[Read official statement]

6 October 2006 (Asiantribune.com) - In a declaration by the Presidency on behalf of the European Union, on detention has called upon the military rulers of Burma/Myanmar to release immediately the former three student leaders and the two political activists immediately.

EU in a press statement has stressed that it has noted with deep concern that those former student leaders Min Ko Naing, Ko Ko Gyi and Htay Kywe, detained by the Burmese/Myanmar authorities on the 18th anniversary of the National League for Democracy (NLD) last week, have still not been released.

It further added that the detention of two further activists, Min Zeya and Pyone Cho, on September 30 has given rise to further concern.

EU Presidency pointed out, "The European Union appreciates the aspirations of different civil society actors who try to promote peaceful reconciliation and transition to democracy in Burma/Myanmar."

"Dialogue between various representatives of the society in Burma/Myanmar, like in any other country, is indispensable for the development of the country," emphasized EU in the statement.

"The EU reiterates that a genuine process of democratization can only be achieved by a dialogue between the government and all other political and civil society forces."