But neither the Trump administration nor lawmakers are readying sanctions or levying real pressure on Aung San Suu Kyi's government. Refugees International accuses the military of blocking life-saving aid and rights abuses, "which we believe amount to ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity". US officials are leery of undermining the weak civilian government of Suu Kyi, which took office last year, ending five decades of ruinous army rule. She said she wasn't aware if Trump has spoken to Suu Kyi since becoming president. A defence spending bill due to be taken up by Senate next week could expand restricted ties with Myanmar's military.

Source: Bangkok Post September 09, 2017 05:48 UTC