ENGLISH DEYEA NEWS

by Mizzima | U.S. President George Bush has made his nomination to fill the recently created post of Special Representative and Policy Coordinator for Burma, a position that will primarily seek to increase pressure on Burma's military government to accept broad political change.

Michael Green, currently an Associate Professor at Georgetown University and a Senior Advisor and Japan Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, D.C., will now have his nomination forwarded to the Senate for confirmation.

According to U.S. National Security Council spokesman Gordon Johndroe, the Special Representative will serve as the country's "main interlocutor with other countries and organizations as we attempt to help the Burmese people."

The post is envisioned as yet one more means by which pressure can be applied on Burma's governing generals to accept political dialogue and reform.

Focused on the goal of restoring democratic governance to Burma, the Special Representative is to work closely with Burmese democracy activists as well as regional governments and organizations.

If confirmed, Green will also work with non-governmental organizations in their bid to provide humanitarian assistance in Burma.

The position carries with it the title of Ambassador, though the confirmed candidate will not be based in Rangoon. The United States has been without an Ambassador in its Rangoon Embassy since 1990, leaving a Chargé d'Affaires to occupy the top in-country post.

Provision for the Special Representative position in Burma falls under the JADE (Junta's Anti-Democratic Efforts) Act, which passed in July and was spearheaded by current Vice-President elect Joe Biden following the death of Representative Tom Lantos.

On September 3, 2008, Larry M. Dinger assumed duties as Chargé d'Affaires of the United States Embassy in Rangoon from outgoing head of mission Shari Villarosa.