Myanmar: UN envoy denounces closure of monastery used as HIV/AIDS hospice

The top United Nations envoy for Myanmar today spoke out against the closure in the South-East Asian nation of a monastery used as a hospice for those living with HIV and AIDS.

At a press conference in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Ibrahim Gambari said that “any action that runs counter to the spirit of national reconciliation in an all-inclusive manner, any ay action that will inflame passions, any actions that will undermine the dialogue between the Government and those who disagree with the policies of the Government should be avoided.”

Mr. Gambari, the Secretary-General’s Special Advisor, underscored that the UN has repeatedly called for the release of detained pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

He met yesterday with Cambodia officials to garner its support for the UN’s efforts in Myanmar, which has been rocked recently by the Government’s use of violence against peaceful protestors.

Having now arrived in Vientiane, Laos, the Special Advisor will meet with the country’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister tomorrow.

This is the last stop of Mr. Gambari’s three-nation tour to consult with regional leaders, which also took him to Viet Nam.