Foreign Secretary meets Burmese government in Naypyitaw
Foreign Secretary William Hague has commented on his meetings with the Burmese Government during his visit to Burma.
The Foreign Secretary said:
“Today in Naypyitaw I met a range of Burmese government representatives, including President Thein Sein, Foreign Minister U Wunna Maung Lwin and Lower House Speaker Shwe Mann.
“I emphasised the importance the British government attaches to the reforms that the Burmese government has undertaken in the last six months, and my sincere hope that there will be further progress in the weeks and months ahead. I made clear that the British government expects to see the release of all political prisoners, credible by-elections in April, and a genuine alleviation of the suffering in ethnic areas, including through humanitarian access and peace talks. I spoke of the long-standing friendship that exists between our two peoples, one that can and should form the foundation of improved relations across the board between our two countries. I made clear that the British government stands ready to respond positively to evidence of further progress towards that lasting improvement in human rights and political freedom that the people of Burma seek.”