MINISTER FOR Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin has restated Ireland’s support for the struggle of pro-democracy groups inside Burma during a telephone conversation with recently released Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
“We wanted to articulate our delight at her release and convey our respect for the iconic nature of her position now in terms of democracy,” Mr Martin said last night. “She sounded relaxed and in good form. She came across as strong and very clear-minded.”
During the 25-minute conversation, which had been arranged through UN channels, Mr Martin praised the Nobel laureate’s peaceful campaign for democratic reform.
“She was very anxious that we would continue to support that aspect of her work,” he said. “She was anxious to develop closer links with Ireland, particularly on the diplomatic side, in terms of getting easier mechanisms for contact.”
He assured Ms Suu Kyi of the importance both Ireland and the EU attach to her continued freedom and personal safety following her years of arbitrary detention by the Burmese junta.
“She wanted to convey her deep thanks and appreciation to the people of Ireland for their support,” Mr Martin said.
During the conversation, Ms Suu Kyi made reference to the Burmese being referred to as “the Irish of the east” during colonial times.
Mr Martin told her of the Northern Ireland peace process. “She was anxious for good reading material on that,” he said.
Ms Suu Kyi was awarded the freedom of Dublin City in 2000. The Minister said the subject of a possible visit to Ireland was not broached in a “substantive” way during the phone call.
“We would be delighted to invite her to Ireland but obviously that would depend on her own schedule,” he added.
They also discussed recent events in Burma including the deeply flawed parliamentary elections which took place in November.
Mr Martin stressed the need for all political prisoners to be released as the first step in a process of political dialogue involving all groups in Burma.