UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The U.N.’s human rights envoy to Myanmar is appealing to its military rulers “to send a strong signal” to the world that it will hold a genuine election by releasing democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi and almost 2,100 political prisoners.
U.N. envoy Tomas Ojea Quintana cast more doubt Thursday on the legitimacy of the Nov. 7 election, saying “it is clear the process remains deeply flawed.”
He praised the release of more than 130 political prisoners in September 2009 but said none have been let go since then, and he reiterated U.N. demands that all be freed and allowed to take part in the election.
The ruling junta has insisted the election will be a major step toward democracy. The nation’s democratic movement and other opposition figures been saying it will be a sham.
