Junta Urged to Send Positive Signals: Ban

By LALIT K JHA

WASHINGTON — Welcoming the recent amnesty of some 6,000 prisoners, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged Burma’s military government to send positive signals to the international community at this time.

"This is the time for Myanmar to seize the opportunity before it to send positive signals," Ban told reporters on Monday after a meeting with the Group of Friends on Burma at the United Nations in New York.

"It would be disappointing if this were not followed now by meaningful steps in response to the specific recommendations made by the United Nations in the context of my good offices," Bans said, following the meeting to discuss the current situation in Burma after the visit of special envoy Ibrahim Gambari to Burma early this month.

This was the eighth meeting of the Group of Friends of Burma since it was created by Ban in late 2007. Besides five permanent members of the Security Council, other members of the group include Burma’s neighbors India, Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand and major donor countries such as like Japan.

Reiterating his call to release all political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi, and the resumption of dialogue between the junta and the political opposition without delay and preconditions, Ban said he reminded all participating countries that they have an important role to play, in particular neighboring countries and Asean nations, which are best placed to appreciate and help address the challenges and opportunities facing Burma, he said.

"It is in the interest of the international community as a whole, however, that we should collectively find ways to encourage Myanmar to move towards meeting the expectations and concerns of the international community," he said.

Ban said he disagreed with the viewpoints of several members of the UN Security Council, who this week described Gambari's trip as a failure.

"The recent visit by Prof Ibrahim Gambari made a positive contribution to our on-going negotiations and consultations with the Myanmar authorities," he said.

Asked about his proposed trip to Burma, which has been pending since last year, Ban remained noncommittal.

"I will try to visit, but there may be some issues—first of all, I have to discuss with the Myanmar government about timing, about agendas which I would be able to discuss, but nothing has yet been discussed," he said.

"As a matter of principle, I am telling you that I am willing to make a return visit to build upon what I had discussed last May, including the political issues," Ban said.

Asked if he would visit Burma only if there is tangible progress in terms of the release of prisoners, national reconciliation and more inclusive government, Ban said: "It is the expectation of the whole international community that we see the full democratization of Myanmar [Burma]."

He said the military junta should take the necessary measures, on the basis of what they have committed to, including the release of all political prisoners. The international community is ready to provide necessary support, socio-economic support to Burma, and there should be positive measures taken by Burma, he said.

"But I would not say there should be any preconditions for my visit. This is a part of on-going consultation and negotiations and efforts by the international community, and also entrusted to me by the General Assembly," Ban said.

"Therefore, as I said, there are a broad range of issues which will be very beneficial for the Myanmar authorities to discuss with me during my visit, if that visit is realized," he said.

Gambari also briefed the participating member countries on his trip to Burma. "The Group of Friends continues to express unified support for the continuation of our good offices efforts," he said.

Ban said, "Our Myanmar interlocutors have also indicated the importance they attach to the good offices' work. My special adviser is prepared to extend the UN's political facilitation with both the government and the opposition to build on these efforts."

Ban noted that following Gambari's visit, the junta announced an amnesty which included some 23 political prisoners, including some individuals whose names Gambari had discussed with junta officials during his visit.