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| Southeast Asia |
| Obama asks to free Suu Kyi |
| 2009-11-16 |
| [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 |
| #4 ION BHARAT RAKSHAK > OBAMA SHOULD SPEAK UP FOR INDIA DURING CHINA VISIT. |
| Posted by: JosephMendiola 2009-11-16 20:20 |
| #3 Wow, I approve of something Obama did. A flying pigs moment. |
| Posted by: DMFD 2009-11-16 19:38 |
| #2 I suppose that sometime some country will do what Obama wants, but I suspect that Myanmar will join Iran, Israel, Honduras, Russia, China, etc., etc., etc. So long, and thanks for the photo op. |
| Posted by: DoDo 2009-11-16 11:16 |
| #1 Obama is always sending "strong messages" and making "bold Statements". And getting brushed off. Siuu Kyi is going to remain right where she is and make a sandwich for Lunch. The Burmese Govt is going to ignore Obama and he is going to go take a leak in about a half an hour while his Security Detail will stand outside the door. |
| Posted by: Hupusoth Panda2724 2009-11-16 00:53 |