MFA Spokesman's Comments on the Verdict of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's Trial, 11 August 2009

"We are disappointed to learn that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was found guilty and sentenced to three years hard labour. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi did not plan to violate the terms of her house arrest, and the intrusion into her house was by a person who appears to be of unsound mind.

We are however happy that the Myanmar Government has exercised its sovereign prerogative to grant amnesty for half her sentence and that she will be placed under house arrest rather than imprisoned.

We are heartened that Minister of Home Affairs Major General Maung Oo had announced that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi will be allowed to see doctors and nurses, communicate with her party, watch local television channels, read local newspapers and journals, and can receive visitors with the government's permission and that there is a possibility that she could receive amnesty for the remainder of her sentence.

These are significant gestures by the Myanmar Government. We hope that the Myanmar Government will allow Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to participate in the political process as soon as possible. A meaningful dialogue between the Myanmar Government, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and all other political groups in an open and inclusive process of national reconciliation is the only hope for the long term political stability of the country."

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
11 AUGUST 2009