Statement of DR. ALBERTO G. ROMULO
Secretary of Foreign Affairs  

On the Extension of the House Arrest of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi
29 May 2007  

The Philippines deeply regrets the Myanmar Government's decision to extend Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's house arrest.  

The Myanmar Government has expressed its full adherence to the Roadmap to Democracy. Yet this delay in Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's release – and those of other political prisoners - reflects the Myanmar Government's unwillingness to demonstrate its genuine commitment to full democratization and national reconciliation.  

The Philippines joins the call for the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and all political prisoners. We believe this will enable the Myanmar Government to engage all of its stakeholders in inclusive and constructive dialogue towards nation-building at the soonest possible time. We also believe that this will help hasten the attainment of a truly caring and sharing ASEAN community.  

Extending Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's house arrest is an impediment to the achievement of Myanmar 's Roadmap to Democracy. And any delay in this process is one delay too long for Myanmar 's people and for democracy.  

We, therefore, urge the Myanmar Government to reconsider its decision and lift the house arrest of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. END

/jay

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