Obama Meets with Burmese President
Published at
Paula Bronstein/Getty Images(NAYPYIDAW, Myanmar) — Meeting with Burmese President Thein Sein on Thursday, President Obama urged the leader of the fledgling democracy to quicken the pace of reform and step up efforts to address urgent human rights concerns.
“In part because of President Sein’s leadership the democratization process in Myanmar is real and we can point to specific progress,” Obama said after the two leaders emerged from an hour of closed-door discussion in the presidential palace.
Obama highlighted the release of political prisoners in the former military state, ending the use of child soldiers in its army, and progress toward ending over half a century of internal fighting — the world’s longest running civil war.
The president also noted Myanmar’s cooperation in ending arms trades with North Korea.
But Obama’s visit to Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, comes at a fragile time. Just two years ago, Obama became the first U.S. president to visit the country as it emerged from a long military dictatorship. At the time, Obama had high hopes for the transition to civilian government. The Obama administration sees the opening of this long-isolated nation as a major diplomatic achievement.
Now, Obama’s visit comes as democratic reforms are stalling, and in many ways moving backwards.
“In our discussions we recognize that this process is still ongoing,” Obama said, noting continued violence against minority Muslims in Myanmar’s Rakhine region. The president also criticized the failure of the country to change its constitution “to reflect all voices” ahead of next year’s election, and urged economic reforms to help fold it into world markets.
Obama is now trying to strike a delicate balance: showing support for the civilian government, while also pressing it to kick-start progress.
“We recognize that change is hard and it doesn’t always move in a straight line. But I am optimistic about the possibilities of Myanmar,” he said, adding, “those who are sincere in pursuing reform” would find an ally in the United States.
Sein, speaking through a translator, thanked the “opportunity to have candid and constructive discussions.”
“We need time but we are in the process of implementing, addressing, these concerns,” he said, adding that he was “confident in the democratization of this country.”
On Friday, Obama heads to Yangon, also known as Rangoon, to meet with opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, where they are expected to discuss upcoming elections and her unique role in the reform process.
Follow @ABCNewsRadio
Copyright 2014 ABC News Radio