Conservative MEP condemns house arrest extension of Burmese opposition leader

A decison by Burma's military junta to extend the house arrest of opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi shows complete contempt for international opinion, Geoffrey Van Orden MEP, Conservative spokesman on human rights, said today.

Aung San Suu Kyi was placed under house arrest for the first time in 1989 and this latest period of enforced isolation began in 2003. The European Parliament has called for her release in numerous resolutions, most recently on 17 November 2005.

Mr Van Orden said:

"It is absolutely appalling that Aung San Suu Kyi, having spent over ten years under house arrest since 1989, is still being denied her freedom by the military dictatorship in Burma.

"It is clear that the SPDC will not allow Aung San Suu Kyi any part in the proceedings of the constitutional National Convention, which is due to resume on 5 December. Without the participation of Aung San Suu Kyi or the National League for Democracy, the results of the National Convention will be of little worth.

"The EU must strengthen its targeted sanctions and insist that Burma's neighbours fully engage in bringing pressure on the SPDC to release Aung San Suu Kyi and all other political prisoners."

ENDS

Notes to Editors

- Geoffrey Van Orden MEP is vice-chairman of the foreign affairs committee in the European Parliament and is Conservative spokesman on defence and human rights.

- He can be contacted via his Brussels office on +32 (0)2 283 7332

Contact: Geoffrey Van Orden MEP, tel: +32 (0) 2 283 7332, gvanorden@europarl.eu.int; Stephen Jones - Conservative Press Office - tel: +32 (0) 2 284 2574 or +32 (0) 473 861762, sjones@europarl.eu.int; James Holtum - Conservative Press Office - tel: +32 (0) 2 283 1138 or +32 (0) 473 211174, jholtum@europarl.eu.int.