Ban warns Burma faces generations of instability and poverty
Posted on September 25, 2009
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Ban Ki-moon
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon says Burma faces generations of instability and poverty unless the State Peace and Development Council, Burma’s ruling military junta release all political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi and holds legitimate elections.
In Ban’s latest report on the situation of human rights in Myanmar to the UN’s General Assembly, he notes it is up to Burma’s leaders how they respond to the aspirations of their people and to the expectations and encouragement of the international community.
He adds, “I believe that this choice may determine the prospects for peace, democracy and prosperity for the coming generations.”
Ban says he is disappointed by the continued house arrest of opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi. He called the junta’s failure to release her a missed opportunity for Burma to signal its commitment to a new era of political openness.
He called it “a serious setback to the prospects of genuine national reconciliation, democratic transition and the rule of law.”
As for the elections scheduled for new year, Ban pointed to three immediate concerns that needed to be addressed for the credibility of the political process; the release of all political prisoners and their free participation in political life; the commencement of dialogue between the Government, the opposition and ethnic stakeholders; and the creation of conditions conducive to credible and legitimate elections.
He noted, “Now is the time for the Myanmar Government to address these concerns in order to ensure that the political process serves the interest of all of the people of Myanmar, in a way that is unifying rather than divisive and that is broadly acceptable to the international community.”
“In this regard, I expect that the Government will take the necessary steps consistent with its commitments to ensure that the elections are fully inclusive, participatory and transparent, and are prepared and conducted in accordance with international standards.”
Many critics argue that the elections, which are to be based on the new junta drafted constitution, are designed to reinforce military control of the country.
Ban also called on the Government, to move from ceasefire agreements with a majority of armed ethnic groups to durable peace.
“This requires the exercise by both sides of maximum flexibility in negotiations that must be responsive to their respective concerns and interests, including those on the future status of armed groups, addressing of local development needs and curtailment of criminal activities in border areas,” he said.
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