Clinton warns Burma of sanctions

US secretary of state Hillary Clinton has called on Burma (Myanmar) to improve relations with the US and the international community…

US secretary of state Hillary Clinton has called on Burma (Myanmar) to improve relations with the US and the international community or face the possibility of 'punitive' action.

The US wants Burma to release more than 2,000 political prisoners and begin meaningful dialogue with minorities and the political opposition including Aung San Suu Kyi, Mrs Clinton said today at a meeting of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

"The choice is clear," Mrs Clinton said.

"They can take these steps and gain back the confidence of their people and the trust of the international community. Or they can continue down the path they've been on."

The US reserves the right to take punitive steps if Burma doesn't make progress, a US administration official told reporters today in Bali, Indonesia, where the Asean meeting is taking place.

Mrs Clinton said that her country had taken Asean's advice and engaged directly with Burma's government, a step that "helped lower one of the more significant stumbling blocks in the US-Asean relationship."

The US will also demand that Burma, immediately stop any trade with North Korea that violates a United Nations Security Council resolution extending an arms embargo against the country, according to the US official.

Mrs Clinton is at the Asean meeting as part of a 12-day around- the-world trip to consult with allies on issues ranging from the unrest in Libya and Syria to trade with India and strategic issues in Asia.