United Nations Special Advisor Ibrahim Gambari has returned to Burma where he has begun talks with senior officials on speeding up the process of democratization and national reconciliation in the troubled South-East Asian nation, writes UN News Centre.
Mr. Gambari met Sunday with Foreign Minister U Nyan Win to discuss the Government of Burma´s response, so far, to the expectations of the international community following the recent crisis.
He also met with U Aung Kyi, Minister for Labour and Minister for Relations, who was recently appointed by the authorities as a liaison officer to start dialogue between the Government and the opposition.
DIPLOMATISK OPTIMISME
The two had “extensive and detailed exchanges” on the Minister’s discussions with pro-democracy leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi on an agreed framework for meaningful dialogue, a press release stated.
Mr. Gambari “expects that these initial steps will lead to early initiation of dialogue aimed at accelerating inclusive national reconciliation, the restoration of democracy and the full respect for human rights.”
STØTTE TIL LANDE-KOORDINATOR
Upon his arrival Saturday, Mr. Gambari met UN Resident Coordinator Charles Petrie, who briefed him on the UN Country Team’s assessment of the situation in the country.
They also discussed the letter from the Government stating that it does not want Mr. Petrie to continue his work in the country.
Mr. Gambari conveyed (overbragte) Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s support for the Country Team and the Resident Coordinator – the highest ranking UN official in Burma.
The Special Advisor plans to address this and other issues pertaining to further cooperation and dialogue between the UN system and Burma in his discussions with the authorities.
During his visit, Mr. Gambari is scheduled to meet the Prime Minister and other senior government officials, as well as Ms. Suu Kyi and other relevant interlocutors (aktører), according to UN officials. He will stay in Burma as long as necessary to accomplish his mission.
