Washington, Sep 01: Myanmar`s pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi has begun a hunger strike to protest her detention by that Southeast Asian nation`s military rulers, the US State Department said today. "This courageous leader of the national league for democracy and proponent of non-violent political change, has placed herself at risk on many occasions in pursuit of democracy and respect for basic human rights in Burma," department spokesman Philip Reeker said, using the country`s former name.

"We are deeply concerned for her safety and well-being. The Burmese authorities have full responsibility for her health, having placed her in so-called "protective custody" since a may 30 premeditated attack on her convoy," he said in a statement.
"We again call for her immediate release as well as the release of her national league for democracy colleagues and all political prisoners in Burma. We urge the Burmese authorities to enter into a serious political dialogue with all of Burma`s political parties."
Bureau Report