Activists welcome Burma release

James Mawdsley believes democracy will come

Two Britons who were jailed in Burma for pro-democracy protests have cautiously welcomed the release of leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

Human rights activist James Mawdsley was sentenced to 17 years in jail for distributing pro-democracy leaflets.

There are areas where repression remains savage

James Mawdsley

And Rachel Goldwyn, of London, was freed two-and-half years ago after serving two months of a seven-year sentence for singing a pro-democracy song.

Mr Mawdsley, who has just returned from his latest visit to Burma, told BBC News Online that the release of Aung San Suu Kyi from house arrest by the military government was an important step towards democracy.

"Everyone welcomes this move," he said.

"It is the right thing for Burma but it is by no means a reason to relax pressure on the regime.

Determination

"There may be a sense that the army is losing morale but there are areas where repression remains savage."

Aung San Suu Kyi has been under house arrest for 20 months

But the 29-year-old charity worker, now living in London, is optimistic about the country's future.

"I am more and more encouraged by the strength of the Burmese people. They will win their democracy," he said.

He added that Aung San Suu Kyi's release proved that the European Union and the British Government's support of elected representatives was working.

Mr Mawdsley was only freed after spending 416 days in solitary confinement in Burma two years ago.

Having suffered at the hands of the regime, he said its actions could never be "taken at face value".

Ms Goldwyn echoed his cautious sentiments.

The development studies masters student said she hoped the pro-democracy leader's release would be more than a gesture.

Ongoing dialogue

"It's wonderful for her, wonderful for her family and for the future of the country," she said.

But she added: "I don't want to throw cold water on the news but we do need to approach it with caution."

Rachel Goldwyn: "Release is fantastic news"

Aung San Suu Kyi had been released from house arrest before but was then stopped from organising politically or meeting with her followers.

She was again placed under house arrest in 2000, when she tried to travel by train to Mandalay in defiance of restrictions put on her.

Ms Goldwyn said the leader's release needed to be "followed through" with further action by the government.

"There is a dialogue process. I hope this is an important step in this dialogue process.

"There are still 2,500 political prisoners inside Burma.

"They must be released for it to be seen as a serious effort."

Sanction threat

She believes that the potential US ban on all Burmese imports had spurred on Burma's military government to engage in talks from late 2000.

She is concerned the release of the Nobel Peace Prize winner may not be more than a "conciliatory gesture".

But the impact on the morale of political prisoners could not be underestimated, she said.

"They are suffering appalling conditions. When the message gets through it's very important."

Ms Goldwyn, 30, a graduate of the London School of Economics, was jailed for singing a pro-democracy song in the Burmese capital, Rangoon.

As a foreigner her situation was different but she was convinced that prisoners would hear about the release.

"This release is important not only to prisoners but to all the country," she said.

She personally had no plans to return to Burma at present.