European Union condemns "intimidati

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European Union condemns "intimidation" of Myanmar opposition

AFP, Paris,  2 September 2000. The European Union condemned Saturday
what it termed the "intimidation" of Myanmar opposition leader Aung San
Suu Kyi and her party by the country's military authorities.

"The European Union is particularly concerned ... by the forced return of
Mrs Aung San Suu Kyi to the capital," a statement issued by the EU
presidency, currently held by France, said.

The statement came after Myanmar authorities raided the headquarters
of Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) Saturday,
and announced that the opposition leader had been "escorted home"
following a lengthy roadside stand-off with the junta.

"The European Union condemns this violation of the freedom of
movement, expression and assembly of the Secretary General of
the National League for Democracy," the statement said.

The EU held the Myanmar authorities responsible for Aung San
Suu Kyi's safety and good health, and called for guarantees of
free access to her, the statement added.

Amid reports that all 10 members of the NLD committee [presumably
the 10-member Committee Representing the People's Parliament --
DA], including Aung San Suu Kyi, had been placed under house arrest,
the EU statement deplored "the measures of intimidation against her and
the threats to the National League for Democracy's activities."

The EU statement also called on the Myanmar authorities to indulge
in dialogue with the NLD as the only way to overcome the current
deadlock and achieve progress on the road to democracy and national
reconciliation.