BALI, Indonesia, Nov. 18 (UPI) -- While Myanmar is praised for developing a more open political system, there remain concerns over denial of basic human rights, the U.S. president said.
U.S. President Barack Obama arrived Friday in Indonesia to take part in a summit for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. His arrival coincided with a decision by opposition leader and Nobel Peace prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi to return to political activity nearly a year after she was freed from prison.
Obama during statements Friday said dialogue between Suu Kyi and her National League for Democracy has begun in earnest. Some political prisoners were released by Myanmar's government, certain media restrictions were relaxed and the country's government was more open.
"So, taken together, these are the most important steps toward reform in Myanmar that we've seen in years," he said.
Washington, however, is "deeply concerned" that repression of ethnic minorities and the consolidation of political power in the hands of a few military elite continues in the country.
Myanmar had its first general election in nearly 20 years in early November 2010, saying it would open the door to civilian participation. The international community said the election was a sham, however.
Suu Kyi was freed from house arrest in Myanmar, where she spent 15 of the past 21 years in detention, shortly after the November election.
She led the NLD to a victory in 1990 elections, though military authorities never recognized the results.
