Gordon Brown writes open letter of support to Aung San Suu Kyi's democracy crusade

London, May 19 (ANI): British prime Minister Gordon Brown has sent a message of personal support and solidarity to the arrested Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, saying that she is "not alone" in her fight to reinstate democracy in Burma.

"We should not rest until you are able to play your rightful role in a free and secure Burma. I want you to know: you are not alone," The Independent quoted Brown's letter, as stating.

Last week, Suu Kyi was charged with violating the terms of her house arrest by allowing an American man to stay in her home for two days. She could face up to five years' imprisonment for the intrusion.

Brown's open letter includes a pledge to fight her cause, and encourage Burma's Asian neighbours "to work even harder for your release and that of all political prisoners in Burma."

Brown has long admired Nobel Prize winner Suu Kyi, 63, who was first placed under house arrest 20 years ago. In 2007, he dedicated a chapter of his book on courage to her, comparing her fight to bring democracy to Burma to that of Nelson Mandela's struggle in South Africa.

"People are standing with you, not just here in Britain but everywhere that democracy and freedom are upheld. We are heartened by your tremendous courage, your inspirational leadership, and by the knowledge that no oppression is so great that the forces of liberty cannot prevail," his letter reads.

Suu Kyi went on trial in Rangoon on Sunday. The British ambassador was denied access to the proceedings.

According to Downing Street sources, Brown hoped his intervention would help focus attention on Suu Kyi's plight at a time when she faces fresh persecution from the military junta.

"I say to the generals who imprison you: the time for a transition to democracy is now. By excluding you from that future, by silencing and imprisoning you, they condemn your country to further decades of poverty and exclusion," said Brown, who along with French President Nicolas Sarkozy, wrote a similar message on her birthday last summer. (ANI)