The accusations against Aung San Suu Kyi are ugly and damaging not only to the people of Burma but to the reputation of governance in Asia. At the same time the reaction of the international community to the regime, is of utmost importance to the 50 million people of Burma whose lives are constantly in the throes of uncertainty, trauma and confusion. It is the responsibility of all
individuals, organizations and governments to protect those who are only abused by their leaders.

The Burmese regime has made some effort to present a positive face to the international community by establishing elections in 2010. Yet, in preparing for these sham elections, they have increased their oppression of their people, and the arrest of Aung San Su Kyi is another example of how they will stop at nothing to ensure that the elections have only one outcome, that is the election of the current regime.

We need to join our voices with the brave people who continue to risk their lives for the sake of freedom, those such as Min Ko Naing and U Win Tin. We need to demand the release of all political prisoners and for free and fair participation in developing and holding election processes.

The violence in the border areas of Burma continues, as the regime tries to coerce the ethnic ceasefire groups into policing the border areas. This is resulting in instability, and increased fighting causing more people spilling into neighbouring countries. The continued oppression of the ethnic groups within Burma guarantees that any election will be unjust and biased as large sections of society will be unable to participate.

Aung San Suu Kyi has said that it is never too late and therefore it is never too late for Burma to have a chance for true reconciliation and for all parties, including the National League For Democracy and the ethnic groups to join together.

Some of the international community has been calling for engagement with the regime, but those who choose to engage with the regime must be clear about who they stand for and engage only in a way that is with and for the people of Burma. There must be a thorough collaboration with all sectors of society including those at the grassroots level.

For the sake of the future of Burma and therefore for the sake of the future of Asia it is imperative that the current oppression of the citizens of Burma stops. The environmental destruction, deprivation, lack of the most basic health and education services are a humanitarian crisis. Displacement, loss of identity and lack of citizenship are creating a crisis for the next generation of Burmese. The damage to the future is already evident.

I am writing to ask that, we as human rights defenders, show our support and solidarity with the courageous people of Burma who continue to speak out against the atrocities and crimes of a government. It is our job to prevent these and to promote peace, human rights and democracy.

With Thanks and Best Wishes

Dr Cynthia Maung
Director, Mae Tao Clinic

蘿拉走訪密蘇特難民營的同時，布希總統在曼谷發表遠東政策演講，並與流亡的緬甸異議人士和政治人物會面，而8日正好是緬甸民運20週年紀念日，緬甸流亡人士也將至中國和緬甸大使館進行抗議活動。

緬甸納爾基斯風暴已過去16天了。儘管面臨國際社會不斷的壓力，緬甸軍政府仍遲遲不願打開國門接受大批外援。同時，緬甸受災最嚴重的伊洛瓦底三角洲的災民們開始指責政府不僅沒有給與他們必要的救援，而且還開槍射殺手無寸鐵的災民。請聽本台綜合報導：重災區伊洛瓦底三角洲估計有250萬人由於這場風暴陷於貧困之中，不得不依賴於當地的食品救援生存。災民們抱怨說，軍政府根本不關心他們的艱難生活，政府只給他們當地的1650人分發了3-4袋大米【錄音】：「其他組織在幫助我們，但政府沒有。我們對這很不滿。但是我們不敢告訴那些救援組織，因為如果我們告訴他們，我們會有很大的麻煩。」

緬甸媒體稱，死亡人數達到3,969人，大批人無家可歸。報道說，在伊洛瓦底江(Irrawaddy)三角洲的伯格勒城(Bogale) 和Laputta的兩個城鎮，可能有數千人死亡。

辛西雅醫生十二月來台領取亞洲民主人權獎

（中央社記者李佳霏台北十九日電）台灣民主基金會董事長王金平今天宣布，「二○○七年亞洲民主人權獎」得主是梅道診所的創辦人辛西雅˙蒙格（Cynthia Maung）。她將在十二月十三日親自來台，從總統陳水扁手上接下獎座與十萬美元的獎金。