The Independent frontpage: Inside the Saffron Revolution (Burma)

http://comment.independent.co.uk/commentators/article3001621.ece

Gordon Brown: I want to tell the regime: stand down the troops. The age of impunity is over
Published: 27 September 2007

Just before he died, I had the privilege to meet Michael Aris, the husband of Aung San Suu Kyi. With the support of the international community, he was desperately trying to see his wife for the last time. The Burmese authorities said no, and made clear that she could never return if she left Burma. I was struck then – as now – by her enduring strength of purpose.

Even after 17 years of imprisonment and house arrest, she sends a message to the world that no confinement or prison cell, no intimidation or brutality, no personal loss or even the threat to life itself can ever destroy her spirit nor her faith in human nature – and it can never extinguish her determination that one day her people will be free.

The grainy images that we have seen over recent days on our television screens of monks and ordinary citizens in Burma protesting against the illegitimate and oppressive regime controlling their country have once again galvanised the international community.

Through their dignified but resolute protests, the Burmese people are reminding the world of the decision they made as long ago as 1990 to reject military rule and embrace democracy. They are telling us once again of the failure of the Burmese regime to respond to the need for change. I am appalled by the violence used by the Burmese authorities to try to suppress the peaceful demonstrations.-snip-