NAY PYI TAW, 18 June - Myanmar Human Rights Group issued a statement today.

The statement is as follows:-

1. Myanmar authorities have been putting American citizen Mr. John William Yettaw, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and her two aides on trial for their offences in accordance with international standards and domestic laws.

2. While doing as such, it is regretful to learn that five UN human rights Special Rapporteurs issued a statement misleadingly on 16 June 2009.

3. Court proceedings regarding the trial for American citizen Mr. John William Yettaw, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and her two aides are being conducted only in accordance with legal rules and procedures, and the accused have been permitted to hire lawyers of their choice and to call relevant witnesses in order for them to enjoy the right to defend themselves.

4. Even though their cases have been handled by the Special Court for security reason, reporting in the newspapers on court proceedings, permitting United States Consul and a locally recruited staff to observe court proceedings and observers, diplomats and reporters to observe every major court proceedings testify to the prevalence of transparency of the administration of justice.

5. The politicization under the pretext of human rights of the action being taken against those offenders in accordance with the existing laws of the State is unacceptable, and the statement by those Special Rapporteurs is hereby rejected.

Myanmar Human Rights Group

(Source: The New Light of Myanmar dated 19 June 2009)