"Obama tells Myanmar junta to free Suu Kyi"

[Clio the Leo]

You tell 'em Boss! :thumbsup:

Obama tells Myanmar junta to free Suu Kyi

By VIJAY JOSHI, Associated Press Writer Vijay Joshi, Associated Press Writer – 1 hr 40 mins ago
SINGAPORE – 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.

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 Obama called on Myanmar to free his fellow Nobel Peace laureate Suu Kyi and other political prisoners, and end oppression of minorities.

"Obama brought that up directly with that government," Gibbs said, indicating that the president addressed 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.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091115/ap_on_re_as/as_asean_us_myanmar

In 1990, the military junta called a general election, which the National League for Democracy won by an overwhelming 82% of the votes. Being the NLD's candidate, Aung San Suu Kyi under normal circumstances would have assumed the office of Prime Minister.<23> Instead, the results were nullified, and the military refused to hand over power. This resulted in an international outcry. Aung San Suu Kyi was placed under house arrest at her home on University Avenue in Rangoon. During her arrest, she was awarded the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought in 1990, and the Nobel Peace Prize the year after. Her sons Alexander and Kim accepted the Nobel Peace Prize on her behalf. Aung San Suu Kyi used the Nobel Peace Prize's 1.3 million USD prize money to establish a health and education trust for the Burmese people.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aung_San_Suu_Kyi

[madrchsod]

1. burma`s generals do not need the usa

they have china to trade with. burma is china`s treasure chest of minerals and they don`t want to share it.

the results of the "new elections" will be the same and again the united states will condemn the election.

[AngryAmish]

2. I'm sure that will scare them. She'll be free in 48 hours

How could Burma possibly stand up to the persona of Obama?

[marshall]

10. Time to call in the big guns--Bill Clinton!

Then she WILL be freed in 48 hours.

[ClarkUSA]

3. Kudos to him for bringing this up directly w/ Myanmar's PM. No other president has ever done so. nt

[goclark]

4. Hope that it works nt

[ClarkUSA]

5. "A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step." ~ Lao Tse

Pres. Obama has another 7 years in which I'm sure he'll keep up the diplomatic pressure. Who knows what will happen
now that a U.S. president has actually taken the time and given the effort to make direct contact with the government?
I am certain Suu Kyi appreciates our guy's personal attention over her plight. She wasn't expecting it, that's for sure.

[goclark]

9. yes from one Clark to another

I hope that it makes a positive difference. :patriot:

[liberalmuse]

6. Good for him!

He had the opportunity to address this issue face-to-face and he wasn't afraid to do it. I would hope they would release her, but sadly, that isn't likely. You never know, though.

[tekisui]

7. Thank you, President!

Hope they listen.

[Cha]

8. "His fellow Nobel Peace laureate"..

"White House press secretary Robert Gibbs told reporters that Obama called on Myanmar to free his fellow Nobel Peace laureate Suu Kyi and other political prisoners, and end oppression of minorities."

[elshiva]

11. She is one of the greatest peacemakers ever.

:loveya: