The European Union welcomes the release of former student leaders and civil society actors Min Ko Naing, Ko Ko Gyi, Htay Kywe, Min Zeya and Pyone Cho in the early morning of 11 January 2007 by the authorities of Burma/Myanmar. These individuals had been kept in detention without any charges since late September 2006, having previously spent several years in prison. The EU hopes that in future the five student leaders will be able to freely exercise their democratic rights.
Likewise, the EU takes positive note of the amnesty granted to around 50 prisoners of conscience, including journalists, members of political parties and student activists, on the occasion of the 59th anniversary of the Independence Day of Burma/Myanmar on 4 January 2007.
The EU takes this opportunity to reiterate its call for the speedy release of all political prisoners from detention, particularly those who are old and in frail health. The EU encourages the Government of Burma/Myanmar to enter into a genuine dialogue with all other political and civil society forces about the democratization process. In this regard, in particular, the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi from house arrest would create a favourable atmosphere.
