Dialogue only way forward in resolving Myanmar crisis, says UN envoy
The United Nations Special Envoy to Myanmar today urged the South-East Asian nation to immediately begin talks between
the Government and the opposition, stressing that dialogue was the only way forward to address the country's ongoing
crisis.
"In today's world, no country can afford to stay outside the irreversible trends towards stability, prosperity and
democracy, and it is the responsibility of every government to listen to its people, respond to legitimate popular
demands and respect in full the human rights of its citizens," Ibrahim Gambari told the Security Council today.
Briefing the 15-member body on his latest mission to the country, he said that "in the case of Myanmar, this implies
starting a dialogue without delay between the Government and the opposition as a necessary part of any reconciliation
process, and addressing the humanitarian and socio-economic factors underlying popular grievances."
He stated that a process is now in motion that will hopefully lead to a substantive dialogue with concrete outcomes
within an agreed time frame between the leadership of the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) and pro-democracy
leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. "In order to succeed, dialogue will require flexibility on all sides, but I am convinced
that it is the only way forward for Myanmar."
Mr. Gambari, who visited Myanmar from 3 to 8 November, told the Council it is important to note the initial positive
steps taken by the Government since his last visit, including the lifting of curfews put in place during the
demonstrations, the withdrawal of a visible military presence from the streets and the release of over 2,700 people
detained during the course of the protests.
In addition, the Government has appointed a liaison officer to pursue dialogue with Ms. Suu Kyi, set up a constitutional
drafting committee and agreed to receive the UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Myanmar, Paulo
Sergio Pinheiro.
At the same time, he reported that the Government has yet to provide any assurance that it will lift restrictions on Ms.
Suu Kyi. "I have stressed to the Government that the best way to make real their commitment to dialogue with Daw Aung
Suu Kyi is to release her without delay so that she can become a full partner in dialogue."
Mr. Gambari said that although his mission did not produce all the results he had hoped for, there were a number of
positive outcomes.
Among them was the fact that, for the first time since she was last put under house arrest in May 2003, Ms. Suu Kyi was
allowed to pronounce herself publicly through a statement read by the Special Adviser on 8 November. Following that
statement, she was also allowed for the first time in four years to meet with members of her National League for
Democracy (NLD) party.
In addition, the Government assured the Special Adviser that it would release more detainees and that no more arrests
would be carried out, and it agreed in principle to consider establishing a broad-based poverty alleviation commission.
With regard to the UN Country Team in Myanmar, Mr. Gambari reported that an agreement was reached with the authorities,
whereby an acting Resident Coordinator would take over until a new Resident Coordinator was appointed. The government
had informed the UN that it did not want the current Resident Coordinator Charles Petrie to continue working in the
country.
"The positive outcomes of this latest mission show that the Government of Myanmar, while stressing its sovereignty and
independence, can be responsive to the concerns of the international community," Mr. Gambari stated.
He added that "although high expectations continue to be borne out of the recent crisis, the situation today is
qualitatively different from what it was a few weeks ago."
Mr. Gambari, who has been invited to return to Myanmar by the Government, also informed the Council about the
consultations he carried out in key regional capitals prior to visiting Myanmar.
Meanwhile, Mr. Pinheiro continued his mission to Myanmar today with a visit to the new capital, Nay Pyi Taw, where he
met the Home Minister Maj.-Gen. Maung Oo, who assured him that he will be able to interview detainees before the end of
his mission, as requested.
The Special Rapporteur also met with 20 members of the newly-established human rights body within the government, and
engaged in a dialogue on issues of mutual concern.
Later in the afternoon, he held a meeting with representatives of international non-governmental organizations, as well
as with government officials dealing with religion and economic development.
Mr. Pinheiro has said he intends to use the 11 to 15 November visit to verify allegations of abuses during the
Government's crackdown on peaceful demonstrators, determine the numbers and whereabouts of those detained or killed, and
collect testimony about what happened.
ENDS