US circulates UN draft calling for release of political detainees in Myanmar

AFP: 13 December 2006 (AFP) - [Source] The United States circulated a draft resolution in the UN Security Council urging the release of all political prisoners in military-ruled Myanmar and an end to the use of rape of women as an instrument of war.

The text, a copy of which was obtained by AFP, also expresses "grave concern that the overall situation in Myanmar has deteriorated and poses serious risks to peace and security in the region."

It also calls on the military junta in Yangon to "cease military attacks against civilians in ethnic minority regions and in particular to desist immediately from the use of systematic rape of women and girls as an instrument of armed conflict."

The draft further urges Yangon to "take concrete steps to allow full freedom of expression, association and movement by unconditionally releasing (democracy icon) Aung San Suu Kyi and all political prisoners, lifting all constraints on all political leaders and citizens, and allowing the (opposition) League for Democracy (NLD) and other political parties to reopen their offices."

Last month, UN Under Secretary General for Political Affairs Ibrahim Gambari said that in his talks with Myanmar leaders he stressed the need for them to release all political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi, allow all-inclusive political participation and cease hostilities against ethnic minorities, particularly in the Karen state.

During his November visit, his second this year, to Myanmar, Gambari met Aung San Suu Kyi, the 61-year-old Nobel peace laureate, who told him that she was in good health but needed more regular medical visits.

Aung San Suu Kyi has spent most of the past 17 years under house arrest.

Her National League for Democracy won 1990 elections in a landslide victory, but the military has refused to recognize the result.

The US text says Myanmar authorities should "begin without delay a substantive political dialogue which would lead to a genuine democratic transition" and allow international humanitarian groups "to operate without restrictions" in the country.