US Senator Mr John McCain and party calls on Union Minister for Foreign Affairs U Wunna Maung Lwin

2nd June 2011. US Senator Mr. John McCain and party, who are currently in Myanmar, called on Union Minister for Foreign Affairs U Wunna Maung Lwin at the ministry here yesterday afternoon.
Speaking on the occasion, the union minister said that Myanmar will continue to practise the independent, active non-aligned foreign policy based on the five principles of peaceful coexistence. The country will also continue the friendly relations with global nations and cooperation with international organizations as well as regional organizations such as the UN, ASEAN and BIMSTEC. Myanmar wishes to establish bilateral relationship between the two countries, based on equality and mutual respect. So, mutual trust and confidence must be built sidelining the misunderstandings between the two countries and Myanmar welcomes the direct engagement policy of the US the union minister noted.
Next, Mr. John McCain asked about the issue of political prisoners. For his part Union Minister U Wunna Maung Lwin said that Myanmar has firmly announced that there are no political prisoners in the country. Those serving their prison terms in Myanmar's jails are just law offenders. Although some of them may be associated with political parties, action was taken against them not because they are members of political parties. Anyone who does any harm to peace and stability of the State will face action in accord with the existing laws. For peace and stability of the State, measures will be taken in a democratic way. The State itself could have made democracy transition in a peaceful and stable way, added the union minister.
McCain asked about the attitude towards Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. The union minister replied that now, she has the right to act as an ordinary person. She is meeting freely with the persons she wants to, including diplomats. Any Myanmar citizen must accept and recognize the state constitution. For the people, they as individuals or in parties can participate in nation-building tasks if they wish to do so by standing for election. It is the Hluttaw that is the most appropriate place to decide the future of the State.
In his discussion, Mr. John McCain said he believed that Myanmar will be able to do better in all aspects in the future. The US will continue to hold discussions with Myanmar and it is hoped that this will contribute to further promoting the relations between the two countries, added the senator.

(Source: the New Light of Myanmar 3-6-2011)