Arroyo calls for Suu Kyi's release

YANGON, Myanmar, July 31 (UPI) -- Philippines President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo called on the Myanmar government Friday to release a pro-democracy advocate and allow her political power.

The Myanmar government should prove it has a legitimate hold on power by immediately releasing Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, Arroyo said.

"The best way to find out (whether the government is legitimate) would be to accelerate the road map and have elections being conducted in an atmosphere and an environment in which Aung San Suu Kyi and her party are able to participate fully," Arroyo told The Washington Post. "It would help to promote human rights, democracy and peace and stability in the region."

Suu Kyi's party, the National League for Democracy, won a landslide victory in 1990, but the military leadership refused to acknowledge it. Suu Kyi and many supporters have been under house arrest for much of the past 19 years, the Post reported.