Aung San Suu Kyi Must Be Released: Opposition MPs

Phnom Penh May 20, 2009

"AUNG SAN SUU KYI MUST BE RELEASED"

We, the Cambodian Members of Parliament are calling for the immediate release of Aung San Suu Kyi who was due to be released from house detention on Wednesday the 27th May, 2009 and is now being indefinitely held on the ruse of an American who recently swam to her lakeside home to put her on a sham trial so as to extend her unlawful incarceration.
The junta pledged to free political detainees and hold elections next year as part of a much-discussed "roadmap" to restore democracy to the country, which has been ruled by the military since 1962.
Aung San Suu Kyi has been charged with violating the terms of her house arrest, and if convicted would likely be in prison when the elections take place. This is no coincidence.
We therefore call on ASEAN to demonstrate to the global community that we respect our Charter to protect and promote human rights and to uphold democratic principles in the region and will no longer tolerate Myanmar’s abusive regime.
We therefore call for the immediate release of Aung San Suu Kyi or for Myanmar to face the consequences of being ousted from ASEAN.
Myanmar’s military junta have been allowed too many discretions by ASEAN and this last action indicates that they have are not sincere to stop their repeated violation of promises to release Aung San Suu Kyi from house arrest.
Aung San Suu Kyi and thousands of fellow monks and students have been imprisoned for bravely challenging the brutal military regime with peaceful calls for democracy. This has led to a refugee situation that is only worsening and how can we lay any foundations for these people to return under such circumstances?
We call on our Prime Minister, Hun Sen, in particular, to exercise leadership on this issue and condemn this latest threat imposed by Myanmar’s military junta that again threatens the overall security and stability of our region.
There is an added sense of urgency as the situation is clearly deteriorating with the trials being conducted behind closed doors irrespective of outcrys from the international community.
We must exercise strong positive leadership for our region and particularly demonstrate to the International community that the ASEAN Charter has ‘teeth’ and can be used effectively to promote peace and stability in the region by first and foremost ensuring Aung San Suu Kyi’s immediate release!

Signed
MP Son Chhay ; MP Sam Rainsy ; MP Mu Sochua ; MP Tioulong Saumura
MP Mao Munyvann ; MP Cheam Channy ; MP Kimsour Phirith; MP Yim Sovann
MP Eng Chhai Eang; MP Chiv Cata ; MP Thak Lany ; MP Ho Van
MP Ly Srey Vyna ; MP Yont Tharo ; MP Chan Cheng ; MP Khim Laky
MP Pot Pov ; MP Nuth Rumduol ; MP Men Sothavarin ; MP Khy Vandeth
MP Long Ry ; MP Chea Poch ; MP Kong Bora ; MP Kuoy Bunroeun
MP Tok Vanchan ; MP Ke Sovannaroth; MP Kem Sokha ; MP OU Chanrith
MP Yem Ponhearith
For further information, please contact :
MP Son Chhay : 012 858 857