Brussels – The spokesperson of Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the Commission, issued the following statement today.“The High representative deplores the decision of the Supreme Court to reject the appeal of Aung San Suu Kyi against the unjust sentence imposed last year.

This damages prospects for an inclusive political dialogue between the Government and opposition parties that is urgently needed to achieve progress in national reconciliation and secure long-term stability. In the perspective of the planned elections later this year, the High Representative calls on the authorities to heed the appeals of the International Community to allow her and all other prisoners of conscience to participate in the political process.

The authorities still have a chance to change course through the legal possibility of a final appeal.
The High Representative now makes a strong plea to them to grasp that opportunity in the interest of the future of their country and its people.”