Clinton offers $1.5 million to Myanmar civil society

YANGON (AFP) - United States (US) Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Friday offered US$1.2 million (S$1.54 million) in new aid aimed at civil society in Myanmar in a bid to bolster reforms on a landmark visit to the long-isolated nation.

United States (US) Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Friday offered US$1.2 million (S$1.54 million) in new aid aimed at civil society in Myanmar in a bid to bolster reforms on a landmark visit to the long-isolated nation. -- PHOTO: AFP

In a news conference at the end of her visit, Ms Clinton said that the funding would support microfinance, healthcare and help for the victims of landmines in the war-torn country formerly known as Burma.

'We will take a number of steps to demonstrate our commitment to the people of this country,' said Ms Clinton, who earlier on Friday met civil society groups who have an uncertain role in a country long dominated by the military.

'We are prepared to go further if reforms maintain momentum,' Ms Clinton said.

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