MFA Spokesman's Comments on the situation in Myanmar

"Singapore is deeply troubled and concerned by reports that the demonstrations in Yangon have been suppressed by force. We urge the Myanmar authorities to exercise utmost restraint. Singapore welcomes the decision of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to send Special Envoy Ibrahim Gambari to Myanmar. We fully support any initiative by the UN which would help defuse the situation.

We urge the Myanmar authorities to admit Mr Gambari into Myanmar and grant him full access to all players in Myanmar. A peaceful resolution to the situation in Myanmar will require the cooperation and involvement of all parties, including the military.

The situation in Myanmar affects all ASEAN countries. We hope that the Myanmar authorities and all other parties in Myanmar will appreciate the broader implications of their actions on the region as a whole and act accordingly. The UN offers the best hope for a peaceful resolution of the situation. We call upon the Myanmar authorities to take advantage of Mr Gambari's planned visit to defuse the situation.

Currently in New York for the UN General Assembly session, Minister for Foreign Affairs George Yeo has applauded the decision by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to send Mr Gambari on this mission. He urged all parties in Myanmar to work towards national reconciliation. He had spoken to Mr Gambari in New York and assured him of Singapore's full support.

We understand that the UN Security Council intends to conduct consultations on the situation in Myanmar. In his capacity as the current Chairman of the ASEAN Standing Committee, Mr Yeo is currently consulting with Foreign Minister Hassan Wirajuda of Indonesia, which is now a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, and other ASEAN members."

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
27 SEPTEMBER 2007