Obama urges Burmese military regime to free Suu Kyi

Washington, June 19(ANI): As Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi marks her birthday under house arrest in Yangon, US President Barack Obama has called on the country’s military regime to free the Nobel Peace laureate.

In his message, Obama also sent best wishes for Suu Kyi’s 65th birthday and hailed her “determination, courage, and personal sacrifice in working for human rights and democratic change”.

“I wish to convey my best wishes to Aung San Suu Kyi, the world’s only imprisoned Nobel Peace laureate, on the occasion of her 65th birthday on June 19,” The Telegraph quoted Obama, as saying in his message.

“I once again call on the Burmese government to release Aung San Suu Kyi and all political prisoners immediately and unconditionally and to allow them to build a more stable, prosperous Burma that respects the rights of all its citizens,” it added.

The Burmese military regime has kept Suu Kyi in detention for almost 15 years, and she has also been barred from running in the upcoming elections.

Meanwhile, U.S. State Department spokesman Philip Crowley echoed Obama’s birthday wishes and said that Suu Kyi’s enduring struggle for the fundamental right of Burmese people continues to inspire people the world over.

“We call on Burma’s leaders to free her, along with her fellow political prisoners, immediately and without condition. Such an action would demonstrate a commitment to the brighter future the Burmese people so richly deserve and would help set the stage for true national reconciliation,” Crowley said in a statement.

“We look forward to the day when Aung San Suu Kyi and all of Burma’s people may celebrate in freedom,” he added. (ANI)