Thursday, July 14, 2011

2nd Myanmar diplomat defects in Washington

The Associated Press
Published: Wednesday, Jul. 13, 2011 - 6:03 pm
WASHINGTON -- A former Myanmar envoy in Washington says another diplomat at that mission has followed him in seeking political asylum in the United States.
Former deputy chief of mission Kyaw Win tells The Associated Press that first secretary Soe Aung defected Wednesday after he was ordered back to Myanmar.
Kyaw Win said his own defection July 4 had prompted Myanmar authorities to summon Soe Aung for questioning. Kyaw Win had accused Myanmar's military of clinging to power in the Asian country.
State Department deputy spokesman Mark Toner said the department does not publicly comment on asylum requests unless the individual publicly announces the request.
Soe Aung could not immediately be reached by phone.
Aung Din of the U.S. Campaign for Burma confirmed the defection.


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