Clinton urges 'concrete actions' by Myanmar on rights

'Frankly, we have serious questions to ask':

US: US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Thursday urged Myanmar to take "concrete actions" to improve human rights, voicing concerns about the new government's record despite its outreach.

Clinton, addressing a joint news conference after talks with Australian leaders, said that the new US coordinator on Myanmar, Derek Mitchell, had "productive meetings" on his first visit to the country this week.

But she added: "Frankly, we have serious questions and concerns across a wide range of issues."

She said that the military-backed government in the country formerly known as Burma continued to hold some 2,000 political prisoners and to mistreat ethnic minorities and the media.

"I would urge the Burmese government to follow its words and commitments with concrete actions that lead to genuine reform, national reconciliation and respect for human rights," Clinton said. AFP