Obama praises Myanmar's progress, with caveats
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Naypyidaw (dpa) - US President Barack Obama praised Myanmar's reforms but noted some stumbling blocks, in an interview with local newspaper The Irrawaddy on Wednesday.
Myanmar hosting the current summit for the Association of South-East Asian Nations was a "sign of the greater role that your country can play in Southeast Asia," the president was quoted as saying.
Obama was quick to praise the "difficult" reforms that Myanmar had taken since transitioning to nominal civilian rule in 2011.
"Since my last (2012) visit there has been some progress, including economic reforms and welcomed political steps, including the release of additional political prisoners, a process of constitutional reform, and cease-fire agreements toward ending the many conflicts that have plagued your country," he said.
But in some aspects, "progress has not come as fast as many had hoped," he said.
"Former political prisoners continue to face restrictions. Members of the media have been arrested, and journalist Aung Kyaw Naing was tragically and senselessly murdered.
"We also continue to be deeply concerned about the humanitarian situation in Rakhine State and the treatment of the Rohingya and other Muslim communities, who continue to endure discrimination and abuse."
Obama also noted the importance of the general election slated for next year, which the US will watching "very closely."
