Hope for Aung San Suu Kyi
On Sunday, President Barack Obama asked the military rulers of Myanmar to release pro democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi during a meeting with one of the top leaders of the country. This morning, Aung San Suu Kyi also requested a formal meeting with the reclusive chief of the country, General Than Shwe.
White house press secretary Robert Gibbs told reporters that president Obama called on Myanmar to release Suu Kyi and other political prisoners. For decades, military leaders of Myanmar have avoided contact with western governments because of the regimes poor human right records and oppression of democracy.
Aung San Suu Kyi has spent the least 14 years in detention at her home and is not allowed to travel anywhere. The military rulers have been stubborn and despite numerous sanctions have continued dictatorial rule with an iron fist. However, the direct appeal from president Obama may carry more weight considering he is the most powerful Western leader to have relayed the message directly to a top Myanmar official.
The Myanmar government has set up elections next year but has not mentioned if Aung san Suu Kyi will be allowed to participate in the so called democratic vote. The military junta has so far refused to validate results of the last elections held nearly 20 years ago when Suu Kyi’s party won by a majority.
In the last few years, US policy towards Myanmar has become friendlier and the aim is to initiate talks with the generals. One thing is clear; the economic sanctions will not be lifted until Suu Kyi is released. On Sunday, U.S. President Barack Obama presented Myanmar the vision of improved ties with Washington if it frees all political prisoners and changes to a path of democratic reform.