Top US official meets Myanmar’s Suu Kyi

A top American official has met with Myanmar’s detained opposition leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, on a rare visit to the country.

US Assistant Secretary of State, Kurt Campbell and the leader of the NLD party talked for over two hours at a hotel close to her home, where she has been under house arrest for most of the last 20 years.

Nyan Win, Suu Kyi’s lawyer and NLD member said:

“NLD members will talk to him about the constitution. All political parties need to act freely for elections. She is happy with Obama’s new policy and all parties need to discuss it.”

The US and European countries have long imposed bans on Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, because of human rights abuses by the military junta.

Campbell is the highest-ranking American official to visit the country in 14 years. He also held talks with the Prime Minister, though critics say this legitimises Myanmar’s military rulers.

Copyright © 2009 euronews

tags: Aung San Suu Kyi, Human Rights, Myanmar