Burma a Priority Issue: UN Chief

LALIT K JHA / UNITED NATION

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said on Monday that Burma would continue to be a priority issue for him.

“I will continue to discuss this matter [the restoration of democracy in Burma] with the members of the Group of Friends of the Secretary-General, and this is going to be my priority issue,” Ban told reporters at the UN headquarters in New York on his return from a four-nation tour of the Philippines, India, Nepal and Bangladesh.

During his trip to India, Ban said he discussed the issue with Indian leaders, including Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

“I had an extensive discussion with Indian leaders, including Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, on how we can work together to help bring democracy to the Myanmar [Burmese] people and government,” Ban said in response to a question.

“This requires concerted, coordinated efforts from all the countries in the region, particularly India and other neighboring countries, including China,” the UN chief added.

Ban, who was earlier scheduled to visit Burma in December, is unlikely to go there as there has been no progress towards his objective of restoring democracy in the country.

“I am planning to go there when the political atmosphere is right, including the accelerated democratization process in Myanmar,” he said, adding that he hoped the Indian government would also help in facilitating Burma’s democratization process.

Referring to his meeting with the Indian prime minister, Ban said in New Delhi that he was assured that India would work in close coordination with the United Nations to help Burma to achieve democracy.