Myanmar shows rare photos of Suu Kyi getting King Charles books
Myanmar's military-backed government released rare photos of jailed former leader Aung San Suu Kyi getting two books from Britain's King Charles III. Officials also handed her a sealed letter. The handover in the capital, Naypyitaw, lasted about 10 minutes, the government said.
Myanmar's military-backed government said Monday it had delivered two books sent by King Charles III to detained former leader Aung San Suu Kyi, and released photos of the handover, the BBC and NBC News reported.
Two officials from the Home Affairs Ministry gave Suu Kyi the books, a sealed envelope and diplomatic correspondence in the capital, Naypyitaw, the presidential press office said in a statement on Telegram, NBC reported. The meeting lasted about 10 minutes, according to the statement.
The books were "The Land Gardeners: Soil to Table," by British authors Bridget Elworthy and Henrietta Courtauld, and "Soil: The World at Our Feet," the catalog from an exhibition in London, the outlets reported. Charles, who has long championed the environment and sustainable farming, met Suu Kyi in London in 2017, NBC reported.
The two photos show Suu Kyi, 81, in a traditional pale green blouse and skirt, seated across a small table from two men in white shirts, the outlets reported. The government gave no details on her health or what else was discussed, the BBC reported. It also did not say what the correspondence said or how the books were sent, NBC reported.
Suu Kyi has rarely been seen since the military ousted her government in February 2021. She was jailed on charges widely viewed as trumped up and first sentenced to 33 years, the BBC reported. She was moved to house arrest in June. She has spoken about how reading sustained her in past detentions, NBC reported.
The release comes as Min Aung Hlaing, who led the coup and was named president after an election widely condemned as neither free nor fair, tries to end Myanmar's international isolation, the BBC reported. He is barred from Western countries and accused of crimes against humanity, and has been on a diplomatic push in Asia while also talking to the U.S., according to the BBC.
What we know: Myanmar's government says officials delivered two books and a sealed letter from King Charles to Suu Kyi.
What we don't: What the letter said and how Suu Kyi's health is.
Where outlets agree The BBC and NBC News both report that Myanmar's government released photos of Suu Kyi receiving two books on soil and gardening sent by King Charles.
Where they differ The cited reports agree on the key facts so far.