We are committed as well to a free media. The newly established Myanmar Press Council is
working hard to make this a reality and we understand fully the importance of a free,
independent, and responsible media as a key component to any democratic society.
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Alongside all these political efforts, we are working as hard as possible on developing our
economy. Reducing poverty is a task that can be second to none. This requires many different
reforms from currency reform to the creation of a central bank to establishing a more liberal
trade and investment system than previously existed. It is essential that we expand our economy
in an inclusive way and in a way that protects our natural environment at the same time as we
embark on our political changes.
We are encouraged and heartened by the support given by governments and international
institutions. America both the United States government and American friends and
organizations has played a critical role in moving us away from decades of dictatorship to a
place where we can now at least see the light at the end of the tunnel. President Obama who
arrived in our country on Wednesday and leaves for Australia on Friday and Secretaries of
State Hillary Rodham Clinton and John Kerry have all been important, but so too have senators
and representatives from both sides of the aisle in Congress.
Our interest is not in aid funding for our reforms. What we want more than anything is that
friends of Myanmar around the world understand the nuances of what is happening and be aware
of the big picture: that we are a small nation between giant neighbors, poor and isolated for
decades, with entrenched systems and views that have grown up over generations, now trying
decisively to move toward peace and democracy. It is a grand experiment, but we are determined
to succeed.
U Soe Thane, a retired admiral, is a minister in the office of the president of Myanmar.