New Delhi (Mizzima) – A visit to Burma by US Sen. John McCain is expected to raise the hot-button issues of US sanctions, the release of political prisoners and national reconciliation, National League for Democracy (NLD) party leader Win Tin said on Wednesday.
Senior leader Win Tin told Mizzima that McCain is known for his frank talk, and he may be expected to give a more accurate report about talks with government officials. McCain kicked off a 3-day visit and a round of meetings on Wednesday.
NLD central executive members said they would urge him to press for immediate talks between party leader Aung San Suu Kyi and President Thein Sein. McCain will meet with Suu Kyi at her home.
Win Tin said he would also like to see McCain emphasize China’s role in Burma and to press China to try to infuence the government to make needed reforms, perhaps calling for a meeting with international stakeholders.
While here, McCain will also meet with Committee for Representing People’s Parliament members including Aye Thar Aung and Pu Cing Sing Thang and ethnic leaders.
On Wednesday, McCain met members of political parties which contested in the 2010 general election including the National Democratic Force, National Unity Party, Rakhine Nationalities Development Party and the Democratic Party.
The visit of the influential US leader, who ran for president in the last election, follows a visit by Communist Party politburo member Jia Cing Ling in April, who met with President Thein Sein who paid a visit to China on May 26.
The NLD currently has no official contact with the Chinese Embassy in Rangoon.
