CWM welcomes release of Aung San Suu Kyi

The Council for World Mission (CWM) has welcomed the release of Myanmar's pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi after seven years of house arrest.

CWM General Secretary Rev Dr van der Water said he hoped the move marked the beginning of a new future for the country, particularly for the people of the Presbyterian Church of Myanmar - a CWM member church.

"We believe the decision by the military generals is long overdue and, we hope, will mark the beginning of a genuine move toward political freedom and democracy for the people of Myanmar and the country as a whole," Dr van der Water said.

"We look forward to the ban on the National League for Democracy being overturned, and the imposition of all sanctions lifted immediately to allow much needed food, services and products to reach the people of Myanmar.

"We call for transparency, honesty and justice in all future negotiations over the coming months, and will continue to pray for the men, women and children of Myanmar and its long-term development as a democratic, prosperous and peaceful country."