Hillary Clinton: US sees 'promising signals' in Myanmar

The United States is encouraged by "promising signals" of political reform in Myanmar, but it is too early to announce steps Washington might take in response, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said on Tuesday.

Clinton, in an interview with Reuters, suggested Washington is watching closely events in the reclusive Southeast Asian nation, where there have been hints of political liberalization after decades of repression and military rule.

Myanmar authorities are expected to release a number of political detainees on Wednesday.

"We want to see actions. If they are going to release political prisoners, that would be a very positive sign," Clinton said.

But asked what the United States might do, short of lifting U.S. sanctions on Myanmar, to encourage reform, Clinton said, "It's a little premature for us to announce what we might or might not do."

Still, she cited "some promising signals," including the regime's continued dialogue with opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, and the suspension of a $3.6 billion Chinese-led dam project in response to popular resentment.

Asked whether the apparent changes were the result of a strategic shift on the part of Myanmar's leaders, or merely tactical moves, Clinton replied: "I don't know the answer to that."