Brussels, 04/09/2000 (Agence Europe) - The French Presidency has published the following declaration on behalf of the EU: "The European Union is particularly concerned by the political situation in Rangoon/Yangon and the forced return of Mrs Aung San Suu Kyi to the capital. The European Union considers this decision to be an unacceptable violation of Mrs Aung San Suu Kyi's right to move freely. The European Union condemns this violation of the freedom of movement, expression and assembly of the Secretary General of the National League for Democracy. The European Union cannot but deplore the measures of intimidation against her and the threats to the National League for Democracy's activities. The European Union recalls that the Burmese authorities are responsible for Mrs Aung San Suu Kyi's safety and good health. The European Union calls for guarantees of free access to Mrs Aung San Suu Kyi. The European Union stresses the urgent need for dialogue between the Burmese authorities and the National League for Democracy as the only way to overcome the current deadlock and achieve progress on the road to democracy and national reconciliation. The European Union urges the Burmese authorities to take measures to that end without delay".
Nicole Fontaine, President of the European Parliament, has expressed her shock at the attitude of the Burmese Junta. "I fear that the real motive behind the Myanmar Army's actions is its refusal to accept the outcome of the election", said Ms Fontaine, who recalled that Aung San Suu Kyi had won a substantial majority in the 1990 general election in Myanmar.