The UN Secretary-General’s visit to Burma is a “crucial moment” for the international community, Gordon Brown has said.
Read the PM’s statement on the visit
Writing in a blog for the Huffington Post, the Prime Minister called for the country’s leaders to release political prisoner Aung San Suu Kyi to mark Ban Ki Moon’s arrival.
Mr Brown and his wife Sarah have actively campaigned in recent weeks for Burma’s ruling military junta to release the pro-democracy campaigner, who is facing trial for allegedly breaching the terms of her house arrest.
He said:
“[Aung San Suu Kyi's] refusal to buckle in the face of tyranny is an inspiration. I call on the regime to mark Ban Ki Moon’s arrival by immediately halting her trial, which makes a mockery of justice, and ending her detention which undermines their credibility in the eyes of the world.
“But while hugely significant, this alone would not be the sole measure of progress. Only agreement to release all political prisoners, start a genuine dialogue with the opposition and ethnic groups will give any credibility to the elections in 2010. I hope that Ban Ki Moon can convince the Generals to take the first steps.”
Read the full blog post
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