Suu Kyi speaks with son for first time in over five years

Aung San Suu Kyi spoke by phone with her son, Kim Aris, on October 22, their first direct conversation in more than five years, according to Aris and Myanmar authorities. Aris said she sounded fairly healthy but remained concerned about her condition at age 81. Myanmar presidential spokesperson Khaing Khaing Soe said the call lasted 20 minutes and that Aris joined from Myanmar’s embassy in London. Authorities released photographs of the two speaking by telephone. Khaing Khaing Soe said Suu Kyi took the call at her house-arrest residence in Naypyidaw. Aris said the conversation focused on family matters and that he avoided sensitive topics because he understood the call would be recorded. He said his mother asked first about his health and the rest of the family. He also said that, although she told him she was in good health, he remained concerned about her wellbeing. Aris stressed that the call did not provide regular family access. He called for direct family contact and independent medical access, and said his mother and other political prisoners should be released. The call was a single contact; no independent medical assessment of Suu Kyi’s condition was reported. Suu...