Myanmar's Suu Kyi optimistic after U.S. visit

By Aung Hla Tun

YANGON (Reuters) - Myanmar's detained opposition leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, expressed hope on Monday that U.S. engagement with the county's military rulers could spur democratic reforms, her lawyer said.

In rare praise for the regime that has kept her in detention for 14 of the last 20 years, Suu Kyi thanked the junta for allowing her to see Kurt Campbell, the top U.S. official for East Asia.

The Nobel Peace Prize winner was allowed to meet for almost three hours on Monday with her lawyers, who agreed to submit an appeal with the Supreme Court against her conviction in August for a security breach while under house arrest.

"She told us she was quite satisfied with Mr. Campbell's visit ... She said he's the sort of person we can work with," lawyer Nyan Win told reporters.

"She also expressed her thanks to the regime for their assistance during Campbell's visit."

The two-day visit by the U.S. delegation was the first of its kind in 14 years and came as part of Washington's new policy of direct engagement with the generals.

Campbell, deputy secretary of state, met Suu Kyi and senior government ministers during his two-day visit but was snubbed by Senior General Than Shwe, the junta supremo.

On his return from Myanmar on Thursday, Deputy Assistant Secretary Scot Marciel said the main aim of the visit had been to encourage dialogue within Myanmar, between the junta, ethnic groups and opposition parties.