Letters to Burma of Myanmar?

Natuurlijk hadden de dames Clinton en Suu Kyi afgesproken om kleding en kapsels op elkaar af te stemmen zodat ze als dikke vriendinnen voor de camera's verschenen voordat ze aan tafel gingen. Ook over de aanduiding van het land was nagedacht. Werd het Burma of toch maar Myanmar zoals de autoriteiten het graag horen? Clinton meed die netelige kwestie zo veel mogelijk door over 'dit land' te spreken. Haar baas koos voor Burma zoals uit onderstaande brieven blijkt.

To
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi:

It was a pleasure and an honor to speak with you recently. As I said during our conversation, I have long admired your brave and unwavering struggle for democracy, and I consider our conversation a highlight of my recent visit to Asia.

I am pleased that the Burmese government has taken several encouraging steps in the direction of democracy and reform. Secretary of State Clinton's visit will explore how the United States can support efforts to foster political opening and respect for universal human rights, as well as demonstrate the seriousness of our commitment to helping the people of Burma achieve their democratic aspirations.

I thank you for your welcome of the Secretary's visit, and look forward to speaking to you again. Thank you for the inspiration you provide all of us around the world who share the values of democracy, human rights, and justice. We stand by you now and always.

Sincerely,
Barack Obama
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To
His Excellency
Thein Sein,
President of the Union of Burma, Naypyidaw

Dear President Thein Sein:

I am please we had an opportunity to see each other in Bali, at the U.S.-ASEAN Leaders Meeting two weeks ago. I am encouraged that under your leadership your country has undertaken several encouraging steps on the path toward reform.

I have asked Secretary of State Clinton to visit your country to discuss your vision for reform, explore how the United States can support and advance your efforts to transition to democracy and promote protection of human rights, and talk directly to your government and citizens about prospects for enhancing relations between our two countries. To that end, she will engage your government about our continuing concerns in the spirit of mutual interest and mutual respect. There is much work to be done, and as Secretary of State Clinton and I have said previously, the United States stands ready to serve as a genuine partner in your effort to achieve lasting change.

I appreciate your government's help in planning and preparing for this milestone visit. I look forward to hearing the tangible outcomes of Secretary Clinton's discussions, which we all hope will put us on a path to a new phase in our bilateral relationship.

Sincerely,

Barack Obama