue, with strong backing from world leaders and the United Nations Security Council, must be the top priority. This must not be delegated to a new low-level UN envoy. The UN must learn from the failures of previous UN envoys, such as Razali Ismail, who did not have the strong international backing he needed, and Ibrahim Gambari, who tried a €˜hug a General€™ approach of befriending the Generals, which failed miserably.

€œThe international community must seize the opportunity of Aung San Suu Kyi€™s release to increase pressure on the dictatorship to enter into dialogue,€ said Zoya Phan. €œBan Ki-Moon must personally take the lead in persuading the dictatorship to start genuine negotiations with Aung San Suu Kyi and ethnic groups.€

Burma Campaign UK has produced a detailed briefing paper on Aung San Suu Kyi, which provides a basic history, as well as analysis and information on past actions and future options for the international community. The briefing is available here.
This article is tagged to:
Hearts + Minds
36  Comments
ashabelle - 15 December, 2010
Hallelujah!
Thank goodness! and begin again xx
Redhead11 - 20 November, 2010
Thanks!
If it wasn't for U2 i wouldn't know a lot about political things. THANKS FOR SHOWING ME HER. I'm so happy she is released! I wouldn't know about her if you hadn't taught me. :) God had your help in freeing her. :)
ubicaritas - 18 November, 2010
Imagine the mind that created her
So heartened to hear of her good fortune, realizing that she must still suffer at the reality of her brothers and sisters being held. Pray and praying for the tormentors to turn their hearts to God and see that we have been created in His image.
Tovaral - 17 November, 2010
what about the rest?
her release is not the end of dictatorship in Burma, but its a good begginig...
Isomation - 17 November, 2010
FREEDOM
Great news, Bono grateful for the support. Isomar Martins, Bahia, Brazil
- 16 November, 2010
The solution
What is the solution here though, to these dictators finally allowing the people to have control of their own destinies as a country? For better or for worse? I'm glad she's been released, but... I also feel for her. I just hope somehow what little cracks the Generals create for the Burmese democratic and reformist movements they can use to improve the lives of the everyday people.
Carolynfoss - 16 November, 2010
Blessings
proof that prayers do get answered - I admire her strength - may those that are still in prison also be released!!!
- 16 November, 2010
All that you passion..
..The only thing that you can bring, is the one that you can't leave behind. "Walk On"..
panchacas - 15 November, 2010
WALK ON
FINALLY FREE
ChicagoMark - 15 November, 2010
Extraordinary
The message of love was heard!!
- 15 November, 2010
Freedom, freedom...
Wooooow such an amazing news!!! Hope she's gonna stay free for a looooong time ... Thank you Bono, for your support, and to made me discover this strong woman! Aung San Suu Kyi, WALK ON!!! U2, WALK ON! Love from France, Gaelle-Anne
donnaslow - 15 November, 2010
walk on
This is the first step for Freedom: today freedom for Aund San Suu Kyi, but tomorrow, i hope, for 2,202 political prisoners who remain in detention. WALK ON!!!!
loveandpeace83 - 14 November, 2010
" WALK ON AUNG SAN SUU KYI "
I am very pleased to hear that, and I hope we will not learn in a few days, that this release is only temporary! Welcome to Aung San Suu Kyi from yours, and hopefully for a long time. Kisses. See you soon ... loveandpeace83
Rellblue - 14 November, 2010
Walk on...
...freeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
susanpresley01 - 13 November, 2010
Blessings
God Bless Bono, God Bless U2
ImageU - 13 November, 2010
Burma
All the Burmese around the world and home. It´s a great day and a good start...... Crystal shadows still stay, who's the big man why now, why this way, why, why , unknown power, military power... hope, hope, unknown hope, there is still again and again, hope, for everyone to be what you want to be, .... or what they want you to be, You! YOuU! You wanna be me.... be me... But you need to be you!
- 13 November, 2010
What a beautiful day
Finally, Aung San Suu Kyi free!!! I am hopeful that this time this amazing woman will write a new and different chapter on the story of her battle for the freedom of her country... I know it won't be easy, but I am a dreamer, and I like to think that people with the courage of Aung can really change this world... and, sometimes, dreams come true!!
Jimbob74 - 13 November, 2010
Aung San Suu Ky
"A singing bird, in an open cage, who will only fly for freedom" We have to seize this moment to apply global pressure to release Burma's political prisoners and engage in a peaceful dialogue for change
RicardoGranjeia - 13 November, 2010
Walk On
Never before a song made sense like this today!! Free BURMA!!!!
- 13 November, 2010
Sign of hope
In Coimbra Bono and 45000 people sent a message of love to Aung San Suu Kyi. The union makes the force and the result is positive. Let´s hope that she will be abble to reach the liberty to Myanmar. She's a fighter and a great woman. Thanks U2 for the help and support. Clara, 13 November - 2010
lassche - 13 November, 2010
Aung San Suu Kyi.....
And if the darkness is to keep us apart/ And if the daylight feels a long way of/ and if your glass heart shoud crack/ And for a second you turn back/ Oh, no, be strong. What a fucked up world we live: Go on U2 with make some noice: go on with the journy of EQ. This is ONE step closer to knowing: WALK ON! Love and light from the underground: Oldenzaal-city. The Vertigo-hunter: Detlev Lassche (the netherlands). Miss you sugar! FREE BURMA! TODAY TEARS OF JOY!
musicabona - 13 November, 2010
Walk On
These are wonderful news!!! Aung San Suu Kyi did some incredible work, because she never stopped fighting for democracy in her home country Burma. I am so happy that this courageous, brave and ambitious woman is free! Hopefully the thousands of other political prisoners will be released, too. And I hope that this day will be an important step to more justice. Walk on, walk on/What you got they can;t steal it/No they can;t even feel it/Walk on, walk on.../Stay safe tonight
maucphisto - 13 November, 2010
Finaly!!!
welcome back Aung San Suu Kyi !!! the whole world recognizes your face, now you can give your voice to other 2,002 political prisoners in Burma!
electricco - 13 November, 2010
Aung San Suu Kyi
Walk on You gotta leave it behind You gotta leave it behind, We've got to leave it behind All that you fashion All that you make All that you build All that you break All that you measure All that you deal All you count on two fingers And all that you steal You gotta leave it behind Halle halle Halle hallelujah Welcome HOME Aung San Suu Kyi
Jen_Loves_Peace - 13 November, 2010
ecstatic!
I've been glued to NPR for the last 2 days waiting to see if she would be released. I am so happy for her and the (even slight) possibility for what this means for the thousands of political prisoners remaining. There is still soo much work to be done, but this is truly a great day that such a brilliant woman is freed!!!!! And thank you U2 for all your work towards this amazing goal! you brought a lot of much needed awareness to the world ~Jen
Carolynfoss - 13 November, 2010
Thank you
Let us all pray that Aung San Suu Kyi will be free forever and Bruma will reform. What a strong lady!!!!
pepette - 13 November, 2010
" The real freedom is..."
Freedom for fear" ( Aung San Su Kyi) Hope, Joy, fear or suspicion... I don't know what thinking about Aung San Su Kyi release but I really want to BELIEVE. So Walk on :)
rubiconrose - 13 November, 2010
freedom!
Free at last, free at last, thank god almighty she's free at last
DonnaO\'Neil - 13 November, 2010
Dear Lady ASSK
Enjoy this magnificent day. Thank you U2 for all your efforts on this. You Rock on so many levels. Can't wait to see you again in the USA xx
ggen - 13 November, 2010
Relseased
A singing bird in open cage is finally free!! Amen
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