Clinton Calls on Burma to Make Reforms

Posted July 22nd, 2011 at 5:42 am (UTC-5)
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U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called on Burma Friday to free political prisoners, address non-proliferation concerns and start a dialogue with opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

Clinton told delegates at a regional security forum in Bali that Burma is a major challenge facing the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations and would have to be addressed.

Clinton also questioned the wisdom of allowing Burma to assume ASEAN's leadership in 2014, questioning whether a potential chair would advance the grouping's credibility and leadership role.

Burma held elections late last year, officially handing power to a civilian administration, but many say the changes are cosmetic and the army still holds power.