Clinton challenges Burma on reforms

US secretary of state Hillary Rodham Clinton meets Burma's leader Thein Sein at the president's office in Naypyidaw (AP)

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has challenged Burma's leaders to continue and expand reforms.
She offered the isolated country a small package of rewards for steps it has already taken but made clear that more must be done, including breaking military ties with North Korea.
She said the US was ready to further improve relations with the civilian government - but only if it stays on the path of democratisation.
In a series of modest first steps, she announced that Washington would allow Burma to participate in a US-backed grouping of Mekong River countries; no longer block enhanced co-operation between the country and the International Monetary Fund; and support intensified UN health, microfinance and counter-narcotics programmes.
On a historic visit, Mrs Clinton offered the country future incentives, including the prospect of upgraded diplomatic ties, in return for steps that include releasing political prisoners and ending ethnic violence with aggressive efforts at national reconciliation.
"I came to assess whether the time is right for a new chapter in our shared history," she told reporters after meeting President Thein Sein and other senior government officials in the capital of Naypyidaw. "The United States is prepared to walk the path of reform with you if you keep moving in the right direction."
After decades of repressive military rule, she said President Barack Obama was willing to explore improved and expanded ties "to reward reforms with steps to lessen (Burma's) isolation and improve the lives of its citizens".
At Naypidaw's presidential palace - a huge building with 40ft to 60ft ceilings replete with gold gilt, giant teak doors and white marble floors that lies off an enormous but empty 20-lane motorway - Mr Sein appeared eager to embrace the opening with the United States. He told Mrs Clinton her visit was a "historic milestone" which would "enhance relations and co-operation".
A senior US official said Mr Sein had outlined his government's plans for reform in a 45-minute presentation in which he acknowledged that Burma lacked a recent tradition of democracy and openness. He asked for US help in making the transition from military to full civilian rule, according to the official.
Later on Thursday, Mrs Clinton was meeting opposition leader and Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, a long-time political prisoner who has said she will run in upcoming elections.