Hillary Clinton, US secretary of state, vowed to reward tentative reforms by Burma’s authoritarian government and work towards opening a “new chapter” in relations between the two countries.
After meeting Thein Sein, Burma’s president, however, Mrs Clinton yesterday said it was still too soon to lift the tough economic sanctions that have added to the country’s isolation and impoverishment.
Mrs Clinton told Mr Thein Sein Washington was “encouraged” by the steps undertaken in recent months as Burma seeks to emerge from 50 years of repressive military rule. She said the US would support an increase in international aid, a greater role for the World Bank and was considering returning an ambassador to the country.