Obama 'extends friendship' to Burma

US President Obama is visiting Burma to show his support for what he believes are "the flickers of progress" in the country, where democratic reforms have been introduced following years of military rule.

In a speech in Rangoon, he said the United States was with Burma and urged the country to continue its move towards democracy.

The president has faced criticism from some campaign groups who say human rights are still being violated. But Mr Obama said he wanted to "extend the hand of friendship".