MFA Spokesman's Comments on UNSG Special Advisor Professor Ibrahim Gambari’s recent visit to Myanmar

In response to media requests for comments on UNSG Special Advisor Professor Ibrahim Gambari's recent visit to Myanmar, the MFA Spokesman said:

"Professor Gambari's mission is a very difficult one. The Myanmar issue is complex and demands immense patience and sustained effort. It is, of course, very unfortunate that the Myanmar authorities did not engage Professor Gambari more substantively during his last visit. This is a missed opportunity for the Myanmar authorities. But we should not be too quick to label Professor Gambari's visit a failure, as the media has done.

Professor Gambari did speak to a wide range of people, including several Myanmar ministers; the Commission on Holding the Referendum; the Committee on Drafting the Constitution and, amongst other political parties, the National League for Democracy. He also met Daw Aung San Suu Kyi twice. These are positive developments. Still, much needs to be done to ensure an inclusive political process. We urge the Myanmar authorities to reconsider their position.

Whatever the difficulties, Professor Gambari remains the best prospect for moving the political process forward. His continued engagement with the Myanmar authorities is therefore necessary if there is to be progress in the process of national reconciliation in Myanmar. The international community should continue to give him the support that he needs to achieve his mission. Singapore and ASEAN will continue to strongly support him."

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
14 MARCH 2008