- News>
- Asia
US accuses Myanmar of backing away from reform
Washington, Feb 14: The United States has accused Myanmar of backing away from national reconciliation and reform, calling on the military junta to release all political prisoners.
Washington, Feb 14: The United States has accused Myanmar of backing away from national reconciliation and reform, calling on the military junta to release all political prisoners.
The State Department expressed strong support for democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, and reaffirmed US support for the efforts of United Nations envoy Razali Ismail to broker a political dialogue in the country.
It recalled that Aung San Suu Kyi was last week awarded the US-based freedom forum's one million dollar spirit of the year award. "At the same time, in Burma, local members of a government-affiliated organisation have been handing out pamphlets defaming her, her family, and her struggle," said State Department spokesman Richard Boucher yesterday, using Myanmar's former name.
"In addition, the ruling military regime, the state peace and development council, has arrested democratic activists, denying them the peaceful expression of their political views. "While the world community looks forward to reconciliation and democracy for the people of Burma, the regime there seems to be looking backward.
"The United States once again calls on the military regime to release all political prisoners immediately and unconditionally and to engage in a real dialogue regarding constitutional issues."
Washington is a frequently fierce critic of Myanmar, and a strong supporter of Aung San Suu Kyi, who won an overwhelming election victory in 1990 which was never recognised by the ruling military. Bureau Report
It recalled that Aung San Suu Kyi was last week awarded the US-based freedom forum's one million dollar spirit of the year award. "At the same time, in Burma, local members of a government-affiliated organisation have been handing out pamphlets defaming her, her family, and her struggle," said State Department spokesman Richard Boucher yesterday, using Myanmar's former name.
"In addition, the ruling military regime, the state peace and development council, has arrested democratic activists, denying them the peaceful expression of their political views. "While the world community looks forward to reconciliation and democracy for the people of Burma, the regime there seems to be looking backward.
"The United States once again calls on the military regime to release all political prisoners immediately and unconditionally and to engage in a real dialogue regarding constitutional issues."
Washington is a frequently fierce critic of Myanmar, and a strong supporter of Aung San Suu Kyi, who won an overwhelming election victory in 1990 which was never recognised by the ruling military. Bureau Report