MS AUNG SAN SUU KYI

Mr Steve Chia Kiah Hong asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs what is the Government's position on the arrest and detention of democracy campaigner Aung San Suu Kyi and members of her political party in Myanmar.

Prof. S. Jayakumar: Singapore is concerned about the recent developments in Myanmar. The 30th May events were a setback not just for Myanmar but for ASEAN as well.

We conveyed our concerns to the Myanmar government shortly after Aung San Suu Kyi was taken into "protective custody". On that occasion, we also urged the Myanmar government to cooperate with the Special Envoy of the UN Secretary General and, in particular, to grant him access to Aung San Suu Kyi.

Subsequently, when the ASEAN Foreign Ministers met at the recent Retreat in Phnom Penh, we joined the other ASEAN Foreign Ministers in expressing concerns about the safety of Aung San Suu Kyi and in calling for the early lifting of restrictions on her movement. We also urged the Myanmars to stay on the course on national reconciliation and dialogue with all the parties involved, including Aung San Suu Kyi and her party.