US appoints Myanmar envoy after 22 years
1 July 2012 12:54 PM GMT
For the first time in 22 years, the US has appointed its ambassador to Myanmar as part of efforts to upgrade ties with the country which has launched a slew of democratic reforms after five decades of authoritarian rule.
The appointment of veteran diplomat Derek Mitchell, who was till now the Special US Representative and Policy Coordinator for Myanmar, was confirmed by the Senate on Friday and he is expected to leave for that country soon.
47-year-old Mitchell's appointment as the US envoy to Myanmar follows steps taken by the two countries in recent months to normalise diplomatic ties following democratic reforms in Myanmar.
The US is currently represented by a lower-level diplomat in Yangon. Myanmar is also expected to send a full Ambassador to Washington.
'I congratulate Derek Mitchell on his confirmation as our Ambassador to Burma,' said Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell. 'He has done an excellent job in his current role as Special Representative and Policy Coordinator for Burma; his experience will serve us well in the region as he builds on the strong foundation established by Michael Thurston and our embassy team in Rangoon (Yangon),' McConnell said.
Earlier this week, during his confirmation hearing, Mitchell said if confirmed as ambassador to Myanmar he would work with both the opposition and the government. 'Perhaps the most important development of the past year, has been the partnership between Aung San Suu Kyi and President Thein Sein,' he said.
The appointment of veteran diplomat Derek Mitchell, who was till now the Special US Representative and Policy Coordinator for Myanmar, was confirmed by the Senate on Friday and he is expected to leave for that country soon.
47-year-old Mitchell's appointment as the US envoy to Myanmar follows steps taken by the two countries in recent months to normalise diplomatic ties following democratic reforms in Myanmar.
The US is currently represented by a lower-level diplomat in Yangon. Myanmar is also expected to send a full Ambassador to Washington.
'I congratulate Derek Mitchell on his confirmation as our Ambassador to Burma,' said Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell. 'He has done an excellent job in his current role as Special Representative and Policy Coordinator for Burma; his experience will serve us well in the region as he builds on the strong foundation established by Michael Thurston and our embassy team in Rangoon (Yangon),' McConnell said.
Earlier this week, during his confirmation hearing, Mitchell said if confirmed as ambassador to Myanmar he would work with both the opposition and the government. 'Perhaps the most important development of the past year, has been the partnership between Aung San Suu Kyi and President Thein Sein,' he said.
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