U.S. slams Myanmar's expulsion of diplomat

NAYPYIDAW, Myanmar, Nov. 3 (UPI) -- The expulsion of a U.N. diplomat by officials in Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, has been condemned by the United States.

The Independent said Saturday a spokesman for the U.S. National Security Council called the expulsion of Myanmar's human rights representative "outrageous" and an open insult to the international group.

"This outrageous action ... is an insult to the United Nations and the international community," NSC spokesman Gordon Johndroe said Friday.

The country's military junta took action this week against U.N. resident coordinator Charles Petrie prior to the arrival of a U.N. special envoy.

That envoy had been set to improve relations between the Myanmar government and pro-democracy officials, along with urging for the release of detailed demonstrators.

The Independent reported that following the unexpected expulsion, officials in Myanmar must allow the International Committee of the Red Cross into the troubled country immediately.

"The junta needs to allow the ICRC into the country, release political prisoners and stop detaining its citizens who are peacefully protesting the repressive regime," he said.