Harper welcomes release of Aung San Suu Kyi
By The Canadian Press
YOKOHAMA, Japan - Prime Minister Stephen Harper has welcomed the release of Myanmar's democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, calling her "an unwavering champion of peace."His comments came Saturday, hours after the military regime in Myanmar announced the Nobel Peace Prize winner's release from years of house arrest, following the expiration of her latest term of detention.
"Neither her trial nor appeal process were conducted in line with international standards. She was not granted due process and should never have been detained," Harper in a statement issued from Yokohama, Japan, where he is attending a Pacific Rim summit.
Harper said Canada has long supported Suu Kyi in her efforts to bring genuine democracy to the country.
In recognition of her struggle to promote fundamental freedoms and democratic principles, she was granted honorary Canadian citizenship by in 2007.
Harper said that the sanctions imposed against the regime in 2007 will remain in place despite the release.
The 65-year-old Suu Kyi has become a powerful symbol of the struggle for democracy in the Southeast Asian country.
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