The Black Vault

[rath]

July 13, 2012

Clinton talks with Burma president

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is set to declare Burma open to American investment, introducing the long-reclusive country's president to top American business leaders gathered near one of South-East Asia's ancient landmarks.


Following the Obama administration's recent loosening of sanctions against Burma, Clinton met President Thein Sein in the Cambodian city of Siem Reap, rewarding him for several pro-democracy reforms while prodding him to do more.

The city adjoins the archaeological site hosting the famous centuries-old temples of Angkor, recalling an earlier age of regional glory.

Clinton and Thein Sein shared a warm greeting in a hotel courtyard, their national flags and tropical foliage behind them.

Clinton asked about Thein Sein's family and told him "I brought a very prestigious business delegation to see you. I wanted them all to hear from you tonight about your plans for the future."

She met the reformist president last year when she became the first US Secretary of State in half-a-century to visit Burma.

They were to go together on Friday night to meet the largest-ever delegation of American businesses to South-East Asia.

Those represented include Coca Cola, Ford, General Electric, General Motors, Goldman Sachs and Google.

The high-profile gathering and meeting reflected the sharp progress the country has made after years in the international wilderness.

Economic and political sanctions had been imposed on Burma's previous military regime for its repressive and undemocratic policies.

Thein Sein, who took power last year after general elections, has instituted liberalising reforms in an effort to ease the sanctions and attract foreign aid and investment.

On Wednesday, the Obama administration gave permission for US companies to invest in Burma and work with its state oil and gas enterprise, a go-ahead that marks the most significant easing of US sanctions against the former pariah state.

But Clinton and other officials have made clear they will keep pushing Burma to improve its human rights record.

Earlier, at a women's event, she said the US was watching with great interest Burma's rolling back of "restrictive and exploitative labour rules".

"Workers are beginning to organise, although they still face stiff penalties for joining unregistered unions. There will be a lot of challenges but I hope that we see continuing progress," she said.

[ricardo]

July 13, 2012

Clinton talks with Burma president

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is set to declare Burma open to American investment, introducing the long-reclusive country's president to top American business leaders gathered near one of South-East Asia's ancient landmarks.


Following the Obama administration's recent loosening of sanctions against Burma, Clinton met President Thein Sein in the Cambodian city of Siem Reap, rewarding him for several pro-democracy reforms while prodding him to do more.

The city adjoins the archaeological site hosting the famous centuries-old temples of Angkor, recalling an earlier age of regional glory.

Clinton and Thein Sein shared a warm greeting in a hotel courtyard, their national flags and tropical foliage behind them.

Clinton asked about Thein Sein's family and told him "I brought a very prestigious business delegation to see you. I wanted them all to hear from you tonight about your plans for the future."

She met the reformist president last year when she became the first US Secretary of State in half-a-century to visit Burma.

They were to go together on Friday night to meet the largest-ever delegation of American businesses to South-East Asia.

Those represented include Coca Cola, Ford, General Electric, General Motors, Goldman Sachs and Google.

The high-profile gathering and meeting reflected the sharp progress the country has made after years in the international wilderness.

Economic and political sanctions had been imposed on Burma's previous military regime for its repressive and undemocratic policies.

Thein Sein, who took power last year after general elections, has instituted liberalising reforms in an effort to ease the sanctions and attract foreign aid and investment.

On Wednesday, the Obama administration gave permission for US companies to invest in Burma and work with its state oil and gas enterprise, a go-ahead that marks the most significant easing of US sanctions against the former pariah state.

But Clinton and other officials have made clear they will keep pushing Burma to improve its human rights record.

Earlier, at a women's event, she said the US was watching with great interest Burma's rolling back of "restrictive and exploitative labour rules".

"Workers are beginning to organise, although they still face stiff penalties for joining unregistered unions. There will be a lot of challenges but I hope that we see continuing progress," she said.

[rath]

July 12, 2012

Obama lifts economic sanctions on Burma

The US President Barack Obama has eased sanctions against Burma to allow US companies to invest there.

He called the move a "strong signal" of support for political reform taking place in the southeast Asian country.

But Mr Obama said Washington remained concerned about the lack of investment transparency as well as the military's role in Burma's economy.

He made it clear that US firms would be required to make detailed disclosures on their dealings there.

"Today, the United States is easing restrictions to allow US companies to responsibly do business in Burma," Mr Obama said in statement.

He also praised the country for "significant progress along the path to democracy."

[rath]

Chinese, Myanmar FMs Meet on ASEAN Foreign Meetings

2012-07-10

Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi met with Myanmar Foreign Minister U Wunna Maung Lwin on Tuesday on the sidelines of the ASEAN foreign meetings in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Yang Jiechi said that China and Myanmar have established the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership and bilateral relations now enjoy a good momentum of growth. China wants to maintain high-level contacts with Myanmar, enhance strategic communication, cement the foundation of China-Myanmar relations and advance cooperation across the board.

He also said China will continue to take positive measures to expand economic cooperation and trade, continue to encourage well- established companies to invest in Myanmar for mutually beneficial cooperation and common development.

U Wunna Maung Lwin applauded China's commitment to growing its relations with Myanmar. He said that Myanmar attaches great importance to its relations with China and hopes to deepen bilateral cooperation to the benefit of the two peoples.

The two sides agreed that ASEAN foreign ministers' meeting should focus the discussion on development and cooperation of the region, and that China and Myanmar will enhance coordination and work together with other parties to uphold the overall picture of regional cooperation.