Lurch on another trip to save the world.
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.
The officials said Obama planned to attend the East Asia Summit regardless, but they said that until improvements are seen, it is unlikely that Washington will move to further ease sanctions enacted over the course of 40 years of military government. In addition, it will take reforms and the creation of a business-friendly climate to attract foreign investment from the West.
The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly discuss Kerry’s closed-door meetings.