US State Department speaks out

[tate]

Anwar is really somebody. Here the US State Department is speaking out for him.

http://straitstimes.asia1.com.sg/Breaking+News/SE+Asia/Story/STIStory_265761.html

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR>US questions sodomy claims against M'sian opposition leader </TR><!-- headline one : end --><!-- show image if available --></TBODY></TABLE>

<!-- START OF : div id="storytext"-->WASHINGTON - THE United States on Thursday highlighted doubts raised over sodomy charges against Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim, as a top Malaysian envoy was summoned to the State Department over the case.

'We take note of the many serious questions raised within Malaysia, including by the Malaysian Bar Council, concerning this case', a State Department official told AFP.

Datuk Seri Anwar was released on bail on Thursday after pleading not guilty to sodomy charges ahead of a by-election expected to return him to parliament this month.

The former deputy premier, jailed a decade ago on similar charges that were later overturned, has said the new allegations have been concocted by the government to prevent him from seizing power.

Human rights watchdogs also felt the charges were politically motivated, with the Malaysian Bar Council, a top lawyers group, raising a series of questions over the police investigation into the charges.

'We again urge Malaysian authorities to resolve the matter in a manner that builds confidence in the impartial rule of law and the proper functioning of democratic institutions in Malaysia', said the State Department official, speaking on condition of anonymity.

On Wednesday, Mr Ilango Karuppannan, the charge d'affaires of the Malaysian embassy in Washington, was summoned to the State Department before charges were filed against Mr Anwar in Kuala Lumpur, officials said.

The department confirmed that a meeting took place with the envoy over Mr Anwar's case and other issues but did not provide details.

'We have regular exchanges with Malaysian diplomats in Washintgon on a number of subjects, including with the Malaysian charge (d'affaires) yesterday', the department official said.

'Anwar Ibrahim's case was one of the topics of conversation'. The US actions may further infuriate the Malaysian government.

Kuala Lumpur accused Washington of meddling in its internal affairs when US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice last month raised concerns over the investigation into the claims against Mr Anwar.

Mr Anwar was accused of sodomising 23-year-old aide Mohamad Saiful Bukhari Azlan on June 26.

Sodomy, even between consenting adults, is illegal in this conservative and predominantly Muslim nation. It carries a penalty of 20 years imprisonment. -- AFP

 

[gravure]

We all know that Anwar bought by the USA politicians. Only hope that he does not use his influence with USA to whack Singapore.

 

[tate]

We all know that Anwar bought by the USA politicians.

This is surprising, many years ago when Anwar was a student leader, he was feared for his ties with the islamist groups. How did Anwar gets to win favors from USA?

 

[Wuwei]

We all know that Anwar bought by the USA politicians. Only hope that he does not use his influence with USA to whack Singapore.

The US is just acting like the US,putting themselves in a human rights,system of justice morale pedestral regardless of Anwar's position.Anwar may need their help but will not acknowledge them.

 

[gravure]

What he did is unknown. But you do remember that Al Gore pissed off Dr M by shouting REFOMASI during the APEC forum in 1998?

Anwar spent a number of years in USA after he was released from prison. God know who he spoke to or what the powers that be asked him to do.

All I am saying is that USA wants Anwar in power. Why, I donno. I think Malaysia has been too neutral in the world affairs, and the USA want them to toe the line. Getting Anwar as PM is the first step.

 

[zack123]

The enemy of my enemy is my friend

 

[gravure]

He is your friend until they make your enemy their best friend.

 

[Lentor]

of cos,the big bro has always see mad-hathir as a thorn in their arse.
that mad guy just likes to suck up to those arabs balls which irks the big bro!

 

[Alu862]

Anwar more important to the US than their supposed citizen, Gopalan Nair!!!

 

[BlueCat]

the US always like to impose the so-call democratic and human rights stuff all over the world.
they should really take care of their own economic wounds.

 

[gravure]

Democracy and human right stuff is different from economic issues.

In fact, I think USA has done the world a favour by being so open in imports. If they start closing their economy, that is a faster way for the world to die than whatever they are doing now.

The USA state department has no part to fix for the USA economy, so they have plenty of time to kpkb on the human rights of others.