Schwarzenberg calls on Myanmar leaders to take country towards democracy

Foreign Minister Karel Schwarzenberg called Thursday on Myanmar's ruling junta to take the country towards democracy on the eve of the 60th anniversary of the country's independence. In a letter sent to the junta's leaders, Mr Schwarzenberg said he hoped that Myanmar's population would soon have the possibility to celebrate “real freedom”. The foreign minister also challenged the junta to release all political prisoners and to start talks with the leaders of democratic forces in the country. The junta violently cracked down on peaceful protests led by Buddhist monks in September with at least 31 people killed and 74 missing, according to a UN report.

Author: Jan Velinger