As co-chairs of the U.S. Senate Women’s Caucus on Burma, we extend our birthday greetings to Aung San Suu Kyi, on the occasion of her 63rd birthday.  We regret that, once again, Suu Kyi will mark this day alone and under house arrest -- as she has for most of the past 18 years. 

We look forward to the day when we can celebrate this day with Suu Kyi in person in a free and democratic Burma.

Suu Kyi’s message of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law continues to inspire not only her fellow citizens but the people of the world with her courage and resolve in the face of constant oppression. 

In April, Congress voted overwhelmingly -- and in a bipartisan manner -- to award Aung San Suu Kyi the Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of her life’s work and her ideals. It is our hope that we will soon be able to present this medal – our nation’s highest civilian award -- to Suu Kyi in person. 
 
The people of Burma have suffered indignity, discrimination and cruelty at the hands of the military junta. Their suffering has only been increased by the devastating cyclone. We deplore the regime’s failure to allow disaster assessment teams into the country in a timely manner to assess the damage and provide relief.

We renew our call to the regime to release Suu Kyi and all political prisoners immediately and unconditionally. It’s time for a true dialogue on national reconciliation and restoration of representative government.

On this day, we renew our solidarity with Aung San Suu Kyi and the people of Burma. Your cause is our cause.”

 
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