Kerry warns Myanmar against backsliding on human rights
US secretary of state warns Myanmar that worrying signs of growing religious intolerance, other shortfalls could slow easing of sanctions
US Secretary of State John Kerry warned the leaders of Myanmar yesterday that improved relations with his country would require a significant speed-up in its democratic transition and a halt to what Washington sees as backsliding on commitments to improve human rights.
After hailing the decision to end decades of direct military rule that resulted in the easing of some US sanctions and a 2012 visit by President Barack Obama, Washington has become alarmed at worsening conditions in Myanmar, including anti-Muslim discrimination, violence and infringements on freedom of the press.
US officials said Kerry raised those issues in meetings with Myanmar President Thein Sein and leading lawmakers. He also urged that they proceed apace with constitutional reforms to ensure that elections set for next year are free, fair and credible.
Obama is due to return to Myanmar in November for a summit of Asian leaders, and the officials said Kerry had made clear to Thein Sein and members of parliament that the US would look favourably on tangible measures taken to address the concerns before that visit.
The officials said Obama planned to attend the East Asia Summit regardless but stressed that until improvements were seen, it was unlikely that Washington would move to ease sanctions further that were enacted over the course of 40 years of military government.
Kerry himself, in remarks to the foreign ministers of the 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), did not raise the concerns but did say the US wanted to work with Myanmar to help it overcome difficulties in the transition.