DATE=09/06/2003

TYPE=EDITORIAL

NUMBER=0-10845

TITLE=EDITORIAL: HUNGER FOR FREEDOM IN BURMA

INTERNET=Yes

CONTENT=THIS EDITORIAL IS BEING RELEASED FOR USE BY ALL SERVICES.

Anncr: Next, an editorial reflecting the views of the United States Government:

Voice: Burma democracy movement leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi is on a hunger strike to protest her illegal detention by the Burmese military junta. The United States has called her immediate release, as well as the release of all other political prisoners in Burma. As U.S. State Department spokesman Philip Reeker made clear, the Burmese authorities have "full responsibility" for the health of Aung San Suu Kyi because they placed her in so-called "protective custody" after a May 30th premeditated attack on her convoy.

That attack was made by gangs of regime-backed thugs, armed with clubs, knives, spears, and guns. The victims were peaceful National League for Democracy supporters, including women and children. Many were killed or wounded. Secretary of State Colin Powell said it was clear that "members of the junta were responsible for directing and producing this staged riot."

Instead of punishing the perpetrators and instigators of the violence, the Burmese regime persecuted the victims. Since the motorcade attack, many National League for Democracy supporters have been imprisoned and party offices have been closed.

Aung San Suu Kyi is being detained without charges or any process of law. Burmese authorities refuse to say how long her isolation will last or where she is. Past experience is not encouraging. She was first placed under house arrest in 1989. Most of that time, she was held incommunicado. Burmese authorities release her and then re-arrest her at their whim. But they have failed completely to stop her and the Burma democracy movement from gaining support across the country and throughout the world. Secretary of State Powell said that political prisoners like Aung San Suu Kyi are not alone:

(ACT :10 - DALET: POLICY/ACTUALITIES) "We join in solidarity with courageous men and women all over the world who strive to advance human rights and democratic values within their own countries and throughout the international community." (END ACT)

Aung San Suu Kyi is striking for freedom long denied to the Burmese people. As President George W. Bush said, Burma's ruling junta "must release Nobel Peace Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, along with other political prisoners, and move down the path toward democracy."

Anncr: That was an editorial reflecting the views of the United States Government. If you have a comment, please write to Editorials, V-O-A, Washington, D-C, 20237, U-S-A. You may also comment at www-dot-voanews-dot-com-slash-editorials, or fax us at (202) 619-1043.