Senator Jim Webb (D-Va.) is in Myanmar (aka Burma) for a meeting with the military junta ruler Than Shwe, reports the BBC. Though not part of the Obama administration, Webb is the most senior U.S. government official to meet with the Myanmar leadership in recent memory.
Webb's trip comes in the wake of democracy advocate/Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi being sentenced to an additional 18 months of house arrest for allegedly violating the terms of her ongoing house arrest. Suu Kyi's original house arrest stint began when her election as prime minister was blocked by the military.
The additional house arrest was widely criticized by the United States government and human rights advocates. It isn't clear yet if Webb's role is to alleviate that sentence the same way that Bill Clinton had done in getting two U.S. journalists released from North Korea. The Guardian speculates that Webb's visit may instead reflect a potential new policy of engagement towards the military junta.
The BBC reports that Webb isn't expected to meet with Suu Kyi herself though a meeting is still possible with representatives of her National League for Democracy group.Labels: aung san suu kyi, burma, jim webb, myanmar, u.s. senate, virginia
