Mizzima News

The United States, in a statement issued Tuesday, expressed concern regarding the health of Burmese democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi, as conflicting rumors continue to abound as to whether or not the opposition leader is conducting a hunger strike.

"We are aware of the reports that Aung San Suu Kyi has refused food deliveries," read a statement released yesterday from the office of State Department spokesperson Sean McCormack. "The regime's continued isolation and detention under house arrest of Aung San Suu Kyi makes it impossible to confirm reports such as these. The United States and the international community remain deeply concerned about her welfare."

This latest expression of uneasiness regarding the health of Suu Kyi came only days after the Burmese junta launched its most directed accusations that any rumors implying the National League for Democracy leader was on hunger strike were unfounded.

On Sunday, Police Chief Brigadier General Khin Yi told a press conference in Burma's capital of Naypyitaw that neither Suu Kyi's lawyer nor personal physician had mentioned anything to the regime with respect to a hunger strike following their recent meetings with the detained Nobel Peace Laureate.

However, various dissident voices remain adamant that Suu Kyi is in fact on hunger strike, occasionally going so far as to suggest her life is very much in jeopardy.

The opposition leader has reportedly refused her weekly food delivery since August 15.

Noting that Suu Kyi last met with an American official in April of 2003, McCormack again stressed the long-held position of the United States regarding Burma's political impasse: "We continue to urge the Burmese regime to release immediately and unconditionally Aung San Suu Kyi, as well as all other political prisoners and begin a genuine, time-bound dialogue on democratic transition with the democratic movement and ethnic minority leaders."