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THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release August 31, 2000

STATEMENT BY THE VICE PRESIDENT

I strongly condemn the government of Burma for denying Aung San Suu Kyi the freedom to travel within her own country. Freedom of movement is a fundamental human right. Denying Aung San Suu Kyi this right is an offense to free people everywhere.

The Burmese government's claim that Aung San Suu Kyi's safety is endangered should she travel to join other National League for Democracy leaders in a nearby township is inaccurate. It is a clear attempt by Burmese authorities to deflect attention from their harassment of Aung San Suu Kyi and the democratic opposition.

Each day that the Burmese authorities restrain Aung San Suu Kyi, Burma's isolation from the international community deepens. The government of Burma should permit Aung San Suu Kyi's travel and end this violation of her basic human rights immediately.

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