IBRAHIM GAMBARI is encouraged by India’s response to the Myanmar crisis after it agreed to engage the authorities in speeding up the democratic process there.
“I am very much encouraged by India’s commitment to the good offices of the UN Secretary-General in its efforts to advise the Myanmar regime to expedite the process of political reforms and release detained pro-democracy protestors, including Aung San Suu Kyi,” said the UN special envoy.
Gambari met Manmohan Singh and conveyed UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon’s message seeking India’s support for an early solution to the crisis. He also met External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee.
In his meeting with Gambari, the Prime Minister expressed India’s support for the UN Secretary General’s efforts to encourage resumption of dialogue within Myanmar, the External Affairs Ministry said.
Stressing on concrete action to bring about democracy in Myanmar, Gambari hinted India could play a bigger role in this
issue. “Theoretically, all of us can do more. It is for India to decide what more it wants to do in this matter.”
The UN envoy is on a six-nation Asian tour to seek support for exerting pressure on Myanmar’s military regime to end suppression of pro-democracy protestors and initiate political reforms.
He expressed satisfaction on his efforts to build a consensus on Myanmar among the four Asian countries, including India, he has visited so far. Gambari is scheduled to visit China and Japan.
{{/usCountry}}He expressed satisfaction on his efforts to build a consensus on Myanmar among the four Asian countries, including India, he has visited so far. Gambari is scheduled to visit China and Japan.
{{/usCountry}}The Prime Minister in a telephonic conversation with the UN Secretary General reiterated India’s commitment for speedy democratisation of Myanmar.
“On October 20, the Prime Minister had spoken to UN Secretary General on the situation in Myanmar.
He reiterated India’s conviction that the process of national reconciliation and political reform initiated by the government of Myanmar should be taken forward expeditiously in an inclusive manner, including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi”, the External Affairs Ministry said, in a statement.
“India will continue to play a constructive and positive role, along with like minded countries”, ministry spokesman Navtej Sarna said.