Secretary-General Conveys Personal Greetings in Telephone Call

 

with Myanmar’s Newly Released Daw Aung San Suu Kyi

 

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

The Secretary-General called Daw Aung San Suu Kyi this morning to personally greet her following her long-awaited release from detention.  The Secretary-General and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi had a warm and cordial conversation.

The Secretary-General expressed his admiration for Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s courage and dignity as a source of inspiration for millions of people around the world.

The Secretary-General and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi both stressed the need for the Myanmar authorities to release all remaining political prisoners as a matter of priority so that all citizens of Myanmar are free to contribute to advancing the prospects of national reconciliation and democratic transition in Myanmar.

The Secretary-General told Daw Aung San Suu Kyi that he was encouraged by the spirit of reconciliation emanating from her statements and appeals for dialogue and compromise following her release.  He stressed that he would continue to encourage all parties to seize the opportunity to work together in the national interest through dialogue.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi expressed her appreciation for the role of the United Nations in Myanmar and emphasized the continued importance of such role at the present juncture.  She recalled the Secretary-General’s visit to Yangon in July 2009 and his desire to meet her, and expressed her appreciation for the continuous efforts he has made on her behalf.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi expressed her support for an early visit by the Secretary-General’s Special Adviser for Myanmar to Yangon and her desire to engage with him for pushing ahead in addressing the challenges facing the people of Myanmar.  Meanwhile, she also suggested an early meeting with the head of the United Nations Office in Yangon.

The Secretary-General reiterated his own commitment and that of the United Nations to continue to uphold the cause of human rights and support all efforts by the Government, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and all other stakeholders to build a united, peaceful, democratic and modern future for their country.

* *** *

For information media • not an official record