1.
US President Barack Obama and
US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton walking into room
2. SOUNDBITE (
English)
Barack Obama,
US President:
"We remain concerned about
Burma's closed political system, its treatment of minorities and holding of political prisoners and its relationship with
North Korea. But we want to seize what could be an historic opportunity for progress and make it clear if Burma continues to travel down the road of
Democratic reform, it can forge a new relationship with the
United States of America. Last night, I spoke to
Aung San Suu Kyi, directly and confirmed that she supports
American engagement to move this process forward. So today
I've asked
Secretary Hillary Clinton to go to Burma, she will be the first
American Secretary of State to travel to the country in over half a century and she will explore whether the
United States can empower a positive transition in Burma and begin a new chapter between our countries. That possibility will depend upon the
Burmese Government taking more concrete action, if Burma fails to move down the path of reform it will continue to face sanctions and isolation, but if it seizes this moment, then reconciliation can prevail and millions of people may get the chance to live with a greater measure of freedom, prosperity and dignity and that possibility is too important to ignore."
3. Mid of
Obama and
Clinton walking out of room
4. Obama and
Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh shaking hands after bilateral meeting
5. SOUNDBITE (English) Barack Obama, US President:
"This is an opportunity to discuss how we can further deepen that relationship, also to discuss the topics of the
East Asia summit, issues like maritime security, non-proliferation, disaster and humanitarian relief. So I just want to commend
President Aquino for his leadership, for his reform efforts, and I think that a relationship that is already very strong can only become stronger as a consequence of our continued interaction, so its wonderful to see you again
Mr President."
6. SOUNDBITE (English)
Philippines President Benigno Aquino III
"
Thank you, Mr President for meeting so we can share our view points and thoughts on wide range of topics. Its true we have had one of the longest running relationships, based on our shared values, history and as we look forward in our turbulent times of ours to really further strengthen those relationships."
7. Obama and
Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak
STORYLINE:
President Barack Obama announced on Friday that he will send
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton to
Myanmar early next month, the first official in her position to visit the repressed country in more than 50 years.
"We want to seize what could be an historic opportunity for progress and make it clear that if Burma continues to travel down the road of democratic reform, it can forge a new relationship with the
United States of America," Obama said Friday during his diplomatic mission to southeast
Asia.
The announcement was the capstone to a day of diplomatic meetings on the sidelines of summits with
Asian leaders from
India,
Malaysia and the
Philippines.
In deepening his engagement with Myanmar, also known as Burma, the president first sought assurances from democracy leader and
Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi.
She spent 15 years under house arrest by the nation's former military dictators but is now in talks with the new civilian government about reforming the country.
The two spoke by phone on Thursday night while Obama was flying to
Bali on
Air Force One, a senior official said.
The US imposed new sanctions on Myanmar but made clear it was open to better relations if the situation changed.
Officials said Clinton would travel to Myanmar on
1 December.
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- published: 30 Jul 2015
- views: 80