Oval Office Chat: Aung San Suu Kyi of Burma

From The G-Man received the following statement today:

President Obama spoke last night by phone with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to congratulate her on her campaign and the success of the National League for Democracy (NLD) in Burma’s historic parliamentary election that was held on November 8, 2015.  The President commended her for her tireless efforts and sacrifice over so many years to promote a more inclusive, peaceful, and democratic Burma. The two leaders discussed the importance for all parties to respect the official results once announced and to work together in the spirit of unity to form an inclusive, representative government that reflects the will of the people.  The President noted that the election and formation of a new government could be an important step forward in Burma’s democratic transition and the effort to forge a more peaceful and prosperous future.

President Thein Sein

President Obama spoke last night by phone with President Thein Sein to offer his congratulations to the people of Burma for their participation in the historic parliamentary election on November 8, 2015.  The President commended the efforts of the Union Election Commission and others in the government for their work with political parties, civil society, and the media to overcome the significant challenges in organizing and conducting the election.  The two leaders discussed the importance for all parties to respect the official results once announced and to work together with a spirit of unity to form an inclusive, representative government that reflects the will of the people.  The President noted that the election and formation of a new government could be an important step forward in Burma’s democratic transition and the effort to forge a more peaceful and prosperous future.

From The G-Man received the following statement on November 11, 2015.

President Jacob Zuma of South Africa

President Obama spoke by phone today with President Jacob Zuma of South Africa to discuss the upcoming climate change negotiations and the situation in Burundi.  President Obama underscored the interest of the United States in reaching an ambitious and durable climate agreement in Paris that incentivizes strong action by all countries. He also expressed his deep concern about the situation in Burundi and asked President Zuma to continue to work with other regional actors to call for calm and press for a dialogue that can bring about a long-term solution to the crisis. In addition, the two discussed the President’s notification to Congress last week regarding the African Growth and Opportunity Act, and the President emphasized his hope that outstanding issues are resolved quickly so that South Africa continues to benefit from AGOA fully.  Finally, the President expressed his condolences for the death of a South African citizen in the attack in Jordan on Monday.  

Source: The White House, Office of the Press Secretary