On a statement by Swedish Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt by on recent developments in Burma said as follows

“Recent peaceful demonstrations in Rangoon by leaders of the 88 Generation Students is an expression of widely felt discontent and despair among the people of Burma. Triggered by steep increases in fuel prices, these demonstrations appear to be a logical consequence of many years of political repression and economic mismanagement.

“Sweden condemns the arrest of pro-democracy activists and calls for their immediate release. We also urge the regime to release all political prisoners and to engage in a genuine dialogue with the democratic opposition groups in Burma.”