US warns Myanmar of fresh sanctions
Posted: 10 October 2007 2032 hrs

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WASHINGTON - The United States on Wednesday warned it could slap new sanctions on Myanmar if it does not stop atrocities against its own people and demanded a probe into the death of an opposition member while in custody.

"The United States strongly condemns the atrocities committed by the Myanmar government and calls for a full investigation into the death of Win Shwe during his detention in Burma," said Gordon Johndroe, a White House spokesman.

"It must stop the brutal treatment of its people and peacefully transition to democracy or face new sanctions from the United States," he added.

An organisation run by former political prisoners now living in exile in neighbouring Thailand said that an NLD member arrested over last month's protests had died after being tortured during interrogation.

Win Shwe, 42, was detained on September 26 near Myanmar's second city of Mandalay, the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners said.

The Myanmar government cracked down on peaceful protests led by Buddhist monks in Yangon last month, unleashing baton charges, tear gas and live rounds, killing at least 13 people and sparking an international outcry.

In an apparent attempt to forestall any punitive UN action, it has made a series of conciliatory moves.

The military last week said that top leader Than Shwe was willing to meet Aung San Suu Kyi, who has been under house arrest for most of the past 18 years. - AFP/ch