South Africa’s Nobel Peace Prize-winner Archbishop Desmond Tutu expressed concern about the situation in Burma on Wednesday, describing the country’s pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi as his only pin-up.
”I think we ought to celebrate the incredible courage of our sisters and brothers in Burma,” he said, using the former name of Myanmar, where thousands have taken to the streets to demand the end of the military regime.
Up to 100 000 people defied heavy security to take to the streets of the main city, Yangon, on Wednesday, where security forces used batons, tear gas and live rounds to crack down on the protests, killing at least four people.
”We want to salute our sister Aung San Suu Kyi, who for 11 of the last 17 years is under house arrest,” the former archbishop of Cape Town added, urging Burma’s military rulers to show restraint.
”It is incumbent on us to say to no — please, for goodness’ sake, listen to the calls of the people. The people are saying we just want freedom and democracy,” he said.
”Please, please, how can men armed to the teeth be scared of this petite, demure, beautiful woman?” the 75-year-old said, adding: ”She’s my only pin-up in my office.” — Sapa-AFP