Lawmakers uneasy over US-Myanmar military ties
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Obama administration wants to restart U.S. defense training for Myanmar that was cut 25 years ago after a bloody crackdown on protesters. While assistance would be nonlethal, some American lawmakers are resisting, concerned Washington is moving too fast in forging ties with a military still accused of attacking ethnic minorities and blocking humanitarian aid.
The administration has rolled back tough sanctions and hosted President Thein Sein, a former junta member, at the White House to reward his moves toward democratic reform, but restoring military ties is particularly sensitive and viewed as one of Washington's few remaining points of leverage.
The administration, which is looking to boost U.S. influence in Asia, is moving carefully but swiftly. With the backing of opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, U.S. defense legal experts last week made their second trip to Myanmar in two months, scoping out what help they can provide on teaching about human rights and the rule of law. And last Thursday, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel met on the sidelines of a regional conference in Brunei with another former junta member, Lt. Gen. Wai Lwin — the first bilateral meeting between the U.S. and Myanmar defense chiefs in two decades.
Military cooperation was severed after thousands of democracy protesters were gunned down during a 1988 popular uprising in the country also known as Burma, and an arms embargo is still in force. Myanmar has turned to China, Russia and North Korea for defense supplies and training.
http://bigstory.ap.org/article/lawmakers-uneasy-over-us-myanmar-military-ties
