Obama calls for release of Suu Kyi on 65th birthday

I / Washington June 19, 2010, 10:55 IST

US President Barack Obama has called on the Myanmar regime to free Nobel Peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi in a message sending best wishes for her 65th birthday.

Obama hailed the Myanmar opposition leader's "determination, courage, and personal sacrifice in working for human rights and democratic change" as she marks her birthday today under house arrest in Yangon.

The military regime has kept Suu Kyi in detention for almost 15 years and she has been barred from running in upcoming elections that critics have denounced as a sham aimed at entrenching the generals' power.

"I wish to convey my best wishes to Aung San Suu Kyi, the world's only imprisoned Nobel Peace laureate, on the occasion of her 65th birthday on June 19," Obama said in his message.

"I once again call on the Burmese government to release Aung San Suu Kyi and all political prisoners immediately and unconditionally and to allow them to build a more stable, prosperous Burma that respects the rights of all its citizens."

State Department spokesman Philip Crowley echoed the president's birthday wishes for Aung San Suu Kyi and comments.

"We call on Burma's leaders to free her, along with her fellow political prisoners, immediately and without condition," he said in a statement.

"Such an action would demonstrate a commitment to the brighter future the Burmese people so richly deserve and would help set the stage for true national reconciliation," Crowley said.

"We look forward to the day when Aung San Suu Kyi and all of Burma's people may celebrate in freedom," he said.

"Her enduring struggle for the fundamental right of all people of Burma to live in freedom continues to inspire people the world over," Crowley said.