Ban asks Myanmar to show progress in reform programme

Asia-Pacific News

Oct 7, 2008, 19:40 GMT

New York - UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said Tuesday he would cancel a planned visit to Myanmar unless the government there shows progress in democratization and humanitarian programmes.

Ban last visited Myanmar in May in the wake of the destruction caused by Cyclone Nargis in a bid to convince the military government to accept international relief aid and admit foreign workers. The government did soften its stance against international aid workers by loosening up visa restrictions.

But Ban has not yet made a return trip to make sure that funds and relief goods were used properly.


He said his plan for a new visit remains, but is dependent on whether Myanmar has carried out democratic reform, national reconciliation and the release of all political prisoners as demanded by the UN.

'I would be willing to make a return visit to Myanmar at an appropriate time, but you should also know that without any tangible or very favorable result to be achieved, then I may not be in a position to visit Myanmar,' Ban said.

'I'm now in the process of making some groundwork which may allow me to consider my own visit, but I need some more time,' he said. 'I will have to consider all the circumstances, and when it would be appropriate timing for me to visit.'

The Myanmar government has so far refused to release Aung San Suu Kyi, leader of the National League for Democracy, who has spent more than 10 years under house arrest for demanding democracy. The military has ruled the impoverished nation for more than four decades.