By Taisamyone

Happy birthday and many happy returns. A traditional birthday greeting that celebrates another year of life and looks forward to another year of happiness. I’m sure that we all wish these for Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. In fact, many of us would wish to make our greetings in person. But by next year we can pray and hope that this will be possible.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has remained the iconic symbol of freedom and the struggle for independence in Burma since she joined the pro-democracy movement in 1988, despite the Machiavellian manoeuvres of the SPDC. DASSK’s 11 years under house arrest over the last 17 years have clearly demonstrated the blatant attempts by the junta at silencing any opposition to their own rule. They can’t bring themselves to jail someone who has not broken the law –despite their frenzied attempts at discovering some minor misdemeanours that could have her incarcerated for decades. They can’t bring themselves to release her, because they know that the people of Burma will then know that they will have won the fight for freedom from fear.

Even though a unique appeal has made for the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi by 59 former presidents and prime ministers from around the world, the UN General Assembly, the UN Secretary General, EU, ASEAN countries, Amnesty International, U.S. senators backed by first lady Laura Bush and the U.S. State Department, the women of the United States Senate and the women of the United States, and many other influential humanitarian organisations worldwide, Burma’s military leaders have extended her unlawful detention for another year. As we all know, she is the World’s only imprisoned Nobel Peace Prize recipient under house arrest or imprisonment.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyiwas awarded the Nobel prize for peace in 1991. The Nobel prize for peace is awarded to the person who “shall have done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the holding of peace congresses.” Daw Aung San Suu Kyihas continued to live up to these high ideals. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s consistent and courageous stand for transformation through peace and non-violent struggle have been welcomed, honoured and championed throughout the world – except in the crazy minds of the SPDC generals and their demented thugs and supporters.

Another Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Nelson Mandela, was incarcerated by the oppressive South African apartheid regime for 28 years before his release led to the dramatic events in South Africa giving freedom and human rights to all her peoples. Imprisonment had not dulled his spirit or changed his view of what was right and what was wrong. During his years in prison, Nelson Mandela’s reputation grew steadily. He was widely accepted as the most significant black leader in South Africa and became a potent symbol of resistance as the anti-apartheid movement gathered strength. He consistently refused to compromise his political position to obtain his freedom. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi rightly deserves her place with the brave courageous figures who challenge the might of oppressive regimes – they are our inspiration, they teach us that victory will be ours.

As the junta rolls on their chosen path they continue to abuse and denigrate Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, denying her the opportunity to stand for parliamentary election, hoping that their scheme for perpetuating their own rule will succeed. Only the blind or the insane believe that freedom and democracy will come from a government controlled by the junta. The human spirit cannot be enslaved. Daw Aung San Suu Kyican be physically restrained but the flame of freedom she has ignited will continue to light the fires of resistance.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyiand the NLD may not eventually lead Burma’s democracy in freedom, but they represent the stand against oppression, a beacon for those who love freedom, democracy and human rights. The people of Burma are looking for anyway to oust the generals and of allowing Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and her followers, as well as other opposition parties, to lead the country forward to its true destiny. Then, we can all celebrate independence and all our birthdays in freedom; and look forward to more positive changes to come. Until then, we remember and honour those, who like DASSK, stand up to the regime in defiance. Happy 62nd Birthday, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.

For further information

¨ Daw Aung San Suu Kyi

¨ Profile: Aung San Suu Kyi

¨ Aung San Suu Kyi - The Nobel Peace Prize 1991

¨ The Aung San Suu Kyi Saga (June 11th 2007)