The new US Ambassador in Yangon, Ms Susan Stevenson, told the Myanmar people in her introductory message that her government has been at the forefront of international efforts to pressure the military regime and holds perpetrators accountable, and recognizes the determination and bravery of Myanmar people who are calling for freedom and aspiring for peace, democracy, and an end to the military regime’s violence against them.

“We support the efforts of the pro-democracy movement, including the NUG, ethnic organizations, civil society, and all those working to resolve the conflict. We coordinate with the United Nations and international partners, including ASEAN, to provide urgent humanitarian assistance to those in need, especially victims of unacceptable violence by the regime,” said Ms Stevenson, in a video address on 17 July.

The US has sanctioned more than 100 individuals and entities, including two of Myanmar’s largest state-owned financial institutions.

Susan Stevenson said that she first visited Myanmar in 1994 during her first tour as a diplomat in Thailand, and in 1997, 2013 and 2014, the latter visits as the country was opening up.

She pledged that the US embassy will continue to work with Myanmar people, and support the aspirations of people for a future with fundamental rights and genuine democracy.

She served as the ambassador of Equatorial Guinea from March 2019-September 2021 before she joined the Bureau of Intelligence and Research (INR) as the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary in October 2021. 

Her diplomatic missions were US Consul General in Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Beijing, Hong Kong, and Mexico City. She can speak French, Thai, Mandarin Chinese, and Spanish.