US welcomes Suu Kyi travel freedom

Japan: Suu Kyi's plight was recognised around the world

The United States says it is encouraged that Burma's military leaders have so far lived up to their promise to allow the pro-democracy leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, to travel freely.

On Friday, Aung San Suu Kyi visited one of her party's offices on the outskirts of the capital, Rangoon, in what was seen as the first test of her political freedom since being released from house arrest earlier this month.

Aung San Suu Kyi smiles after her release

A spokesman for the US State Department, Richard Boucher, urged the Burmese regime to continue progress by scheduling substantive talks soon with Aung San Suu Kyi and her party, the National League for Democracy.

She was confined to her house in September 2000 after defying a government ban on travel outside Rangoon.

Despite America's warm words over Aung San Suu Kyi, President George W Bush renewed sanctions against Burma for another year.

The sanctions, which include investment restrictions, a visa ban and a bar on lending by international financial institutions, were imposed by then-President Bill Clinton in 1997, and have been renewed every year since.

Aids package

The United States told Burma's military rulers this week that they could expect a "positive response" from Washington if they moved their country towards democracy, after a 12-year-stalemate with Aung San Suu Kyi.

But far-reaching change in Burma still appears a long way off.

The United States said on Wednesday it was preparing an aid package to help tackle Burma's Aids crisis.

The decision has been seen as a small gesture to the Burmese regime, but may be intended to bolster United Nations envoy Razali Ismail's credibility as he tries to convince the military to offer genuine political reform.