Burmese pro-democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi has said she hopes that a new US special envoy to the country will help usher in true democratic reforms.
President Barack Obama last week nominated defence official Derek Mitchell as US special envoy to Burma.
He would have the tough job of negotiating with its military-dominated government and pushing for reform.
The post still needs to be confirmed by the US Senate.
Ms Suu Kyi told reporters she views Mr Mitchell as an ally who “probably sees his duty is to try to bring about democratisation of Burma as smoothly and quickly as possible”.
Asked if she was hopeful, the Nobel laureate replied: “I’m a cautious optimist.”