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TUC welcomes release of Aung San Suu Kyi: but warns Burma is not yet free

Issue date
Solidarity with Burmese trade unions

Release of Aung San Suu Kyi

13 November 2010

TUC General Secretary welcomed the release today of the leader of the Burmese opposition, Aung San Suu Kyi, but warned that the Burmese dictatorship still held thousands of political prisoners, refused to allow democracy, free speech or free trade unions, and continued the systematic use of forced labour.

Brendan Barber said:

'Aung San Suu Kyi is a shining beacon for the Burmese people, and it is great to see her free from her unjust punishment. But this is no Mandela moment: the Burmese junta has not yet understood that the game is up. We will redouble our solidarity with Burmese trade unions in their struggle to free Burma.'

The TUC has echoed the call of the Burma Campaign UK for the junta to enter into a meaningful dialogue with Aung San Suu Kyi and the National League for Democracy.

And we support the trade union movement of Burma, especially the Federation of Trade Unions in Burma (FTUB) which is focusing on the release of trade unionists in jail such as Su Su Nway, and the campaign against forced labour which the International Labour Organisation has been pressing.

For more information about Burma, and to find out how to show practical solidarity by donating to the TUC Aid appeal, go here.

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