Canadian MP Irwin Cotler is one of Mr. Ahmed's supporters. He also wins my completely unofficial prize for nicest birthday greetings for Aung San Suu Kyi, the Burmese democratic leader in house arrest. Mr. Cotler writes: "We are with you and hope to celebrate your next birthday together in freedom." It's reminiscent of "next year in Jerusalem": a reminder that things do change.
First runner-up: Jason Kenney, secretary of state for multiculturalism and identity: "Be strong and do not lose courage, for your supporters around the world have not, and will not, abandon the cause of Burmese democracy."
Second runner-up: Bernard Bisha of Ottawa, who writes: "If I came I would like to give you something both for your birthday, and for your perseverance against a brutal regime and being a defender of human rights for your own people."
These and other birthday greetings from parliamentarians and citizens will be delivered to the Burmese embassy in Ottawa by Parliamentary Friends of Burma. Thanks to Canadian Friends of Burma for sending them along. Did you know they have a campaign to make Aung San Suu Kyi an honourary Canadian citizen? She'd be the first woman so honoured.