Nay Pyi Taw
Myanmar
Secretary-General's remarks to the press after his meeting with Senior General Than Shwe [unofficial transcript]
Press events | Ban Ki-moon, Former Secretary-General
Press events | Ban Ki-moon, Former Secretary-General
SG: I had a very good meeting with Senior General [Than Shwe], and particularly on aid workers. He has agreed to allow all the aid workers [in].
Q.: That seems like a big breakthrough?
SG: Yes, I think so. He has agreed to allow all the aid workers [in], whoever, regardless of nationalities. He has taken quite a flexible position on this matter. I urged him that it would be crucially important for him to allow aid workers [in] as swiftly as possible and all these aid relief items also be delivered to the needy people as quickly as possible. And he also agreed that Yangon airport should be used as a logistical hub [for international aid].
That was a very important development.
Q: You take him at his word?
SG: He made it in front of many senior generals. He is the leader. He has the authority