In Washington, senators are considering a resolution targeting Burmese leader Aung San Suu Kyi over her government’s treatment of the Rohingya. On Thursday, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell spoke out in opposition to the resolution.

Majority Leader Mitch McConnell: “In my view, publicly condemning Aung San Suu Kyi—the best hope for democratic reform in Burma—is simply not constructive. … Unfounded criticism of Suu Kyi exaggerates her ability to command the military, which the Burmese constitution does not actually allow her to do.”

The Senate resolution would call on Burma to allow the U.N. unrestricted access to areas where massacres are occurring, while demanding Burma grant citizenship and freedom of movement to the Rohingya.