US sends mixed message to Burma military

Pic: AP.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Human rights advocates and some lawmakers say the U.S. is sending the wrong signal by opening the door for broader cooperation with Burma's widely criticized military.

Congress, acting at the Obama administration's request, is expected to allow U.S. training in some noncombat activities. This would be part of a sweeping defense policy bill likely to pass this week.

The administration says this does not mean closer ties are imminent with a military known for rights abuses. It says the provision will give the U.S. flexibility to pursue slightly broader engagement if the military takes steps to support Burma's democratic transition.

But some lawmakers say it's ill-timed as political reforms have stalled, and because opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi is against expanding military ties before elections next year.

http://www.information.myanmaronlinecentre.com/us-sends-mixed-message-to-burma-military-2/