24 June 2008

The ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Myanmar Caucus (AIPMC) warmly welcomes the establishment of the European Parliamentary Caucus on Burma (EPCB), launched on 19 June 2008.

The formation of the EPCB, consisting of Parliamentarians from eight European countries, is encouraging and timely at a time when the situation in Myanmar / Burma is dire.

The AIPMC recognises the important work of many European governments and parliamentarians over the years to bring about attention and pressure for democratic change in Myanmar. The formation of the EPCB is a key step forward in pushing for stronger action on Myanmar from European governments, the European Union, the United Nations Security Council and other governmental and national institutions.

The Asean Caucus looks forward to collaborating with the European Caucus, acknowledging that both Caucuses have the opportunity to complement and strengthen each other’s work.

While AIPMC has made small but significant strides, on matters relating to Myanmar’s democratic and political situation, it believes there can be much more impact on the crisis in Myanmar and positive changes can be achieved through effective cooperation between the two regional Caucuses.

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For further information / media contact: Roshan Jason (AIPMC Executive Director) +6012 375 0974

19 June 2008

The ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Myanmar Caucus (AIPMC) extends its birthday wishes to Myanmar’s pro-democracy leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi as she celebrates her 63rd birthday on June 19th 2008.

Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Daw Aung San Suu Kyi continues to be a beacon of hope and inspiration for those who yearn for freedom in her country and throughout the world. Despite the Myanmar military regime’s misguided efforts to silence her, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s message of freedom, democracy and human rights has only become stronger as she continues to stand up to Myanmar’s oppressors.

While we celebrate her birthday, there is little to celebrate in Myanmar itself with news of the obstruction of aid to survivors of the Cyclone Nargis disaster who are vulnerable and continue to face the risk of death, disease and hunger.

On this auspicious day, we again condemn Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s ongoing detention and reiterate our call for her immediate and unconditional release. She has now spent more than five consecutive years under house arrest and has spent more than 12 of the last 18 years in detention.

We strongly urge ASEAN leaders to use this opportunity to out-rightly deplore her continued detention and ensure her timely release. Only with her release can Myanmar move towards inclusive national reconciliation, the restoration of democracy, and full respect for human rights. Only with her release can ASEAN claim that it is committed to the protection of human rights in the region and it operates true to its charter.

AIPMC looks forward to the day when Aung San Suu Kyi will not have to celebrate her birthday alone but in a democratic and free Myanmar.

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A statement by the AIPMC Steering Committee

For further information / media contact: Roshan Jason (AIPMC Executive Director) +6012 375 0974