Dick Lugar: “today I rise to affirm the call from Secretary of State Powell that military leaders in Burma release Aung San Suu Kyi…”

“today I rise to affirm the call from Secretary of State Powell that military leaders in Burma release Aung San Suu Kyi from continued ``protective custody.'' The reimposition of custody of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the denial of requests by United States and other officials to meet with her and assure her good health and well-being are unconscionable. She should be released immediately and unconditionally. In addition to the release of other National League for Democracy leaders who have been arrested, I also call upon the government of Burma to allow the NLD to reopen its offices throughout the country. The only hope for democracy in Burma will be found in dialogue among the National League for Democracy, the State Peace and Development Council and the ethnic nationalities. The arrest of Aung San Suu Kyi is a major setback to meaningful reform, and raises serious questions about whether the current ruling junta can be trusted to live up to any of its promises. The United States must continue to support Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the NLD. I am pleased that the Bush administration, in coordination with the United Nations Security Council and other members of the international community, is ``considering all measures available in our efforts to foster this transition to democracy.''”