Secretary-General Hails Agreement between Myanmar Government, Kachin Independence

 

Group as Significant Achievement towards National Reconciliation

The following statement was issued on 30 May by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General welcomes the agreement reached today between the Government of Myanmar and the Kachin Independence Organization, after their first meeting inside Myanmar since the conflict broke out in June 2011.  His Special Adviser, Vijay Nambiar, was present as Observer at the talks on behalf of the United Nations, together with representatives from the Chinese Embassy and Myanmar's ethnic nationality groups.

The Secretary-General notes the seven-point agreement as a significant achievement that could lay the basis for a genuine process of national reconciliation in the country.  He commends the leaders of both delegations for their courage and perseverance.  He also hopes this agreement will allow the two parties to address the concerns and needs of the people of Kachin State.

The Secretary-General underlines the continued support of the United Nations and his Special Adviser to the parties as they continue work towards de-escalating the conflict and towards a comprehensive political dialogue that could bring lasting peace to Myanmar.

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For information media • not an official record