[Greens-Media] Australia should condemn Suu Kyi's show trial

[Dortch, Eloise (Sen S. Ludlam)]

Australia should condemn Suu Kyi's show trial

MEDIA RELEASE, Tuesday 11 August 2009
The Australian Greens say Foreign Affairs Minister Stephen Smith must
explain in detail what the Australian Government is doing to increase
pressure on the Burmese regime, following the sentencing of
pro-democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi in a sham trial.
Suu Kyis' house arrest has been prolonged for a further 18 months.
"Today's verdict is as illegitimate as the Burmese regime," said Greens
Senator Scott Ludlam, co-chair of Australian Parliamentarians for
Democracy in Burma. 
"Foreign Affairs Minister Stephen Smith must lead the way by condemning
today's verdict. 
"He can move to suspend trade and investment between Australia and
Burma, join the call for a universal arms embargo, and lay the
groundwork for the United Nations Security Council to refer the matter
to the International Criminal Court. 
"Only through working collectively and diplomatically can we bring an
end to a regime that has inflicted so much misery on so many people,"
said Senator Ludlam. 
"Australia must step up and play its part." 

For more information or media inquiries, please call Eloise Dortch on
0415 507 763