Webb also “secured” a rare visit with Suu Kyi, according to AP. The release of Yettaw, a man who doesn’t know Aung San Suu Kyi, is part of an overall diplomatic surge by the U.S. under Pres. Obama.
Tweeted this earlier.
U.S. Sen. Jim Webb won the release Saturday of an American prisoner convicted in Myanmar and sentenced to seven years in prison for swimming secretly to the residence of detained democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, the senator’s office said.
Yettaw, 53, is to be officially deported Sunday, when he will fly with Webb on a military plane to Bangkok, according to a statement from Webb’s office.
Webb was for highest official to ever meet with junta leader Senior Gen. Than Shwe. That diplomacy thing:
While Washington has traditionally been Myanmar’s strongest critic, applying political and economic sanctions against the junta, President Barack Obama’s new ambassador for East Asia, Kurt Campbell, recently said the administration is interested in easing its policy of isolation. Webb has said that “affirmative engagement” could bring the most change to Myanmar, concerning those who think a hard line is the best approach.
Britain’s ambassador approved, some rights groups not so much.
Britain’s ambassador to the United Nations suggested Webb’s visit could help persuade the junta to free Suu Kyi.
“If the Americans can get the generals to see that their country’s interest is reflected in taking interest in reconciliation, releasing Aung San Suu Kyi and holding free and fair elections, that would be very helpful.” John Sawyers told BBC Radio 4 on Saturday.
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