FOREIGN SECRETARY CALLS FOR RELEASE OF AUNG SAN SUU KYI

UNCLAS MANILA 001766 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N:A TAGS: PREL PHUM BM RP SUBJECT: FOREIGN SECRETARY CALLS FOR RELEASE OF AUNG SAN SUU KYI ¶1. In a May 29 statement, Philippine Foreign Secretary Alberto G. Romulo expressed deep regret regarding the extension of Aung San Suu Kyi's house arrest and called for her release along with releases of all political prisoners. This statement again reflected the continued concern of the Philippines for the situation in Burma and its willingness to use its chairmanship of ASEAN to try to encourage the Burmese regime to take long overdue steps toward democracy and respect for human rights. Full statement in para 2. ¶2. Begin text Statement of Dr. Alberto G. Romulo Secretary of Foreign Affairs SIPDIS On the Extension of the House Arrest of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi 29 May 2007 The Philippines deeply regrets the Myanmar Government's decision to extend Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's house arrest. The Myanmar Government has expressed its full adherence to the Roadmap to Democracy. Yet this delay in Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's release - and those of other political prisoners - reflects the Myanmar Government's unwillingness to demonstrate its genuine commitment to full democratization and national reconciliation. The Philippines joins the call for the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and all political prisoners. We believe this will enable the Myanmar Government to engage all of its stakeholders in inclusive and constructive dialogue towards nation-building at the soonest possible time. We also believe that this will help hasten the attainment of a truly caring and sharing ASEAN community. Extending Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's house arrest is an impediment to the achievement of Myanmar 's Roadmap to Democracy. And any delay in this process is one delay too long for Myanmar 's people and for democracy. We, therefore, urge the Myanmar Government to reconsider its decision and lift the house arrest of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. End text KENNEY