The continued harassment and
detention of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi demonstrates the
SPDC’s ambitions to silence Burma’s
greatest hope for peace. Daw Suu does not threaten
the generals who control Burma. In fact, she is
their best hope.
For over 20 years
Daw Suu has exhibited an unwavering commitment to
non-violence and dialogue with Burma’s military
regime. In light of the junta’s repressive behavior,
Daw Suu’s moderate voice and calls for national
reconciliation are the true beacon of
hope for Burma’s people and must not be overlooked.
Political change in Burma is inevitable, as is the
transition of power from the generals to a civilian
government. A prominent figure of the democracy movement,
Daw Suu commands widespread respect from Burma’s
citizens, ethnic nationalities, and even within the
armed forces. It is this common admiration that places
Daw Suu in the unique position to peacefully guide
democratic transition addressing the concerns of all
parties.
For a peaceful transition to democracy to take place
in Burma, the junta must immediately release Daw Suu
and engage in a sincere and inclusive dialogue regarding
Burma’s political future. The junta must embrace
Daw Suu’s calls for “reconciliation and
progress towards a situation in which we can all participate
together for the good of the future.”
