[International] After Aung San Suu Kyi Meets Red Cross Representatives, US and Philippines Again Call for Unconditional Release
RtiTalk 小編17d ago
The U.S. Department of State and the Philippines, the current ASEAN chair, issued a joint call today (7th) urging the Myanmar government to unconditionally release Nobel Peace Prize laureate and former Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
In February 2021, the Myanmar military overthrew the democratically elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi, arresting and detaining her and other high-ranking government officials. Aung San Suu Kyi was subsequently accused by the military of dozens of charges, including corruption and incitement, and sentenced to a lengthy prison term. Earlier this year, she was transferred to house arrest and, on August 3rd, was granted her first meeting with representatives from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
Both the U.S. Department of State and the Philippines issued separate statements today welcoming the Red Cross's visit to Aung San Suu Kyi. Both countries expressed hope that this is just the first step and look forward to regular visits to the 81-year-old Nobel laureate to provide her with medical care.
The Philippines stated in its release: "We call for further expanded visitation rights for those detained in Myanmar since February 2021, and we reiterate our call for their release, including the full and unconditional release of Aung San Suu Kyi."
The U.S. Department of State posted on X: "We hope this visit marks the beginning of regular humanitarian visits for Aung San Suu Kyi, and further expansion to all political prisoners." The U.S. also urged Myanmar to release Aung San Suu Kyi "immediately and unconditionally."
The U.S. Department of State also urged the Myanmar military to engage in dialogue with domestic opposition forces to end the protracted civil war.
Finally, the Philippines emphasized its hope that Myanmar will allow ASEAN envoys to visit the country, and the Philippines will continue to communicate with all parties in Myanmar based on ASEAN's "Five-Point Consensus."
Further Reading:
Thai Government Welcomes Min Aung Hlaing, Criticized for Ignoring Myanmar's Human Rights Crisis
Myanmar Government: Aung San Suu Kyi Meets with Red Cross Representatives in the Capital
Source Link: https://www.rti.org.tw/news?uid=3&pid=224940
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