Sen. Webb Wins Pledge for American’s Release in Myanmar

Posted on Aug 15, 2009

webb.senate.gov

Sen. Webb, pictured, also met with Aung San Suu Kyi during his diplomacy blitz in Myanmar.

Sen. Jim Webb of Virginia negotiated his way into a meeting Saturday with Senior Gen. Than Shwe in Myanmar in which he secured a promise that detained American John Yettaw would be released and allowed to join him on a Bangkok-bound plane Sunday.  —KA

Update: Yettaw, who was sentenced to seven years, has been deported. The American claimed to be on a mission from God. Sen. Webb said he was in poor health. [Link]

The New York Times:

The senator’s office said he had secured the release of the American, John Yettaw, who was sentenced to prison on Tuesday after intruding at the home of the pro-democracy leader, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.

In another gesture by the government, Mr. Webb, a Democrat, was allowed to meet with Mrs. Aung San Suu Kyi, who was sentenced at the same trial to 18 months of added house arrest, arousing international condemnation. She has spent 14 of the past 20 years under house arrest.

Most visiting foreign officials are denied permission to meet her, most recently United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon in July.

Read more

More Below the Ad

New and Improved Comments

If you have trouble leaving a comment, review this help page. Still having problems? Let us know. If you find yourself moderated, take a moment to review our comment policy.