UN envoy arrives in Myanmar for latest visit

The United Nations envoy for Myanmar has arrived in the South-East Asian nation for a two-day visit, a spokesperson for the world body announced today.

Ibrahim Gambari, who serves as Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s Special Adviser, last visited the country from 31 January to 3 February, as part of the good offices mandate entrusted to the Secretary-General by the General Assembly.

His current visit is being undertaken “at the request of the Secretary-General and at the invitation of the Government of Myanmar,” UN spokesperson Farhan Haq told reporters, adding that Mr. Gambari was received this morning by Foreign Minister Nyan Win in the capital, Nay Pyi Taw.

On previous visits, the envoy has met with Government officials such as Prime Minister Thein Sein, as well as opposition and other political parties, including detained pro-democracy leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi and members of her National League for Democracy (NLD).

Ms. Suu Kyi is currently on trial, following her arrest on 14 May. She and two aides are being charged with violating the terms of her house arrest, after an uninvited United States citizen gained access to their home.

Both the Secretary-General and the Security Council have repeatedly called on the Government to release political prisoners, and embark on a genuine dialogue with Ms. Suu Kyi and all concerned parties and ethnic groups in an effort to achieve national reconciliation.