The British Embassy will be projecting a giant image of imprisoned Burmese democracy leader and Nobel Prize Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi from sunset on Thursday 2 July until sunset on Saturday 4 July. The image will be projected onto a banner located at the perimeter of the Hotel Indonesia roundabout. The initiative is intended to mark two important events.
Firstly, on Friday 3 July Aung San Suu Kyi’s trial will resume in Burma. The UK Government, along with many other voices in the international community, calls for the release of Aung San Suu Kyi and of all other political prisoners in Burma.
Secondly, the UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, will visit Burma on 3 July. British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has warmly welcomed the Secretary-General’s decision to travel to Burma at this important juncture. The UK Government believes it is essential that progress is made during the Secretary-General’s visit in laying the groundwork for free and fair elections in Burma in 2010. The visit will offer an opportunity for the Burmese regime to respond to the many calls for the release of all political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi; and to allow the start of a genuinely inclusive political dialogue involving the opposition and minority groups.
British Foreign Office Minister Ivan Lewis has said “This is a key moment for Burma and its people and I wish the Secretary-General every success.”
British Chargé d’Affaires Matthew Rous said “Burma’s neighbours have a duty to call loudly for the release of Aung Sang Suu Kyi. I am greatly encouraged by the fact that Indonesia’s voice is being heard so loudly and clearly. I hope the British Embassy’s initiative will help us all to keep Aung Sang Suu Kyi’s image in front of our eyes during this hugely important visit.”
Notes for Editors
1. Aung San Suu Kyi is the leading pro-democracy figure inBurma and has received the Nobel Peace prize. She has been detained forover 13 years by the Burmese regime for campaigning for human rightsand democracy.
2. British Chargé d’Affaires Matthew Rous will begiving statements to the media on Thursday, 2 July at 1530hrs at theBritish Embassy premises. Media should pre-register attendance throughGrace Hutasoit at 0811 100 5358.
3. For more information on the British government policy on Burma please visit our website: http://www.ukinindonesia.fco.gov.uk
http://ukinindonesia.fco.gov.uk/en/newsroom/?view=News&id=20488645
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