In a scene that would have been unimaginable just a few years ago, the former general will meet with President Barack Obama on Monday and later seek to woo US businesses that see a lucrative market in the former Western pariah nation.
Critics say that Obama's invitation was premature and takes pressure off Myanmar to address still-alarming abuses such as recent anti-Muslim violence to which security forces allegedly turned a blind eye.
Thein Sein, who took office as a nominal civilian in 2011, surprised even cynics by freeing hundreds of political prisoners, easing censorship and letting long-detained opposition icon Aung San Suu Kyi enter parliament.
Speaking at the office of Voice of America, Thein Sein said he would tell Obama that the reform path is stable and call for a complete end to the economic sanctions which the United States has mostly suspended.
"Relations have greatly improved thanks to the policies of President Obama," he told a forum at the broadcaster on Sunday. "For our political reforms, we also need more economic development."
Al Jazeera's Wayne Hay, reporting from Yangon, said there are many unresolved issues that Thein Sein and Obama needs to address during their meeting.
"There are a lot of people here who are hoping that some tough questions will be asked of President Thein Sein by President Obama," our correspondent said. That includes the ongoing conflict with rebels and attacks on Muslim communities by Buddhist majorities.
Myanmar President Thein Sein is set to become the first leader of his country to visit the White House in nearly half a century, in one of the most symbolic US gestures yet to support his reforms. In a scene that would have been unimaginable just a few years ago, the former general will meet with President Barack Obama on Monday and later seek to woo US businesses that see a lucrative market in the former Western pariah nation. Critics say that Obama's invitation was premature and takes pressure off Myanmar to address still-alarming abuses such as recent anti-Muslim violence to which security forces allegedly turned a blind eye. Thein Sein, who took office as a nominal civilian in 2011, surprised even cynics by freeing hundreds of political prisoners, easing censorship and letting long-detained opposition icon Aung San Suu Kyi enter parliament. Speaking at the office of Voice of America, Thein Sein said he would tell Obama that the reform path is stable and call for a complete end to the economic sanctions which the United States has mostly suspended. "Relations have greatly improved thanks to the policies of President Obama," he told a forum at the broadcaster on Sunday. "For our political reforms, we also need more economic development." Al Jazeera's Wayne Hay, reporting from Yangon, said there are many unresolved issues that Thein Sein and Obama needs to address during their meeting. "There are a lot of people here who are hoping that some tough questions will be asked of President Thein Sein by President Obama," our correspondent said. That includes the ongoing conflict with rebels and attacks on Muslim communities by Buddhist majorities.
Post a Comment