jump over navigation bar
Embassy SealUS Department of State
Embassy of the United States Rangoon, Burma - Home flag graphic
Embassy Highlights
 

Deputy Assistant Secretary Scot Marciel

Book Launch: Realizing the ASEAN Economic Community

November 14, 2009

“It’s a perfect time to launch this book, which is an excellent example of the cooperation that’s underway in many areas between the United States and ASEAN. …”(Full text)

 


 

President Obama in Tokyo

President Obama on Issues Affecting Asia-Pacific Nations

November 13, 2009

“That truth, for example, guides our new approach to Burma. Despite years of good intentions, neither sanctions by the United States nor engagement by others succeeded in improving the lives of the Burmese people. …”(Full text)

 


 

Secretary Clinton

United States Engaging North Korea, Burma in Intensive Diplomacy

November 12, 2009

“Clinton discussed a revised U.S. policy toward Burma that will include high-level diplomatic engagement and expectations that neighboring nations will offer support and their influence on the military junta that currently controls Burma. …”(Full text)

 

 

Deputy Assistant Secretary Scot Marciel

Burma: Policy Review

November 5, 2009

“Assistant Secretary Campbell and I just returned last night from a two-day visit to Burma. It was an exploratory mission. The main purpose of the visit was really to explain to the key parties there, and I don’t just mean political parties, but the stakeholders in the country - government, political parties, opposition, ethnic minority groups, et cetera …”(Full text)



 

Deputy Assistant Secretary Scot Marciel

U.S. Diplomats Urge Burma’s Military to Talk with Opposition

November 5, 2009

“Senior U.S. officials have urged Burma’s military government to talk with opposition groups before next year’s controversial elections. The call for dialogue came during the highest-level visit by U.S. diplomats to Burma in more than a decade..…”(Full text)




 

Assistant Secretary Kurt Campbell's travel to Burma

Embassy Hosts Visit by Senior State Department Officials

November 4, 2009

Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Kurt Campbell and Deputy Assistant Secretary Scot Marciel traveled to Burma November 3-4.  They met with senior government officials and with members of the opposition, including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, and representatives of ethnic groups.  These photos show the November 4 meeting with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi at the Inya Lake Hotel. (Photo Gallery) At the conclusion of his visit, Assistant Secretary Campbell issued the following press release. (Press release)


 

Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton

Clinton Reaffirms U.S. Commitment to Muslim Communities

November 3, 2009

“In a speech to the sixth Forum for the Future, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to broad engagement with Muslim communities around the world and the equally strong U.S. commitment to comprehensive peace in the Middle East...…”(Full text)

 


 Secretary Clinton

Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton

Clinton on Release of International Religious Freedom Report 2009

Washington, DC
October 26, 2009

“The right to profess, practice, and promote one’s religious beliefs is a founding principle of our nation.  In fact, many of our earliest settlers came because they wanted the freedom to practice their own religion without a state interfering or oppressing that practice.  It is the first liberty mentioned in our Bill of Rights, and it is a freedom guaranteed to all people in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights..…”(Full text)


 Religious Freedom 09

Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor

International Religious Freedom Report 2009 (Burma)

Washington, DC
October 26, 2009

“There was no change in the Government’s limited degree of respect for religious freedom during the reporting period. Religious activities and organizations were subject to restrictions on freedom of expression, association, and assembly. The Government continued to monitor meetings and activities of virtually all organizations, including religious organizations..…”(Full text)/(Full text in Burmese)

 

 

Kurt M. Campbell Assistant Secretary, Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

U.S. Policy Toward Burma

Washington, DC
October 21, 2009

“The Administration launched a review of our Burma policy seven months ago, recognizing that political and humanitarian conditions in Burma were deplorable. Neither sanctions nor engagement, implemented alone, have succeeded in improving those conditions and moving Burma forward on a path to democratic reform.…”(Full text)

 

 Secretary Clinton

Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton

A New Approach to Global Food Security and Hunger

By Hillary Rodham Clinton

“For one billion people around the world, the daily effort to grow, buy, or sell food is the defining struggle of their lives. This matters to them, and to all of us.…”(Full text)/(Full text in Burmese)

 


 The White House

White House(Washington DC)

Remarks by President Obama on Winning Nobel Peace Prize

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
October 09, 2009

“And that’s why this award must be shared with everyone who strives for justice and dignity -- for the young woman who marches silently in the streets on behalf of her right to be heard even in the face of beatings and bullets; for the leader imprisoned in her own home because she refuses to abandon her commitment to democracy…”(Full text)


 Kurt M. Campbell

Kurt M. Campbell, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

Remarks by State Department Official at Senate Hearing on Burma

Washington DC
September 30, 2009

Mr. Chairman, Senator Inhofe, and Members of the Subcommittee, thank you for inviting me here today to testify about U.S. policy toward Burma and a possible new direction for U.S.-Burma relations.(Full text)



 Kurt M. Campbell

Kurt M. Campbell, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

U.S. Policy Toward Burma

Washington DC
September 28, 2009

The Secretary also, on Wednesday, had a meeting of the Friends of Burma, and at that meeting she rolled out some of our initial views concerning the Burma review, which is going to be fully discussed this week on Capitol Hill and also with other key players. There will be testimony before the Senate subcommittee on Wednesday; I will appear before that, before Senator Webb and the committee.(Full text)


 Secretary Clinton

Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton

United States Will Directly Engage Burma, but Keep Sanctions
(For a transcript of Secretary Clinton’s remarks, see:Secretary Clinton's Remarks At United Nations After P-5+1 Meeting)

Washington DC
September 24, 2009

Ahead of announcing the results of its policy review on Burma, the Obama administration says it will be directly engaging the country’s military regime in addition to continuing U.S. sanctions on Burmese leaders and their associates as a means of encouraging democratic and human rights reforms.(Full text)



 President Obama at UN

U.S. President Obama at U.N. General Assembly

President Obama’s Address to U.N. General Assembly

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
September 23, 2009

Good morning. Mr. President, Mr. Secretary General, fellow delegates, ladies and gentlemen, it is my honor to address you for the first time as the 44th President of the United States. I come before you humbled by the responsibility that the American people have placed upon me, mindful of the enormous challenges of our moment in history, and determined to act boldly and collectively on behalf of justice and prosperity at home and abroad.(Full text)


 Secretary of State Hiliary Clinton and Ambassador to UN Rice

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and UN Ambassador  Susan  Rice at U.N. General Assembly

Secretary Clinton's Remarks At United Nations After P-5+1 Meeting

United Nations
New York City
September 23, 2009

(In progress) to give you brief readouts on two meetings this afternoon. The first was a meeting I participated in called by Security Council Ban Ki-moon about the policies and approaches toward Burma. A number of countries were represented, and I reported that our policy process, which has been underway for some time now, is almost complete, and I gave a preview.(Full text)


 White House (Washington DC)

White House(Washington DC)

Presidential Determination for Major Drug-Transit and Major Illicit Drug-Producing Countries

Washington, DC.
September 15, 2009

Consistent with section 110 of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (Division A of Public Law 106-386), as amended, (the "Act"), I hereby: Make the determination provided in section 110(d)(1)(A)(i) of the Act, with respect to Burma, the Democratic People's Republic of North Korea (DPRK), and Zimbabwe, not to provide certain funding for those countries' governments for fiscal year 2010, until such government complies with the minimum standards or makes significant efforts to bring itself into compliance, as may be determined by the Secretary of State in a report to the Congress pursuant to section 110(b) of the Act;(Full text)


 Ian Kelly

Ian Kelly (Department Of State Spokeman)

Presidential Determination for Major Drug-Transit and Major Illicit Drug-Producing Countries

Benjamin Franklin Room
Washington, DC.
September 15, 2009

Under the Foreign Relations Authorization Act (FAA), the President is required to notify Congress of those countries he determines to be major illicit drug-producing countries or major drug-transit countries. A country’s presence on the list does not necessarily reflect its counternarcotics efforts nor does it reflect its cooperation with the United States. The designation can reflect a combination of geographic, commercial, and economic factors that allow drugs to be produced and/or trafficked through a country despite its own best efforts.(Full text)


 Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton at the Annual State Department Iftar Dinner

Benjamin Franklin Room
Washington, DC.
September 15, 2009

This is an exciting evening for me. I think that American embassies have been holding Iftars for decades. Our diplomatic posts have held hundreds of events to celebrate Ramadan this year alone. And I am proud that we have so many Muslims serving in our Foreign Service and our Civil Service who are playing an important role in advancing our nation’s foreign policy interests and strengthening the bonds of cooperation and understanding with Muslims at home and abroad.(Full text)


 Ian Kelly

Ian Kelly (Department Of State Spokeman)

Urging an End to the Violence in Eastern Burma

Washington, DC.
August 31, 2009

The United States is deeply concerned over the attacks by the Burma Army in eastern Burma against several ethnic nationality groups, and we continue to monitor developments carefully.(Full text)



 Prisedent of the United States of America

President Barack Obama

Ramadan Message from President Obama

Washington, DC.
August 21, 2009

As the new crescent moon ushers in Ramadan, the President extends his best wishes to Muslim communities in the United States and around the world. (Full text)



U.S. Marks World Humanitarian Day, Announces Additional Aid

Washington DC
August 19, 2009

U.S. officials marked the first World Humanitarian Day by announcing an additional $160 million to support global aid work and calling for governments and parties in conflict areas around the world to pay attention to the safety of humanitarian workers.(Full text)



 Susan Rice, US Ambassador to UN

Ambassador Susan E. Rice, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations

Remarks by Ambassador Susan E. Rice, A New Course in the World, a New Approach at the UN

USUN Press Release
New York
August 12, 2009

Remarks by Ambassador Susan E. Rice, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, At New York University's Center for Global Affairs and Center on International Cooperation, "A New Course in the World, a New Approach at the UN", August 12, 2009 (Full text)



 White House, Washington DC

White House, Washington DC

Statement by Press Secretary on the Release of John Yettaw

Washington DC
August 17, 2009

The President is pleased that Senator Webb has facilitated the release of American citizen John Yettaw from detention in Burma. He appreciates this decision by the Burmese government.(Full text)


 Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs P.J. Crowley

Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs P.J. Crowley

U.S. Welcomes Release of American Citizen from Burmese Prison

Washington DC
August 17, 2009

The Obama administration is grateful to U.S. Senator Jim Webb for his efforts in gaining the release of American John Yettaw from prison in Burma, but the State Department says Yettaw’s release will not affect its ongoing review of U.S. policy toward Burma. (Full text)


 

U.S. Senator Jim Webb

U.S. Senator Jim Webb visits Burma

U.S. Embassy, Rangoon
August 17, 2009

U.S. Senator Jim Webb visited Burma on August 14-16 and met with Senior General Than Shwe, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, and others. Senator Webb, who is Chair of the East Asia and Pacific Affairs Subcommittee of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, was the first United States Member of Congress to visit Burma in more than ten years. To hear an audio recording of his August 16 press conference in Rangoon, click here. To visit Senator Webb’s official website, click here.


 Prisedent of the United States of America

President Barack Obama

Statement by the President Obama on Aung San Suu Kyi’s conviction and sentencing

Washington, DC.
August 11, 2009

The conviction and sentencing of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi today on charges related to an uninvited intrusion into her home violate universal principles of human rights, run counter to Burma’s commitments under the ASEAN charter, and demonstrate continued disregard for UN Security Council statements. (Full text)


Statement by the Secretary of State on Aung San Suu Kyi

Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo
August 11, 2009

The Burmese junta should immediately end its repression of so many in this country, start a dialogue with the oppositon and the ethnic groups. Otherwise the elections they have scheduled for next year will have absolutely no legitimacy. (Full text)

Ambassador Susan E.Rice

Remarks by Ambassador Susan E. Rice

USUN PRESS RELEASE
August 11, 2009

The United States will join with others in introducing a statement for consideration by the Council that condemns the conviction of Aung San Suu Kyi, that calls for her immediate release and ability to participate in the political process. (Full text)


Anniversary of the 1988 Popular Democratic Uprising in Burma

Robert Wood
Deputy Spokesman
Washington, DC.
August 7, 2009

Today, the United States recalls the patriotism and bravery of the people of Burma, who twenty-one years ago rose up in peaceful protest to call for democracy and justice in their country. In the more than two decades that have passed, thousands of activists, monks, and ordinary Burmese citizens have followed in their footsteps. (Full text)

Press Availability at the ASEAN Summit

Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Phuket, Thailand
July 22, 2009

“The Burmese Government says that they intend to have elections next year. There’s no way they could have credible elections while they are imprisoning her [Aung San Suu Kyi] and other political prisoners. So we think this is an opportune time to try to make that clear again not just from us, but from the entire region.”(Full text)

Secretary Clinton speaks with reporters at the ASEAN meeting July 22 in Phuket, Thailand

United States Concerned About North Korea’s Ties to Burma

Washington, DC
July 22, 2009

There is growing concern that North Korea is establishing military cooperation with Burma, which could destabilize the region, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton says.“We know that there are … growing concerns about military cooperation between North Korea and Burma, which we take very seriously,” Clinton said July 21 at a press conference in Bangkok, Thailand, with Thai Deputy Prime Minister Korbsak Sabhavasu. “It would pose a direct threat to Burma’s neighbors. And it is something as a treaty ally of Thailand that we are taking very seriously.”(Full text)

 Burmese Opposition Leader Aung San Suu Kyi

Burmese Opposition Leader Aung San Suu Kyi

Birthday of Aung San Suu Kyi

Washington, DC
June 18, 2009

The United States sends its best wishes to Aung San Suu Kyi on the occasion of her 64th birthday on June 19. She continues to inspire those who support freedom and democracy in Burma and around the world. Sadly, though, Aung San Suu Kyi will once again spend her birthday in confinement – isolated from her family, friends, and the Burmese people – as Burmese authorities pursue unjustified and indefensible charges against her.(Full text)


 Trafficking in Persons Report 2009

Trafficking In Persons Report 2009

Trafficking in Persons Report 2009

Washington, DC
June 16, 2009

Burma is a source country for women, children, and men trafficked for the purpose of forced labor and commercial sexual exploitation.(Full text) (Burmese translation)




 Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton and Indonesia's Foreign Mininster Hassan Wirajuda at their news conference in Washington, June 8, 2009.

Secretary Hillary Clinton and Indonesia's Foreign Mininster Hassan Wirajuda (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

Remarks With Indonesian Foreign Minister Noer Hassan Wirajuda After Their Meeting

Treaty Room
Washington, DC
June 8, 2009

We also discussed the trial of Aung San Suu Kyi. Let me again reiterate that the charges against her are baseless, and we call for her immediate release. Indonesia, like other ASEAN countries, have also spoken out about her plight and urged her immediate release, and we greatly appreciate that. (Full text)



 Prisedent Obama at Cairo University

President Barack Obama at Cairo University, Egypt

President Obama’s Remarks at Cairo University, Egypt

White House
Office of the Press Secretary
June 4, 2009

I've come here to Cairo to seek a new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the world, one based on mutual interest and mutual respect, and one based upon the truth that America and Islam are not exclusive and need not be in competition. (Full text) (Video File Download)



 Prisedent of the United States of America

President Barack Obama, President of the United States

Statement by the President on Aung San Suu Kyi’s House Arrest and Detention

White House
Washington, DC
May 26, 2009

I call on the Burmese government to release National League for Democracy Secretary General and Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi from detention immediately and unconditionally. I strongly condemn her house arrest and detention, which have also been condemned around the world. (Full text)



 Secretary Clinton With Malaysian Foreign Minister Y.B. Datuk Anifah bin Haji Aman After Their Meeting

Secretary Clinton with the Malaysian Foreign Minister (AP Photo)

Secretary Clinton: Remarks With the Malaysian Foreign Minister After Their Meeting

Treaty Room
Washington, DC
May 14, 2009

I am deeply troubled by the Burmese Government decision to charge Aung San Suu Kyi for a baseless crime. It comes just before the six-year anniversary of her house arrest, and it is not in keeping with the rule of law, the ASEAN charter, or efforts to promote national reconciliation and progress in Burma. (Full text)

 Susan Rice (US Ambassador to UN)
Ambassador Susan E. Rice, U.S. Permanent Representative to the UN

Statement by Ambassador Susan E. Rice, U.S. Permanent Representative to the UN, on Aung San Suu Kyi of Burma (PDF)

Washington, DC
May 14, 2009

I am deeply concerned about Aung San Suu Kyi current situation and the new charges being levied against her for supposedly violating the terms of her house arrest. The U.S. Government calls for the immediate and unconditional release of Aung San Suu Kyi and the more than 2,100 other political prisoners currently held by the Burmese regime. (Full text)


Anniversary of Cyclone Nargis

U.S. Department of State
Washington, DC
April 29, 2009

On May 2, 2008, Cyclone Nargis struck Burma, devastating much of the Irrawaddy Delta, wiping out entire villages, and leaving at least 138,000 people dead or missing. As we near the first anniversary, we remember those who died and offer our deepest condolences to the families who lost loved ones. We also honor the bravery and sacrifice of the Burmese people who have worked tirelessly alongside the United States and the international community to help their neighbors attempt to rebuild their lives. (Full text)


World Malaria Day

Chargé d’Affaires, U.S. Embassy
Rangoon, Burma
April 25, 2009

World Malaria Day is observed April 25 to call attention to the disease and to mobilize action to combat it.  The U.S. has taken extraordinary steps to curb the spread of this preventable and curable disease, including in Burma. (Full text)

 
Chargé d’Affaires Larry Dinger

U.S. Government Donates Over 16,000 Tons of Rice to Nargis Victims

U.S. Embassy
Rangoon, Burma
April 2, 2009

On April 1, 2009, Chargé d’Affaires Larry Dinger and Embassy staff traveled to several villages in the Delta to observe the distribution of 16,620 metric tons of rice donated by the U.S. government and talk with beneficiaries about their priorities for recovery. As part of America's commitment to the welfare of the Burmese people, the U.S. government has contributed a total of $74 million in humanitarian assistance to victims of Cyclone Nargis in the period since May 2008. (Full text)

Latest Headlines From the Embassy

U.S. Citizen Services

Providing services to U.S. citizens abroad is one of the most important roles of the Embassy. This website provides information on how to contact us and on the services (Passport, Report Birth Abroad, Emergency Services, Voting Services, Medical Assistance, Legal Assistance and Notarial Service) we provide.

Inquiries on Current Visa Applications

If you have a question about the status of your Non-Immigrant or Immigrant visa case, write to the Consular Office’s email address at ConsularRangoon@state.gov. If inquiring about an Immigrant visa case, include your RNG or DV case number, name, and date of birth.  If you had an immigrant visa interview and the Consular Officer returned a blue sheet, the OF-194, to you after your interview, look on that sheet for your case number.

U.S. Burma Policy

Learn more about U.S. Burma policy by reading U.S. government reports on a range of issues, including human rights, trafficking in persons, and investment climate.  Also find recent press releases and statements and links to other U.S. governments websites.

The American Center

The American Center in Rangoon has over 13,000 books in its collection, as well as databases and online networks ideal for researchers and students.  The Center also offers a wide range of courses in English to adult learners taught by trained and experienced teachers.  The Center hosts a variety of cultural programs and screens films five days a week in the Count Basie Hall.



    This site is managed by the U.S. Department of State.
    External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein.


Embassy of the United States