3 Dec 2010

Labour calls for more pressure on Myanmar

9:41 pm on 3 December 2010

Labour is calling on the New Zealand Government to increase its diplomatic efforts to encourage democratic change in Myanmar, formerly known as Burma.

Foreign affairs spokesperson Maryan Street says she has talked by phone for 20 minutes to freed democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

Ms Street says the Nobel Peace laureate told her that New Zealand's relationships in the region could be important in building support for peaceful democratic reform there.

She said Ms Suu Kyi remains optimistic despite the years she spent under house arrest.