US calls on Burmese junta to release Suu Kyi
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.President Barack Obama yesterday took the opportunity of a highly unusual face-to-face encounter with a top leader of Burma's military junta to bluntly demand the release of pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Mr Obama delivered the strong message during his summit meeting with leaders of 10 Southeast Asian nations, which included Burma Prime Minister General Thein Sein.
White House press secretary Robert Gibbs told reporters that Mr Obama called on Burma to free his fellow Nobel Peace laureate Suu Kyi and other political prisoners, and end the oppression of minorities. "Obama brought that up directly with that government," Gibbs said, indicating that the president addressed Gen Sein.
For decades, Western governments have avoided direct contacts with leaders of Myanmar because of the regime's poor human rights record and suppression of democracy. It is said that the last time an American president addressed a senior Burmese official was when Lyndon Johnson had military dictator Ne Win to dinner in 1966.
A joint statement issued after the summit – the first between a US president and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations – devoted a paragraph to Burma, a major irritant in relations between the two sides. But the statement did not call for the release of political prisoners, including Suu Kyi, who has spent 14 of the last 20 years under detention by the military regime.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments