Obama Declares 'New Chapter' in Relations with Burma

18 May 2012

US President Barack Obama is declaring a “new chapter” in relations with Burma after announcing that Washington will send its first ambassador to the country in 22 years and ease investment restrictions.  In a statement issued by the White House, Obama said opening up greater economic engagement will help support reformers and speed development in Burma. He pointed to the parliamentary election of opposition figure Aung San Suu Kyi as a prominent example of progress. The US is retaining sanctions on individuals accused of human rights violations.—AP