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UN envoy discusses Myanmar with Indian officials

UN envoy discusses Myanmar with Indian officials

UN special envoy Ibrahim Gambari
As part of his ongoing efforts to promote democratic change in Myanmar, the United Nations envoy to the South-East Asian nation today wrapped up consultations in New Delhi with Indian officials, who assured him of their continuing support.

During his visit, Ibrahim Gambari met with Indian Vice-President Mohammad Hamid Ansari, as well as Foreign Minister Pranab Mukerjee and Foreign Secretary Shivshankar Menon.

The meetings were a continuation of consultations held in October in New Delhi between Mr. Gambari and Indian officials, following last summer's crackdown by the Myanmar authorities on peaceful protesters.

“Mr. Gambari is encouraged by these consultations and India's support for the Secretary-General's good offices on Myanmar,” UN spokesperson Farhan Haq told reporters in New York.

Mr. Gambari, who has travelled to Myanmar twice since the events of last summer, is expected to visit Beijing for consultations with the Chinese Government in February.

Earlier this month, Mr. Gambari told reporters that while countries in the region have placed on record their support for the good offices role of the Secretary-General, “there is still more that everybody can do.”

All those who have a role to play, both inside the country and outside, should be given the chance to do so in the interest of moving toward “a peaceful, prosperous but democratic Myanmar with full respect for the human rights of its people,” he said.

Mr. Gambari has a standing invitation to return to Myanmar but a date for his visit is still under discussion with the Government.