Clinton warns against 'backsliding' in Myanmar

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Tuesday urged further reform in Myanmar and warned against the possibility of "backsliding" as she met with opposition icon Aung San Suu Kyi. Clinton hailed changes under way in the country, formerly known as Burma, including recent prisoner releases and Suu Kyi's historic US visit but voiced concern about sectarian tensions and Myanmar's alleged ties with North Korea. "The government and opposition need to continue to work together to unite the country, heal the wounds of the past and carry the reforms forward," Clinton said. Introducing Suu Kyi at an event of the US Institute of Peace and Asia Society after the two women met at the State Department, Clinton said that cooperation in Myanmar would also "guard against backsliding." "There are forces that would take the country in the wrong direction if given the chance," Clinton said.