Bono calls the tune on Myanmar

2004-01-19 11:21

Hong Kong - Rock star Bono on Monday called on the United States and the United Nations to pressure the Myanmar junta to free detained democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

In an open letter that described the opposition leader as a "modern icon of moral courage" the singer, together with US Senator Mitch McConnell, called for trade and political sanctions to push the Yangon regime towards democracy.

"The future of Myanmar rests with the return of democracy and the release of Aung San Suu Kyi and her colleagues," the letter published in the International Herald Tribune newspaper said.

"Aung San Suu Kyi ... needs unwavering, uncompromising international support - as tough and determined as she is herself."

The Nobel peace laureate is being held under house arrest after she and leaders of her National League for Democracy were attacked by thugs backed by the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) government on May 30 last year.

Although the US and Japan imposed strict sanctions on Myanmar after the spring attack, Bono and Mitchell say "this is not enough" and have urged other nations to follow suit.

"Without more pressure from trading partners and regional powers, the SPDC has little to fear," the letter said.

Bono - long a campaigner for developing-world debt relief - and McConnell also called on the Bush administration, the European Union and the UN to make Myanmar a foreign policy priority.

"(US) Secretary of State Colin Powell should discuss it with his counterparts around the globe," the letter said.

"(UN) Secretary General Kofi Annan ... should use every opportunity to push neighbouring countries to take action to secure Aung San Suu Kyi's release and should consider imposing an arms embargo on the SPDC," it added.

The letter also said ordinary people could do their bit by not holidaying in Myanmar, boycotting companies that trade with the regime, and by pressuring their local representatives to act.

- SAPA