U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton today said the United States has tried very hard to support democracy against tremendous odds in Burma during an interview with Wendell Goler of FOX.
During the interview Ms. Clinton said her trip to Burma is an important beginning for both countries. She said it was an opportunity for them to be able to assess what is happening in Burma.
“And the consensus from the people within the country was they wanted American engagement, they thought it would send a positive signal to the reformers within the government, that their efforts would be acknowledged, that there could be a pathway forward, that the United States would be willing to go with them.” -Ms. Clinton
She noted that if Burma will release all political prisoners, get these elections set for a date certain, engage in a serious process for political reconciliation to end the armed conflicts in the ethnic areas, the United States will respond positively.
“We are not going to easily alter our policies unless we see good reason to do so.” -Ms. Clinton
She stressed the United States is being cautious because they want to see the Burmese government to act before they get too far out.
