by Mizzima News
Friday, 12 June 2009 14:54
Chiang Mai – The German and French Heads-of-State, Angela Merkel and Nicolas Sarkozy, during a joint news conference Thursday in Paris declared they are trying to enlist the assistance of China and India to exert further pressure on Burma's military authorities concerning the trial of Aung San Suu Kyi.
French President Sarkozy announced he and Chancellor Merkel are "very worried" by the plight of the 63-year old Burmese opposition leader, who faces a possible five-year prison sentence for allegedly violating the terms of her house arrest.
Sarkozy also revealed he recently attempted to phone the pro-democracy leader, but the military government denied his request, qualifying the Burmese junta's attitude as “extraordinary”.
"We are asking our Chinese and Indian friends for help and to take into account the concerns that we have for the Nobel Peace Prize winner ahead of a conviction that appears, unfortunately, unavoidable," said Sarkozy.
For her part, Merkel invited all “our partners in the region”, particularly India and China, to help to improve Suu Kyi's treatment in terms of human rights. “France and Germany are seeking the best means to help her,” added the German Chancellor.
Following European elections held last weekend, the leaders of the Paris-Berlin axis chose to speak in a common voice in order to confirm their unity on the issue and to attempt to strengthen a still shaky European foreign policy foundation.
It is the first time the French President expressed himself openly and officially regarding Suu Kyi since she was charged for allowing a foreigner into her home early last month.
In the wake of Suu Kyi's confinement within Rangoon's Insein Prison, France, through First Lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, made a public appeal for her release, referring to the opposition leader's fragile health and warning that a jail sentence could prove "life-threatening".
Friday, June 12, 2009
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