The United States says it is discussing new aid to Burma as well as other measures to support the beginnings of reforms in that country.

The State Department's top official for human rights, Michael Posner, said at the U.S. embassy in Rangoon Friday the United States wants to recognize what's being done in Burma that is positive.

However, he said the United States must see more progress on political prisoners and other issues before it can lift sanctions against Burma.

Posner and the U.S. special envoy to Burma, Derek Mitchell have just wrapped up a trip to Burma.

Mitchell said the United States is thinking very actively about how it can support reform in Burma, including expanding assistance programs on microfinance and agricultural loans.

The United States has said that allowing political prisoners to go free in Burma is necessary before they can lift sanctions.

In another development Friday, Burma's information minister made a rare comment on political prisoners in the country. Kyaw Sann told VOA that there may be some prisoners in the country who were politically active, however he said all prisoners are in detention because they broke the law. He said authorities have recently released 16,000 prisoners as part of mass amnesties

Reports say Burma's government last month released around 200 political prisoners.

Rights group Amnesty International on Friday voiced concern about prominent imprisoned Buddhist monk U Gambira, saying he urgently needs to be hospitalized and treated for injuries resulting from torture he suffered in 2009.

Also Friday, a senior United Nations official concluded a visit to Burma saying he sees a “historic opportunity” for change.

Vijay Nambiar, chief of staff to the U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, released a statement relaying to Burmese leaders the encouragement of Mr. Ban on steps taken toward reform.

A new, nominally civilian government took office in Burma at the end of March.