Burma Faces Isolation For Failure To Input Reforms

Press Release: Terry Evans
8 October 2008

Burma's ruling junta is facing increasing isolation for failing to carry out democratic reforms demanded by the UN.

In a statement released yesterday UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said he would consider cancelling future visits to Burma unless the unelected military government demonstrated tangible progress towards democratisation. The UN chief said plans for a return visit were dependent on Burma carrying out democratic reform, national reconciliation and the release of all political prisoners.

"I would be willing to make a return visit to Myanmar at an appropriate time, but you should also know that without any tangible or very favorable result to be achieved, then I may not be in a position to visit Myanmar," Ban said, using the junta's name for the country.

Last May Ban Ki-moon travelled to Burma and was instrumental in persuading Burma's xenophobic generals to allow international relief aid into the country following Cyclone Nargis. He toured the devastated Irrawaddy Delta, and persuaded the generals to soften their stance against international aid workers by relaxing visa restrictions.

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