Post date: Sep 20, 2012 11:47:38 PM
WASHINGTON, D.C., UNITED STATES (SEPTEMBER 19, 2012 ) (NBC) - Myanmar democracy activist Aung San Suu Kyi on Thursday (September 20) called upon the Russian government to release from jail the members of the Russian band Pussy Riot.
Myanmar democracy activist Aung San Suu Kyi calls for the release of members of the Russian punk band Pussy Riot and also reiterates her calls for U.S. assistance in Myanmar.
Suu Kyi received flowers from the family of Nadia Tolokonnikova, one of the jailed band members, at an event sponsored by Amnesty International.
"I would like the whole group to be released as soon as possible," she said.
Three members of the Pussy Riot punk band were jailed after singing a profanity-laced "punk prayer" in a church in Russia.
During the event, held at the Newseum in Washington, Suu Kyi also reiterated her calls for U.S. support for Myanmar, which she refers to as Burma.
"I want Burma to be a reason for unity in the United States Congress and I would also like a lot of help from the United States Congress and from the rest of America in helping us build a democratic institution. This of course means practical help such as funding as well as the kind of help that you give through advise and engagement," she said.
Earlier on Thursday, Suu Kyi appeared at American University, where she greeted members of the local Myanmar community.
Suu Kyi is on a 17-day, coast-to-coast tour of the U.S.