MARY ROBINSON ON THE CAR STANDOFF

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                               UNITED NATIONS

                               Press Release




28 July 1998


High Commissioner for Human Rights Concerned Over Reports of Standoff in
Myanmar Between Military and Aung San Suu Kyi

The following statement was issued today by High Commissioner for Human
Rights Mary Robinson:

The reports coming from Myanmar regarding the refusal of the military
authorities to allow
Aung San Suu Kyi to travel freely give cause for great concern. The
incident is the latest in
what appears to be a developing pattern of restriction of the rights to
freedom of movement and to freedom of association of Mrs. Suu Kyi and
members of the National League for Democracy.

According to the information received, Mrs. Suu Kyi is today spending the
fifth day in her
car after being stopped on the road while going to visit supporters of her
party outside of
Yangon. There are legitimate concerns about Mrs. Suu Kyi's health and her
security during
this standoff.

This incident provides stark evidence of the need for the Government to
enter into a frank
and sincere dialogue with civil society in Myanmar as a way of overcoming
the political
difficulties the country is facing.

I urge the Government of Myanmar to work with Mrs. Suu Kyi and her
supporters to resolve the current standoff peacefully and quickly. I also
call on the Government to guarantee the rights of freedom of movement and
association of all citizens and to accelerate the process of national
reconciliation leading to the enjoyment of all human rights. I reiterate my
recent request to the Government to facilitate a visit by the Commission on
Human Rights Special Rapporteur for Myanmar, who has been seeking such a
visit for a lengthy period.


                                               
                                          © Copyright 1998 
                         Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for
Human Rights
                                         Geneva, Switzerland