Ahern criticises Burmese arrests

Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern has condemned the detention of democracy activists in Burma. Some 13 activists were arrested last Tuesday by the country's military regime.

The Minister said that the Irish Government believed that the arrests, and the continued detention of other political leaders, including Aung San Suu Kyi, manifestly contradicted the professed aim to transform Burma into a democratic society through an inclusive, broadly-based process.

"Those detained had, with many others, been exercising their right to peaceful protest at the substantial increase in fuel prices by the Burmese regime, which has placed further harsh economic burdens on the people of Burma," Mr Ahern said. "I again call urgently for the release of all political prisoners in Burma and urge the Burmese government to ensure that the work of the national convention proceeds in a more inclusive way."