Secretary-General dispatches special envoy as Myanmar situation deteriorates

 

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

In response to the deteriorating situation in Myanmar, the Secretary-General is urgently dispatching his Special Envoy, Ibrahim Gambari, to the region.  He calls on the senior leadership of the country to cooperate fully with this mission in order to take advantage of the willingness of the United Nations to assist in the process of national reconciliation through dialogue.

Noting reports of the use of force and of arrests and beatings, the Secretary-General calls again on authorities to exercise utmost restraint towards the peaceful demonstrations taking place, as such action can only undermine the prospects for peace, prosperity and stability in Myanmar.

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For information media • not an official record