US criticizes use of police in ouster of Burma party chief

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. policymakers are criticizing the role of Burma/Myanmar security forces in the nighttime ouster of the ruling party chief this week.

It shows the fragility of political reforms as the Southeast Asian nation gears up for November elections.

The State Department and the Senate majority leader both voiced concern Friday over how general-turned-politician Shwe Mann was removed as party leader on Wednesday night. It was a murky power play reminiscent of the decades the country known as Burma spent under direct military rule.

Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell is the most prominent congressional voice on Burma. He’s expressed mounting unease over the country’s direction. He says the manner of the ouster “should give pause to supporters of democratic reform in Burma.”

http://asiancorrespondent.com/134830/us-criticizes-use-of-police-in-ouster-of-burma-party-chief/