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29/07/2003
Red Cross meets Burmese civil rights activist
Red Cross officials have been allowed access to Nobel Peace Prize winner Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, almost two months to the day since she was detained by the Burmese military regime.
Ms Suu Kyi, who is being held under a law providing her detention without charge or access to lawyers for up to five years, was said to be in good health.
The UN Secretary-General's Special Representative to Burma, Tan Sri Razali Ismail, saw the civil rights activist on 10 June, but no other independent observer has been able to secure access to her previously.
Speaking after his return from south east Asia, Foreign Office Minister Mike O'Brien welcomed the news, but he dismissed hints by the Burmese regime that she might be released soon and instead called for an "immediate end to her detention".
Mr O'Brien said that he tried to telephone her several times but was "frustrated by the Burmese authorities". He said that he had also written to her but the regime had given no assurances that the letter will be passed on, or that Ms Suu Kyi will be permitted to reply.
"Last week I represented the United Kingdom at the Asia-Europe Foreign Ministers Meeting in Bali. From my discussions with others there, it was clear to me that Burma's international isolation is growing," he said.
"The message from both Asian and European governments is clear: if Burma is not to be a pariah state, Aung San Suu Kyi must be released, and the regime must start along the road to reform."
(GMcG)
Ms Suu Kyi, who is being held under a law providing her detention without charge or access to lawyers for up to five years, was said to be in good health.
The UN Secretary-General's Special Representative to Burma, Tan Sri Razali Ismail, saw the civil rights activist on 10 June, but no other independent observer has been able to secure access to her previously.
Speaking after his return from south east Asia, Foreign Office Minister Mike O'Brien welcomed the news, but he dismissed hints by the Burmese regime that she might be released soon and instead called for an "immediate end to her detention".
Mr O'Brien said that he tried to telephone her several times but was "frustrated by the Burmese authorities". He said that he had also written to her but the regime had given no assurances that the letter will be passed on, or that Ms Suu Kyi will be permitted to reply.
"Last week I represented the United Kingdom at the Asia-Europe Foreign Ministers Meeting in Bali. From my discussions with others there, it was clear to me that Burma's international isolation is growing," he said.
"The message from both Asian and European governments is clear: if Burma is not to be a pariah state, Aung San Suu Kyi must be released, and the regime must start along the road to reform."
(GMcG)
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Foreign Secretary William Hague is visiting Burma on Wednesday, meeting both President Thein Sein, and spokesperson for the democracy movement, Aung San Suu Kyi.
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Prime Minister backs Burma holiday boycott
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Iraqi Regime 'Wasn't UK Policy'
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
