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 is 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.

In another development Friday, Burma's information minister made a rare comment on political prisoners in the country. Kyaw Sann told VOA's Burmese service 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.

Kyaw Sann also suggested that some political prisoners in Burma who are in remote prisons could be moved to prisons closer to where they families are.

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

Posner and the U.S. special envoy to Burma, Derek Mitchell, 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.

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.