US welcomes Suu Kyi's Myanmar compromise

United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon (L) and Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi (AFP, Soe Than Win)

(AFP) – 1 hour ago

WASHINGTON — The United States on Tuesday welcomed the decision by Myanmar pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi to back down over a boycott of parliament, saying it augured well for democratic changes underway.

In a rare retreat, Suu Kyi announced on Monday that her National League for Democracy party would take its seats in parliament -- dominated by the military and its political allies -- and pledge to "safeguard" the army-created constitution.

"I think we see this as a hopeful sign that the (NLD) and the government will work together to continue to build on ... the democratic progress that we've seen there," State Department deputy spokesman Mark Toner said.

"We want to see these newly elected members take their seats. We want to see them work constructively with the government. We want to see the progress continue," Toner said.

Myanmar has seen a rapid improvement in relations with the West under a new reformist regime which has implemented a slew of positive changes since coming to power last year, including freeing political prisoners.

Suu Kyi has shown increased confidence in the government of President Thein Sein in recent weeks, planning her first international trip in 24 years.