Suu Kyi to Receive Gandhi Award

In the latest in a long list of international honors, Burmese pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi has been named the recipient of this year’s Mahatma Gandhi International Award for Peace and Reconciliation, which will be awarded at a ceremony to be held in Durban, South Africa on July 20.

The prize, also known as the MAGI Award, is given to those who inspire young people to make a commitment to non-violence, forgiveness and reconciliation. It was inaugurated in 2003 to mark the centenary of Indian Opinion, a newspaper published in South Africa by Mahatma Gandhi.

The award is given by South Africa’s Gandhi Development Trust, which was established in August 2002 with the aim of promoting a deeper understanding of the principles of democracy, nonviolence and human values.

Suu Kyi, who is currently facing charges of violating the conditions of her house arrest just weeks before her detention was due to end, has received more that 80 international awards, including the 1991 Nobel Peace Prize and India’s Jawaharlal Nehru Award. In a statement released today, South Africa’s foreign minister expressed grave concern over Suu Kyi’s trial, which stems from an incident involving an intruder who allegedly stayed overnight at her home.

“The South African government calls on the authorities in Myanmar to release Ms Suu Kyi immediately,” read the statement.

During a two-year stint as a temporary member of the United Nations Security Council, the South African government under former President Thabo Mbeki was criticized for voting against resolutions condemning human rights abuses in Burma.

New Foreign Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane has not signaled any major change of policy on Burma, but has urged a “negotiated political solution between the government and the opposition” to resolve the country’s longstanding political impasse.

Meanwhile, in South Korea, former President Kim Dae-jung met with a group of exiled Burmese parliamentary leaders and gave them a donation of US $10,000 to support Suu Kyi’s cause.

“Korea also struggled under a military dictatorship for a long period of time before achieving democracy. I am sure that history will make note of your dedication to righteousness and freedom,” Kim told members of the South Korean chapter of the National League for Democracy (Liberated Area)
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Statement on the arrest of the Leader of the National League for Democracy in Myanmar, Aung San Suu Kyi

Pretoria- The South African Government joins the international community in expressing grave concern about the arrest of the Leader of the National League for Democracy, Nobel Peace Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi.

It is with regret that the South African Government learnt of the new charges against Aung San Suu Kyi’s less than two weeks before her house arrest was due to end. The South African Government also took note of the recent reports on Ms Suu Kyi’s poor health and fears that the arrest may worsen her condition.

The South African Government calls on the Authorities in Myanmar to release Ms Suu Kyi immediately.

For the general elections due to be held in Myanmar in 2010 to be as viewed free and fair, the process should be all inclusive and for this reason, the Military Government of Myanmar is urged to release political prisoners including Aung San Suu Kyi in order to participate in the electoral process.

The South African government reiterates its position that the solution to the current challenges facing the people of Myanmar lies in a negotiated political solution between the government and the opposition, culminating in all inclusive free and fair elections.

Issued by Nomfanelo Kota on 082 459 3787

Department of International Relations and Cooperation
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001

22 May 2009