Source: AFP - Nasdaq
March 14, 2008, SINGAPORE (AFP)--U.N. special envoy Ibrahim Gambari remains the best prospect for political reform in military-ruled Myanmar, current ASEAN chair Singapore said Friday.
A spokesman for Singapore's foreign ministry said it was "very unfortunate" that Myanmar's military rulers did not engage Gambari "more substantively" during the envoy's recent trip but cautioned against quickly labeling the mission a failure.
"Professor Gambari's mission is a very difficult one. The Myanmar issue is complex and demands immense patience and sustained effort," the spokesman said in a statement.
Gambari, a seasoned Nigerian diplomat, ended a five-day mission to Myanmar on March 10.
He met democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi twice but got no tangible concessions from the regime to include the Nobel peace prize winner in its plans to hold a referendum in May.
The referendum is meant to pave the way for multiparty elections in 2010.
Aung San Suu Kyi is barred from participating in the vote under a newly drafted constitution because she had been married to a foreigner.
Gambari was not allowed to meet senior junta leaders and was also publicly rebuked by the information minister, Brigadier General Kyaw Hsan, for being biased in favor of the detained pro-democracy leader.
While Gambari was allowed to meet a wide range of people, including several Myanmar ministers, "much needs to be done to ensure an inclusive political process," the Singapore foreign ministry spokesman said.
"We urge the Myanmar authorities to reconsider their position. Whatever the difficulties, Professor Gambari remains the best prospect for moving the political process forward."
It was Gambari's third visit to Myanmar since security forces waged a bloody crackdown on anti-government protests led by Buddhist monks in September, when the United Nations estimates at least 31 people were killed.
Singapore currently holds the revolving chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations that groups Myanmar along with Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.
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