Release of Aung San Suu Kyi.

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Press Release: RELEASE OF AUNG SAN SUU KYI

11 July 1995

RELEASE OF AUNG SAN SUU KYI

The Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Bob McMullan, said today 
the news that the Myanmar authorities have released Daw Aung San Suu Kyi 
from restriction and house arrest, apparently without conditions, is hugely 
welcome. 

"While caution is warranted about the intentions of Myanmar's ruling 
authority - the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) - her 
release is a most gratifying outcome of six years of pressure from the
Australian Government and the international community," Senator McMullan 
said.

"The decision to release her is a reminder of the telling effect which 
concerted international action in support of an important defined goal, 
sustained over time, can achieve.

"I know that community groups in Australia which have been strongly 
pressing for her release will also welcome this news.

"The Government pays tribute to Aung San Suu Kyi for her steadfast 
maintenance of principles over six very difficult years of privation and 
isolation.

"The significance of her release is not yet clear, nor is it possible to 
predict what her future political role will be. However, it presents 
Myanmar with the opportunity to forge a new and better path for itself. 
The Government certainly hopes that the SLORC and all other political 
forces in Myanmar can now embark on the task of national reconciliation 
and building democracy.

"The process will require the release of all remaining political 
prisoners, the commencement of a serious dialogue on the future 
constitutional and political evolution of Myanmar, a clear timetable for 
the constitutional process, a genuine program of reconciliation with the 
national minorities, and a radical improvement in the human rights situation.

"I have asked the Australian Embassy in Yangon to report closely on 
developments in Myanmar, following the release of Aung San Suu Kyi. 

"Senator Evans will be attending the annual ASEAN ministerial meetings in 
Brunei from 29 July-3 August, where he will meet his counterparts from 
ASEAN, Myanmar and other countries and assess the significance of
this very important development," Senator McMullan said.


 Parliament House, Canberra, ACT 2600  Tel: (06) 277 7420  Fax: (06) 273 
4128 

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