Security Council

5885^th Meeting (PM)

Security Council notes myanmar’s announcement on may referendum, elections in 2010;

Underlines need for inclusive process, participation of all political actors

Following the announcement of a referendum in Myanmar on a draft constitution this month and elections in 2010, the Security Council this afternoon noted the commitment of the Government to ensure that the referendum would be free and fair and underlined the need to establish the conditions conducive to an inclusive and credible process, including full participation of all political actors and respect for fundamental political freedoms.

In a presidential statement read by its incoming President for the month of May, John Sawers (United Kingdom), the Council also reaffirmed its previous statements and expectations on the situation in Myanmar, as well as its unwavering support for the Secretary-General’s good offices mission.  It expressed appreciation for the work of his Special Adviser, encouraging the Government of Myanmar and all parties concerned to cooperate fully with the United Nations and welcomed the important role of the countries of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) in supporting the Organization’s good offices.

The meeting was called to order at 12:06 p.m. and adjourned at 12:10 p.m.

The full text of presidential statement S/PRST/2008/13 reads as follows:

“The Security Council reaffirms its statements of 11 October (S/PRST/2007/37) and 15 November 2007 and all the expectations expressed in those statements.

“The Security Council takes note of the announcement by the Government of Myanmar of a referendum on a draft constitution in May 2008 and elections in 2010.  It further notes the commitment by the Government of Myanmar to ensure that the referendum process will be free and fair.  The Security Council underlines the need for the Government of Myanmar to establish the conditions and create an atmosphere conducive to an inclusive and credible process, including the full participation of all political actors and respect for fundamental political freedoms.

“The Security Council reaffirms its unwavering support for the Secretary-General’s good offices mission and expresses its appreciation for the work of his Special Adviser, Ibrahim Gambari.  The Security Council encourages the Government of Myanmar and all parties concerned to cooperate fully with the United Nations.

“The Security Council welcomes the important role that the ASEAN countries continue to play in supporting the United Nations good offices mission.

“The Security Council affirms its commitment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Myanmar and, in that context, reiterates that the future of Myanmar lies in the hands of all of its people.

“The Security Council remains seized of the matter.”

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For information media • not an official record