TWO GOOD MOVES FROM the US ................
U.S. Demands Probe After Suu Kyi Ally Dies in Myanmar Custody
By Ed Johnson
Oct. 11 (Bloomberg) -- The U.S. government demanded an investigation and threatened new sanctions against Myanmar's military regime after an ally of opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi died in custody.
Win Shwe, 42, a member of Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy, died during interrogation after being arrested Sept. 26 in the city of Mandalay during anti-junta protests, the Assistance Association for Political
Prisoners, a Thailand- based rights group, said in a statement yesterday.
``The United States strongly condemns the atrocities committed by the junta and calls for a full investigation into the death of Win Shwe during his detention,'' White House spokesman Gordon Johndroe said by e-mail late yesterday. ``The junta must stop the brutal treatment of its people and peacefully transition to democracy or face new sanctions.''
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bloomberg.com
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US jewellers want Myanmar gem loophole plugged
Posted: 11 October 2007
WASHINGTON: American jewellers asked the authorities Wednesday to effectively plug a legal loophole allowing gems mined from Myanmar to be sold in the United States despite punitive sanctions against the military-ruled state.
Myanmar-mined gems are exported to the United States by third countries such as Thailand, where the precious stones are cut and polished for jewellers, industry officials said.
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channelnewsasia.com