Hillary Clinton announces easing of US sanctions on Burma

"The United States will stand with the reformers and the democrats both inside the government and in the larger civil society as they work together for that more hopeful future that is the right of every single person," Mrs Clinton said.

She hailed the "leadership and couarge" of President Thein Sein, the former member of the military junta who now serves as the country's civilian leader and who allowed the recent elections to go ahead.

However, she also warned that "sanctions and prohibitions will stay in place on individuals and institutions that remain on the wrong side of these historic reform efforts."

The Obama administration is expected to move quickly to name an ambassador for confirmation in the Senate, a major step towards restoring full diplomatic relations for the first time in two decades.

Mrs Clinton visited Burma in December last year, becoming the most senior American official to travel there in 50 years. She also met with Mrs Suu Kyi at the home where she was until recently under house arrest.

Last week Mrs Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy won 43 of the 44 seats it contested in Sunday's elections.