May 5, 2008
No. 105
The Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today presented a certificate of honorary Canadian citizenship to Aung San Suu Kyi's cousin, Sein Win, who accepted it on her behalf. Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi continues to be held under house arrest by the Burmese regime.
"On October 17, 2007, the House of Commons conferred honorary Canadian citizenship on Aung San Suu Kyi in recognition of her long and courageous battle to promote freedom and democracy in Burma," Minister Bernier said. "The presentation of this honorary Canadian citizenship to Aung San Suu Kyi is testimony to Canada's long-standing respect and admiration for her tireless struggle, a struggle she has pursued in the face of overwhelming odds.
"Canada continues to stand up for the universal values that are under siege in Burma today," Minister Bernier added. "The Burmese regime is abhorrent to Canadian values. On December 13, Canada imposed the toughest sanctions of any country in the world against Burma. We have chosen sanctions that will have an impact on the Burmese regime and clearly indicate Canada's condemnation of that regime's complete disregard for human rights and repression of the democratic movement.
"In spite of the calls by Canada and other members of the international community, the Burmese regime has continued to arrest and detain those who oppose it. We once again call upon the regime to release Aung San Suu Kyi and all other political prisoners, and to respect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all the people of Burma. We stand alongside those who, like Aung San Suu Kyi, share our commitment to freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law."
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