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Congo, Republic of the - Relations with U.S. (Notes)

U.S.-CONGOLESE RELATIONS Diplomatic relations between the United States and Congo were broken during the most radical Congolese-Marxist period, 1965-77. The U.S. Embassy reopened in 1977 with the restoration of relations, which remained distant until the end of the socialist era. The late 1980s were marked by a progressive warming of Congolese relations with Western countries, including the United States. Congolese President Denis Sassou-Nguesso made a state visit to Washington in 1990, where he was received by President George H.W. Bush. With the advent of democracy in 1991, Congos relations with the United States improved and were cooperative. The United States has enthusiastically supported Congolese democratization efforts, contributing aid to the countrys electoral process. The Congolese Government demonstrated an active interest in deepening and broadening its relations with the United States. Transition Prime Minister Andre Milongo made an official visit to Washington in 1992, where President George Bush received him at the White House. Then-presidential candidate Pascal Lissouba traveled to Washington in 1992, meeting with a variety of officials, including Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Herman J. Cohen. After his election in August 1992, President Lissouba expressed interest in expanding U.S.-Congo links, seeking increased U.S. development aid, university exchanges, and greater U.S. investment in Congo. With the outbreak of the 1997 war, the U.S. embassy was evacuated. The embassy was closed, and its personnel became resident in Kinshasa. In 2001 embassy-suspended operations were lifted, and embassy personnel were allowed to travel to Brazzaville for periods of extended temporary duty from U.S. Embassy Kinshasa. In 2003 this practices continues. As a result U.S.-Congo bilateral relations have been reinvigorated. Relations between the United States and the government of President Denis Sassou-Nguesso are strong, positive, and cooperative. Principal U.S. Officials Ambassador--Robin Renee Sanders Deputy Chief of Mission--George W. Indyke Administrative Officer--Vicki Adair Economic/Consular Officer--James Roseli Office Manager--Judy Copenhaver The U.S. Embassys operations in Brazzaville were suspended on June 18, 1997, because of the war. The suspension was officially lifted in 2001, but there is no permanent office facility yet in Brazzaville. An office representing U.S. interests in Brazzaville is located at U.S. Embassy Kinshasa, 310 Avenue des Aviateurs, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Its mailing address is Brazzaville Embassy office, c/o American Embassy Kinshasa, Unit 31550, APO AE 09828-1550, tel: (243) 81-225-5872 x2141. Embassy Brazzaville is working toward establishing an interim office facility in which to conduct temporary duties. There are ongoing discussions with the government regarding land to construct a new embassy.