By Steve Hirsch
The U.S. president will visit Myanmar next week. Here’s what to expect.
The U.S. government is hoping that President Barack Obama’s November 12-14 Myanmar trip will yield clear statements from that country’s government on the Rakhine crisis and other key issues, a senior administration official told The Diplomat this week.
The official spoke on condition of anonymity as Obama prepares to visit Myanmar on a three-country Asia swing. The trip comes before 2015 elections in Myanmar, and as some are questioning the authenticity of reform there and whether Washington is being tough enough on the Naypyitaw government.
Key issues for many Myanmar observers include continuing sectarian violence in Rakhine state, constitutional reform, conduct of the elections – including whether opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi will be allowed to run – and the potential for a ceasefire with ethnic groups battling the government.
The main purpose of Obama’s trip, the official said, is for Obama to attend the East Asia Summit in Naypyitaw, where he will also attend the U.S.-ASEAN summit. However, while there he will also meet with Myanmar President Thein Sein, and will meet with Suu Kyi in Yangon November 14.
Read the full story at The Diplomat