No Burma diplomatic links unless Suu Kyi released

19 June (The Irish News) - Ireland will never establish diplomatic ties with Burma while Aung San Suu Kyi remains under house arrest, it was claimed today.

Political leaders have renewed calls for the release of the pro-democracy leader under house arrest, who turned 60 in Rangoon today.

The Government told Burma last year that diplomatic relations were possible if it improved its record on political progress, human rights and fundamental freedoms.

However, Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern said today the continued house arrest of Ms Suu Kyi since 2003 made diplomatic links impossible. "Any of those moves are on hold," he said.

"We have raised this issue at every available forum and are part of EU moves to put pressure on that regime to let this lady out.

"We fully accept and agree that this (house arrest) should not happen. We are one of those countries who are leading the moves in this respect."