Myanmar: UN envoy returns to continue push for democratic change

UN special envoy Ibrahim Gambari

6 March 2008 – The Special Adviser of the Secretary-General for Myanmar arrived in Yangon today on his latest mission to encourage the authorities there to promote democratization and national reconciliation in the troubled South-East Asian nation.

This is the third visit for Ibrahim Gambari since last year's Government crackdown on peaceful protesters.

In February the authorities in Myanmar announced a constitutional referendum to be held this May, to be followed by “multi-party democratic elections” in 2010.

Following his arrival, Mr. Gambari held talks with Myanmar's Minister for Foreign Affairs. He also met with the UN Country Team, the diplomatic corps and the representative of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

Over the next few days, the Special Adviser will continue consultations with “a broad range of representatives of Myanmar society, including groups which he was not able to meet during his last visit,” UN Spokesperson Marie Okabe told journalists in New York.

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UN envoy departs for Myanmar on Tuesday