New Agenda of United Nation Assembly

Myanmar issues call at General Assembly for lifting of ‘immoral’ sanctions

U Nyan Win, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Union of Myanmar

29 September 2008 – Myanmar could become the rice bowl of its region and provide energy to other countries if “immoral” sanctions against it were lifted, the country’s Foreign Minister told the General Assembly today.

Speaking to the final day of the Assembly’s annual General Debate, U Nyan Win said the sanctions imposed by certain States against Myanmar were unwarranted.

“Unilateral sanctions are also against international law,” he said. “They are not only unfair but immoral. They are counter-productive and deprive the countries of their right to development.”

Myanmar has enough land and natural resources to “make a meaningful contribution to [the] energy and food security of our country and beyond,” but to do this it need free access to markets, modern technology and investment, he stressed.

“The sooner the unjust sanctions are revoked and the barriers removed, the sooner will the country be in a position to become the rice bowl of the region and a reliable source of energy.”

The sooner the unjust sanctions are revoked and the barriers removed, the sooner will the country be in a position to become the rice bowl of the region and a reliable source of energy.

The Foreign Minister said political and social progress could only ever be achieved through development, rather than coercive economic measures.

“Such measures only serve to worsen the plight of the people, particularly the most vulnerable among them, women and children.”

Turning to the issue of national reconciliation, Mr. Win said his country was making resolute efforts towards that end, pursuing dialogue with dozens of different groups.

“Our endeavours have resulted in the return to the legal fold of 17 armed groups. We have effectively put an end to the decades-long insurgency. Peace and stability now prevails in almost all parts of the country.”

He noted that a draft national constitution had been approved by voters in May following a national convention, adding that general elections have been scheduled for 2010.

“Necessary measures are being undertaken for the elections. All citizens, regardless of political affiliation, will have equal rights to form political parties and to conduct election campaigns. The Government will make every effort to ensure that the elections will be free and fair.”

On Saturday, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and his Special Adviser Ibrahim Gambari held a meeting with the Group of Friends on Myanmar, which comprises 14 countries and one regional bloc.

The members of the group unanimously voiced their strong support for the Secretary-General’s good offices on the issue and encouraged Myanmar’s Government to work more closely with the United Nations on issues of concern, such as the release of the long-detained political prisoner Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and inclusive dialogue with the opposition.

Mottakidiscusses major issues with UN chief

In a meeting on the sidelines of the 63rd UN General Assembly session, Mottaki and Ban exchanged views on crises in Georgia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Lebanon and Palestine.

Mottaki stressed the key role Iran has played in settling major regional crises.

He regretted that the Palestine conflict has not been solved despite the presentation of over 100 peace plans or initiatives and UN resolutions on the conflict.

Mottaki also called the recent UN Security Council's resolution against Iran as a ‘showoff’.
Ban pointed to the international body's stand over Iran's nuclear standoff with the West and called for continued negotiations over the issue. He also hailed Tehran's positive role in settling regional and international crises.


Market crisis: Miguel for renewed faith in value of regulation

United Nations (PTI): Seeking solidarity between individuals and governments and a renewed faith in the value of regulation to resolve the economic problems, UN General Assembly President Miguel d'Escoto Brockmann has said unrestrained worship of the market has led to the current worldwide financial crisis.

"We are reaping the consequences of the idolatry," Brockmann said at a press conference held to take stock of the issues raised during the just-concluded high-level segment of the 192-member Assembly.

He said the failure of the markets to correct the problems that have emerged over the past year taught an important lesson -- blind trust in the markets will only lead to trouble.

Brockmann said solidarity was needed to overcome the crisis and to ensure that any response from policymakers was ethical and responsible and took into account the needs of the poorest, and not just financial institutions.

He stressed that unity should be viewed as the guiding principle in all political, economic and individual life.

The President described his early efforts to build unity among member states, while responding to numerous questions about "hot potato" issues.

In response to a question on democracy and human rights in Myanmar, he described his role as that of a facilitator, supporting member states as they sought a viable way to help "our brothers and sisters" in Myanmar.