SECURITY COUNCIL PRESS STATEMENT ON MYANMAR

 

Following is the text of a Security Council press statement on Myanmar issued on 14 November:

The members of the Security Council welcome the follow-up mission of the Secretary-General’s Special Adviser to Myanmar, Ibrahim Gambari, and reaffirm their support for the continued efforts of the Secretary-General and his Special Adviser.  They reaffirm the expectations of the Security Council as set out in its presidential statement of 11 October.

The members of the Security Council welcome the recent positive developments in Myanmar, including the release of some detainees, the contacts between Minister Aung Kyi as liaison officer and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, and the decision to allow Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to meet with key members of her National League for Democracy Party.

The members of the Security Council welcome the statement by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi delivered by Mr. Gambari on 8 November, including the expectation that a “meaningful and time bound dialogue” will start as soon as possible.  In this context, they encourage all sides to create the conditions for such a dialogue, including by making use of the good offices role of the United Nations to facilitate this dialogue.

The members of the Security Council deplore the fact that many prisoners are still in jail and new arrests have occurred.  They express concern as regards the fate of protesters arrested during recent demonstrations that are still unaccounted for.  They call on authorities to allow access for humanitarian assistance organizations to facilitate humanitarian assistance to persons in need throughout the country.  In this context, they welcome the agreement to the visit of Special Envoy Sergio Paulo Pinheiro, and access to detainees for the International Committee of the Red Cross.

The members of the Security Council stress the need for the Government of Myanmar to create conditions for dialogue and reconciliation by relaxing, as a first step, the conditions of detention of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and by pursuing the release of political prisoners and detainees. 

The members of the Security Council acknowledge the important role the Association of South-East Asian Nations countries continue to play in supporting a peaceful transition to democracy, and supporting the United Nations good offices mission.  They stress the importance of the forthcoming ASEAN Summit.

The members of the Security Council look forward to the earliest possible return of Mr. Gambari to Myanmar, as foreseen in his statement of 13 November.  They reaffirm that Mr. Gambari’s mission should bring tangible progress, and underline the need for the Government of Myanmar to cooperate fully with the United Nations.

The members of the Security Council confirm their intention to keep developments in Myanmar under close review.

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For information media • not an official record