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

Mr. Razali Ismail, the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Myanmar, concluded his three-day visit to Myanmar on 2 October, after having separate discussions with Government leaders, including Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt, as well as Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and representatives of ethnic nationality groups. He also called on Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the ruling State Peace and Development Council (SPDC).

Mr. Razali is pleased to confirm that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is well and in good spirits, recovering at her home from the recent surgery.

During all his discussions on the roadmap announced by the Prime Minister on 30 August, the Special Envoy emphasized the need for the Government to begin by taking timely steps to include all parties in the various preparatory processes leading to the National Convention. He urged the Government to release Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and other NLD leaders as soon as possible, and that they be allowed to participate in the preparatory process.

The Special Envoy hopes that an understanding will emerge between the Government and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi shortly so that their dialogue on the country's democratic transition may resume.