Statement attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General on Myanmar

The Secretary-General convened a high-level informal consultation on Myanmar today at Headquarters which was attended by senior representatives of a dozen Member States, as well as representatives from the UNDP and the World Bank. The Special Envoy of the Secretary-General, Mr. Razali Ismail, also took part in the consultations.

The level of representation reflects the interest and concern that the United Nations and the international community share about the current political situation in Myanmar. The Secretary-General was pleased by the constructive discussions which strengthened the sense of common purpose on how to assist Myanmar in making its process of democratic transition more inclusive and sustainable.

The Secretary-General hopes that on the basis of today's discussions, the participating countries will redouble their individual and collective efforts, and provide further support for the United Nations efforts, to move the process forward. He also urges the Myanmar authorities to listen to advice given by friendly countries, in goodwill, and allow his Special Envoy to visit the country as soon as possible.