Kerry presses Myanmar on democratic reform
Source: AP-Excite
By MATTHEW LEE
NAYPYITAW, Myanmar (AP) — To improve relations with the United States, Myanmar must make progress in its democratic transition and halt what Washington sees as backsliding on commitments to improve human rights, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry told the country's leaders.
The U.S. praised Myanmar's decision to end decades of direct military rule that resulted in the easing of some U.S. sanctions and a 2012 visit by President Barack Obama. But since then, his administration has become alarmed at worsening conditions in Myanmar, including anti-Muslim discrimination, violence and infringements on press freedom.
U.S. officials said Kerry raised those issues in meetings with Myanmar President Thein Sein and leading lawmakers. Kerry also urged them to proceed with constitutional changes to ensure that elections set for next year are free, fair and credible.
Obama is due to return to Myanmar in November for a summit of Asian leaders and the officials said Kerry had made clear to Thein Sein and members of parliament that the U.S. would look favorably on tangible measures taken to address the concerns before that visit.
FULL story at link.
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, left, shakes hands with Myanmar's Lower House of Parliament Speaker Shwe Mann at the Parliament held on the sidelines of the 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) foreign ministers' meeting in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, Saturday, Aug. 9, 2014. Kerry warned the leaders of Myanmar on Saturday that improved relations with the United States will require a significant speed-up in its democratic transition and a halt to what Washington sees as backsliding on commitments to improve human rights. (AP Photo/Nicolas Asfouri, Pool)
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- I suppose it almost feels like a night on the town, after last week's embarrassment.....