US set to appoint envoy to revive Myanmar policy

US President Barack Obama plans to name a defense official as special envoy to Myanmar who is expected to seek more help from the repressive government's neighbors in pressing for democratic reform.

To be confirmed by the Senate, Derek Mitchell, who is now the deputy assistant secretary of defense for Asian and Pacific security affairs, will likely have to voice support for sanctions and opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi. (AP)