Bush calls for release of Myanmar activists

SYDNEY (Reuters) - U.S. President George W. Bush on Friday demanded the immediate release of Myanmar activists and called on the ruling junta to stop "assaulting pro-democracy activists.

"We must press the regime in Burma to stop arresting, harassing, and assaulting pro-democracy activists for organizing or participating in peaceful demonstrations," Bush said, according to the text of a speech he was giving on Friday Morning to Asia-Pacific business executives.

"The Burmese regime must release these activists immediately, stop its intimidation of those Burmese citizens who are promoting democracy and human rights, and release all political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi," Bush declared.

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Bush calls for release of Myanmar activists