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Subscribe to RSSSecretary of State Hillary Clinton said on Friday that the United States was ready to start the process of exchanging full ambassadors with Myanmar as it seeks to encourage further reforms by the country's new civilian government.
"This is a momentous day for the diverse people of Burma," Clinton said in announcing the decision to elevate diplomatic ties, which followed Myanmar's release of at least 200 political prisoners on Friday.
Earlier, President Obama called the repressive country's decision to release the prisoners "a substantial step forward for democratic reform."
It comes in the wake of Obama's decision to dispatch Clinton to the repressive country in December as a way of deepening engagement and seeking to encourage growing signs of openness. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky is visiting there next week.
The U.S. has set release of political prisoners as an important condition for further engagement and possible lifting of economic and political sanctions.
Obama said he applauds the decision by President Thein Sein, noting that opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi has welcomed steps toward reforms.
The Associated Press and msnbc.com staff contributed to this report.
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Ron Paul is entirely right we need to get our noses out of other countrys' business and worry about ourselves.
Why are we thinking about resuming aid to Myanmar when we are over $16 TRILLION in DEBT?
trade is the key to america's economic success. if we don't stick our noses, in their business, people like you won't have money or cheap goods to maintain your lifestyles. Isolation is what killed our economy during the great depression.
@terry, If your statement was true we would have been trading with Cuba long ago.
the USA is very uneven about who is a "bad guy" and how long they stay a bad guy.
Let's not bump up that debt amount too soon. It's "only" $15 trillion.
"www.usdebtclock.org/"
Where does the article say anything about aid? And what's wrong with establishing diplomatic relations? If Myanmar's going to start behaving like a normal country, why wouldn't we have an embassy there?
The people that Clinton and Obama work for (in their quest for global domination) want Congress to legislate so that Americans live like socialists, always on the poverty line, all in the name of an "anti-terror" expansionist military industrial complex. These politicians and their owners are committed to treason against Americans and an intrinsic system of theft, deprivation and diversion.
dman - did you just get up? Obama has asked for yet another "bump" to that debt ceiling.
terry - We have gone from isolationism in total to the opposite end of the spectrum to an extreme. A degree of isolationism isn't a bad position to be in. At one time we had what the world wanted and would pay for it. Now they send their kids here to college and we are buying all kinds of crap to the tune of losing our manufacturing base for the sake of cheap goods so that people can have all they want when they want it. I for one am ready to back off the one world order direction we are headed in to regain our own identity. That is one of the major problems in the US right now. We have lost our identity for the sake of political correctness and playing nice. No one come here any more for the American way of life and to assimilate to it. They come here to set up their country/culture on our soil.
Secretary Clinton calls the country "Burma", why does MSNBC insist on calling it "Myranmar"?
One would think that MSNBC would want to be politically correct and in-sinc with the Obama administration.
(Ever hear of a Myranmarese Python?)
Where in the article did it say anything about aid?
So yeah... before the thread was taken over by the right wing conspiracy theories, the US has a few reasons for playing nice with Burma. First off is that trade = money, and we can always use more of both. Second off is that encouraging them into taking up our way of life helps stop the threat of communism, Islam, etc (at least on paper). The third reason is simply that it can be a potential military base for the US in the future as we try to contain China, who coincidentally share a border with Burma.
OMGawd...
Cuba released more than 170 political prisoners several months ago, it has made economic reforms, it is still communist, but so is China, but our country can not even think about reestablishing diplomatic ties nor lift the stupid embargo and travel ban. Those Cuban-Americans in Miami still have our country foreign relations hostage.
So what is there in Cuba that is worth the political capital a politician has to risk sticking his neck out to tackle the issue? You have to make it worth their time to get anything done.
lets keep Ron Paul out of this discussion please.....and say what you want, Dr. Paul will not get nominated and he is retiring at the end of the year
Space 0000,
I assume your nickname is ZERO, based on your uninformed, canned response to everything (Obama, socialists, domination, blah blah blah). Ask Mitch O'Connell why he's going over there. Must be one of those socialist traitors you're talking about. I would think that the definition of ""anti-terror" expansionist military industrial complex" would include the Homeland Security Department, the invasion of Iraq and Afghanistan, and the no-bid contracts to Haliburton. Was that Obama? Oh, yeah, that was your precious Dubya!
Talk to the Hand; Did you see the riots in China, and the crowds trying to by the I Phone 4 from Apple? they were selling them for around 750.00 dollars! and they had to close the stores because of the fighting to get in! We do sell things to China, There is many jobs they can not find skilled people to work in the USA the President is trying to get people to get more education some jobs require it stop blaming everything on the President!!!
We have the constitution those who come here must respect it , just as them who go to another country must respect their laws, the America we grew up in is not the same now the world is changing so we have to change with it !!!
For you JK
In 1989, the military government officially changed the English translations of many colonial-era names; among these changes was the alteration of the name of the country to "Myanmar". The renaming remains a contested issue.[11] Many opposition groups and countries continue to use "Burma" because they do not recognise the legitimacy of the ruling military government or its authority to rename the country.[12] Various non-Burman ethnic groups choose not to recognise the name because of the association of the term "Myanmar" with the majority ethnic group, the Bamar, rather than for the country.
Borrowed from Wikipedia. Misspellings not mine.
Ever had a friend with a Myanmarian cat? They are soooo smart! Some are smart enough to know that they are actually Burmese! Hope that this means that "Yangon" is "Rangoon" again, too!
The British colonial empire called it, "Burma," but the correct name is, "Myanmar." The British left in 1948 when their empire lost steam and went home, but Myanmar quit working and developing since 1948 due to corrupt military junta rule preventing work and other freedoms. Many things, "British," made it into our culture many years ago so we Americans tend to still use outdated terminology, but that and everything you think our country and the world is all about to change...
Decolonization should've been the best thing that ever happened in the Twentieth Century, especially from the viewpoint of the rebellious old colonies. But nearly everywhere else either succumbed to either the military or "one man, one vote, one time" (really just a census of which tribe was the largest in most cases), or both. If anywhere got shafted worse than Burma, it would be hard to picture.
US just wants to contain China. This is all this is about. That's why they must help Myanmar, to gain another ally in the region.
I tend to agree with you. This decision should have waited until there were some more concrete changes made. It also should have waited until there were full, free, legitimate elections held where all parties are allowed to participate and the ballot boxes are not stuffed. The real push to normalize relations is to hedge against China's growing influence in the region and possibly to pave the way towards a status of forces agreement and setting up of one or more US military bases in the country.
So, your saying it's our way or no way? Foolishness.
JS -- I wouldn't hold my breath on the SOFA. Think that they want our aid, "most favored nation" status, etc. Don't think for a second that they want to irritate China in any serious way, though, and a U.S. base would do that, just as a Chinese base in Cuba would irritate us almost as much as the old Russian ones used to. Am in agreement that we needed to wait and see if the legacy of the Ne Win era is finally over since his successors have always been too much like him up to now; want to see how "civilian" the new govt. is and whether or not it has real independence from and authority over the military or is just a puppet regime.
If we hold out rewards until they get everything right, then they'll be struggling for years with nothing to show for it. This is a rare case of a group of terrible, corrupt people deciding they have more to gain from legitimate, honest engagement with the rest of the world and the advancement of modern civil society than oppression and militarism. Whether there's anything to be gained in regards to China may be a factor, but regardless it's important for these types of actions to be rewarded and reinforced, not ignored. Who knows who could be next on the democracy train? In two decades maybe North Korea will have enough of an economy to feed itself.
What a crock of BS! America needed a base and bought it in the guise of freeing the oppressed.... Oh yes, that meant more American taxpayer money.
If they've successfully used peaceful methods to help turn a harsh dictatorship into something of a democracy that respects its citizens, then I think it's a base well earned.
China likes to throw its economic weight around (with the rare-earths and all that), with a side of human-rights abuses within. It could use some containment, and the US is smart to do so by prodding a government right next door to be more compassionate and showing that they've earned ambassadors (and other perks) for it.
Gamekid: Good post. I think the United States does its own fair share of pokin' sticks, but I realize someday soon a military conflict is unavoidable.
Why would Myanmar want one of our bases in its territory? China is not an aggressive country outside its own borders (depending how you feel about Tibet or Taiwan) nor are they prone to saber-rattling. I think it unlikely we'll ever engage in serious military conflict with them, no more than we did with the USSR. Each side has way too much to lose.
Fed Up-3261941
You sure look and sound like you could use a banana....
Agreed, AG. A military conflict with China is, far from being inevitable, almost impossible. Both of us have way too much to lose for a war to ever be feasible. And what would be the trigger? There's no conflict big enough to warrant that much potential loss of life.
No, I don't think there will be any military bases appearing in Myanmar. Hopefully an embassy, though.
Kudos to Hilliary Clinton best secretary of state in modern history and also Kentucky's Mitch McConnell who is
the coolest negotiator in Washington.
At least it reflects the bipartisanship that we are constantly hearing that we need so much more of!
It IS nice to hear about a political development not being condemned by one side or the other.
If you don't understand Foreign Policy be quiet. Don't misrepresent Ron Paul. Allies in the region are necessary. This is a significant achievement for the US. Good job.. I am glad to hear about who we're making friends with as opposed to news about who we're fighting with next..
We have political prisoners right here in the United States people.
I cannot wait for this liar to leave office. She's a part of the political prisoner problem here in fact. She and her certain circle of friends that love to cause reputational damage to good American citizens and leave a pixie dust trail of high hopes for her continued presence in Washington, DC.
Good riddance Clintons - I pray each day for your exit and perhaps exile from the United States.
Seriously.
Next time try to use facts and commonsense when you decide to make a comment
Name one!
Yes, name one. If anyone has seen my posts, then they would know that if people were held in detention for merely dissenting in this country then I wouldn't still be here posting!
Who are the political prisoners? The OWS protesters that were arrested for illegal stunts during their protests?
Good luck getting rid of the Clintons. They're one of the more effective political legacies in this country.
So, are we officially recognizing Myanmar or are we re-establishing relations with Burma?
Apparently Myanmar is the formal name for the country. Burma is more colloquial and used in conversation, while Myanmar is for written communications. Both are valid. That's what I read somewhere anyway.
Just like the United States and America.
No, Myanmar is a name made up by the former military regime. We never recognized them or their name change. Hope that all relations are with "Burma". Could prove to be a close shave, however.
Mitch & Hillary have seen this before. An authoritarian regime will "play nice" for a while to get money and prop themselves up, for while longer. The trick is to make them go through so many hoops, that they lose enough control of the population, and experience the "Mussolini Effect"!
Well, then either way there's an opportunity here, but I see no reason to be so cynical. They are playing nice with Miss Aun San Suu, after all.
BURMA
SHAVE
AT SCHOOL ... CROSSINGS...ALWAYS GO SLOW...LET THE LITTLE...SHAVERS GROW...BURMA SHAVE.
There was one a few miles from here. Thanks for the memories, and for the indulgence of everyone under 50!
Oh well, there goes some more federal dollars for this Muslim country. How much foreign aid is going to cost WE the PEOPLE taxpayers?
The country is 89% Buddist not Muslim.
Where does it say anything about foreign aid? Do you read articles or just make statements for fun? As far as being wrong about their religion, you probably think that Hyandai is a Japanese company.
Or that Japan is Buddist, when it's still mostly Shinto, isn't it?
Still Clinton should have addressed them as the people of Myanmar as she is speaking formally. We have not extablished relations yet and any informality on her part is bad manners. #Imjustsayin
Well, good! For all you crackpots, there is no mention of a military base or foreign aid, just the re-establishment of diplomatic relations. What harm does talking to someone do? And how are you supposed to deal with them if you won't talk? Take a look at Iran or North Korea to see how effective that is. Now if we could just stop basing our Cuban policies on Florida's electoral votes and resume diplomatic relations with them, we might just get our head most of the way out of the sand.
that is because they haven't said, wikileaks showed us this and this is why the US hated that to happen.
Of course they didn't mention a military base or foreign aid. When was the last time a politician actually told you his/her intentions? Look at a map and you will see why we are re-establishing relations. It isn't because there has been any change in Myanmar.
Yes, it is because there's been a change in Myanmar. They are producing legitimate, unprecedented reforms, and were it not for those reforms we wouldn't consider diplomatic engagement. I understand always thinking the worst of the government, but your theory is directly disputed by simple facts.
Hillary Clinton in one fine Secretary of State! Obama saw a smart woman in her! Birds of a feather stick together. I hope she stays on, but she's talking about not doing so next 4 years.
how much did this cost us, LOL i need to buy me a island and say i am going to start this or do this and just wait for the US to give me money fist full after fist full. LOL
I applaud this change, and it took some real smarts to make it happen,Sec State is just such a smart lady,far better to open doors, then encourage change from within, than to go off on the blame game,which past history has shown to be self defeating and can, at times, create a larger problem.When it comes to human rights,trade is a very effective tool for change,If you do business with someone? they will want to learn what you are all about and in that learning perhaps they can get real change happening on a local level,,beware all! xenophobic reactions,history has shown that this is the way to a "dictator" type of mentality,far better to have open trade,open diologue and open doors than to slam doors in paranoia and fear the rest of the world,[think about North Korea for instance?], I cant believe the US,which was built! on such openness, is willing to shut off the world,..this is an encouraging result of some very intelligent plays and actions by some very intelligent people,..you all should be enjoying the success,not slamming the result,..
Agreed. It's sad how many people think isolationism can bring prosperity, in the face of all the evidence to the contrary.
Whoopie. Ties with another useless country that will put their hand in our wallet.
The more we get, the less will stand up for the rest of the dictator-led hellholes!
election time is near. After 3 years, we start finally start talking to countries. Not sure what our motives are though. I`m sure oil or cheap labor will play into this somehow.
Don't know how much it matters, but know it must matter at least some. At one time, one of the biggest British overseas petroleum companies was called "Burmah [sic] Oil Co." It's not called that now, but it didn't have that name because there wasn't any oil there, which says a lot.
Oh goody. I wonder how much this is going to cost us now. Every time we have Diplomatic ties with some country it cost's us a bundle. What we need to do is Break Ties with these countries and keep our money here at home. Big Business here at home are probably rubbing their hands together thinking about the Cheap Labor over there.
who will be our ambassador? my money is on the former ceo of solyndra
This is a thinly veiled excuse to have another military stronghold in South Asia. As the Navy settles into the seas north of Australia, this gives us more land holds to launch wars against Iran, Pakistan, and China. For Pete's sake he can't even get the name right. It isn't Burma anymore. It's Myanmar.
Going from no diplomatic ties to hosting our military? Wow, you must have a lot of faith in the government of Myanmar or are own if you think things will progress that fast!
$ money talks ,the BS walks, they don't care if we bawk
A new U.S.A. Military Base is coming soon, in Myanmar, near the Chinese border.
The U.S. wants a new military base near China's border and this is the only reason that the U.S. is sucking-up to Myanmar now, after decades of ignoring Myanmar. This has nothing to do with the new government, and everything to do with establishing a military base within Myanmar as soon as possible.
Great. Another source for cheap T-shirts and sneakers. When will 'Merican businessmen realize that there is no need to buy from low wage third world sweat shops and finally move the low wage sweat shops back to 'Merica. Heck, we deserve to be exploited too...
Feel free to stand all day on concrete sewing for $3.75 an hour, I'll pass.
Myanmar citizens mush have agreed to give monies or other materials to the 1%ers in order for the US to begin relations with the Myanmar government. These things don't just happen someone has to gain financially in order for this to go forward. We really need transparency in our government which will never happen without the help of wikileak type personal. I am sure the US has been given several hundred arces to install another military base with a missile defense system, and neclear weapon base aimed at nearby concieved enemies as part of the deal. The US never does anything for another country unless they get 100 fold in retun. I think the 1%ers are in for great financial gains.
The Myanmar citizens didn't agree to anything, because Myanmar is currently a military dictatorship in which they have no say. That's only begun to change.
Is it a requirement, in your mind, that all developments everywhere, ever, are an action by or against the financial elite? This really has nothing to do with your silly class warfare mentality.
God i hate Clinton. We have our own problems here and our government is worried about other countries, @!$%# liberals
Yes, we should act like we are the only country in the world, as that served us SO VERY WELL in the early 1910's and the 1930's.