I have just finished briefing the Security Council, at their request, on my recent visit to Myanmar, including on the wide range of issues I discussed with the Myanmar leadership and other stakeholders.

From the outset, I stated that it would be a difficult mission. However, the visit provided a unique opportunity to engage directly and frankly with Senior General Than Shwe and the Myanmar leadership on the broad range of challenges facing the country. I made specific proposals on various outstanding concerns which, if left unaddressed, could undermine any confidence in Myanmar's political process. These include firstly, the release of all political prisoners, including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi; secondly, the resumption of a substantive dialogue between the Government and the Opposition; and thirdly, the creation of conditions conducive to credible, inclusive and legitimate elections. The visit also enabled me to engage directly with registered political parties and ethnic ceasefire groups, and hear their concerns.

In this regard, I would like to take note of the statement just made by the Permanent Representative of Myanmar saying that, I quote, “at the request of the Secretary-General in Myanmar, the Myanmar Government is processing to grant amnesty to prisoners on humanitarian grounds and with a view to enabling them to participate in the 2010 general elections.” This is encouraging but I have to continue to follow up how they will implement all the issues raised during my visit to Myanmar.

As you know I also visited the Delta region, where I witnessed our joint recovery and reconstruction efforts. Regrettably, I could not meet with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. It was not only a deep disappointment but also a missed opportunity for Myanmar. I was however able to meet separately with the leaders of her party, the NLD (National League for Democracy).

Now that I have conveyed in the clearest terms what is expected of Myanmar's leaders, it is up to them to respond positively in their country's own interest. The world is now watching closely whether they will choose to act in the best interest of their country or not.

I would also like to take this opportunity to let you know that I will be traveling to Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, later today, so that I can meet with the leaders gathered for the Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement there on Wednesday. I will deliver an address to the Summit, and I will encourage the Non-Aligned Movement to build on its leadership role among nations to address today's challenges. Those challenges include disarmament, the economic crisis, climate change,and the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals.

Thank you.