Burma's military government has rejected a senior U.S. official's criticism of the pace of national reconciliation in Burma. But Rangoon thanked Washington for praising its anti-drug efforts.
In a statement, a Burmese government spokesman thanked the United States for recognizing Rangoon's effort to cut opium production and pledged to support Washington in its war against terrorism. The spokesman also condemned the United States for what he called a "tongue-lashing" against Burmese government policy.
U.S. Assistant Secretary of State James Kelly criticized Burma's military government last week for failing to open substantive talks with the country's democratic opposition. But Mr. Kelly did note that Burma has improved its campaign against drug production.
Information for this report is provide by AFP.