French President reiterates call for unconditional release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi

Photo – A letter from the French President and Ko Thein Lin receiving it. French President Emmanuel Macron has reaffirmed France's unchanged stance on the immediate and unconditional release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, and stated that France will continue to call for the release of all those detained for political reasons since the 2021 military coup. This was revealed in a letter from the French President shared by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's son, Ko Thein Lin (aka Kim Aris), on his Facebook page on July 9. In the letter addressed to Ko Thein Lin (aka Kim Aris), President Macron stated that he had received the letter sent after meeting with officials from the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs on May 4, 2026, and that he was also aware of the situation of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and President U Win Myint, as announced by Naypyidaw. He emphasized that for inclusive political dialogue to emerge in Myanmar, fundamental human rights must be respected, and that those detained must be guaranteed the right to adequate healthcare, to meet with their lawyers, and to communicate with their families. Furthermore, President Macron welcomed the "Proof of Life" campaign led by Kim Aris, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's son, and shared the family's concerns about Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's health and detention conditions. The letter also stated that France supports the ASEAN's request for an audience with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, as the ASEAN chair in 2026, and that this matter was also discussed during a meeting with Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who visited Paris on May 25. President Macron wrote that France continues to exert pressure on the Myanmar military junta and also supported the extension of the European Union's (EU) sanctions for another year on April 27, 2026, against those who violate human rights and undermine democracy and the rule of law in Myanmar. Furthermore, President Macron assured that France will continue to work with its European, regional, and international partners for the situation of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the restoration of all her rights, and the rights of all political prisoners. In his letter, the French President referred to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi as "State Counsellor." Ko Thein Lin's response Ko Thein Lin (aka Kim Aris) wrote on Facebook that he was deeply grateful for receiving the letter from the French President and for France's consistent policy of always standing by the people of Myanmar. He expressed special thanks for France's understanding of the family's concerns, its support for the "Proof of Life" campaign, and its strong emphasis on respecting fundamental rights such as the right to communicate with family, meet with lawyers, and receive adequate medical care for Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. He also stated that France's support for ASEAN's request for an audience with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, and its continued cooperation with international partners for the immediate and unconditional release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and all political prisoners, offers hope. Ko Thein Lin (aka Kim Aris) wrote, "To this day, our family has had absolutely no contact with my mother. In a time like this, when we don't even know if Mom is still alive, France's stance and its strong commitment to human rights are a source of hope for us." Finally, he expressed his heartfelt gratitude to French President Emmanuel Macron, the French government, and all the people of France for continuing to stand with Myanmar.