SCMP China reports: Roger Stone has been commissioned to rebuild relations with the US, though analysts doubt Myanmar can escape its pariah status Naypyidaw’s Ministry of Information has hired veteran American political lobbyist Roger Stone to boost relations with the Trump administration, according to filings under the US Foreign Agents Registration Act in April. Stone is said to draw US$50,000 monthly as a consultant for the Washington-based lobbying firm DCI Group, which signed a US$3 million contract with Myanmar in July last year. The deal is aimed at normalising ties with Washington after the junta’s 2021 coup against Myanmar’s elected government, and at US American policy on the Southeast Asian nation’s economy, natural resources and humanitarian relief.
A long-time Republican operative, Stone has a four-decade relationship with Trump and has played a key role as adviser, confidant and strategist to the US president throughout his career. Hunter Marston, director for Southeast Asia at the Lowy Institute in Sydney, said it was unclear if Myanmar authorities solicited Stone personally or whether DCI hired him with knowledge of his strong rapport with Trump.
Originally reported by SCMP China. This story has been edited and re-presented by BRIC Team.
