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

The Secretary-General is following closely, and with concern, the situation in Myanmar after the Government announced Saturday that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and several other leaders of the National League for Democracy (NLD) were taken into “protective custody” after clashes reportedly broke out between her supporters and pro-government protesters in northern Myanmar.

He believes that the latest developments underline the urgent need for national reconciliation in Myanmar and renews his call on the two sides to start their substantive dialogue as soon as possible.

The Secretary-General reiterates his readiness to help facilitate the national reconciliation process, and his Special Envoy, Razali Ismail, is due to arrive in Yangon for a five-day mission on 6 June.