ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Myanmar Caucus (AIPMC)
MEDIA ADVISORY
Time: 3 – 3:30 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, October 4, 2006
Place: UN Press Conference Room # S226

UN Security Council Takes Initiatives to Resolve the Crisis in Myanmar

The Permanent Mission of the Czech Republic to the United Nations is pleased to sponsor a Press Conference by the leading members of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Myanmar Caucus (AIPMC) -- Hon. Senator Jon Ungphakorn of Thailand, Hon. Loretta Etta Rosales of Philippines, and Hon. Dr. Djoko Susilo of Indonesia.

The three ASEAN legislators are visiting New York to advocate cooperation between ASEAN and the United Nations in helping resolve the political deadlock in Burma as well as in protecting the people of Burma from the humanitarian crisis and gross violations of human rights in the country.

Hon. Dr. Susilo said, "The AIPMC warmly welcomes the decision of the UN Security Council to put Burma on its agenda. Given the rapidly deteriorating situation in Burma, we urge the Council to adopt a binding resolution that will require the Burmese military to implement a plan for national reconciliation and transition to democracy in Myanmar with particular phases and time frame. It is also imperative that the Council extends a mandate to UN Secretary-General to mediate for a substantive political dialogue participated by all parties concerned in Myanmar and for a working group to shape a unified international strategy towards Myanmar.”

The AIPMC has backed a call from South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu and former Czech President Vaclav Havel to have Burma referred to the United Nations Security Council. ASEAN admitted Burma in 1997 in the hope that democratic reforms will follow but that effort has failed and the generals' continuing violation of human rights and oppression in the country have tarnished the group's reputation.

Contact: Mr. Nyan Lett (NCGUB) Tel: (212) 338-0048 Email- burma1un@igc.org