Statement on the situation in Burma

Prague - After nineteen years of having their basic human rights trampled, the people of Burma are again in the streets – and so is the army. Although dozens of opposition
leaders including former student leader Min Ko Naing have been arrested, hundreds of
residents are gathering to show their determination to live in a free and prospering
country. In this time, the attention of the international community, in particular
the UN Security Council, and world media should be focused on Burma and support the
justified demands of its inhabitants.

I urge the military government of Burma to listen to the demands of its fellow citizens, to release Aung San Suu Kyi, Min Ko Naing and other political prisoners and to not attempt to remain in power through force. I call for peaceful dialogue between the government and the citizens of Burma, so as to avoid repeating the unfortunate events of 1988.