Clinton meets Myanmar president

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton Thursday told President Thein Sein her government is encouraged by the reforms in Myanmar after years of military rule. Clinton, the first U.S. official of her rank to visit the isolated Asian country in 50 years, met with Thein Sein, a former general who now heads a civilian government that took over after elections a year ago. Until then, Myanmar, formerly called Burma, had been under decades of military rule. Clinton's unexpected Myanmar trip was announced by President Barack Obama during his recent Asia trip in the wake of some recent reforms toward democracy. She told her host she was in Myanmar because "President Obama and myself are encouraged by the steps you and your government have taken." Thein Sein, who received Clinton in his palace in the new capital of Naypyitaw, hailed her visit as a "historic milestone" he said could lead to "enhanced relations and cooperation," the Wall Street Journal reported. Noting the United States would support reformers within the Myanmar government, Clinton said continued U.S. support would depend on ending military violence, freeing more political prisoners in addition to the nearly 200 freed recently and peaceful resolution of ethnic conflicts. "In each of my meetings, leaders assured me that progress would continue and broaden. And as it does, America will actively support those, inside and outside government, who genuinely seek reform," Clinton was quoted as saying at a news conference. The secretary also urged Thein Sein to break Myanmar's military ties with North Korea, CNN reported quoting a senior State Department official. CNN reported Clinton as saying the United States would support World Bank and International Monetary Fund to assess help to Myanmar and held out the possibility of appointing a U.S. ambassador if reforms continue. Her other Thursday engagements included a meeting with opposition and pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi in the former capital of Rangoon, now called Yangon. The freeing of Suu Kyi after years of house arrest and allowing her party to participate in elections are among the reforms Thein Sein's government has made. The Clinton-Suu Kyi meeting, scheduled at the U.S. Chief of Mission residence, comes after Suu Kyi's announcement to run for parliament.