Chris Carter

Confirmation that the military junta has barred opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi from participating in Burma's upcoming elections has been condemned by Labour's Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Chris Carter.

"For most of the last two decades Aung San Suu Kyi has been illegally detained under house arrest by the Burmese military regime. The current Burmese Government has said it will hold elections this year but has predictably excluded the most prominent opposition figure in the country from taking part.

"How can the coming Burmese election have any credibility if Aung San Suu Kyi is not allowed to participate? "The Burma junta's stated commitment to hold democratic elections now lacks any credibility. It is evident that the regime intends to continue to deny the people of Burma their democratic and human rights. This is simply unacceptable."

"Aung San Suu Kyi has long been a focus of hope for the many people in Burma who want to see a return to genuine democracy," said Mr Carter.

"The military regime in Burma clearly does not want to test her potential popularity in a free and fair election. Her appeal to the Burmese people was well illustrated in 1990 when the National League for Democracy Party, under her leadership, won a landslide election.

"Despite her long imprisonment Mrs Suu Kyi continues to remain a symbol of hope and respect both within Burma and around the world."

"Labour calls for the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the other 1100 political prisoners held illegally in prisons and camps around Burma. Any election held in Burma which does not allow Aung Suu Kyi to participate could not be considered to be free and fair!"