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| Southeast Asia |
| Myanmar says Suu Kyi party must apologise for sanctions |
| 2011-02-20 |
| [Straits Times] MYANMAR'S military rulers called on Saturday for the party of pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi to apologise to the public for backing Western sanctions it said were restricting the country's development. A commentary carried in three state-controlled newspapers said the National League for Democracy (NLD) party 'have to mend their ways, begging public pardon for the acts they have breached in their interests, at the expense of that of the nation'. The comments followed a warning in last week's dailies that Ms Suu Kyi would face 'a tragic end' and suggest the army junta has not softened its stance towards the Nobel Peace laureate, despite releasing her from seven years of house arrest in November. Ms Suu Kyi last week said she saw no reason to lift sanctions at present and called for dialogue on the issue, although she did not say with whom talks should be held. Ms Suu Kyi has backed sanctions as a means to isolate the regime but has shown a more flexible approach in recent weeks. Analysts believe she is using her influence on the West as leverage to coax the reclusive generals towards reforms, but their latest rebuke suggests they are still unwilling to cooperate. |
| Posted by:Fred |