The European Union has urged Burma’s ruling military junta to release Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi and has expressed concern over recent terrorist attacks in the country.
In an official declaration, the EU presidency said Suu Kyi, who turns 60 on Sunday, would again pass her birthday under house arrest, cut off from contact with her family, friends and political colleagues.
"The EU hopes that this will be the last birthday she spends deprived of her freedom and urges the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) to release her, U Tin Oo and all other political prisoners immediately," the statement said.
"The EU believes that such a move will help facilitate dialogue and reconciliation in Burma/Myanmar. Like Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the EU supports an approach to resolve the longstanding political problem in Burma/Myanmar based on dialogue and non-violence."
"The EU is particularly concerned by the current situation in Burma/Myanmar, including the terrorist attacks on 7 May, which resulted in a significant loss of innocent lives and have promoted a climate of insecurity.
"The EU, which supports the territorial integrity of Burma/Myanmar, is also concerned by the increased tensions involving the nationalities, especially the Shan State and the Karen," the statement concluded.
Burma's military junta announced in 1997 it was changing its name from the State Law and Order Restoration Council to the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC).
The 19-member SPDC consists of the commanders of the service branches and the regional military commands. It is claimed by pro-democracy campaigners that the members wield more power than cabinet ministers.
The rock band REM, who play in Dublin’s Ardgillan Castle this Sunday, have said they will dedicate one of their songs to Suu Kyi and that the song will be broadcast live over the Internet to Burma.
Ms Suu Kyi was awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1991. She had already been under house arrest for two years.