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Obama asks to free Suu Kyi
[Straits Times] PRESIDENT Barack Obama on Sunday told Myanmar's junta to free pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi during an unusual face-to-face interaction with a top leader of the ruling military.Mr Obama delivered the strong message during his summit with leaders of 10 Southeast Asian nations, which included Myanmar Prime Minister Gen. Thein Sein. White House press secretary Robert Gibbs told reporters that Mr Obama called on Myanmar to free Ms Suu Kyi and other political prisoners, and end oppression of minorities. 'Obama brought that up directly with that government,' Mr Gibbs said, indicating that the president spoke directly to Gen. Thein 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. A joint statement to be issued after the summit - their first ever between a US president and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations - is expected to devote an entire section on Myanmar, a major irritant in relations between the two sides. Posted by: Fred 2009-11-16 |
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