IN BANGKOK, SECRETARY-GENERAL DISCUSSES MYANMAR SITUATION WITH THAI PRIME MINISTER, FOREIGN MINISTER

IN BANGKOK, SECRETARY-GENERAL DISCUSSES MYANMAR SITUATION

WITH THAI PRIME MINISTER, FOREIGN MINISTER

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

While in Bangkok for the fifteenth International Conference on HIV/AIDS and on an official visit to Thailand earlier this week, the Secretary-General exchanged views with Prime Minister Thaksin Sinawatra, Foreign Minister Surakiart Sathirathai, and representatives of other nations, on the situation in Myanmar.

In his discussions with the Thai leaders, the Secretary-General underscored the role and responsibility of the countries of the region in helping to accelerate the process of democratization and national reconciliation in Myanmar, beginning with the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.  To that end, he emphasized the need to engage constructively with Myanmar’s State Peace and Development Council.

The Secretary-General also discussed the possibility of holding international consultations on Myanmar and supported the Bangkok Process as one format in which they could be conducted.  He welcomed the support of Thailand and others for the continuing role of his Special Envoy, and for the necessity of his returning to Myanmar as soon as possible to continue his facilitation efforts.

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