American-Myanmar relations

In November 2010, the first democratic elections took place in Myanmar after sixty years of military rule. Under President Thein Sein, the government of Burma initiated a series of political and economic reforms that led to significant changes in the life of this country after a long period of isolation. These reforms included the release of many political prisoners, a cease-fire agreement with 12 of the 13 large non-state armed groups, greater freedom of the press, parliamentary by-elections in 2012 (the pro-democratic party under the leadership of Aung San Suu Kyi took most seats in parliament ). The Barack Obama administration recognized positive democratic changes in Myanmar and began to stimulate further reform of the system in this country. The guiding principles of this support are: support political and economic reforms in Myanmar; promote national reconciliation; creating a system of transparency and accountability of public institutions; empowering local communities and civil society; promoting participation in international affairs and protecting human rights.

As part of an approach to support further reform, the United States fully restored diplomatic relations with Myanmar, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) was reopened in that country, a technical assistance mission from international financial institutions was supported, and financial and investment sanctions against Myanmar were lifted. President Obama’s trip to Burma in November 2012, the first visit by the sitting president of the United States, demonstrated the continued support of the United States for Burma in its political and economic reforms.

On the eve of President Obama’s visit, the Government of Myanmar reaffirmed its commitment to 11 principles, covering the issue of human rights, freedom of religion, political prisoners, ethnic reconciliation, non-proliferation of weapons and drugs, prohibition of human trafficking. These commitments include the formation of a committee to deal with political affairs of prisoners; political dialogue with ethnic minorities; meetings of humanitarian missions in the area of Rakhine and other areas affected by the conflict; providing for the creation of the post of UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in Myanmar; allows the International Committee of the Red Cross to resume visits to prisons. In May 2013, President Thein Sein paid a visit to the United States, where he confirmed his intention to uphold all these democratic obligations.

Although significant progress has been made in the country, problems remain, especially in resolving tensions and preventing violence in Rakhine State. In addition, much remains to be done to ensure respect for human rights, to define a clear role for the military, to move from ceasefire agreements to political dialogue and to improve the rule of law and accountability of the government. The United States continues to emphasize the need for tolerance, diversity and peaceful coexistence for the Myanmar government, and for the Myanmar military to completely break off military ties with North Korea . The Myanmar administration regularly consults with the US Congress, as well as US allies and other international actors, to support further reforms in the country.

In 1989, the military government changed the name of the country from Burma to "Myanmar". The United States in official documents still uses the name "Burma" to designate this country.

Since 2000, USAID has been providing humanitarian aid to Myanmar. In 2008, her efforts were directed at overcoming the consequences of the destructive cyclone Nargis . In 2012, USAID assistance was sent to provide effective and efficient assistance to the Myanmar government. In November 2012, President Obama pledged $ 170 million to Myanmar over the next two years, which will focus on expanding cooperation in the following priority areas: democracy, human rights, rule of law; transparent management; peace and reconciliation; health; economic opportunities and food security.

In recognition of political and economic progress since the reforms in Myanmar, the United States has taken concrete steps over the past two years to help accelerate economic growth in this country. In July 2012, the US administration issued a decree that allowed financial services to US companies in Myanmar. In November 2012, the US administration issued a decree that allowed the importation of Myanmar goods into the United States, with the exception of jadeite and rubies . In 2013, the administration issued a decree that allowed US citizens to make the majority of transactions in Myanmar — including opening and maintaining financial accounts and conducting a number of other financial services — with four of Myanmar's largest financial institutions: Asia Green Development Bank, Ayeyarwady Bank, Myanmar Economic Bank and Myanmar Investment and Commercial Bank.

• American-Myanmar relations on the website of the US State Department . (eng.)