US special envoy to return to Myanmar to discuss by-elections

Published on Mar 8, 2012

 

United States (US) special envoy Derek Mitchell (above) is set to return to Myanmar later this month to discuss parliamentary by-elections and US efforts to reward reforms by the military-backed government. -- PHOTO: AP

WASHINGTON (AFP) - United States (US) special envoy Derek Mitchell is set to return to Myanmar later this month
to discuss parliamentary by-elections and US efforts to reward reforms by the military-backed government.

Mr Mitchell, the US first special representative and policy coordinator for Myanmar, will visit the capital Naypyidaw, the former capital Yangon as well as Mandalay arch 11-17, the State Department said in a statement.

He is set to meet with senior government officials in Naypyidaw to discuss the 'April 1 parliamentary by-elections, as well as US policy initiatives to recognise recent reforms and encourage further progress,' it said.

President Thein Sein, a former military officer who took office last year as a nominally civilian leader, has surprised many critics with reforms including launching talks with opposition icon Aung San Suu Kyi and ethnic minorities.

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