Quê Me Quê Me: Action for democracy in Vietnam & Vietnam Committee on Human Rights
PARIS, 14 November 2010 (IBIB) – The International Buddhist Information Bureau has received the following message from the Most Venerable Thich Quang Do, Patriarch of the Unified Buddhist Church of Vietnam (UBCV) to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, leader of the democracy movement in Burma, warmly welcoming her release. Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi, 65, was released on Saturday 13 November after spending 15 of the past 21 years in detention. Expressing the joy and emotion of the Unified Buddhist Church of Vietnam, Thich Quang Do wrote: “For people all around the world – especially those suffering oppression and deprivation of liberty, this is also the day of their freedom, of our freedom, and we celebrate it joyously together. My heart is with you on this day, for I too have spent almost three decades in prison and internal exile simply for seeking democracy for my people, and I am still under house arrest in my monastery in Saigon”. The UBCV leader sent the message clandestinely from the Thanh Minh Zen Monastery in Saigon, requesting IBIB to forward it to Ms Suu Kyi in Rangoon.
“I am deeply moved and filled with joy by the news of your release from house arrest. On behalf of the Sangha and lay-followers of the Unified Buddhist Church of Vietnam, please accept my warmest wishes on this happiest of days – the day of your freedom. For people all around the world – especially those suffering oppression and deprivation of liberty, this is also the day of their freedom, of our freedom, and we celebrate it joyously together. My heart is with you on this day, for I too have spent almost three decades in prison and internal exile simply for seeking democracy for my people, and I am still under house arrest in my monastery in Saigon.
“Throughout these long years of isolation, you have waged a silent combat against tyranny, using dignity to overcome detention, serenity to overcome seclusion. You have never bowed down. Your image inspired the world, and sent a message which rang out loud and clear – that violence is powerless against the people’s will for freedom. In Vietnam, we heard your voice, and we seek, against great odds, to tread this nonviolent path towards human rights, democracy and the rule of law.
“The road to democracy in Burma is still arduous and long, but I place my faith in your determination and clairvoyance to play a leading role in this process. I urge the people of Burma to support you in your efforts to bring national reconciliation and peace to your country, and call upon the regime to respect their pledge by ensuring your safety and guaranteeing your freedom of expression, movement, association and assembly. As we celebrate your freedom, we also remember the other 2,200 political prisoners still under detention in Burma, and call for their immediate and unconditional release”.
Sramana THICH QUANG DO
Supreme Patriarch
Unified Buddhist Church of Vietnam
