'This will be the beginning of a new future for all of us, provided we can maintain it'.- Burmese opposition leader Aung Sun Suu Kyi (photo)
Burma's military-backed, but nominally civilian, government has surprised critics with its political and economic reforms this past year. The liberal moves resulted in a visit by U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in December. During her trip, VOA's Daniel Schearf spoke with residents of the main city, Rangoon, about what they think of the changes, so far
Nay Pyi Daw, Dec.15.─ U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's December visit to Burma was both a reward and encouragement for authorities after a year of unexpected reforms.
President Thein Sein, despite being a former general, is slowly moving away from decades of military rule and economic problems.
Although still made up of former officers, his government ordered the release of hundreds of political prisoners, relaxed media censorship and held separate talks with ethnic rebel groups and pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
The Nobel Prize winner was released from 15 years of house arrest in 2010 and plans to run for parliament in next year's by-election ...
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