YouSaid · the spoken record

GAMBARI

lines on the record: 1,141
first: 1992-07-15
most recent: 2012-07-24
sittings or episodes: 98
sources: un-security-council

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“In this context, and based on my last exchange with the Authoritative Government Spokesman's Team and messages conveyed privately, I have reason to believe that the Government attaches importance to the mission just concluded and continues to see value in the good offices of the Secretary-General as offering the best prospect for further cooperation through mutual trust and confidence and constructive suggestions. This position was again reiterated in the letter dated yesterday from the Permanent Representative of Myanmar addressed to me. This was my third visit to Myanmar since my appointment as Special Advisor - not Special Envoy - to the Secretary-General less than a year ago.”
2008-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5854 (2008) · source
“In addition to the positive steps taken in the wake of the September crisis, the Government's ongoing cooperation with the International Labour Organization (ILO), which on 26 February resulted in a one-year extension of the supplementary understanding of between Myanmar and the ILO to address complaints of forced labour and the fact that it has agreed to receive delegations from the International Committee of the Red Cross and the European Union can be seen as further evidence of Myanmar's readiness to continue the engagement with the United Nations and the international community.”
2008-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5854 (2008) · source
“She continues to expect the United Nations, through the good offices mission, to help facilitate a substantive and time-bound dialogue to that end. The role of the United Nations good offices in this regard therefore appears relevant, or is considered relevant to both sides. With a view to advancing the ongoing discussion between them, I have proposed that the Government consider raising the level of the interlocutor on its side, and I have stressed that no dialogue can be complete unless Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is released and treated as a partner in dialogue. In my meetings with her, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi asked me to report that she is in good health and in good spirits. On balance, the process of engagement and dialogue continues between the United Nations and the Government of Myanmar.”
2008-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5854 (2008) · source
“With regard to the dialogue between the Government and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, I regard the fact that I was granted a second meeting with her as an indication that the Government remains interested in maintaining this channel of communication and as a sign of willingness on the part of the authorities in recognizing the value of the role of the United Nations in helping to facilitate substantive dialogue. 3 It is also important to recognize the steps the Government has taken in appointing a minister for liaison with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and in the several meetings they have held so far. On her part, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has already signalled a her willingness to cooperate with the Government in the interest of the nation.”
2008-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5854 (2008) · source
“In their view, sanctions are the primary cause of the socio-economic problems in Myanmar and the central obstacle to the country's development. Technically, therefore, they consider the utility of the proposed forum or similar proposals as limited since, in their view, such vehicles would only produce a distorted diagnosis for Myanmar. Nonetheless, in subsequent discussions, the Government expressed interest in finding areas of convergence on this issue with a View to addressing its concerns as well as the challenges facing the country. To this end, the United Nations stands ready to continue to work together with its Myanmar partners to develop existing and new ideas.”
2008-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5854 (2008) · source
“Such steps should include early and broad dissemination of information, including the referendum rules and regulations, in addition to the text of the constitution and the referendum law. I felt that the better the educated voters are and the more public space there is for open debate on the draft constitution, the more confidence the process will generate from all political actors and the public at large, and the more the process will be perceived as credible, both internally and to the outside world. In the socio-economic area, the recommendation of the United Nations to establish a broad-based National Economic Forum was discussed with the Minister of National Planning and Development and the Minister of Health.”
2008-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5854 (2008) · source
“The Government further reiterated that the draft constitution was completed based on the principles adopted earlier by the broadly inclusive process of the National Convention and that, based on 08-27488 the precedents of the 1947 and 1974 constitutions, it has sufficient experience to organize and conduct a referendum and elections. In this regard, I was given a first published copy of the draft constitution - unfortunately for me, it was in Burmese, but I am sure that we will get an English version soon - a copy of the referendum law in English and a sample of the referendum ballot paper. I encouraged the authorities to take further steps to ensure that the credibility of the process is enhanced.”
2008-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5854 (2008) · source
“As a matter of fact, 57 countries did so between 2003 and 2005, and 50 have actually benefited from the extension of such assistance from the United Nations. I also left questions and observations prepared by our experts regarding the conduct of the constitution- making process, the referendum and the elections, which I hope they will find useful with a View to enhancing the credibility and inclusiveness of the process. My discussion with the Referendum Convening Commission was published in full in newspapers the next morning. I was given repeated assurances on previous visits, including at the highest level of Myanmar's leadership, that all political forces in Myanmar will be allowed to freely participate in the referendum and the election.”
2008-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5854 (2008) · source
“First, with regard to the constitution-making process and the planned referendum and elections, I am pleased to have been able to place on record with the Government Authoritative Spokesperson's Team, the Referendum Convening Commission and the Constitution Drafting Committee the views and concerns of the United Nations, as well as specific suggestions for enhancing the credibility of the constitutional and electoral process. These included our offer of technical assistance, in accordance with the good offices mandate of the Secretary-General on Myanmar, and our suggestion that the authorities consider independent monitoring of the process. In that connection, I left with my interlocutors a list of countries that have voluntarily requested technical assistance for their electoral processes.”
2008-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5854 (2008) · source
“Nonetheless, the visit gave me an opportunity to further discuss some of my earlier recommendations and, in particular, to exchange views on the current preparations for the planned constitutional referendum in May and for "multi-party democratic elections" by 2010. I believe that those discussions helped to foster a greater understanding of how the Government of Myanmar could work further with the good offices of the Secretary-General. In that context, I would like to brief the Council on the topics of those discussions.”
2008-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5854 (2008) · source
“Unlike last time, when I stayed mostly in Nay Pyi Taw, the new capital, the Government arranged for my delegation and me to stay in a hotel in Yangon throughout our visit. I regret, however, that I was not able to meet with the senior Government leadership or with other political parties, including the 88 Generation group and the 1990 MPs-Elect, or with representatives of ethnic minority groups. 08-27488 Moreover, whereas each of my previous visits produced some tangible results that could be built upon, it is a source of disappointment that this latest visit did not yield any immediate tangible outcome.”
2008-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5854 (2008) · source
“I also met with the Ministers for Planning and Health, the Deputy Foreign Minister and the Referendum Convening Commission, as well as the Constitution Drafting Committee. I also met twice with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and with the political parties, including the National League for Democracy (NLD), the National Unity Party (NUP) and the PaO National Organization - which is for the ethnic and nationality groups - as well as the Union Solidarity and Development Association (USDA) - not to be confused with the United States Department of Agriculture, of course. In addition, I met twice with the United Nations country team on United Nations premises and with the diplomatic corps at the beginning and at the end of my visit, as well as with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).”
2008-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5854 (2008) · source
“Since assuming responsibility for the Myanmar dossier, I have never been under any illusion that the engagement process will be smooth sailing. Indeed, over time my engagement with my interlocutors has been difficult, complex and frustrating at times, but nevertheless incremental and continuing. That is invariably the nature of the good-offices role of the Secretary-General. But, in terms of the programme of my last visit, I am grateful to the Myanmar authorities for having granted most of the meetings I requested, including two meetings with the Government Authoritative Spokesperson's Team, representing the State Peace and Development Council and composed of the Ministers for Foreign Affairs, Culture and Information.”
2008-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5854 (2008) · source
“Mr. Gambari: I thank all members of the Security Council for the opportunity to brief them on my latest Visit to Myanmar, from 6 to 10 March 2008, in the implementation of the good offices role entrusted to the Secretary-General by the General Assembly. In accordance with the usual practice, I have already reported to the President of the Assembly and would like, respectfully, to refer the Council to the press release issued yesterday by his Office in that regard. At the outset, I would like to thank the Government and the people of Myanmar for the hospitality extended to my delegation and to me during our five-day visit. In particular, I wish to place on record my gratitude for the Government's efforts in bringing forward my visit from mid-April, as previously scheduled, to early March and also in extending my stay by one day.”
2008-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5854 (2008) · source
“The United Nations, meanwhile, is fully committed to working with the Government and the people of Myanmar to build on the current positive momentum in order to move Myanmar closer to the shared goals of national reconciliation, democracy, prosperity and full respect for human rights.”
2007-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5777 (2007) · source
“The Secretary-General has also made clear that a return to the status quo that existed before the crisis would be both unacceptable and unsustainable. In today's world, no country can afford to stay outside the irreversible trend towards stability, prosperity and democracy. It is the responsibility of every Government - including Myanmar's - to listen to its own people, to respond to legitimate popular demand and to respect in full the human rights of its citizens. In the case of Myanmar, that implies starting without delay a dialogue between the Government and the opposition as a necessary part of any national reconciliation process, and addressing the humanitarian and socio-economic factors that underlie popular grievances.”
2007-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5777 (2007) · source
“Secondly, given the complexity of the situation, the good offices cannot be a one-issue process - however important an issue may be - but rather needs to follow a comprehensive approach to address the multidimensional challenges facing Myanmar. Thirdly, the good offices process is not, however, an end by itself. It must yield tangible results and build on progress made each time there are missions to Myanmar. Fourthly, all those who can help, both inside and outside Myanmar, need to be encouraged to contribute to a solution to Myanmar's challenges. In this regard, the United Nations is grateful for the support of the domestic political forces in Myanmar, as well as the continued support of ASEAN and Myanmar's neighbours.”
2007-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5777 (2007) · source
“And that is why it is important for the international community to carefully consider the concerns of the Government but to also listen to the views of Aung San Suu Kyi and other relevant parties now that they are able to speak for themselves. From the perspective of the United Nations, it is clear from the recent events in Myanmar and from my latest consultations that the principles guiding our good offices role have become even more relevant as we move forward, and permit me, Sir, to reaffirm them here. First, the good offices role of the Secretary- General is not an event, but a process that will require time, patience and persistence.”
2007-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5777 (2007) · source
“Based on specific recommendations made through the Secretary-General's good offices, a process is now in motion that will hopefully lead to a substantive dialogue with concrete outcomes within an agreed timeframe between the leadership of Myanmar's State Peace and Development Council and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. In order to succeed, such a dialogue would require flexibility on all sides, but I am convinced that it is the only way forward for Myanmar. Sustained engagement by the United Nations through its good offices, with the support of the international community, will be needed in order to ensure that the process of dialogue that has been initiated will not be reversed. But we are far from the point of the irreversibility of this process at this time.”
2007-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5777 (2007) · source
“Thirdly, while all the countries I visited consider that sanctions against Myanmar are counterproductive, they accept that the international community should mobilize to help address Myanmar's humanitarian and socio-economic problems, commensurate with actual progress in the areas of concern to the international community. On balance, 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. 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.”
2007-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5777 (2007) · source
“I would like to share some of the main conclusions that emerged from the high-level consultations I had with leaders in China, Japan, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand, prior to visiting Myanmar. First, all the countries I visited expressed strong support for the Secretary-General's good offices process and pledged to translate such support by actively encouraging the leadership in Myanmar to continue to cooperate concretely with the United Nations so that the good offices role would produce tangible results. Secondly, all of the countries I visited support the United Nations good offices as the central track for the international community's approach to Myanmar and stress the need for any regional or other initiatives to be in support of the United Nations good offices role.”
2007-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5777 (2007) · source
“The Government also considers that, while Myanmar is expected to meet international demands and concerns, Myanmar also expects the international community to recognize positive steps it may be taking in terms of cooperating with the United Nations. It was explained to me, for example, that Security Council action and punitive measures adopted by some Member States vis-a-vis Myanmar run contrary to the Government's expectations in that regard. At the request of the Secretary-General, my visit to Myanmar was preceded by a new round of consultations in key regional capitals from 15 to 27 October, ahead of the upcoming Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and East Asia Summits from 19 to 21 November.”
2007-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5777 (2007) · source
“I would also like to report some of the views and concerns expressed by the Government. In the course of my discussions, I was again assured that the recent demonstrations were instigated by a minority of elements opposed to the Government and supported largely from outside, that the demonstrations were limited to Yangon and Mandalay while the rest of the country had remained calm and that the Government's seven-step road map, including the National Convention, enjoyed the support of the majority of the people of Myanmar as demonstrated in popular rallies held around the country. In that regard, I was assured that, while some opposition groups did not participate in the National Convention, the constitutional referendum and elections would provide such groups with the opportunity to express their views.”
2007-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5777 (2007) · source
“Finally, an agreement was reached on an interim arrangement for the United Nations Country Team in Myanmar. In response to the Government's announcement the day before my visit that it would not want the current United Nations Resident Coordinator for Myanmar, Mr. Charles Petrie, to continue his services beyond his current term, the Secretary-General made clear his disappointment at the Government's decision and expressed his full confidence in the work of the United Nations Country Team and its leadership, which I also conveyed directly to the authorities. The Government has, however, agreed that as of 5 December, an Acting Resident Coordinator would take over pending the appointment of a new Resident Coordinator. The Planning Minister also reaffirmed the Government's policy of full cooperation with the United Nations Country Team.”
2007-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5777 (2007) · source
“Fourthly, the Government further assured me that it will release more detainees and that no more arrests will be carried out. In that connection, it has agreed in principle to allow access to detainees by the ICRC. In the meantime, it has also agreed to an early visit by Special Rapporteur Pinheiro who - as I mentioned 3 earlier - is currently in Myanmar, after four years of being denied access to the country. Fifthly, the Government further agreed in principle to consider the possibility of establishing a broad-based poverty alleviation commission. While stressing the need to respect its sovereignty in all matters, the Government signalled its openness to studying a concept paper for the proposed commission, and we are preparing such a policy paper.”
2007-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5777 (2007) · source
“Secondly, immediately following her statement on 9 November, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was allowed for the first time in four years to meet with the Central Executive Committee of the her NLD party and, for the second time, with the Minister for Relations, Aung Kyi. Thirdly, the Prime Minister reiterated his Government's full confidence in and support for the Secretary-General's good offices and invited me to return to Myanmar - in his words, "again and again and again" - including to meet with the Constitutional Drafting Committee, once it is convened, to discuss ways of broadening the constitutional process. The Government also agreed in principle to the establishment of a small liaison capacity in Yangon in support of the good offices mission.”
2007-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5777 (2007) · source
“While the Government has assured me that it intends to proceed with the drafting of a constitution and the holding of a referendum and elections, I stressed that the more clarity there is about the timing of those steps, the more credible the process will be. Although my mission did not produce all the results that I had hoped for, I am in a position to report a number of positive outcomes, which I would like to highlight here. For the first time since she was last put under house arrest in May 2003, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was allowed on 8 November to pronounce herself publicly, through me, on her commitment in the interest of the nation to work with the Government through meaningful and time-bound dialogue, and on the role of the United Nations in that regard.”
2007-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5777 (2007) · source
“I have stressed to the Government that the best way to make real their commitment to dialogue with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is to release her without delay, so that she can become a full partner in the dialogue that we all envisage. 07-59587 A date has yet to be announced for the commencement of the substantive dialogue. It is important to note, however, that the parties are still in the initial stage of discussions, which include consultations between Aung San Suu Kyi and the Central Executive Committee of her National League for Democracy party, which, again, took place last week. Finally, the Government has yet to provide an indication of the proposed timeframe for the next steps in its political road map following the completion of the National Convention on 3 September.”
2007-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5777 (2007) · source
“Paolo Pinheiro, who is currently in the country, and the Government also agreed in principle to receive a delegation from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). At the same time, however, serious concerns remain about ongoing reports of human rights abuses and about whether the Government is willing to move forward in an expeditious manner in a new direction. I am therefore pleased that I was able to have frank and extensive discussions with all of my counterparts on Myanmar's efforts to meet international concerns and expectations in the wake of the recent demonstrations. One of those discussions actually took place and was broadcast live on the national television. On the downside, the Government has yet to provide assurances that it will lift the restrictions on Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.”
2007-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5777 (2007) · source
“At our suggestion, the Government already lifted the curfews put in place during the demonstrations, withdrew all visible military presence from the streets, and, by its own account, released over 2,700 persons detained in the course of the demonstrations, including some 700 monks, as well as political detainees, including prominent activists and some 50 members of the NLD, Aung San Suu Kyi's party. Importantly, the Government appointed on 8 October Labour Minister Major-General Aung Kyi as Minister for Relations with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, and a first meeting between them took place on 25 October. The Government also appointed a 54-member Constitutional Drafting Committee that has yet to be convened as a whole. Finally, the Government agreed to receive the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights Situation in Myanmar, Mr.”
2007-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5777 (2007) · source
“In Yangon, I was received by the Sayadaws of the State Sangha Maha Committee, and I was able to meet with the United Nations country team, on United Nations premises, as well as with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi herself. As members of the Council are aware, my visit to Myanmar followed a statement from the President of 07-59587 the General Assembly on 5 October and the adoption of a Security Council presidential statement on 11 October (S/PRST/2007/37), both of which expressed strong support for the Secretary-General's good offices role and for my own efforts on his behalf, and called on the Government of Myanmar to continue to cooperate with the United Nations. It is also important to remind ourselves of the initial positive steps taken by the Government since my last visit.”
2007-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5777 (2007) · source
“Although I regret that it was not possible to meet with all the interlocutors that I requested to meet, such as representatives of the 88 Generation Students, Members of Parliament elected in 1990, monks and detainees, the Government organized for me to meet with civil society groups, including the Union Solidarity and Development Association, the Women's Federation of Myanmar, the Myanmar Chamber of Commerce and the National Red Cross Society, as well as with political parties, including the National League for Democracy (NLD), the National Union Party and the National Pao' People Party. The Government also invited the diplomatic corps to meet me in Nay Pyi Taw.”
2007-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5777 (2007) · source
“I also held separate meetings with the Minister of Labour in his capacity as the newly appointed Minister for Relations with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, as well as with the Foreign Minister, the Planning Minister and the Minister for Religious Affairs. I met also with the new Secretary-l of the State Peace and Development Council, Lieutenant General Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint 00.”
2007-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5777 (2007) · source
“As was the case last time, the authorities organized my programme in such a way that most of my meetings were held in Nay Pyi Taw, the new capital, except for the afternoon of the last day, which was spent in Yangon. Although it was not possible this time to meet with Senior General Than Shwe, arrangements were made for me to meet with the new Prime Minister, General Thein Sein, with whom I left a letter from the Secretary-General, which was addressed to the Senior General. In addition to the Prime Minister, I met with all the relevant members of the Government, including the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Information, Culture and Labour, both as members of the Authoritative Team of the State Peace and Development Council and as members of the newly established Constitutional Drafting Committee.”
2007-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5777 (2007) · source
“Mr. Gambari: I am grateful for this opportunity to brief the Security Council soon after my most recent visit to Myanmar, from 3 to 8 November, which was undertaken on behalf of the Secretary-General in the context of his good offices mandate. At the outset, I wish to thank the Government of Myanmar for having brought forward my visit to the first week of November. As members of the Council know, this mission followed closely my visit at the 2 height of the recent crisis in late September to early October. The main focus of my mission was thus to follow up on and facilitate, where possible, the implementation of immediate and medium- to long- term recommendations made during my previous visit to address the serious concerns arising from the crisis.”
2007-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5777 (2007) · source
“Advancing the causes of all- inclusive national reconciliation, democratization and full respect for human rights will require sustained engagement by the United Nations, including through the intensification of the Secretary-General's good offices, with the active support of Myanmar's neighbours, ASEAN countries and the international community, including a united Security Council.”
2007-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5753 (2007) · source
“If it does so, it will find that there is much goodwill out there to help it along the way. Myanmar is part of a dynamic and prosperous region. As the ASEAN countries have already demonstrated, they recognize that they also have a responsibility to support Myanmar's efforts towards a peaceful and stable future. Finally, as I have emphasized from the beginning, the Secretary-General's good offices are a process, not an event. It is important to recognize that one mission by itself cannot resolve the fundamental challenges facing Myanmar today.”
2007-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5753 (2007) · source
“At this point, what they need above all is hope, and I would be encouraged if this mission helped Myanmar's leaders to listen to their own people. The Government also needs to know that the world needs a peaceful, prosperous and democratic Myanmar that can contribute to the development of the region and play a useful role in the international community. I want to reiterate here that, over the past two years, Myanmar has demonstrated greater openness and cooperation with the United Nations and the international community. Now is the time for Myanmar's leadership to make the bold choices that will demonstrate that these efforts have not been in vain and that Myanmar is ready to partner with the international community by making serious, tangible progress in the areas of concern to the international community.”
2007-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5753 (2007) · source
“Any serious steps on the political front should be acknowledged by the international community through the provision of incentives in the humanitarian and socio-economic areas. In conclusion, I would like to say the following. Amidst the tragic events of the past few weeks, this is an hour of historic opportunity for Myanmar. As I have said before, responsibility for the future of the country 5 ultimately rests with the Government and people of Myanmar. However, the world is watching closely how that responsibility will be exercised in the interest of all the people of Myanmar. To delay the prospect of a peaceful, prosperous and democratic Myanmar is to deny it to those who deserve it the most: the people of Myanmar. They have suffered too much for too long.”
2007-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5753 (2007) · source
“In that regard, the recommendation put to the Government to consider establishing a broad-based poverty alleviation commission to identify and address socio-economic needs will be a useful vehicle for promoting national dialogue on ways to improve the overall "health" of the country. The work of United Nations agencies in the country has been recognized as useful by the authorities. Every effort needs to be made to continue to find areas of mutual interest where progress can be made, including in the areas of health, education and drug reduction. While the humanitarian and political action needs to continue to be coordinated, it is essential not to let humanitarian actions become hostage to political conditions, and vice versa.”
2007-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5753 (2007) · source
“In that connection, the specific recommendations that were put to the Government, including the possibility of establishing a broad-based constitutional review commission, are aimed at encouraging the Government to engage in a post-National Convention process of consultations that is all-inclusive, participatory and transparent. That would enable the credibility and legitimacy of the draft constitution to be submitted to a referendum. The United Nations has experience in facilitating such a constitutional review process. In addition to the imperatives of the political dispensation, the Government needs to be more sensitive to the extremely fragile humanitarian and socio-economic context within which the recent demonstrations and crisis broke out.”
2007-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5753 (2007) · source
“Another necessary step for genuine national dialogue to take place is the release of all political detainees, particularly the sick and the elderly. After all, only free men and women can engage in dialogue. The future of Myanmar belongs to all the people of Myanmar. It is therefore in the interest of the nation that all those who have a contribution to make should have the opportunity to do so. The issues for dialogue are known - from serious political and human rights concerns to pressing humanitarian and socio-economic issues - but only by working together as one people will Myanmar be able to address them and move forward as one nation.”
2007-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5753 (2007) · source
“The fact that I was allowed to meet with her a second time after meeting with the Senior General in itself suggests the usefulness of the United Nations good offices as a way for the parties to explore the possibility of engaging in early dialogue. I am therefore cautiously encouraged by the Government's announcement yesterday that Senior General Than Shwe is prepared to meet Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, although with certain conditions. This is a potentially welcome development that calls for maximum flexibility on all sides. The sooner such a meeting takes place, the better, as it is a first and necessary step to overcome the high level of mistrust between them. I sincerely hope that the potential for dialogue will be recognized to the same extent by both sides, and that it can translate into concrete steps in the immediate wake of the crisis.”
2007-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5753 (2007) · source
“I have also been informed by the Government that, as of today, a total of 2,095 persons arrested in the course of demonstrations have been released, including 728 monks, and that more releases will follow as a direct result of my request to the authorities on behalf of the Secretary-General. While those steps are welcome, further steps will need to be taken over the next few days and weeks, not only to overcome the current crisis but also to address the underlying factors of the recent unrest. With regard to the third objective of my mission, namely, the promotion of dialogue, the visit allowed me to resume the role I started playing during my last visit, by conveying messages between the senior leadership and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.”
2007-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5753 (2007) · source
“While it remains unclear how responsive the authorities will be to those messages, I believe that the mission helped develop understanding of the regional and international perceptions of the situation in Myanmar and of the urgent need for them to implement some of the specific ideas put to the authorities in order to meet domestic and international expectations. In terms of immediate steps, I would like to note that the authorities have already announced a relaxation of the curfew in Yangon and Mandalay. Reports indicate that the visible military presence in the streets has been reduced.”
2007-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5753 (2007) · source
“Any decrease in tensions can be sustained only if it is accompanied by positive steps to address the root causes of unrest. Specific recommendations have been put to the Government in that regard. The Council is already aware of the following key areas in which I have been encouraging the Government to make tangible progress: first, the release of all political prisoners, including those arrested in the course of recent demonstrations; secondly, the promotion of an all-inclusive national reconciliation process; thirdly, full cooperation with, and better access for, humanitarian organizations; fourthly, the cessation of hostilities in conflict areas, 07-52995 including in Kayin State; and fifthly, continued cooperation with the International Labour Organization.”
2007-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5753 (2007) · source
“Those recommendations include: putting an end to night raids and arrests during curfew; lifting the curfew as soon as possible; releasing all those arrested during the demonstrations; allowing access to clinics for those wounded during demonstrations; withdrawing military forces from the streets; ensuring respect for human rights and the rule of law in the exercise of law enforcement, in accordance with international standards; allowing the International Committee of the Red Cross to have access to persons detained and to assist in tracing missing people; and putting an immediate end to raids on monasteries. Thirdly, I emphasized the need to address without delay the political and socio-economic factors underlying the demonstrations through specific mid- and long-term measures, predicated on dialogue among all stakeholders.”
2007-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5753 (2007) · source
“It is therefore essential for Myanmar's leadership to recognize that what happens inside Myanmar can have serious international repercussions. My second message was to express the deep concern of the Secretary-General and the international community about the most recent events and to make specific recommendations for immediate steps to de-escalate tensions.”
2007-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5753 (2007) · source
“With regard to the second objective of my mission, I am pleased that, amidst the ongoing crisis, I was able to deliver clear and strong messages on behalf of the Secretary-General directly to the authorities at the highest level. My first message was to emphasize the changing domestic, regional and international context within which my mission was taking place, with the clear and strong support of Myanmar's neighbours, including China and Japan, countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the Security Council. As I have said before, the world is not what it was 20 years ago, and no country can afford to act in isolation from the standards by which all members of the international community are held accountable.”
2007-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5753 (2007) · source
“Although the Government succeeded after 14 years in completing the National Convention on 3 September, and although it assured me that the seven-step road map is broadly supported by the population, the exclusion of key stakeholders, such as the NLD, and the failure to meet the expectations of key participants, such as ethnic ceasefire groups, tends to undermine the credibility and legitimacy of the process. In that context, the Government must open up and broaden the process that is to define Myanmar's future, and therefore meet the demands for greater inclusiveness, participation and transparency, in order to accelerate the transition to democracy and to civilian rule.”
2007-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5753 (2007) · source