concerned over myanmar arrests, Secretary-General calls for restraint, dialogue

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General is following events in Myanmar closely and with concern, particularly in light of reports that student leaders and others have been arrested by the authorities.  In the spirit of the efforts of mutual engagement being pursued by the United Nations and Myanmar in the context of his good offices, the Secretary-General calls on the authorities to exercise maximum restraint in responding to any demonstrations, and encourages all parties to avoid any provocative action.  He calls for a constructive dialogue towards national reconciliation at this important time in Myanmar’s history.

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For information media • not an official record