I will reproduce here a recent announcement by Elder Desmond Tutu, concerning the illegal imprisonment of Aung San Suu Kyi, Nobel laureate and rightful leader of the Burmese people:
May 25, 2008
(Cape Town, South Africa) Statement by Desmond Tutu, Chair of the Elders:
"On behalf of the Elders and people of conscience everywhere, I call for the immediate release of Burmese human rights advocate and fellow Elder Aung San Suu Kyi. This brave and beautiful woman is the world's only imprisoned Nobel Laureate. According to Burmese law, her detention should expire today, allowing her the freedom that she has sought for so many others. The people of Burma chose her as their national leader seventeen years ago. Yet their vote goes ignored and their voices unheard. The country's leadership has an opportunity to begin to right that wrong, to respond to the people's will and to abide by their country's laws."
"At the same time the Burmese junta should open their country to the aid that has been offered in the wake of a terrible cyclone that has claimed over 100,000 lives. This has been a time of tragedy for so many Burmese families. Let it be a time to celebrate the newfound freedom of this visionary leader who stands up for peace, justice and human dignity - and stands up for the Burmese people who have suffered for too long."
This is a powerful statement, by an increasingly influential group.
Happier times, 1991 Nobel Peace Prize winner.
I would also call your attention to the summit on the abolition of cluster bombs currently taking place in Ireland. Apparently the Australian delegation is making trouble. See www.avaaaz.org to send an email to Kevin Rudd, and show your support for the destruction of these indiscriminate explosives. They look like toys to kids, who are regularly killed and maimed when they pick them up.
Ooh! Toys!
Look away...I dare you!
Your's
Jetsam
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