U.S. law enforcement envoy to visit Myanmar

WASHINGTON, Aug. 30 (UPI) -- The U.S. State Department said it was sending a law enforcement envoy to Myanmar to review national security and human rights issues with national leaders.

Myanmar's general elections in 2010 ended a long period of military rule. The international community recognized Myanmar for its political reforms, though its human rights record and state of security have sparked concern.

The U.S. State Department said Assistant Secretary of State for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs William Brownfield will visit Myanmar, formerly Burma, Wednesday.

"He will emphasize the importance of the Burmese government's commitment to security sector reform and adherence to internationally recognized human rights," the State Department said in a statement Thursday.

U.S. Secretary of State Chuck Hagel met briefly with Myanmar's military leaders on the sidelines of a regional conference in Brunei this week. He called on his counterparts to break ties with the North Korean government.

A high-ranking military official in Myanmar was sanctioned this year by the U.S. Treasury Department for his ties to North Korea.

Brownfield is scheduled to hold a media roundtable from Myanmar Sept. 6.