Clinton Makes No Remarks on Burma
By LALIT K JHA
WASHINGTON (Irrawaddy)— During her Senate confirmation hearing, the US Secretary of State-designate, Hillary Clinton, made no remarks about her views on Burma, but praised first lady Laura Bush for taking up the cause of the people of Burma.
"Mrs. Bush has been outspoken on behalf of the plight of Afghan women, on behalf of Aung San Suu Kyi in Burma, and other women facing oppression around the world," Clinton said during the course of her nomination hearing at the powerful Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Wednesday.
Except for this, there was no reference to Burma during the hearing convened by Senate Foreign Relations for the secretary of sate-designate. During the day-long hearing, almost all other aspects of the US foreign policy were discussed.
Clinton said that she intends to revitalize the mission of diplomacy in American foreign policy, calling for a "smart power" strategy in the Middle East. She implicitly criticized the Bush administration for having downgraded the role of arms control.
Clinton spoke confidently of President-elect Obama's intentions to renew American leadership in the world and to strengthen US diplomacy.
"The best way to advance America's interest in reducing global threats and seizing global opportunities is to design and implement global solutions. This isn't a philosophical point. This is our reality,” she said.
There were no questions on Burma from any senator on the committee and no remarks from Clinton on what the new administration's policy would be towards the Burmese military junta.
