US to support UN inquiry into war crimes of Myanmar

US President Barack Obama's administration has decided to support the creation of a UN inquiry into alleged war crimes by Myanmar's military rulers, the Washington Post reported yesterday.
Citing US officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, the newspaper said the White House would throw its weight behind the establishment of a United Nations commission of inquiry, and was also considering tighter sanctions.
A UN human rights envoy has called for the probe, which would examine allegations that the junta, led by General Than Shwe, has waged bloody crackdowns against political dissidents and ethnic rebels.
"What's important here is that this is not aimed at the people of Burma but at its leadership, particularly at Than Shwe," an unnamed senior US administration official told the Post.
The commission of inquiry could be formed directly by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, or by the Security Council, though China would likely veto any investigation, the newspaper noted.