Secretary-General's press encounter following meeting of the Group of

Friends of the Secretary-General on Myanmar

New York, 23 February 2009

SG: Good afternoon, Ladies and Gentlemen. It is a great pleasure to see you.

Today, I convened and chaired the eighth meeting of the Group of Friends of the Secretary-
General on Myanmar to discuss the current situation in the country and ongoing efforts in
the context of my good offices mandate. The Group heard a briefing from my Special
Adviser, Ibrahim Gambari, on the outcome of his recent visit to Myanmar.

The Group of Friends continues to express unified support for the continuation of our good
offices efforts. Our Myanmar interlocutors have also indicated the importance they attach
to the good offices' work. My Special Adviser is prepared to extend the UN's political
facilitation with both the Government and the Opposition to build on these efforts.

It would be disappointing if this were not followed now by meaningful steps in response to
the specific recommendations made by the United Nations in the context of my good
offices. This is the time for Myanmar to seize the opportunity before it to send positive
signals.

In this regard, I note that following the visit of my Special Adviser, the authorities of
Myanmar have announced an amnesty which reportedly includes some 23 political
prisoners as of now, including individuals whose names Mr. Gambari discussed with the
authorities during his visit.

I wish to reiterate my call for the release of all political prisoners, including Daw Aung San
Suu Kyi, and the resumption of dialogue between the Government and the Opposition
without delay and without preconditions.

I reminded all the Friends that they all have an important role to play, including
neighbouring countries and ASEAN members who are best placed to appreciate and help
address the challenges and opportunities facing Myanmar.

It is in the interest of the international community as a whole, however, that we should

collectively find ways to encourage Myanmar to move towards meeting the expectations
and concerns of the international community.

To that end, I am committed to make every effort to continue to implement the mandate
entrusted to me, with the cooperation of Myanmar and the support of the international
community.

Thank you very much.

Q: Mr. Secretary-General, you have a situation where it seems like the Security Council
diplomats are saying they are too divided really to do much on Myanmar right now. You
have disappointment over Mr. Gambari's last visit. You have a signal from the regime in
terms of the release of political prisoners. Is it time then for you to use, Sir, your position,
and go to Myanmar to use your personal influence to get them to move ahead?

SG: First of all, the recent visit by Professor Ibrahim Gambari made a positive contribution
to our ongoing negotiations and consultations with the Myanmar authorities. I would
welcome this announcement of amnesty as a first step towards a larger and bigger
implementation by the Myanmar authorities. There are still hundreds and hundreds of
detainees [held] under political reasons. As I said, I would urge again the Myanmar
authorities to release all the detainees, including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.

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I am willing to visit Myanmar again, to build on my visit in May last year. I understand, I
believe that there are a range of issues of mutual interest between the United Nations and
Myanmar that could be usefully discussed, including political issues. We have discussed
this issue during this Group of Friends meeting, and I am encouraged by such a strong
show of solidarity and support by the members of the United Nations on the continuing of
my good offices role. We have a unity of support. But at the same time I would like to see
some unity of approaches among members. This is what we are now continuing to consult
with the countries concerned.

Q: Will you go?

SG: I will try to visit, but there may be some issues - first of all I have to discuss with the
Myanmar Government, about timing, about agendas which I would be able to discuss, but
nothing has yet been discussed. As a matter of principal, I am telling you that I am willing
to make a return visit to build upon what I had discussed last May, including the political
issues.

Q: Is it fair to say that you would like to see a lot more progress in terms of the release of
prisoners, national reconciliation and more inclusive government action before you
actually go to Myanmar?

SG: It is the expectation of the whole international community that we see the full
democratization of Myanmar. For that to be possible, the Myanmar Government should
take the necessary measures, on the basis of what they have committed, including the
release of all political prisoners. The international community is ready to provide necessary
support, socio-economic support to Myanmar, and there should be positive measures taken
by Myanmar. But I would not say there should be any preconditions for my visit. This is a
part of ongoing consultation and negotiations and efforts by the international community,
and also entrusted to me by the General Assembly. Therefore, as I said, there are a broad
range of issues which will be very beneficial for the Myanmar authorities to discuss with me
during my visit, if that visit is realized.

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