Today on The World: The world's top finance ministers are set to meet in Washington this weekend on the global economic crisis; NATO is joining forces with Afghan troops to battle Afghanistan's opium trade; and a Mexican film-maker who is convinced Mexico's 2006 presidential election was rigged.

Dear Mr. McCain and Mr. Obama,

I am a Burmese Buddhist monk, who took part in last year's "Saffron Revolution" in Burma calling for peace and reconciliation in Burma and later escaped to Thailand after the military government's brutal crackdown.

Let me start with my wholehearted appreciation for your support. When I was on the run to evade the arrest of military junta in Burma, I heard your statements, via oversea short-wave radios, extending your support for the people of Burma and its peaceful struggle led by Buddhist monks last September. I together with my fellow oppressed people of Burma were highly encouraged and grateful for your support.

In fact, the United States under President Bush's leadership, with bipartisan support in Congress, has played a key role in advocating the democratic cause in Burma. I believe that whichever one of you is elected president in November, both of you are committed to continuing this unwavering support for the people of Burma.

I hope you will also rally effective international pressure – especially through United Nations Security Council – to push the Burmese junta to enter genuine political dialogue with the democratic opposition led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, and ethnic nationality groups for resolving the country's protracted crisis and proceed toward national reconciliation.

I also encourage you to coordinate more with regional powers in Asia – especially China, which is a key supporter of the military junta in Burma – to pressure the regime to release Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the world's only imprisoned Nobel Laureate, and 2,100 political prisoners as the first and most important step in the political transition in Burma.

Thank you.
May you be well, happy and peaceful!

With Metta (Loving-Kindness),
Venerable U Gawsita

U Gawsita was born in Pegu Division of Burma in 1979 and was ordained as a novice at the age of 12. From 2005 to 2007, he studied Buddhism at Meggin Monastery in Rangoon where he became one of the leading monks of the Saffron Revolution.
Following the protests, almost all his fellow monks from Maggin Monastery were arrested. Since then, U Gawsita has found asylum in the United States and has testified before Congress and met with many political leaders speaking on behalf of those facing oppression in Burma.

Dear Candidate: The Venerable U Gawsita

View pictures of U Gawsita at a demonstration in Burma

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