The military that ran Myanmar for decades will continue to play a major role in the country, said the former general who has presided over the transformation of a nation that only three years ago was considered one of the world’s most repressive.YANGON, Myanmar – The first U.S ambassador to Myanmar in 22 year formally assumed his job Wednesday by presenting his credentials to the country’s president.
Derek Mitchell carried out the formality at the presidential mansion in the capital Naypyitaw, said the website of the office of President Thein Sein.
Mitchell had arrived earlier Wednesday in Yangon, Myanmar’s biggest city, before proceeding to the capital.
Mitchell previously was President Obama’s special envoy to Myanmar. The U.S. Senate confirmed his appointment as ambassador in late June.
The United States announced in January it was restoring full diplomatic relations with Myanmar, encouraged by changes that have swept the country since a long-ruling army junta ceded power last year.
Thein Sein, who took office after a general election, has instituted liberal changes after almost five decades of repressive military rule. The initiative in large part is meant to attract foreign aid and investment.
The previous military regime was shunned by many Western countries, which applied economic and political sanctions because of its poor record on human rights and democracy.
Prior to Mitchell’s arrival, the highest-level U.S. diplomat in Myanmar was the charge d’affaires.
