Myanmar

Joseph Stiglitz

Credit vital to boosting development in Myanmar, economist says

23 December 2009
With 70 per cent of Myanmar’s population dependent on agriculture, credit reform could help the Asian nation reach its full productivity potential and enhance development, Nobel Prize-winning economist Professor Joseph Stiglitz said after a United Nations-backed visit to the country.

UN development partnership seeks to boost agricultural sector in Myanmar

15 December 2009
United Nations development officials held talks with Government ministers in Myanmar today aimed at boosting the impoverished country’s agricultural sector to help it reclaim its status as the rice bowl of Asia.
Tomas Ojea Quintana, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar

Myanmar: UN expert urges release of all political prisoners before elections

22 October 2009
An independent United Nations expert has called on Myanmar’s Government to release all political prisoners before the national elections planned for 2010 so that the polls can be as inclusive as possible.
Aung San Suu Kyi

Ongoing detention of Myanmar’s Suu Kyi a ‘blow’ to democratic efforts – UN expert

2 October 2009
Myanmar’s Government has missed an opportunity to prove its commitment to holding inclusive elections by extending the house arrest of pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, effectively barring her from participating in next year’s polls, says an independent United Nations human rights expert.
Prime Minister Thein Sein of Myanmar

Sanctions against Myanmar ‘unjust,’ Prime Minister tells General Assembly

28 September 2009
Sanctions imposed on Myanmar have no moral basis and create an obstacle to development and economic growth, the South East Asian country’s Prime Minister told the General Assembly today as he called for an end to the measures.

Ban stresses vital role of South-East Asian nations regarding Myanmar

26 September 2009
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today stressed the important role of South-East Asian nations in encouraging Myanmar to do what is in the best interests of its people and of the wider region.
Aung San Suu Kyi

Myanmar must act now to promote democracy or face years of instability – Ban

24 September 2009
The time has come for Myanmar’s leaders to make “clear and fundamental choices” – release democracy leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and all other political prisoners and hold legitimate elections or else face generations of instability and poverty – Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon warned today.

Myanmar: Ban calls for international action to help ensure credible elections

23 September 2009
Myanmar’s friends and neighbours must “do more in the best interests of Myanmar and its people” by persuading the Government to hold credible elections next year, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said today.
Aung San Suu Kyi

Myanmar: Ban notes release of some political prisoners

18 September 2009
While noting the release of a certain number of political prisoners in Myanmar, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today called on the authorities to free all those still detained, including opposition leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, to further national reconciliation and a democratic transition.

China: UN seeks access to newly-arrived Myanmar refugees

4 September 2009
The United Nations refugee agency today called on China to allow it access to civilians who recently arrived in Yunnan province after fleeing violence in north-eastern Myanmar, and proposed a joint needs assessment to offer support for any possible unmet needs.