WikiLeaks: Singapore's Lee calls Myanmar leaders 'stupid'

SINGAPORE — A classified US document released by WikiLeaks cites Singapore statesman Lee Kuan Yew as calling Myanmar's junta leaders "stupid" and "dense." A confidential briefing on a 2007 conversation between former Prime Minister Lee and US officials was released by WikiLeaks this week. It quoted Lee as saying that dealing with Myanmar's military regime was like "talking to dead people." Ambassador Patricia L. Herbold wrote that Lee said China had the most influence over Myanmar's leadership of any foreign country. Lee also says China is worried the country could "blow up," which would threaten Chinese investments. The 87-year-old Lee was prime minister from 1959 to 1990 and is a senior adviser to his son, current Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. — AP