The Stateless Rohingya Blog

Chiang Mai ( Mizzima ) – Derek J. Mitchell, the first U.S. special representative and policy coordinator for Burma, will meet government officials in Naypyitaw on Friday and Saturday, followed by meetings in Rangoon. US special representative to Burma Derek Mitchell. Photo: U.S. State Department “His trip is intended to build upon U.S. dialogue and engagement toward shared goals of genuine reform, reconciliation and development for the Burmese people,” the U.S. Department of State said in a statement released on Tuesday. Mitchell, who holds the rank of ambassador, will continue consultations in Rangoon from Saturday to Wednesday, according to the statement. Since the military coup in Burma in September 1988, the U.S. has not appointed an ambassador to Burma, lowering the level of its diplomatic relationship with the country. During his one-week trip, Mitchell will meet with a full spectrum of Burmese society, including government officials, members of political parties, local civil

Chiang Mai (Mizzima ) – The UN secretary-general has offered a cautious welcome to pledges of reform by the Burmese government but has expressed his deep concern over the continued detention of political prisoners. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has urged the release of all political prisoners in Burma. Photo: AFP UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has urged the release of all political prisoners in Burma. Photo: AFPUnited Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in a report released on Wednesday that the continued detention of political prisoners, who are estimated to number 1,995 in the country, "remains of deepest concern" to the United Nations, according to Agence France-Presse. Ban said the new nominally civilian government, elected in November 2010, and the release of Aung San Suu Kyi, gave the country a chance to “embark on the path of progress.” In the report, dated August 5 but just released by the United Nations office in Rangoon, the UN chief said commitments