Burma Today, Monday 2 February, 2004

The Lord Mayor of Sydney Lucy Turnbull has announced Sydney Town Hall will be the location of a display in support of Aung San Suu Kyi and the struggle for democracy in Burma.

The Lord Mayor said the display, which follows her presentation of the Key to the City to Aung San Suu Kyi in December last year, "demonstrates the City of Sydney's continued support for the struggle for democracy in Burma, and someone who has so selflessly pursued human rights through democratic and non-violent means."

The Key will be displayed in the Town Hall, accompanied by messages of support from the Lord Mayor, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and Mr U Tin Tut, a Parliamentary Member Elect and member of the National League for Democracy (NLD), who accepted the Key to the City on behalf of Suu Kyi last year.

This is an opportunity for members of the Burmese Community and others in Sydney to view the award. A Visitors Book also will be available for all Sydneysiders to record messages of support.

"Aung San Suu Kyi's life is inextricably linked with the struggle for democracy in her homeland," Lord Mayor Lucy Turnbull said.

"Her courage in returning to Burma and putting her life at risk to take a stand against a repressive military regime has inspired people not just in her own country but around the world.

"It is important that we maintain pressure on the military regime and continue to draw attention to the plight of imprisoned democratic leaders in Burma.

"Despite the injustices and the threats made to her, Aung San Suu Kyi has maintained her faith and faced the undemocratic junta with grace and courage.

"We encourage people to sign the Visitors Book which the City of Sydney will then send to Aung San Suu Kyi together with the Key to the City" Lord Mayor Turnbull said.

This display will run from 3 February until 27 February 2004, from 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday in the Sydney Town Hall.