Vol. 405 No. 2
41 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make representations to secure the release of Aung Sen Suu Kyi, daughter of the architect of independent Burma in the modern period, Aung Sen; the action which has been taken to secure her release from the military authorities who have usurped power in that country; and if he will outline the attitude of the Twelve EC members to this case.
Human rights abuses in Burma, including the detention and house arrest of Opposition leaders, are a matter of serious concern to Ireland and its partners in the European Community.
On 6 June 1990 the Community, under the Irish Presidency, welcomed the manner in which the people of Burma exercised their democratic right to vote on the elections which had been held in May 1990. They called on the military rulers of Burma to respect the results of the elections by handing over power to a government chosen by the newly elected Parliament and to immediately release political leaders in detention. This the military leadership have consistently refused to do.
On 4 January 1991 the Community members expressed their growing concern at the continuing failure of the Burmese military authorities to respond to the will of the people. They urged that an end be put to the harassment, detention and house arrest of Opposition leaders and that political prisoners be released immediately.
