UNDER-SECRETARY-GENERAL TO VISIT MYANMAR ON GOOD OFFICES MISSION

 

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

The Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Ibrahim Gambari, will visit Myanmar from 9 to 12 November as an emissary of the Secretary-General, within the context of the good offices mandate given by the General Assembly and at the invitation of the Government of Myanmar.  Mr. Gambari is expected to meet with senior officials and with actors from across the political spectrum, including all those with whom he met during his first visit in May of this year.

The Secretary-General appreciates the invitation extended to his envoy to visit the country once again, as part of a process of dialogue that could lead to strengthened cooperation between the United Nations and Myanmar.  The Secretary-General emphasizes, however, that the continued value of such engagement can only be demonstrated by tangible steps forward on central issues such as human rights, democratic reform and national reconciliation.

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For information media • not an official record