Germany Urges Suu Kyi's Release

Germany on Friday pressed Myanmar to release pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who turns 60 this weekend, from house arrest and wished her "strength and courage" in her struggle for human rights. Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer sent Aung San Suu Kyi, who has spent most of the last 15 years under house arrest, a telegram with birthday wishes and criticized her treatment by government authorities. "Together with our partners in the European Union, we are urging the government in Rangoon (Yangon) to release you and the other political prisoners and to join a real dialogue with all democratic forces and the various ethnic groups in your country," he wrote. Fischer said he hoped the telegram would reach Aung San Suu Kyi, noting it had become increasingly difficult to contact her since her latest arrest two years ago.