MYANMAR: BAN KI-MOON CALLS FOR 'CONSTRUCTIVE DIALOGUE' FOLLOWING ARRESTS

MYANMAR: BAN KI-MOON CALLS FOR 'CONSTRUCTIVE DIALOGUE' FOLLOWING ARRESTS
New York, Aug 23 2007 5:00PM
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said today that he is following events in Myanmar closely and with concern following reports of arrests of student leaders and others by the authorities in the South-East Asian nation.

"In the spirit of the efforts of mutual engagement being pursued by the United Nations and Myanmar in the context of his good offices, the Secretary-General calls on the authorities to exercise maximum restraint in responding to any demonstrations and encourages all parties to avoid any provocative action," Mr. Ban's spokesperson said in a <"http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2007/sgsm11130.doc.htm">statement.

The Secretary-General also called for "constructive dialogue towards national reconciliation at this important time in Myanmar's history."

Earlier this month, Mr. Ban's Special Adviser on Myanmar Ibrahim Gambari held talks with government officials in Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia, while in June, he toured Asia and Europe.
2007-08-23 00:00:00.000

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