Derek Mitchell on 11 July 2012 assumed the charge as the first US
Ambassador to Myanmar in the past 22 year. Before assuming the charge
Mitchell met President Thein Sein at the presidential mansion in
Myanmar’s capital Naypyitaw. There he carried out all the formalities
before formally joining the office.
Prior to his current assignment, Mitchell served as President Barack
Obama's special envoy to Myanmar. The US Senate confirmed his
appointment as ambassador to the country in June 2012. Earlier, charge
d'affaires used to be the US’ top diplomat in Myanmar.
In yet another gesture of amity the US government eased sanctions on
Myanmar, allowing American business houses to make investment in the
southeast Asian nation. The decision marked a strong indication of US’
support to the political reforms being unfolded in Myanmar.
Prompted by the series of political reforms in the country, the US
Government in January 2012 had announced to restore diplomatic relation
with Myanmar. The former Junta ruled country has witnessed a slew of
political reforms over the past few months, which witnessed
pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi released from the year-long house
arrest and moving to the parliament following a victory in by-elections.
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