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WASHINGTON: The debate in Washington about whether and how to engage with the military government in Myanmar is gathering pace following the recent, high-profile visit by US Senator Jim Webb.
The access granted to the prominent lawmaker and the release of American citizen John Yettaw are prompting talk about the prospects of a thawing of relations between the two countries.
But while state media in Myanmar heralded the Webb trip as a "success for both sides", back in Washington, expert opinion is divided about its significance.
David Steinberg, a Georgetown University scholar, has spent decades studying and writing about Myanmar. He said that Senator Webb's visit could mark the start of something promising.
"This is the first step in a very prolonged stage in trying to work out a reasonable relationship with the government in Myanmar," said Professor Steinberg.
However, others saw Senator Webb's trip and the release of Yettaw, now back in the US, as less significant.
Walter Lohman, director of the Asian Studies Centre, The Heritage Foundation, said: "I think that the Burmese government saw an opportunity to make an impression both on their neighbours and on their populace with Senator Webb's visit and, in exchange, they gave him somebody they probably would have released in the not-too-distant future anyway."
The best indication of whether the US government sees a potential turning point will come when the results of its review of Myanmar policy are announced. Until then, Washington continues to press long-standing concerns.
Philip Crowley, US State Department spokesman, said: "We remain very concerned about the continued detainment of Aung Sun Suu Kyi and more than 2,100 prisoners that are in detention. We continue to look for signs that the Burmese government is prepared to embark on a meaningful dialogue with Aung Sun Suu Kyi, along with the rest of the democratic opposition.
"And obviously, Burma needs to have a dialogue with a full range of ethnic minority leaders in Burma, and move towards a peaceful transition to genuine democracy and national reconciliation."
Professor Steinberg saw the US policy review as an opportunity to build on recent developments.
He said: "What we've seen is a very, very careful kind of waltz. Now what has got to happen as a result of the Webb trip, which was very useful, is that there has to be a series of steps taken by each side in response to each other; very specific ones about improving relations."
Those who did not see the Webb trip as part of a significant warming trend pointed to other signals coming from Washington.
Mr Lohman said: "The stronger indication is US President Obama signing into law sanctions against the Myanmar government; twice within the last two months."
As for a more comprehensive indication of US policy going forward, it remains a waiting game. A US State Department official said the review continues and gave no date for when the results might be announced.
- CNA/yt
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