Women Waistlines of the World

US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Myanmar pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi
(pic from AFP)

Food for thought: Do the waistlines of nations' top female leaders represent their people's typical or average waistlines?


Reference

Suu Kyi welcomes US role as Clinton visit ends (SCMP; paywall)

MYANMAR
Reuters in Yangon
Dec 03, 2011

Pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi yesterday welcomed US engagement with Myanmar, saying she hoped it would set her long-isolated country on the road to democracy.

US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton held a final meeting with Suu Kyi as she wrapped up a landmark visit that saw Myanmar's civilian government pledge to forge ahead with political reforms and re-engage with the world community.

Clinton and Suu Kyi held a private dinner on Thursday and met again yesterday at the Nobel laureate's lakeside home, effectively her prison until she was released in November last year after years in detention.

"If we go forward together, I'm confident there will be no turning back from the road to democracy. We are not on that road yet, but we hope to get there as soon as possible with our friends," Suu Kyi said.

The two appeared visibly moved as they embraced after their meeting, and a senior US official said they had established a strong personal rapport. Neither mentioned US sanctions on Myanmar, imposed because of rights abuses and suppression of democracy, but Clinton later said the curbs may end if reforms continue.

"If there is enough progress, obviously we will be considering lifting sanctions. But as I said before we're still at the very early stages of this dialogue," she said.

Suu Kyi said Myanmar needed help on education, health care and strengthening rule of law, and welcomed US support for World Bank and International Monetary Fund assessment missions to help draw up priorities for a country whose economy is increasingly reliant on China.

"We have to find out what our greatest needs are," she said.

Clinton's trip follows a decision by US President Barack Obama last month to open the door to expanded ties, saying he saw the potential for progress in Myanmar, until recently seen as a reclusive military dictatorship firmly aligned with China.