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EU urges Suu Kyi`s release, warns over sanctions
Brussels, June 06: The European Commission called today for the immediate release of Myanmar democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, and warned that it could strengthen sanctions against Yangon.
Brussels, June 06: The European Commission called today for the immediate release of Myanmar democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, and warned that it could strengthen sanctions against Yangon.
The EU's executive also called on Myanmar's neighbours to increase their pressure on the ruling military junta there.
"We would like to add our voice to those who are urging the immediate release of Aung San Suu Kyi and her colleagues," said Emma Udwin, spokesman for EU External Relations Commissioner Chris Patten.
She noted that the EU rolled over its sanctions regime - comprising an arms embargo, a freezing of assets and a visa ban on a list of burmese officials- in April, but warned it could now be bolstered, notably by putting more people on the visa ban list.
"There are currently a number of meetings going on discussing whether that should happen earlier than the envisaged date of the end of October," she said, adding that: "Other forms of sanctions might be brought into play."
The Nobel Peace laureate was placed in "protective custody" a week ago after violent clashes between her supporters and a junta-backed mob that left dozens dead.
Aung San Suu Kyi is being held in a military camp 40 km outside the capital. Sources have said she sustained non-life threatening head injuries when her car windscreen was shattered during the melee.
The EU executive said that, failing Suu Kyi's immediate release, UN envoy Razali Ismail should be allowed to meet her and the others detained "to find out what the truth of their condition is."
Bureau Report
"We would like to add our voice to those who are urging the immediate release of Aung San Suu Kyi and her colleagues," said Emma Udwin, spokesman for EU External Relations Commissioner Chris Patten.
She noted that the EU rolled over its sanctions regime - comprising an arms embargo, a freezing of assets and a visa ban on a list of burmese officials- in April, but warned it could now be bolstered, notably by putting more people on the visa ban list.
"There are currently a number of meetings going on discussing whether that should happen earlier than the envisaged date of the end of October," she said, adding that: "Other forms of sanctions might be brought into play."
The Nobel Peace laureate was placed in "protective custody" a week ago after violent clashes between her supporters and a junta-backed mob that left dozens dead.
Aung San Suu Kyi is being held in a military camp 40 km outside the capital. Sources have said she sustained non-life threatening head injuries when her car windscreen was shattered during the melee.
The EU executive said that, failing Suu Kyi's immediate release, UN envoy Razali Ismail should be allowed to meet her and the others detained "to find out what the truth of their condition is."
Bureau Report