Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi’s house arrest extended

“We were deeply disappointed by the news that Aung San Suu Kyi will continue to be kept under house arrest. We most strongly urge the State Peace and Development Council to immediately release Aung San Suu Kyi and the more one thousand political prisoners in Myanmar,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

Aung San Suu Kyi has been kept under continuous house arrest since her convoy was attacked in May 2003. Norway has been engaged in promoting democracy in Burma for a number of years and has repeatedly called for national reconciliation and respect for human rights. The release of Aung San Suu Kyi would be an important step forward.

“We urge the Government of Myanmar to enter into constructive dialogue with the National League for Democracy (NLD), headed by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, and ethnic minorities. Such dialogue is essential for an inclusive reconciliation and democratisation process in the country,” said the Foreign Minister.