Aung San Suu Kyi

Mr. Keith Simpson
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations (a) he and (b) the Prime Minister's Special Envoy to Burma have made to the Burmese regime on the health of Aung San Suu Kyi; and if he will make a statement.

Caroline Flint
We were greatly concerned by reports that Aung San Suu Kyi was suffering from low blood pressure and dehydration at the beginning of May. However, latest reporting suggests that her condition has improved. Mrs Suu Kyi was reported to be in good spirits during a visit by an assistant to her regular doctor on Monday 11 May 2009. We have also received reports that she appeared to be in good health on arrival for her trial on 18 May 2009. Nonetheless, we remain concerned that Mrs Suu Kyi has been under house arrest for a considerable period and has not had the level of medical care that can be enjoyed by a free individual. In striking contrast, senior military leaders go out of Burma for medical treatment whenever the need arises.

Mr. Keith Simpson
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions (a) he and (b) the Prime Minister's Special Envoy to Burma has had with governments of ASEAN countries on the arrest and detention of Aung San Suu Kyi by the Burmese regime on 14 May 2009; and if he will make a statement.

Caroline Flint
We are in regular contact with Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries regarding Burma's actions, including on Mrs Suu Kyi's arrest. We support the strong statements issued by a number of member countries, including Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand.

My hon. Friend the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Bill Rammell, and European colleagues will be attending the EU-ASEAN Foreign Ministers' meeting in Phnom Penh on 27-28 May 2009, where he will raise Aung San Suu Kyi's arrest and our collective response with our Asian counterparts.

Mr. Keith Simpson
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps the Government have taken to seek to secure the release of Aung San Suu Kyi following her arrest and detention by the Burmese regime on 14 May 2009; and if he will make a statement.

Bill Rammell
The arrest of Aung San Suu Kyi on 14 May 2009 is of serious concern and shows how determined the regime are to silence her. Our embassy in Rangoon was in contact with the Burmese Ministry of Foreign Affairs immediately on 14 May. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister issued a statement on the morning of 14 May, condemning the regime's actions, The UK actively pursued a statement issued on behalf of the EU and my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary discussed with EU counterparts in Brussels on 19 May 2009 further steps the EU should take.

We are continuing to discuss the situation with our international colleagues in the UN. Once the outcome of the trial is known, we will actively consider how best to engage members of the UN Security Council further on the situation in Burma.