As the date for the possible extension of Aung San Suu Kyi’s house arrest approaches, calls for her release have proliferated. Her detention is, according to reports, due to be reviewed on 27 May 2007. The big news today is that:

US First Lady Laura Bush has called on countries including Australia and China to pressure Burma’s military regime over its human rights record.

Several female US senators have formed a group to write to the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General, urging him to press Burma to release opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi from house arrest.

Speaking at the launch of the group, Mrs Bush said the democracy campaigner had the support of American women.

– “Laura Bush calls for pressure on Burma“, ABC News Online, 24 May 2007. A full report of her comments is available from the White House website.

Thanks to Asia specialist, Paul, for bringing the First Lady’s statement to my attention.