Sir, - Granting Aung San Suu Kyi the Freedom of the City of Dublin today signals our recognition of the noble and courageous struggle of this inspirational and rightful leader of the people of Burma.
Any such gesture that draws our attention to the repercussions of the brutal regime under which the people of Burma exist must be welcomed.
However, when one considers the suffering of the people of Burma, it becomes apparent that gestures such as fleeting media exposure and symbolic acts of solidarity are not nearly enough. The democratic rights of the Burmese people have been savagely suppressed over the last number of years. Several ethnic groups within the country are being denied the very basic of human rights. Hundreds of thousands of refugees have fled Burma to neighbouring countries. These refugees are living in appalling conditions and are exposed to exploitations of the most horrible nature. The list of atrocities is endless.
It is yet another indication of the lack of interest on the part of the international community in the lives of those in greatest need that such suffering and injustice in Burma is permitted to continue unabated.
The Irish people can do more to right this terrible wrong and my colleagues and I would encourage the Government to use its influence in the international arena to convince the international community of its obligations to the oppressed of Burma.
Aung San Suu Kyi has been an inspiration to her people - but she cannot conquer the formidable obstacle of oppression alone. - Yours, etc.,
John O'Shea, Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin.