World opinion condemns San Suu Kyi conviction (+analysis); hundreds survive Taiwan mudslides; Kuwait terror plot foiled; charges laid against Musharraf; and more

Top of the Agenda: Reaction to Burma Conviction

World leaders, including U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, retired South Africa's Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, condemned a Burma court's conviction of opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, and called for her release (VOA). For violating the terms of her house arrest, Suu Kyi was sentenced to additional eighteen months of detention.

In a statement, U.S. President Barack Obama said the conviction runs "counter to Burma's commitments under the ASEAN charter" and disregards UN Security Council statements. He also called for the release of the "thousands of other political prisoners" in Burma.

But China said the international community should respect Burma's judicial sovereignty (Reuters), and implied it would not support UN action against the country.

The Security Council met after Suu Kyi's conviction, but could not immediately agree on a response (Myanmar News).

Analysis:
The Christian Science Monitor says U.S. sanctions against Burma have allowed China to dominate the country and its economy, "providing wealth to the regime…even as common Burmese suffer."

The New York Times notes that the extension of Suu Kyi's sentence ensures she will remain isolated through next year's scheduled parliamentary election.

Background:
A CFR Backgrounder looks at the struggle for democracy in Burma.

The BBC profiles Suu Kyi.

 

PACIFIC RIM: Hundreds Found Alive in Taiwan Mudslide

Some seven hundred people feared dead after a mudslide in Taiwan have been found alive (Bloomberg). The mudslide was caused by Typhoon Morakot, which struck Taiwan over the weekend, killing at least sixty people.

China: The New York Times reports on China's rapid construction of hazardous incinerators as it runs out of landfill space.

 

ELSEWHERE:

Clinton meets Nigerian leaders.
Kuwait foils terror plot.
Pakistani police file charges against Musharraf.

This is an excerpt of the CFR.org Daily News Brief. The full version is available on CFR.org