UN envoy begins discussions with senior Myanmar officials

United Nations Special Advisor Ibrahim Gambari has returned to Myanmar 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.

Mr. Gambari met today with Foreign Minister U Nyan Win to discuss the Government of Myanmar's response, so far, to the expectations of the international community following the recent crisis, according to a press release issued by the UN in Yangon.

He also met with U Aung Kyi, Minister for Labour and Minister for Relations, who was recently appointed by Myanmar authorities as a liaison officer to start dialogue between the Government and the opposition.

The two has “extensive and detailed exchanges” on the Minister's discussions with pro-democracy leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi on an agreed framework for meaningful dialogue, the 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.”

Upon his arrival yesterday, 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 Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's support for the Country Team and the Resident Coordinator – the highest ranking UN official in the Myanmar – and the important work they continue to do to improve the socio-economic and humanitarian situation.

The Special Advisor plans to address this and other issues pertaining to further cooperation and dialogue between the UN system and Myanmar 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, according to UN officials. He will stay in Myanmar as long as necessary to accomplish his mission.