After weekend by-elections in Myanmar gave Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi's a seat in parliament, the United States is now saying it is ready to relax some sanctions to recognize its fledgling democratic transition.
(SOUNDBITE) (ENGLISH) U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE HILLARY CLINTON SAYING:
"We fully recognize and embrace the progress that has taken place and we will continue our policy of engagement."
Clinton said the U.S. would seek to name a new U.S. ambassador after a two decade absence and set up an office for the U.S. Agency for International Development in the Southeast Asian country.
Clinton stressed that the U.S. would move forward with caution.
(SOUNDBITE) (ENGLISH) U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE HILLARY CLINTON SAYING:
"Now, this reform process has a long way to go. The future is neither clear nor certain."
The package Clinton unveiled on Wednesday reflected a modest first step toward lifting the complex web of U.S. sanctions that have kept the country isolated for decades.
Deborah Lutterbeck, Reuters
