Nov. 3 (Bloomberg) -- Myanmar's military government should commit to structured talks with opposition parties about a quick transition to civilian rule, Human Rights Watch said, ahead of a visit by United Nations special envoy Ibrahim Gambari.
Gambari is scheduled to arrive in Myanmar today for the second time since the junta deployed soldiers last month to crush the biggest anti-government protests in almost 20 years, and a day after the ruling junta expelled the UN's top diplomat in the country.
"It's important that this visit gets to the heart of the matter -- the need to end continued draconian military rule and systematic human rights abuses,'' said Brad Adams, Asia director for the New York-based group.
The military has ruled Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, since 1962. The United Nations says the regime has a record of widespread and systematic human rights violations including torture, summary executions and the recruitment of child soldiers.
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said Gambari's visit will increase pressure on the military leaders to release political prisoners and take steps toward democracy. Ban was also "disappointed'' by the expulsion of Charles Petrie and has told Gambari to convey that view to Myanmar's leaders when he arrives, according to an e-mail statement yesterday.
The Human Rights Watch statement follows international condemnation of Petrie's expulsion, which U.S. National Security Council spokesman Gordon Johndroe yesterday described as "outrageous'' and an insult to the international community.
'Inappropriate' comments
Petrie was told to leave Myanmar for making "inappropriate'' comments, the UN said. A letter from Myanmar Foreign Minister Nyan Win cited an Oct. 24 statement by the UN office in the country that said the "basic human needs'' of the people aren't being met.
The military has ruled Myanmar since 1962. The UN says the regime has a record of widespread and systematic human rights violations including torture, summary executions and the recruitment of child soldiers.
International condemnation of the junta swelled after it deployed soldiers Sept. 26 to crush the biggest anti-government protests in 20 years, killing as many as 110 people. Security forces clubbed and shot at demonstrators, raided monasteries and arrested Buddhist monks who led the protests.
The uprising began in August, when the government doubled some fuel prices. Sanctions following the rejection of the 1990 elections have stifled economic growth in the nation, which had proven gas reserves of 17.7 trillion cubic feet at the end of 2005, or 0.3 percent of the world's total, according to BP Plc data. The country also has resources including teak, zinc, copper and precious stones.
To contact the reporter on this story: Tracy Withers in Wellington at
twithers@bloomberg.net
Gambari is scheduled to arrive in Myanmar today for the second time since the junta deployed soldiers last month to crush the biggest anti-government protests in almost 20 years, and a day after the ruling junta expelled the UN's top diplomat in the country.
"It's important that this visit gets to the heart of the matter -- the need to end continued draconian military rule and systematic human rights abuses,'' said Brad Adams, Asia director for the New York-based group.
The military has ruled Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, since 1962. The United Nations says the regime has a record of widespread and systematic human rights violations including torture, summary executions and the recruitment of child soldiers.
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said Gambari's visit will increase pressure on the military leaders to release political prisoners and take steps toward democracy. Ban was also "disappointed'' by the expulsion of Charles Petrie and has told Gambari to convey that view to Myanmar's leaders when he arrives, according to an e-mail statement yesterday.
The Human Rights Watch statement follows international condemnation of Petrie's expulsion, which U.S. National Security Council spokesman Gordon Johndroe yesterday described as "outrageous'' and an insult to the international community.
'Inappropriate' comments
Petrie was told to leave Myanmar for making "inappropriate'' comments, the UN said. A letter from Myanmar Foreign Minister Nyan Win cited an Oct. 24 statement by the UN office in the country that said the "basic human needs'' of the people aren't being met.
The military has ruled Myanmar since 1962. The UN says the regime has a record of widespread and systematic human rights violations including torture, summary executions and the recruitment of child soldiers.
International condemnation of the junta swelled after it deployed soldiers Sept. 26 to crush the biggest anti-government protests in 20 years, killing as many as 110 people. Security forces clubbed and shot at demonstrators, raided monasteries and arrested Buddhist monks who led the protests.
The uprising began in August, when the government doubled some fuel prices. Sanctions following the rejection of the 1990 elections have stifled economic growth in the nation, which had proven gas reserves of 17.7 trillion cubic feet at the end of 2005, or 0.3 percent of the world's total, according to BP Plc data. The country also has resources including teak, zinc, copper and precious stones.
To contact the reporter on this story: Tracy Withers in Wellington at
twithers@bloomberg.net
1 comment:
No, no, no, don't talk to retard (opposition) who worshiping only their westerner Goddess, love to exaggerate the truth, and see everything crocked, backward, and upside down.
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