US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton personally delivered a letter from President Barack Obama to Burma’s leading democracy campaigner Aung San Suu Kyi Thursday. Here is the letter in full as released by the State Department:
Aung San Suu Kyi
Rangoon, Burma
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi:
It was a pleasure and an honor to speak with you recently. As I said during our conversation, I have long admired your brave and unwavering struggle for democracy, and I consider our conversation a highlight of my recent visit to Asia.
I am pleased that the Burmese government has taken several encouraging steps in the direction of democracy and reform. Secretary of State Clinton’s visit will explore how the United States can support efforts to foster political opening and respect for universal human rights, as well as demonstrate the seriousness of our commitment to helping the people of Burma achieve their democratic aspirations.
I thank you for your welcome of the Secretary’s visit, and look forward to speaking to you again. Thank you for the inspiration you provide all of us around the world who share the values of democracy, human rights, and justice. We stand by you now and always.
Sincerely,
Barack Obama
Obama’s Letter to Thein Sein
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton personally delivered a letter from President Barack Obama to Burma’s President Thein Sein on Thursday. Here is the letter in full as released by the State Department:
His Excellency
Thein Sein,
President of the Union of Burma,
Naypyidaw
Dear President Thein Sein:
I am pleased we had an opportunity to see each other in Bali (Indonesia), at the US-Asean Leaders Meeting two weeks ago. I am encouraged that under your leadership your country has undertaken several encouraging steps on the path toward reform.
I have asked Secretary of State Clinton to visit your country to discuss your vision for reform, explore how the United States can support and advance your efforts to transition to democracy and promote protection of human rights, and talk directly to your government and citizens about prospects for enhancing relations between our two countries. To that end, she will engage your government about our continuing concerns in the spirit of mutual interest and mutual respect. There is much work to be done, and as Secretary of State Clinton and I have said previously, the United States stands ready to serve as a genuine partner in your effort to achieve lasting change.
I appreciate your government’s help in planning and preparing for this milestone visit. I look forward to hearing the tangible outcomes of Secretary Clinton’s discussions, which we all hope will put us on a path to a new phase in our bilateral relationship.
Sincerely,
Barack Obama
