Dear friends,

Like millions of people around the world, I was delighted to hear that Aung San Suu Kyi has been released.

Our Chair, Archbishop Tutu, spoke to Daw Suu Kyi a few days ago to wish her well. In his blog, Arch shares his joy at being able to speak to her and describes her grace, forbearance and “tremendous sense of fun”.

Honorary Elder Aung San Suu Kyi spent 15 of the past 21 years under house arrest. Her release offers hope, but as she told Arch, now is not the time for the international community to turn its attention away from Burma.

We must not forget Burma’s thousands of other political prisoners – nor can we accept that recent elections in Burma met internationally acceptable standards.

With more fighting between government forces and ethnic minority groups, Daw Suu Kyi spoke of the urgent need for a national reconciliation process to bring together Burma’s divided people. We stand ready to help.

My fellow Elders Mary Robinson, Ela Bhatt, Jimmy Carter and I recently travelled to the Middle East. We are very worried about the lack of progress being made towards a lasting Israeli-Palestinian peace agreement.

Although we encountered widespread disillusionment with the peace process, my fellow Elders were also encouraged to meet Israelis and Palestinians who remain committed to achieving freedom, justice and peace.

Some of them are now writing for our blog, which I encourage you to visit.

After our trip, many of you submitted excellent and varied questions about prospects for the peace process, the future of Jerusalem and the role of women. We were glad to see that many of you also asked how ordinary citizens can support peace.

You can watch our video responses to your questions on our website, as well as on YouTube and on Facebook.

We hope to keep these conversations going on other issues, so stay in touch for our next Q&A.

I always find it encouraging to hear from people around the world who are curious about what we do. Yvonne Schaafsma from the Netherlands asked: “Do the Elders feel they are being listened to and recognized when it comes to the politicians they talk to?”

My answer to Yvonne is that politicians are just like the rest of us – sometimes they want to listen and sometimes they do not. You can help us by also raising your voice. We Elders may be able to speak to leaders directly, but it is the pressure from concerned citizens around the world that gives them a reason to listen.