Media Release
Australia's Chargé d'Affaires in Rangoon, Simon Starr, together with the
UK Ambassador and the US Deputy Head of Mission, today met Aung San Suu
Kyi.
The meeting, which was organised by the Burmese authorities at Aung San
Suu Kyi's request, took place at a state guesthouse near Aung San Suu
Kyi's home and lasted for an hour.
The meeting was the first opportunity for a substantive discussion
between Australian officials and Aung San Suu Kyi since February 2003.
Aung San Suu Kyi sought the meeting to obtain information about the sanctions policies of the Australian and United States governments and the European Union, to inform her discussions with the State Peace and Development Council.
Burmese officials were present during the meeting.
The Government sees this as a positive step by both the Burmese
authorities and Aung San Suu Kyi.
During today's meeting, Australia's representative conveyed a message
from the Prime Minister which expressed the support of the Government
and people of Australia for Aung San Suu Kyi and for her struggle for
democracy in Burma. The message expressed the hope that her sacrifice
would, in time, lead to a better Burma.
Aung San Suu Kyi appeared to be in good health and welcomed the message
of support.
The Government hopes that this constructive meeting may lay the
groundwork for further contact. Australia is willing to contribute in
ways that assist further dialogue and progress towards national
reconciliation, democratic reform, and the long-term security and
stability of Burma.
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