US Secretary of State: "We're not at the point where we could consider lifting sanctions."
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has pledged to improve ties with Burma if current reforms continue.
After meeting Burmese President Thein Sein, Mrs. Clinton said the US would reward Burma's leaders if they kept "moving in the right direction."
After talks with Mr. Thein Sein in the remote capital, Nay Pyi Taw, Mrs. Clinton met pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi in the main city [and former capital], Rangoon. The US maintains tight sanctions on senior leaders in Burma's hierarchy.
Trying to put a name (Than Shwe) to the face of evil in authoritarian Burma
But a series of reforms this year has led to speculation that decades of isolation could be about to end. "The United States is prepared to walk the path of reform with you if you keep moving in the right direction," Mrs Clinton said.
"These are incremental steps and we are prepared to go further if reforms maintain momentum. In that spirit, we are discussing what it will take to upgrade diplomatic relations and exchange ambassadors," Mrs. Clinton told reporters.
"Over time, this could become an important channel to air concerns, monitor and support progress and build trust on both sides," she said. The US has been represented by a lower-ranking diplomat as a protest since Burma's military rulers refused to accept the results of the 1990 elections widely estimated to have been won by Ms Suu Kyi's party.
Mrs. Clinton and Ms Suu Kyi had a private dinner in Rangoon before holding a more formal meeting at Ms. Suu Kyi's residence on Friday. More plus video
Burmese News Roundup
The Burmans’ Big Brother complex (WSJ)
In Myanmar, Clinton tests waters for change (NPR)
Gov't troops destroy civilian homes (Kachin News)
Free funeral service society sends aid to Kachin refugees (Mizzima)
Ethnic leaders joining The Lady to meet Clinton (Shan Herald)
Factory workers test labor freedoms (DVB)
Clinton meets Aung San Suu Kyi on Burma visit (AP)
Myanmar gov’t officials meet with Kachin rebels (AP)
Clinton to test Burma; US cautious but encouraged (WP/AP)
Rights groups urge Clinton to press Burma for real reforms (DW)
China-Myanmar: border war dilemma (Asia Times)
Full text: Obama letter to Aung San Suu Kyi
US says Myanmar can do more, hopes to help relations (AFP/WSJ)
U.S. will relax curbs on aid to Burma (NY Times)
Clinton pushes Burma to cement reforms (CBS/AP)
Clinton offers small incentives for Burma’s reforms (WP)
As US-Burma ties warm, China stands conflicted (AP)
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