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U.S. Department of State Office of the Spokesman Press Statement

Press Statement by James B. Foley, Deputy Spokesman
March 18, 1999

Burma--Visa for Dr. Michael Aris

We understand that Dr. Michael Aris, the husband of Nobel Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, is seriously ill. This is a tragic development for Dr. Aris, Aung San Suu Kyi and their family. They have made tremendous personal sacrifices over the past decade in supporting Aung San Suu Kyi’s efforts to bring about democracy and respect for human rights in Burma.

We understand that Burmese authorities have to date not granted Dr. Aris a visa to visit Aung San Suu Kyi. We urge the Burmese authorities to make a humanitarian gesture and permit Dr. Aris to visit his wife before his illness worsens.

We have worked closely with concerned governments, and through the United Nations, to impress upon the regime in Burma the importance of responding positively and urgently to this humanitarian situation. Denying Dr. Aris a visa to visit his wife, particularly under these tragic circumstances, demonstrates a complete lack of compassion. We will continue our efforts to convince the regime to act appropriately and issue the visa.

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