Headlines and Highlights
U.S. Congressmen Visit Bratislava, Describe Trip to India, Burma
January 14, 2012
Senator Mark Warner, Senator Robert Udall and Representative Joseph Crowley.
Senator Mark Warner of Virginia, Senator Robert Udall of New Mexico, and Representative Joseph Crowley of New York visited Slovakia January 14 on their way back to the United States following a visit to India. While the delegation was in India, Congressman Crowley made a side trip to Burma to meet with government officials, the family members of political prisoners held there, and Nobel Peace Prize recipient Aung San Suu Kyi. As Congressman Crowley left Burma to rejoin the delegation, Burmese officials announced the release of 651 prisoners. While in Bratislava, the delegation briefed the Slovak press on the recent actions by the Burmese government, the first time the story had been told to any international media. Congressman Crowley said the release of the political prisoners “seems to be the real deal” and he called the announcement that an ambassador would be sent to Burma a “measured response.” Sanctions against Burma would continue, Crowley noted, but he was optimistic that relations between Burma would continue to improve.