(No. 37 - January 28, 2011 - 5 p.m. ET) The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement in response to the Burmese Supreme Court's decision to dismiss an appeal by Aung San Suu Kyi's political party, the National League for Democracy, regarding its dissolution in 2010:
"Canada is disappointed by the news that the National League for Democracy's appeal has been dismissed. The Burmese regime is again failing to live up to basic principles of democracy. In September 2010, Canada noted with concern that Aung San Suu Kyi's party had been dissolved under the flawed election laws put in place by the regime.
"We have repeatedly called on the Burmese regime to engage in genuine dialogue with members of the democratic opposition, including Aung San Suu Kyi and the National League for Democracy, and the various ethnic groups in Burma.
"Our government will continue to support those working to promote human rights and a transition to genuine democracy for the people of Burma.
"Canada has imposed the toughest sanctions of any country against the Burmese regime. Canada continues to support freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law around the world."
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Lynn Meahan
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
613-995-1851
Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874
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