Myanmar: UN envoy meets with ministers on third day of visit

The top United Nations envoy to Myanmar met with the country’s planning and health ministers today to discuss ways to tackle the socio-economic conditions in Myanmar on the third day of his five-day trip.

Ibrahim Gambari, Special Adviser on Myanmar, also held 10 separate meetings focusing on the need for national inclusive dialogue and a credible political process, as well as the country’s socio-economic challenges.

Participating in the meetings were political parties, civil society groups, including members of the National League for Democracy (NLD), student representatives and elected individuals from the 1990 elections.

Yesterday, Mr. Gambari also visited the delta region affected by Cyclone Nargis, and met with members of the State Peace and Development Council to exchange views on a range of issues, including the release of political prisoners.

UN spokesperson Marie Okabe noted that Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, following his discussions with the Myanmar leadership during his visit to the country after the cyclone, said that he expects his good offices to be “deepened and broadened” by the continued engagement of his Special Adviser.

“He has also indicated his intent to return to Myanmar when conditions are right to continue his dialogue with the Myanmar leadership. At this point it is too early to confirm the Secretary-General’s calendar,” Ms. Okabe said in response to press reports on Mr. Ban’s visit later this year.