SG/SM/9650
     17 December 2004

Secretary-General Seriously Concerned over Myanmar Opposition Leader’s Security

NEW YORK, 16 December (UN Headquarters) -- Following is the text of a statement attributable to the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General is seriously concerned to learn that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s personal security detail has been withdrawn, and the already limited access to her by her physician that currently exists has been further restricted.  He reminds the Myanmar authorities of their responsibility to ensure Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s security and well-being.

The Secretary-General also reiterates strongly his calls on the authorities to honour their expressed commitments to the United Nations and to ASEAN (Association of South-East Asian Nations) by lifting all the restrictions on Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s movement and activities as soon as possible; and by taking the requisite steps to ensure that the process of democratization and national reconciliation in Myanmar is fully inclusive.

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